AN: Just thought I'd let you know that I will try to post once a week but as the summer is coming to an end, I will soon be very busy with school and work. I can't promise consistent posts but I will do my best :o)
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Claire Kenton was arranging flowers in the sitting room a month later when she heard the maids giggling together. Curious, she went to where they both stood peaking out the sitting room window. The window overlooked the pond, where Master Snape was reading stretched out on a blanket. In his time at the Prince Mansion, the dark and pale wizard who had first arrived had changed to wearing colors like dark green and reds, while spending time outdoors till his skin was a healthy tone. The maids and other female staff were all sporting a crush for Lady Prince's grandson. Claire didn't count herself among them, as they stayed up late at night discussing the wizard and how wonderful they thought he was.
His time as a spy was brought up many times, as they wondered if he was like a real James Bond. They all had it in their head that he was a lady's man as he could easily charm the staff and sometimes even his grandmother, when she allowed him. None of them mentioned liking his hooked nose, only that his status as hero and a Prince was very handsome.
Master Snape looked up from his book, like he knew that he was being watched and Miss Kenton swallowed.
"Come along girls, you have work to do."
"Yes Miss Kenton." They went back to dusting, leaving Claire where she stood by the window, away from view of the wizard reading on the lawn.
Severus wasn't unaware of his affect on his grandmother's female staff. In fact, he was very much aware of the maids eyes following him whenever he was in view. As he had grown accustomed to many people thinking him a hero, it wasn't too much of a stretch to become accustomed to their idiotic and romantic ideas about him. Severus only wondered if his grandmother had said something, to add to their behavior towards him.
The only female staff member who seemed unaffected was the house keeper, Miss Kenton. Despite being among the staff who were closer to his own age, she handled herself like the professional house keeper she was. In his time at the Prince mansion, Severus noticed that Miss Kenton also acted as his grandmother's companion. It seemed that Miss Kenton knew everything about anything concerning the house but also his grandmother.
Severus spend most of his time reading through his grandfather's library, thinking of what to do with his future. Grandmother Prince hadn't brought up marriage since his first day here but it lingered in the back of Severus's mind. Grandmother had invited many unmarried female visitors to have a look at her grandson, letting Severus know who was from a good family and wealth. None of the witches she introduced interested Severus at all but he humored his grandmother and bit back his own stern remarks.
A Lady Victoria Elfman had been brought to the mansion on several occasions and it was clear that his grandmother wanted Severus to become friends with the young woman. Miss Elfman was in her twenties and as such wasn't someone Severus could picture as anyone other than a former student. She was a pretty girl, with dark hair and bright brown eyes. Severus found she wasn't as silly as the other girls his grandmother had introduced him to but Miss Elfman was still a child in his mind.
After an evening of socializing with Miss Elfman and his grandmother, Severus excused himself onto the servant stairs outside the dinning room. He was rubbing at a headache that was forming when Miss Kenton suddenly appeared in the cramped with a basket of folded linens.
"Oh, Master Snape, was there something I could do for you?"
"Hide me."
Miss Kenton frowned.
"I beg your pardon sir, did you say to hide you?"
"Yes." He straightened. "Grandmother has invited Miss Elfman to spend the evening again. I don't think I can stand hearing that irritating giggle for another minute."
Miss Kenton couldn't help but smile, moving the fresh linens she was holding onto her other hip.
"Well sir, I find that Lady Prince doesn't often go into the library. I suggest you could effectively hide there for an hour or so till Miss Elfman departs. Lady Prince has a car planned to take Miss Elfman home at nine."
"Thank you Miss Kenton." Severus tilted his head to her.
"Master Snape." Miss Kenton curtsied before moving around Severus in the small space and continuing down to the kitchen area. Severus couldn't help smiling as he watched her walk away.
Severus's stay with his grandmother soon brightened, as less and less ladies came calling. Soon it was only Miss Elfman calling and she had gotten the clear signal from Severus that he wasn't interested. Grandmother Prince must of been encouraging the girl in some way that Miss Elfman continued to come and smile at Severus, fluttering her lashes. Severus began to spend even less time in the mansion and more on the grounds.
Despite the times, the Prince mansion felt like it was in a past setting. They were isolated from others, his grandmother didn't approve of Muggle communication devices though she did prefer their classic cars. Combined with the lack of light bulbs, the mansion felt like it had been left in the time it was originally built.
Severus didn't mind. Anyone who cared to keep in contact did so by letter carriers or by owl and as Hogwarts was an older and typical castle, he did not miss electric lights or such Muggle things. The Prince staff complained softly between themselves that having a vacuum would be nice but they didn't dare bring it up to Lady Prince, who hadn't used her own magic in years. When asked why, she claimed it was because everything was taken care of for her. Her staff just had to live without using magic to make their jobs simpler.
"Master Snape."
Severus looked up from where he had been wandering aimlessly in the furthest gardens from the mansion. Miss Kenton had her head bowed in her typical manner but as Severus took her in, he realized that she wasn't in uniform. Instead she wore dark jeans and a dark blue sweater. Her curls were down, framing her face in a attractive manner. It took Severus a moment to realize that she had asked him a question.
"Miss Kenton?"
A touch of a smile could be seen at the corner of her mouth and Severus found it suddenly endearing.
"I asked sir, if you would be needing anything from the local village. Lady Prince has sent me on some errands and I thought you might also be in need of some things."
Severus shook his head. "No, Miss Kenton. I do not need anything."
"Good day then Master Snape." Miss Kenton respectfully bowed her head before moving past Severus and towards the tree line.
"Miss Kenton," his mouth opened before he could think, the witch turning towards him, pushing a curl behind an ear. Severus didn't understand the warmth that was spreading in his stomach. "If it would be alright with you, may I accompany you to the village? I haven't been in the village since I was a small child."
Miss Kenton nodded her head, her eyes seeming warm towards Severus. He felt suddenly nervous and put his hands in his pockets as he caught up with her. They walked in silence for a ways till they passed the tree line and were on a herder's path. Severus recalled using the same path when his grandfather used to take him fishing.
"Are you enjoying your stay Master Snape?"
Severus looked up at the witch, who was looking at the ground with her hands tucked in the pockets of her jeans. Severus had never realized how attractive a woman could be in pants till he saw Claire Kenton walking ahead of him on the narrow path.
"Yes Miss Kenton. It's been a welcomed change."
"How come this is the first time I've seen you come to the Prince mansion? From my understanding, you and your grandmother never had a falling out."
"No, we didn't."
Miss Kenton glanced back at him, seeing that he was looking off in the distance. She turned her face and looked ahead.
"Forgive me Master Snape, it wasn't my place to ask such a question."
"It's perfectly alright Miss Kenton." Severus focused on her again. "How long have you been in the service?"
"Since I was sixteen."
"Isn't that rather young these days?"
"To some, my mother however was a house keeper and I grew up in staff quarters."
"You know nothing else?" Severus couldn't hide his disapproval. There was nothing wrong with growing up and working your parent's vocation, but only because you never knew anything else? That didn't settled well.
"I did go to school." She glanced back at him with a look. "The lady who owned the manor my mother ran, paid for me to go to private school. I showed promise in teaching actually but my mother wanted me to continue in the service."
Severus could hear in her voice something of feeling but was unsure how to interpret it.
"Are you satisfied with your decision? To remain in the service?"
Miss Kenton glanced back at him, her face holding nothing back.
"Yes sir, I am."
"How long have you run Lady Prince's household?"
"Almost twenty years now."
Severus stopped in his tracks and Miss Kenton turned around when she realized he was no longer following her.
"Master Snape?"
Severus stared at her dumbly.
"Twenty years?"
Miss Kenton nodded. "Yes. I came here to work when I was eighteen. Lady Prince has been an excellent employer."
"Forgive me Miss Kenton," Severus didn't know what to say. "I thought you were much younger."
Miss Kenton's brow shot up and Severus could of eaten his foot, had the witch not started laughing.
"Master Snape, I will take that as a compliment." she turned. "Of sorts."
Claire couldn't stop herself from smiling as Master Snape followed her into the small village. As it was market day and still early, the streets were crowded with people. Master Snape seemed suddenly awkward, moving close to Claire, his eyes seeming to dance around the sea of faces. Claire wondered why the usually emotionless man was acting this way but put it in the corner of her mind as she had business to attend to.
Finding her way through the venders and people, Claire made her way to Thomas's cart. Thomas was an old wizard, who liked to tease Muggles whenever he could with his goods. Nothing that would get the Ministry's attention but enough to keep the wizard thoroughly amused. Lady Prince wanted some items that only Thomas sold.
"My, my, if it isn't Miss Claire Kenton. Come for some more tricks from old Tom, have you?" said Thomas fondly. Claire smiled at the old man, who sat on a stool smoking his pipe. His skin was black from the sun, with only wrinkles and his bare head to suggest to his age. In the corner of her eye, Claire noticed that Master Snape gave Thomas an examining look before he looked elsewhere. Master Snape's disapproval was clear.
"Good morning Thomas, how is my favorite traveling salesman?"
"Aw, Miss Claire, you sure know how to warm this old man's heart strings."
Claire laughed as she really did enjoy Thomas. Thomas eyed Master Snape, who was looking at a vender of books.
"The usual for Lady Prince, please Thomas."
"Sure thing Miss Claire," Thomas leaned towards her. "Isn't that Severus, Eileen Prince's boy?"
"That is Master Snape, yes. He's spending the summer with Lady Prince."
"Mmm." Thomas rummaged through his cart while Claire gave Master Snape a side look. He was taking in the sea of people, only pretending to read the back of a book he held. Master Snape held himself stiff and awkwardly. Claire wondered why a war hero would be edgy in a simple sea side village when his eyes met hers. Feeling her cheeks warm at being caught, Claire looked back towards Thomas's cart, only to see that the old wizard was smiling knowingly at her. She rolled her eyes.
"Lady Prince will pay you when she usually does Thomas."
"Would there be anything else for you today Miss Claire?" smiled Thomas, handing over the bag of things for the lady. Claire shook her head, ready to leave when she saw Thomas frowning.
"Now Thomas, why the long face?"
"Well Miss Claire, I was hoping you'd be asking for some candies today."
Claire frowned. "Thomas, you don't sell candy."
The old wizard grinned. "For my Miss Claire, I sure do." He pulled out a bag, opening it just enough for Claire to see a packaged chocolate frog. Claire's eyes lite up and she smiled at the old wizard.
"Why Thomas, you know chocolate's my favorite."
"Why do you think I got them for you?" Thomas put the bag in her hand and Claire's smile only got bigger. Had she been paying attention, Claire would of noticed Master Snape watching her exchange with Thomas.
"You're very sweet Thomas. What do I owe you?"
The old man tapped his cheek, offering it to her. Claire rolled her eyes with a laugh.
"Silly old man." she planted a quick kiss to his cheek before turning. "Thank you Thomas, see you next month."
"Good day Miss Claire." laughed Thomas, turning to a couple who were looking at the things in his cart. Master Snape was frowning as he followed Claire.
"That Thomas character seems suspicious."
"Thomas?" laughed Claire, glancing over her shoulder to see Thomas selling a Vanishing Box to a rich looking couple. "He's harmless."
"He shouldn't be allowed in an area like this."
Claire rolled her eyes because Master Snape couldn't see before she went inside the general goods store. Master Snape followed her silently.
Severus observed that Miss Kenton knew all the store owners and venders that they came to, all of who she chatted kindly with. No one asked who Severus was, though they would give him a glance as he stood far away enough from Miss Kenton but close enough that it was clear they were shopping together.
Miss Kenton didn't seem to notice as Severus became her shadow. She talked with him easily, though always respectfully and as "Master Snape." Severus couldn't help but wonder what her response would be if he asked her to call him Severus. This occupied his thoughts as they walked into a quiet bookstore. Severus noticed right away that the store was different from the others. Miss Kenton went straight to the back, where Severus realized that the store had a section for magic.
"Fanny always has a good collection." commented Miss Kenton, when Severus squeezed between two bookshelves to get to where she was. The magic section was hidden well from any unsuspecting Muggles. Severus found it calming however to be among things he knew well, to be surrounded by magic. Miss Kenton was flipping through a Daily Prophet as Severus let his finger fall on a potion text. He pulled the tome off the shelf with only half interest in what the text may hold. Since the war, Severus had lost interest in nearly everything that used to fill his time.
As he flipped through the text, recognizing many of the potions, Severus's eyes were drawn to Miss Kenton. She had moved on from the newspaper and was glancing through a charms book. She was smiling to herself and Severus found himself intrigued.
"See something you like dear?"
Severus frowned at the witch who suddenly appeared. The witch gave Severus a look before she turned to Miss Kenton and greeted her warmly.
"Good morning Fanny, I see you're very busy this morning."
"Well Claire, it is the holiday season." Fanny glanced at Severus. "Claire, who's your friend here?"
Miss Kenton's cheeks instantly pinked.
"Oh, Fanny, this is Master Snape. He's Lady Prince's grandson."
"Aw, Eileen's boy."
"How do you do." said Severus respectfully but he could tell that Fanny could see right through him. Miss Kenton also gave him a look, seeming offended at his manner towards her friend. She turned to Miss Kenton, inquiring if she needed any help finding a text, while asking about those who worked at the mansion and providing tid bits of gossip from the village. After what felt like an eternity to Severus, Miss Kenton said her good byes, tucking her shrunken purchases into the pockets of her jeans. They wordlessly headed out of the village and onto the dirt road that would led to the herder's path back to the Prince mansion.
"You have interesting friends Miss Kenton."
Claire turned suddenly on Master Snape, causing the wizard to step back in reflex.
"What is that suppose to mean?" she demanded. His brow shot up and Claire felt anger burning in her stomach. "I brought you to meet my friends as an act of kindness, yet you stand there judging them and made them uncomfortable. I tried to make it easier on all of us but no Master Snape, you had to act like a high an mighty Prince. Do you think yourself so superior that you can't even window shop among Muggles? Among others who don't have such rich blood? Well Master Snape, I am sick of your rich blood."
Claire turned away to leave but found a hand suddenly gripping her wrist, dragging her into Master Snape's face. She struggled against him.
"Let me go."
"Listen Miss Kenton, as I will not repeat myself." His tone sounded deadly, threatening. Claire stopped struggling and stared at his intense eyes. "I am only half Prince and what you have misinterpreted as Prince superiority, is simply my lack of social ease. I have spent much of my life watching my back and in the process, lost the ability to trust strangers." He tilted his head. "Your friends were all colorful in character and nature. I find it hard to trust someone who can get along so well with such contrasts."
Claire blinked at him as he released his hold on her. She stepped back, rubbing at her arm that felt like it had been squeezed with a clamp.
"That's a silly reason not to trust me. Though I don't need you to trust me Severus." Claire bowed her head at him before seeming to disappear into the trees. Severus remained where he stood, staring at where she had been standing moments ago.
Thank yous to serena and -Kazzlar for their support and helpful words!
Reviews and advice are always welcomed and wanted!