[Location: Gatas Castle] [Open to Petrana]

[deathstoppered]

After studying the map for a time, Snape decides to apparate to the edge of the hedge maze, and walk from there. Which was all well and good, except that when he got there, he discovered that it really was rather cold out, and even charming his coat against the wind didn't help much.

Thus, after a brisk walk, Gatas Castle is a very welcome sight

Comments

[ location: castello petrana ]

[herquietude]

Under ordinary circumstances it'd be very difficult to sneak up on the castle of Gatas if someone were inclined to try; here it'd be much easier when the gates are opened in anticipation of company. Even so, the Extras are expecting the professor and the door opens moments after he knocks.

The castle itself is modest, by the standards of a time where they were common homes among the aristocracy - it's also very much a part of that time, and the subtle modern additions that Taxon provided as a matter of course don't quite fit with the rest of the place, which is still lit by candles, torches and lamps. Someone may have done their best to make them less intrusive.

From the entrance hall, Snape is shown through the second floor library, where the Countess is actually running a few minutes late. He's asked to wait, and maybe the faint trace of old enchantments will make it more tolerable.

[ location: castello petrana ]

[deathstoppered]

The traces of magic surprise and intrigue him, and he's hit with an unexpected surge of homesickness that leaves him unable to do anything more than nod to the Extra butler, and turn to the window until the man withdraws. It's damned inconvenient, as identifying and compartmentalizing the emotion costs him precious moments he could otherwise use to examine the books on the shelves.

[ location: castello petrana ]

[herquietude]

The lady of the manor doesn't leave him alone for very long; she descends the nearest twisting staircase from the upper level, holding the skirts of her gown in one hand and impeccably presented if it weren't for the fact that there is a very small patch of paint along the side of her jaw where someone looking in a mirror might easily miss it.

"Good afternoon," she greets him when she reaches the bottom; she's quite small, this woman of vaguely indeterminate middle age, and how large her home is becomes more noticeable in comparison with a lack of anyone else in it. "You must be Professor Snape."

[ location: castello petrana ]

[deathstoppered]

"Lady Gatas," he bows in response. "Thank you for your hospitality. Your home is lovely. Particularly the paintings." He pulls a handkerchief out and offers it to her, and indicates her jaw.

Best to get that out of the way quickly. And it would teach him much about her temperament.