It's probably better that such incidents are not brought up, because then the issue of friendship would be in a much more stark light, and such things just cannot be. Severus rises and motions to Martel to bring his glass with him if he likes, heading out a different way than they came, through French doors shrouded in black curtains to a lovely patio balcony that doesn't seem to get much use despite being very tidy.

The view from here is all green hills and forests in the distance, and it gives a nice up close look at this side of the castle. 'Positively medieval' is a very accurate description. "It's not as impressive by fifths as your own holdings," he says, looking skyward, "But any larger and I'd have to start filling rooms out of sheer compulsion, and Merlin only knows what I'd do then." A lamp collection? Taking up an actual interior decorating habit? Having guests? What horrors.