The Bookstore

Albus Dumbledore was feeling every one of the 101 years that he had lived thus far. He had spent the week since poor Alastor had been so grievously injured trying and accused of kidnap. He had so far failed to find out what precisely had happened so far which was limiting the assistance that he could lend his good friend going forward, the poor man hadn't even been expected to survive his injuries this long.

He had spent that first day, after he had been informed of Moody's injuries, consulting his many rare books in the hopes of finding something that could aid one of his oldest friends however, that had not been successful. He had then determined that the next best thing he could do was try to ensure Alastor's name was cleared of such a heinous accusation, particularly when he could defend himself. He was surely innocent, he comforted himself with thinking, conveniently forgetting his concern over Alastor's apparent anger towards Livia Snape, nor his determination to get answers from her that day in his office. He couldn't help but feel that Livia Snape had lured him into a trap of some sort, perhaps at the behest of this Dark Lord Voldemort that was being whispered about. She had certainly been advocating for dark magic in front of the Wizengomot and in his school if the children’s dissension had been anything to go by.

It had taken a few days of owling but felt sure that Alastor now had a competent lawyer to represent him, after all it was well known that the DMLE only employed young inexperienced people who were cheap to employ, not at all the sort of person who could be trusted for this case.

Albus had of course been attempting to have the case dismissed and when that had failed he had attempted to delay it in hopes that Moody would awaken however, Amelia Bones and the Minister Bagnold had been pushing it forward in an attempt, no doubt, to appease the public. There had been a steadily growing feeling of discontent regarding the DMLE in recent months due to certain Aurors who had been accused of severe bias and abuse of power. There had been a series of newspaper articles that had shone a lumos on the supposed 'failings' of the DMLE, specifically Crouch and Moody, to provide safety and justice to the public and had shown a few Knockturn Alley families that had apparently been affected by these rogue Aurors. It was all nonsense of course, the idea that Alastor or even young Potter and Black would risk their careers in such away was absurd. The articles had exacerbated the situation and there was now an increase in the scrutiny the Ministry on general and the DMLE specifically was experiencing.

Having found a suitable lawyer, the son of his good friend Daedalus Diggle, he had requested to see the evidence against Moody. He had been unsurprised at how little of it there was and felt sure that it was largely circumstantial. Over that week he set about speaking to his many acquaintances and political allies about the inadequacies of the evidence found. He wasn't attempting to influence their opinions in any way, he just wanted to ensure that they didn't become bogged down in the inevitable lawyer speak and minutiae of the case in such a way as might cloud their judgement and of course to remind them all of what an upstanding citizen and trusted Auror Alastor Moody was.

Albus was making his way through the ministry at a somewhat leisurely pace, he was a busy man but he had long learned the importance of connecting with and speaking with people in the right places. It was for this reason that when he had received a rather curt missive from young Amelia Bones that morning at breakfast, he had ensured he left with plenty of time to spare.

He was sure it would be concerning Alastor's trial and was hopeful that it would be good news, Merlin knew he could do with some. The receptionist ushered him straight into Amelia's office when he arrived, just a few minutes late as Arthur Weasley had waylaid him to enquire after Alastor's health, and he swept in and took a seat, his posture relaxed and his demeanour benign.

Amelia pursed her lips and observed the man for a moment before speaking.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I'm going to get straight to the point as I have little time for niceties at present.

It has been bought to my attention that you have been attempting to exert some influence over the outcome of the Moody kidnap trial. Do you have anything to say in regard to that accusation?"

"My dear Amelia, I'm sure you know me well enough to not give credence to such assertions", he smiled and shook his head as if disappointed in her even considering such a thing about him, "I take no offence at your asking me however, I flatter myself that I understand all too well the very great strain that can come with a new role, especially one in such a position of power and under such public scrutiny at present.

It must be exceedingly difficult for you my dear girl, having to step into the shoes that your predecessor who did such an exemplary  job, not to mention now having to investigate your mentor for this supposed kidnapping. You must remember that you are not alone and that there are many who you can turn too for advice should you find yourself overwhelmed".

Amelia bristled at the condescension with which she was being treated and it was in no way endearing the man to her. At the age of 34 she had long ago ceased considering herself a mere 'girl' and she did in no way appreciate the old codgers' attempts to belittle her due to her, relatively speaking, young age.

"You seem to be under some misapprehension Headmaster Dumbledore. I am well aware, and have evidence to corroborate the fact, that you have indeed been attempting to influence the outcome of the Moody trial. I called you here to determine if you had anything to say in defence of your actions and to deliver a formal warning to you".

"Now, Now my dear girl I'm sure that this is just a little misunderstanding...", Albus began, attempting to placate the stern young woman.

Amelia's eyes narrowed and her brow frowned to such an extent that her monocle appeared to be cutting into her flesh.

She cut across the infuriating old man, "I think you will find Dumbledore that there has been no misunderstanding. You will be charged with obstruction should you continue to involve yourself in Moody's case and I will ensure that anyone you have had contact with leading up to the trial is made to recuse themselves from said trial in order to keep it fair and just. Make no mistake I will be keeping a close eye on your activity regarding this particular case and possibly future ones depending on how you conduct yourself moving forward"

Albus left just minutes later reeling from how he had been spoken to, he was a man who had come to expect a certain level of respect as Headmaster of Hogwarts and defeater of Grindelwald. He made his way swiftly back to Hogwarts so that he could think in solitude and was a little more curt than usual with the people who stopped him on route for a chat.

"...and the School Board are still awaiting Dumbledore's staff recommendations for the new classes that were agreed. We believe he is either putting it off until he is challenged on it or that Moody's impending trial is taking up all of his attention My Lord", Lord Parkinson reported.

The Dark Lord Voldemort tapped his fingers lightly against the dark wood of the conference table they sat at.

"That is very likely, though we wish for the changes to be implemented for the new school year it may be beneficial for us not to remind him. What is your opinion Selwyn?", he asked wanting to know his thoughts on the matter, he had only recently joined the Board of Governors and was the nephew of Aletha Nott, time would tell his worth but he had rather high hopes for the young man.

"I would concur with your opinion My Lord. I believe it would be more beneficial to our cause if we were to refrain from pushing the issue. Publicly it will appear at best, that he is unwilling to make the changes and at worst, his competence and ability to hold so many high profile jobs will be called into question. With some contrivance we may be able to either push him out of Hogwarts or call a vote of no confidence in him as Chief Warlock".

Lord Voldemort nodded, he was pleased with Selwyn’s reasoning and it matched many of his own thoughts on the matter, give Albus Dumbledore enough rope and hopefully he will hang himself, that way it couldn't be named on the nefarious machinations of the 'Dark'. He poured himself another coffee, he had back to back meeting all day today and this one had started at 6:30am before the gentlemen in the room had to begin their work day.

"Very well. We shall allow the Headmaster to continue ignoring the issue for the time being, but if he hasn't made steps towards making the agreed changes I want the Board to step in no later than Mid-September. I believe that the students and parents will have begun complaining by that point. My advice is to begin looking for potential staff now so that the classes can be implemented quickly, it will make the board look like they have control of the situation and make Dumbledore look worse for failing to act.

Avery and Greengrass, I would like both of you to start speaking of the lack of education provision for pre-Hogwarts pupils as we have previously discussed. I would be interested to know how much support we are likely to gain for such an endeavour and if it is deemed to be worthwhile. Particularly with the vast differences in initial education that children seem to experience"

"My Lord, could I suggest involving our wives? Between them they have a considerable social circle that includes much of the Dark and Neutral factions parents. I believe that they will be instrumental in the decisions in their children's education", Greengrass, the younger brother of Lord Greengrass, posited.

"You may, I will leave the when and how to yourselves, but I will expect a report at our meeting on September 10th, same time.

Very well gentlemen thank you for your time", Slytherin answered them and gave them their dismissal.

It was 7:30 already and he had just enough time for a quick breakfast and a glance at the newspaper and any urgent mail he may have receive before he met the Goblins at 8 o'clock. Thomas watched the men leave via a side door that led them directly on to a warded and magically enhanced living hedge that would lead the to the nearest ward edge so that they could leave and once the door was sealed and warded once more he made his way through a heavily warded door that led into his Manor.

By nature Thomas was a suspicious man, so when he had decided that he would hold meetings with his Knights at his family home he had searched long and hard through for suitable protections against all betrayals he could think of. The many tomes of his ancestor Salazar Slytherin, a co-founder of Hogwarts, had left behind, had been invaluable, particularly for a Parseltongue, or snake speaker, such as himself. Using the language shared by both snakes and his ancestors, he had ensured that the wards couldn't be tampered with by outside forces. He was after all the last Parseltongue in Britain and last of the Slytherin line so none but he would be able to exert any influence over them.

Through the Dark Mark his followers were bound to him with, both in loyalty and secrecy, but he had felt that there was no harm in taking further precautions which had included further secrecy wards and those that prevented access to his home to anyone not personally keyed in by himself, the only way of entering or exiting the room was via the single door that his people had just left via or secure floo using a pre arranged password that changed regularly.

Thomas sat down at his dining table, pleased to see that his breakfast was already there waiting for him. He had a quick perusal through his post to see if Livia had sent him anything, he hadn't seen her in person since the Courting Contract had been signed and he had suggested an outing so that they could officially declare it, he was just awaiting her agreement. Seeing nothing there yet he flicked through the remainder of the post and seeing nothing urgent he moved on to the newspaper, he unrolled it with one hand and picked up his fresh cup of coffee with the other.

He sneered at the front page and headline and searched for the name of the reporter whose life he would be making a living hell. It seemed he had yet another visit to the Daily Prophet to make.

"You can't seriously be planning to meet Slytherin in public today!", Severus exclaimed to his sister over breakfast.

"We must meet, it is especially important after yesterday's article", Livia answered quietly and firmly, though not looking completely happy about the prospect he noted.

"Let Slytherin deal with the press before you allow him to parade you around in the middle of this mess. The press will be cruel to you Livy, Slytherin may have money and power but the article didn't cross the line into defamation or misrepresentation of facts, so there will likely be little he can achieve there", he said with some feeling, he really wished she would decide that Slytherin wasn't worth her time.

"I understand your concerns Sev however, you are well aware that myself and Thomas were going to make a public appearance, and  with chaperones, in order for it to be seen that we are in an official courtship so that when we make the announcement later in the week it will be of no surprise to anyone and the speculation will be done with all being well. After yesterday's article it is important that we get facts into the public domain and not allow unfounded rumours and speculation to run rampant", Livia stated firmly with just a hint of frustration.

They hadn't even managed to go on a date since the contract negotiations and already the Hippogriff dung had hit the oncoming wind.

Upon opening yesterday morning's Daily Prophet Livia had been unpleasant surprised to see the headline asking, 'Is Lord Slytherin Courting Stunning Heiress?', she had of course been concerned that news of their courtship had some how been found out before they could declare it. She had thought the headline a little misleading at first, as she in no way considered herself as more than a passably good looking woman after all, until she was confronted with a moving image of a tall, voluptuous and very beautiful woman draped all over Thomas. The image had apparently been taken the night prior at a private party, and an onlooker had reportedly said that the couple had "...danced closely and spent a significant amount of time speaking intimately together...". Charlotta De Lello, the woman in question, had neither confirmed nor denied the speculation but it was well known in Pureblood circles that until an official statement was made neither would be likely to make a definitive statement on the matter.

"I daresay that Thomas will encourage the Prophet to refrain from printing such nonsense again, but I agree with you that nothing will likely come of it. At best they may print a small statement from him denying his relationship with the woman, but most people won't even notice it", Livia stated candidly.

Severus had been incandescent with rage the day before when he had first seen the article and Livia had never been more glad to see Lucius come hurrying through their floo, ostensibly to prevent one of his oldest friends from doing something utterly foolish like confronting the Dark Lord in anger. Having attended the event in question, accompanied by Cissa, he was naturally eager to tell them of his observations.

Lucius explained calmly that the woman, De Lello had made several attempts in the past to entice Thomas but that he had always turned her down, she had tried again at the party but had been promptly and sternly rejected once again. He knew this because Thomas had been overheard venting to Xander and Aletha Nott who had also attended, he had been very upset that she had touched him so inappropriately and so publicly.

Given the photograph and article it now seemed likely that it had been her intention to have a relationship between them be speculated upon, possibly as a way to force his hand. Not that, that would ever work.

Severus had calmed down a little having heard Lucius' accounting of it only to be flung into further transports of rage upon receiving a rather curt missive from Slytherin declaring that Severus should inform Livia that he would deal with the article and that he would visit Livia later that afternoon to discuss the matter in full.

Unfortunately for Thomas, Severus was not the only Snape who had taken umbrage with his high-handed manner in a) dealing with the matter or b) his method of 'requesting an audience with his courted', which is what should have arrived instead of the curt demand they had received.

Though Thomas had refused to accept a dressing down from Severus Snape, who had demanded evidence that he had behaved appropriately at the party, merely as a way to insult the powerful man, despite knowing full well that the contract would have dissolved immediately had he behaved inappropriately due to the fidelity clause, but Thomas wouldn't dare ignore the thorough  scolding he had received from Livia regarding his priorities, empathy towards ones partner and the necessity of maintaining a polite manner when communicating with the one you hope to bond with.

He had accepted his chastisement from his dearest love with as much grace as he could muster, she had been quite correct after all. His letter had been rude and had offered no explanation for the article and no assurances that they were unfounded. The ink had barely dried on the contract and already he had failed her. He did hope that their short courtship was not to be filled with such tedious trials in the future.

When the Daily Prophet arrives finally Livia notices the darkening of her brothers face immediately and realises some thing has angered him once again, though she was beginning to suspect that 'still' was the correct word by this point. Could it really be said that he was angry 'again' when the emotion seemed to a continuous presence of late?

"That complete and utter tosser!", Severus expostulated, using language and an accent such as hadn't been heard since they were children still living in the backway slum that was Spinners End, Cokeworth.

Livia caught a glimpse of the headline, "Shocking Revelation: Lord Slytherin Confirms Contract with Livia Snape!", she rolled her eyes, did they truly have nothing more newsworthy to print. She eyes her brother whose temple vein was throbbing and whose nostrils were flaring quite magnificently. It looked like she and Thomas would be having yet another conversation, this time about how one discusses decisions that affect both of them should be a joint decision not an autocratic one.

How such a genius of a man could be so wholly incapable of considering the needs of others beyond the basics was absurd, but she was determined that he would learn.

When Severus had finished muttering to himself over the newest article he eyed his sister with speculation, "Why are you not more upset by all of this Livy? At the very least I expected you to pitch a fit over the woman yesterday, but now you’re barely even rolling your eyes at Slytherin’s latest idiotic move".

"I shall be making my displeasure known to Thomas regarding his announcement of our courtship when I see him, it was not what was agreed and he shall be held accountable for his choice. As for the woman...", she trailed of with a shrug and a wicked glint appeared in her eye.

"What did you do?", Sev asked, his eyes narrowing at his sister, who was suddenly looking positively cherubic in a way that positively screamed that she had either done something, or was going to.

"I must be going Severus, Thomas will be here to collect me in half an hour and I need to get ready", as Livia stood and swiftly made her get away, he called after her, "I know! I'm your chaperone today!"

The days following their initial outing, following Thomas's announcement, had filled the papers with much speculation on why Lord Slytherin had changed his mind regarding formal courtship’s. After all, it hadn't been that long ago that he had been interviewed and declared that a formal courtship wouldn't work for him, that the French way was preferable. Had he been courting Ms Snape then or someone else? Did her brother force him into a formal courtship? Was it a love match or a publicity stunt?

Thomas had ended up needing to give a very full, and long interview to both Witch Weekly and the Daily Prophet to try and get ahead of any more detrimental speculations that may be had, much to his displeasure.

Livia and Thomas had both quickly become annoyed by the decreased amount of time that they could spend together, particularly as they were now never alone thanks to Severus’, and others, ever-watchful eye.

It had only been a matter of a few days before they had tried sneaking away for a quiet coffee only to be found by Severus and Rabastan, just minutes later, who sat a table across from them. Livia had been outraged when she discovered that the new, and upgraded, Port key that Severus had gifted her, had also been enchanted with a tracking charm that he had used to follow her when he suspected that she had left to meet Thomas alone.

Severus had listened to her rant with cool disinterest and informed her, in no uncertain terms, that until the Bonding Contract was signed and sealed, once Courtship Contract was complete, she would not be spending unchaperoned time with her would be fiancé under any circumstances, particularly as they had already proven to him that they couldn't be trusted alone.

When Livia expressed the belief that they could do little in a public setting, Severus was ruthless in his reminder of her of her lack of judgement and decorum shown in the hospital, "even whilst recovering from serious injury", he was still furious that the Dark Lord had barricading the hospital door so he could defile his little sister.

Livia argued that he was a hypocrite given that Rabastan had clearly been staying over in his room and not in a guest room, but it fell on deaf ears. What followed in the Prince household would certainly mortify the siblings should anyone ever find out how they had spent the following three days.

It had begun when Severus took a shower, that had dyed his hair a soft pink, which he had failed to notice until he went to his wardrobe for a fresh robe. He kept seeing something out of the corner of his eye, when he looked into a full-length mirror, he had been initially horrified to see that his hair was pink, but had then noticed the fluttering fairy wings charmed on to the back of his robes. Annoyed, he used his wand to cast the common spell cancelling charm, when that didn’t work, he tried a few more, each more obscure than the last.

He cancelled his date with Rabastan that evening, by Owl, citing a Potions mishap.

Refusing to give his sister the reaction she was obviously hoping for, he decided to appear indifferent to what he had called her "childish endeavour", even though he was angry at having to cancel his date with Rabastan and had then had to put the man off from visiting him.

In response she had promptly rearranged his Potions cupboard and hid his most prized and rare ingredients. When she felt that her displeasure wasn’t sufficiently shown she had warded the newest of his Personal Experiment Journals were kept to prevent him accessing them. She deserved an apology after his recent bout of hypocrisy and for not informing her that he had placed a tracking charm on the jewellery he had given her. She understood why he had, and if he had informed her the charm was there, she would have accepted it, temporarily, especially after what had happened to her, but he hadn’t. Instead, he had used it to spy on her and that wasn’t something she would take from anyone.

Severus had of course retaliated by permanently decreasing the size of all of her clothing by one and a half sizes and then set about hexing the books she was using for her new research project. He had been particularly happy with the spell he had created just for the occasion.

The hex caused the page of a book to become blank for an hour after they were touched, it had caused Livia much frustration and annoyance when she realised that she had to wait a full hour after turning a page in order to read it and had all but stopped her research in the meantime.

Severus had become more irascible than usual since he hadn’t been able to see Rabastan as he refused to leave the Manor whilst his hair, which was resistant to any change, and robes were be spelled. Livia had little sympathy for his sexual frustration and taunted him on a regular basis regarding it.

The two had engaged in a quiet war of bringing irritation and frustration to the other but it was by an unspoken and unequivocal understanding between them that, though they may behave in such a manner between themselves, they would never allow any other to see them behave in such a childish manner or even admit that it had ever taken place, despite questions from various interested parties as to where they were.

Their squabble came to an abrupt end when nearly two weeks after Livia had been recovered a letter from the Ministry of Magic was received by Livia.

“Moody’s trial begins in two days. I would have they would have given more notice", she said pensively.

“They have your memories and those of Moody so there should be little to prepare for. Quite honestly, I’m amazed that he is still clinging to life. Though I don’t like that he lives I am glad of it for your peace of mind, had he of already died there would be little to no urgency to have him held accountable for his actions and the case would have likely been delayed indefinitely”, Severus told her.  Seeing how shaken she was by the news he arose from his seat and moved around the table, when he was close enough, he pulled her into a tight hug.

Albus received notification that Moody’s trial date would be in two days’ time, he had been far from idle since his meeting with Amelia Bones. She had prevented him from approaching any of his supporters regarding the trial itself however, that hadn’t prevented him from questioning the safety of these new wards, they had collapsed and in doing so had injured Alastor several, possibly fatally, and damaged Ministry property. As Chief Warlock, he felt it was his responsibility to bring the issue before the Wizengamot at the meeting being held the day before the trial.