CHAPTER 22

25 December 1992 - Lord's Suite, Yaxley Manor - 4:19PM

Vasilka Yaxley (née Krum) giggled in amusement at her husband Corban, who swayed around in song while getting ready for them to attend the annual Potter Christmas Ball. It was the first time in history that a Yaxley would step foot in Potter Manor, as a 'friend of the Lord' no less. And if all things went according to plan, the last time anyone would ever step foot in the filthy blood traitor's abode.

She could still recall when Corban had revealed his plan to her; convince Lord Potter that he was an ally, and use their camaraderie as the ultimate tool for House Potter's destruction. Especially that filthy jumped-up mudblood who'd sullied an ancient pureblood line. Husband and wife had dedicated some hours to trading ideas as to how to best achieve their goal, needing to successfully incorporate Corban's ingenious idea to use Polyjuice Potion. 'My brilliant Misericorde,' she mused internally. In seeming response Corban blew her a kiss as he sashayed to the bathroom to begin his ablutions, humming his favorite Celestina Warbeck song.

Giggling, Vasilka made her way to her expansive vanity to continue her necessary preparations. She stroked a bejeweled hand tenderly over her neck, brushing against the obscenely massive diamond and pigeon's blood ruby necklace Corban had gifted her as an extra special Christmas present. Grandfather (via Cousin Cassilda) had been exceptionally generous as of late, a clear sign of House Yaxley's favor above the rest of the pathetic underlings that made up The Family. The Warringtons were witless fools, the Bonnevies were desperate tryhards, Travers was a decaying drunkard, and the Carrows were…well, Vasilka still wasn't sure exactly what their deal was, but she was certain incest would do very little to aid The Family's noble agenda.

With a flourish of her wand - 10 ¾ inch hemlock with dryad hair - Vasilka began her makeup routine, taking care to look as flawless as possible. After all, tonight would be dinner and a show.

The Grand Ballroom, Potter Manor - 8:22PM

Harry paused to take a sip of his wassail, savoring the delightful cinnamon-forward mix of spicy apple and sweet orange. He was currently tucked away in a small alcove near the entrance with Justin, Neville, and Hermione, quietly observing the proceedings as his friends chatted behind him. The Potter Christmas Ball had been in full swing for well over an hour, and the young Potter still couldn't believe the magnificence of it all.

The Grand Ballroom - very aptly named for its enormity that was almost twice the size of Hogwarts Great Hall - had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Charmed snow fell from the vaunted dome ceiling, sparkling like diamonds when the light of the intricately carved ice chandeliers shined upon them. Enchanted ice sculptures of St. Nicholas, reindeer, and other Yule-themed figures were strategically placed throughout the room, many interacting with the guests. Bunches of mistletoe had been strategically placed in the ballroom's corners, with some eager couples having already partaken (much to Harry's disgust). Buffet tables of sculpted ice lined one of the walls, teeming with a bounty of delicious foods and drinks. Multiple cozy ice tables and chairs for seated dining were placed alongside the buffet tables for guests to eat and mingle. The third wall had been fashioned into a bar counter where Gia - dressed like a cheery Santa's elf - was busily tending drinks. Two massive Christmas trees flanked the fourth wall in the ballroom, twinkling with various ornaments of gold, silver, and bronze. Mountains of presents for charity sat underneath both trees, all of which had been thoroughly vetted by the aurors on duty. They couldn't afford to have a repeat of the disastrous birthday party celebration. In the middle of the trees was a massive fireplace where a merrily crackling fire burnt, courtesy of the mammoth-sized oak Yule log.

Beside the right tree was a levitating ice stage that housed the Wizarding Symphony, who were accompanied today by Madame Zenith Xeep as she sang a most riveting rendition of "O Zittre Nicht". A renowned opera diva and budding Potions Mistress, she was the second of successful patient recipients of Lily and Severus' Claris Mentalis potion. Madame Xeep had been committed to the Janus Thickey Ward after a botched attempt of creating her own version of Sleekeazy's, wiping out a considerable chunk of her memory as a result of overusing of Wampus cat tears. In gratitude for the recovery of her memories, she'd gladly volunteered her services for free when Lily had mentioned the Ball's guest list in passing.

Taking another sip of his drink, Harry took a few moments to observe her plus-one. Gilderoy Lockhart had somehow managed to secure a "date" with the much older witch and gain entrance into one of the biggest social events of the year. And dressed like the male equivalent of a fairy ice princess. The flashy professor was swathed in yards of bespoke shimmering silver and white formal dress robes coupled with an ermine-lined velvet stole draped elegantly over his neck and across his shoulders, left to drag on the floor. His perfectly styled hair was topped with a diadem resembling glittering icicles, which matched the ice-shard clasps on his outer robes and elegant ice-shard walking stick left to dangle from his left hand. He was currently chatting up a giggling Winifred Greengrass, Dame Barbara Finch-Fletchley, and (to Harry's shock) Madame Milburga, lavishing compliments upon their extravagant ball gowns and "absolutely fabulous accessories, ha-Ha!". Rolling his eyes, Harry turned his focus to the other guests chatting and milling around with each other.

Several Ministry personnel were on hand, split into their own cliques as they were. Rufus Scrimgeour - fully healed from his ordeal and bearing a prosthetic arm - was holding court with Mad-Eye, Jerome Varens, DMLE Director Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Nymphadora Tonks, chatting about Merlin knew-what. Judging from Mad-Eye's pinched expression, it couldn't have been anything remotely good. Sir Malcolm Finch-Fletchley was having a quiet discussion with Charity Burbage and Abacus Wright, both of whom worked to manage the Bursary of the Youth Liaison Program. Malcolm donated to multiple muggle charities to support underprivileged youth, and was eager to continue that tradition in the wizarding world.

Turning his focus once more, Harry's lips thinned at the sight of Corban Yaxley and his admittedly stately wife chatting it up with Obediah and Amos Diggory. Their sons Giles and Albert were currently enjoying appetizers while chatting quietly with Lavender and Daphne at one of the ice tables. Harry's brief interaction with the two poncy pureblood arsehats had confirmed all he needed to know about the two; like father like son. 'Or sons, in this case.'

Ever so often, Corban would turn and level a subtle-enough glare at the back of Lily's head, stoking Harry's silent anger. He still couldn't believe that his father had been foolish enough to invite a bloody Death Eater and his bloody death-eating family into the Potter ancestral home. And his dad was a bloody senior auror for Circe's sake! Granted they were only allowed in due to the time-stamped Portkey, but still, it was the principle of it all. Harry wasn't exactly sure when and how the friendship had been struck, but he had a very strong feeling that it would spell nothing but disaster for his father.

'I wish Tom and Severus were here,' thought Harry, knowing that the two would have means of putting Corban in his smug Death Eater place. At the current time, the former (along with Libra and her nieces) were in Tazirbu for the coronation ceremony of her brother Sameer, who would be elevated from Heir to Acting Lord Kolumbiko. In accordance with the olde laws of the El Jazeera tribes and House Kolumbiko's charter, Sameer would be taking over the mantle after Haseeb's successful 50 year rule. Sameer's heir Yahya would be receiving an updated version of the Heir's ring, signifying his status as Sameer's active and sitting heir. As for Severus, he was taking Eileen on a cross-country winter vacation to see her favorite Muggle operas. They were currently in Milan at the Teatro alla Scalla enjoying (ironically enough) a performance of The Magic Flute.

Once more shifting his gaze, Harry landed on his mother and Jim seated at one of the corner tables, talking and laughing. A stab of jealousy flooded the younger Potter, which he quietly beat back with a deep Occludic breath. Ever since the Dueling Association's demonstration, Jim had been…monopolizing Lily's time under the guise of "training" (Harry bit back his sneer). She'd spent almost every Saturday since then with her elder son, working to instill basic battle knowledge and working on the beginner fundamentals of Occlumency (Jim required a lot of work). Granted while Jim was nowhere near an expert in either, it seemed he was making an effort to take things seriously, a fact that pleased his mother immensely.

"I can hear you brooding from here Harry." Hermione's gentle voice sounded from behind his right as she came around to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. Harry sighed and covered his hand with hers, thankful for the support.

"That bad huh?" Hermione asked, rubbing his shoulder soothingly as her Slytherin friend gave a small nod.

"You know," she said, stepping closer so they wouldn't be overheard. "She's just happy to spend some time with her son. They haven't had any kind of relationship for his entire life, and that's hurt her more than either of us can imagine. She…she at least deserves this." Harry could only sigh in response, knowing his Gryffindor friend spoke the truth. "Whatever they have together doesn't compare with what you two have, because…well…Jim is Jim and you're you. Whatever bond they build doesn't lessen the one you two share, and you won't matter to her less because of their relationship. She loves you entirely too much for that to happen." Hermione rubbed his shoulder once more as she took a quick sip of her wassail. "Besides," she continued, "time spent with your mum will help mellow out Jim's many arsehole-ish tendencies (Harry choked at her language as the witch giggled). Didn't he apologize to you for the whole cloak business?" Harry nodded; it seemed Jim's invisibility cloak had found its way back to the Git just in time for the holidays.

"Yeah…I reckon he did." He smiled appreciatively at his Gryffindor friend. "Thanks Hermione." She smiled back kindly.

"Always."

9:49PM

Gia watched with concern as her master knocked back another double firewhiskey, his third within the past hour. He'd been exceptionally taciturn on what should have been a joyous occasion, oscillating between curtness and inattentiveness when it came to the guests. Unless said guests were Lord Black and Miss Evans, both of whom he'd been throwing murderous looks at all night. It saddened the elf greatly to see her master on such terrible terms with his ex-best friend and the mother of his children. Reflexively, Gia turned and leveled a subtle glare at the back of Corban Yaxley's head. 'Stupid arse.' She didn't like her master's relationship with that foul wizard. He stunk of deception and the rot of evile magick, and it pained the Potter elf that her master was unable to see beyond older wizard's façade.

"Another one Gia!," exclaimed James, shaking his empty cup vigorously. Sighing internally Gia refilled his cup and watched him down half its contents.

"Um, perhaps some water Master? I can make the fizzy raspberry one you like!" James shook his head no, before turning to glare at the dance floor. As always, his attention lasered in on Sirius and Lily as the two waltzed gracefully around to the majestic tune of The Blue Danube. 'She looks so beautiful,' James thought forlornly. And she did; Lily was outfitted in a deep green velvet ball gown paired with a mithril corset bearing intertwined serpents. Her long blood red hair was pulled back into an elegant chignon fastened with an emerald ouroboros clip …gifted to her by Sirius as a 'push present' once she'd birthed the twins. James could only growl in frustration.

'Why?!', he thought in anguish as he gulped back the rest of his drink. 'Why did she have to betray me like she did?! Why did they have to betray me like they did?! WHY?!' Heartbreak warred with grief warred with rage, and all three were rapidly reaching their combined breaking point.

Suddenly, he saw Sirius lean in (and down) to whisper something in Lily's ear, causing her to giggle uproariously. In turn, she leaned up to whisper something back into his, causing him to bark out a laugh (and startling a few of their dancing neighbors).

James saw red. Rage won.

Still chortling from Sirius' shenanigans, Lily was just about to ask Lord Black (whose arm was wrapped around her shoulders as the proceeded off the dance floor) if he wanted a Gillywater when they found their paths blocked by an enraged James Potter (who vaguely reeked of Firewhiskey). She held back the urge to roll her eyes, not in the mood to deal with one of Lord Potter infamously childish little tantrums. Sirius stiffened, his jovial expression smoothing to one of stone.

"Lord Potter, what do we owe this completely undeserved pleasure?" He sneered rather elegantly, causing James to growl in anger as his jaw and one particularly pronounced vein in his forehead pulsed furiously.

"Don't patronize me Lord Black," spat James, causing Lily's eyes to briefly widen. "You know exactly why I'm here, so don't bullshit me. Bloody traitor you are." Sirius' eyes narrowed at the venomous tone, wondering where the bloody hell this bout of foolishness was coming from. He and Potter hadn't spoken for months, and he was very annoyed that his ex-best friend had chosen this particular time to break their ceasefire. At this point, a small crowd had started to gather, nosy to see what the confrontation was about. Corban Yaxley and his wife Vasilka were the closest, wearing passably subtle expressions of…excitement. Lily felt her hackles rise.

"Me?! A traitor?!," Sirius exclaimed, his incredulous expression (and loud voice) drawing in more spectators. In the background, Madame Xeep had begun her lachrymose performance of "Scherza Infida", seemingly impervious to the ensuing spectacle.

"If anyone here is a bloody traitor, Potter, it's you!" Sirius stepped right up to James' purpling face, his expression twisted into a snarl. "You, who abandoned your wife and son when they needed you! You, who sent a bloody Howler to your own son - my bloody godson - because he got Sorted into Slytherin, threatening to break his wand and have him and his mum kicked out of the wizarding world! You've got some bloody fucking nerve talking to me about ANYTHING!" Sirius shoved at James with his left arm, causing the man to stumble in surprise. Catching himself, he came to stand nose-to-nose with his now-enemy.

"Don't you even fucking pretend with me, Black. You know exactly what I'm talking about!" He snarled with all his teeth. "You two," he gestured to him and Lily, "carrying on like you've been behind my back all these years, Merlin, what a bloody fool I've been!" He gave an odd delirious laugh, running a hand through his hair. "I trusted you!" He pointed an accusing finger at Sirius, who slapped it away in frustration. James just growled and stepped closer. "I trusted the both of you (he pointed at Lily and Sirius), and all this time, you were carrying on behind my back, having a BLOODY AFFAIR!" Several gasps sounded throughout the ballroom, before quiet murmurings began as the attendees lobbied curious (and some suspicious glances) at the accused. Vasilka Yaxley hid her titter behind an elegant hand while Corban openly smirked. From his vantage a few feet away, Obediah watched the proceedings curiously. A few feet behind him, Gilderoy Lockhart stared at the spectacle with an unreadable expression.

"An affair?!," exclaimed Lily, expression completely outraged at the vile and untrue accusation. "Have you lost the bloody plot James?! Sirius and I NEVER had an affair! I was your WIFE and Sirius was practically YOUR BROTHER! How dare you make such a disgusting claim!" Lily stepped directly between the two men, her temper flaring dangerously. "I don't know where and from whom you could have drawn that completely asinine conclusion, but you'd better take it back. Now." The Slytherin poked her ex-husband's chest hard, eyes glowing Killing Curse green. James gulped at her expression, instinctively starting to apologize at the look on her face before stopping short at seeing Sirius squeeze his wife's shoulders in comfort.

Once more, rage won.

"Oh?! You're not aware?! Well then," he said, stepping closer to the two as his hazel eyes shined with maddened ire. "Allow me to bloody tell you how!

Exactly Thirteen Years Ago…

"Kringle baby, just slip an ermine under the tree, for meeeee!

I've been a bloody good witch, Kringle baby!

So shimmy down my Floo TOOONNNIIIIIGHT!"

Sirius, fully outfitted in his favorite Gryffindor-themed Santa suit (with matching Dumbledore-style beard) jumped on top of the dining room table, swigging a drink from a bottle of 1874 Special Reserve Swott Malt Whisky as he gyrated in time to Celestina Warbeck's hottest Christmas hit playing on the Wizarding Radio. He, along with the Potters, Longbottoms, and Severus were celebrating their first Christmas since their Hogwarts graduation, one of the few bright lights in their increasingly desolate world of war and brutality. This year was extra special, as both Lily and Alice had announced they were expecting. Lily especially, considering she was pregnant with twins.

"Bloody hell, get off of that table Sirius, you'll break your hip! And I'm not spending my Christmas feeding you Skele-Gro while you moan on about it either!" Lily swatted at his legs with a copy of the Daily Prophet, rolling her eyes as the man jumped and ducked to avoid her hits.

"Ah, he'll be too damn drunk to feel any pain when he does break a bone." Frank Longbottom chortled in gee as he took a swig from his bottle of butterbeer, warm brown eyes crinkled in amusement.

"Perhaps he can bunk with Potter for the remainder of the evening," said Snape sarcastically, pausing to take an elegant sip of his Blishen's Firewhiskey. "They can wake up just in time for their presents from Kringle Baby." Everyone burst into laughter, Sirius' the loudest of them all. While he and Severus had initially shared an acrimonious relationship thanks to House politics and James' jealousy regarding Snape and Lily's relationship, they'd grown to share a mutual camaraderie in attempting to best each other with their pranking efforts. Though Sirius resented that Snape had very rarely (if ever) gotten caught during their Hogwarts tenure, sometimes causing the Marauders to be unfairly blamed.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," replied Alice, eyes twinkling in impish delight. "The more the merrier as they say!" She and Severus exchanged a laugh, causing Sirius to roll his eyes good-naturedly. He made to hop from the table, but tripped over his feet and landed in a heap on the floor as everyone started laughing. True to form, Sirius barked out a laugh of his own.

"Alright, alright, 'm beeaaatttt!" Sirius got up and shook his body in a Padfoot-like manner. "Tomorrow's Boxers Day! No…um… 's Boxing Day! I'm gong…I mean I'm gonna need my strength f'all the festivicities." He wiggled his brows cheekily as his friends laughed at his slurred speech. He turned to go up the stairs but stumbled after taking two steps, swaying on his feet. Taking pity on the old dog Lily walked up and placed his arm on her shoulder, slowly guiding a now-whistling Sirius up the steps.

They finally reached one of the guest rooms with a sign reading "The Dog Pound", signifying Sirius' room. Lily made to turn the handle but Sirius straightened, covering her much smaller hand with her own. Smiling, she tenderly stroked his hand, before leaning into her Gryffindor friend who leaned down so their foreheads were touching. Oddly enough, Sirius was noticeably less drunk.

"Merry Christmas love," Black cooed tenderly.

"And to you my love," replied Evans just as tenderly. They stayed that way for a few moments, before leaning into each other and exchanging a deeply passionate kiss, squeezing each other tightly. They paused for a moment, touching their heads once more.

"I wish we didn't have to hide my love. I wish you were mine, instead of James'." Sirius snarled in hatred at the mention of his best friend, staring at Lily in greedy desire.

"I know my love," the witch replied, kissing him passionately again before pressing her head against his. With a tenderness few knew the Slytherin was capable of, she gently placed Sirius right hand against her still-flat stomach. "Especially now, when our future grows within me."

Present Time…

"ARE YOU FUCKING MAD?! That NEVER happened!" Sirius was beyond outraged, shaking in anger at the ridiculous story he'd just heard. He and Lily had never had any kind of romantic relationship, ever! The witch was practically like his sister for Merlin's sake! Hell, James had been like his brother! He would never betray him in such a terrible way! He glared at Lord Potter furiously, deeply perturbed that he believed in the delusion of such a thing ever happening. He'd known James had always held a deep insecurity regarding he and Lily relationship and the fear of her leaving him, but he didn't think it was this bad. For his part James glared back just as furiously, literally vibrating in his fury.

Suddenly Corban Yaxley gave a light cough, giving an oily smile as all eyes turned to him. Sirius scowled reflexively as he glared at the Death Eater, itching to hex the smug little shit's face right off. Damned buggering bastard Death Eater probably had something to do with this madness, worming his way into James' life and…corrupting him into believing complete absurdities.

"Kindly spare us from the dramatics Black, you're doing yourself no favors at all." Sirius growled in a Padfoot-like manner, causing the older wizard's eyes to slightly widen in alarm. Though he kept a decent lid on it at work, Sirius did have a nasty temper when sufficiently provoked. And to Corban's credit, he recognized that this would definitely count as sufficient provocation. Sneering, the older wizard directed his attention to Lily, staring at the redhead witch with open disdain. "As for you Evans, while I recognize those of your…particular sensibilities are ignorant to quite a few ways of our world (Lily frowned at the insinuation), I would think honesty would be the one quality that ties us all. Wouldn't you agree?" Lily stared unblinkingly for a few moments, before a rather nasty smile illuminated her face. Corban blinked while Vasilka paused, not expecting that reaction.

"Is that right Corban?" asked Lily sweetly. Too sweetly. "Well, in the spirit of…honesty…why don't you roll up your left sleeve and ask me again!" Yaxley blanched before pinking in rage as Vasilka hissed. 'Damned mudblood temerity!' The chattering in the Grand Ballroom grew considerably louder at that.

"You…you dare?!"

"Oh I dare Yaxley, just as I imagine you did as well. On bended knee." The Death Eater choked at the double entendre and furiously made to respond. James beat him to the punch.

"That's enough." Lily started at the coldness of his tone. James never spoke like this, not even when they'd finalized their divorce. "Lord Yaxley is a guest in my manor, in which I am the Lord. You…you are a mere guest, one I was foolish enough to let back into my home after all your betrayals." His eyes flashed with something unreadable as Lily grew more concerned.

"James," said the witch as calmly as she could. "Nothing of the sort ever happened between Sirius and I. Ever. I loved you. I cherished you. I married and bore children with you. Sirius has only ever been like a brother to you, to the both of us. I am not certain what has led you to this wretchedly false and quite frankly defamatory accusation (she leveled a murderous glare at Yaxley who had the good sense to flinch at the intensity of her expression), but you must cast this madness out of your mind. I beg you, please." James just stared at her, breathing far too heavily. Several emotions flashed through his eyes, and for a moment, just a small moment, it seemed that reason would win. But then the memory Corban showed him of his best friend and his ex-wife flashed in his mind, playing in an unbreakable loop.

Once more, rage won.

"No Lily, I will not." His wand fell into his hand with a sharp snickt. Lily blinked, before her wand appeared in hers. "You betrayed me. You betrayed my love for you. You betrayed the honor of my family. You betrayed the blood and legacy of House Potter." Lily blinked, hairs rising at the ominous weight of James' words. "You made your bed," he hissed dangerously. "Now, it's time for you to lie in it. SUSTINA IGNOMINIA TUA!"

On instinct Lily had cast a Protego Horribilis shield to protect her from whatever spell her ex-husband cast at her. It did not work. She felt the weight of his spell slam directly into her chest, the force of it so strong it forced her to her knees as Sirius was buffeted away from her. She gasped as she felt it worm its way deep into her body, into her very essence, into her magic. A beat passed as she felt it settle within her.

Then, pain.

"AAARRRGGGHHH!" Lily screamed and thrashed around on the floor, feeling as though her chest was on fire. She clawed furiously at her chest to no avail as she screamed herself hoarse. Around her voices raised in alarm at her state, with some screaming for a Healer to be called. Mad-Eye stomped up and grabbed a shellshocked James by his scruff before roughly dragging him away, lest he did something ridiculously stupid again. Some (specifically those of the old families) could only stare in horror at the sight, knowing the spell's true intent and purpose. Exchanging a small nod, Lord and Lady Yaxley turned as one and left the crowd, quickly grabbing their sons before making their exit. Unseen to them Gia glared venomously at their backs as she fought back the desire to curse them to the Doldrums of the Dark Wild, point loss be damned.

Suddenly a panicked and horrified Harry broke through the crowd, dropping down to cradle his still screaming mother. Hermione, Neville, and Justin were hot on his tail, staring in appalment at the sight before them. Hermione began crying.

"Mum! MUM! It's alright, I'm here, I'm here! Mum! MUM PLEASE!" Suddenly Lily stopped screaming and thrashing as her eyes closed and her entire body went disturbingly still. Aghast for some moments, Harry's Slytherin sensibilities suddenly kicked in and prompted him to cast a diagnostic charm, sagging in relief to see she was still alive. He turned to Sirius, who could only stare at the redhead with a heartbroken expression.

"Sirius! What's wrong with her?! What did James do to her?! SIRIUS!" Lord Black jumped at the shout of his name, before shaking his head.

Thinking quickly, he made his way over to his godson and wrapped him in a firm hug, using that same moment to cast a non-verbal Somnus. As Harry sagged in his arms, Sirius summoned Mia to take them both to the Evans Keep.

'Oh James,' thought Lord Black despondently. 'What have you done?!'

AN 1: Finally, our Corban Christmas Special! The blow he's dealt to House Potter by manipulating James has set quite a few things in motion, which we will see fleshed out in Book III.

AN 2: Vasilka is Viktor Krum's first cousin, eldest daughter to Viktor's oldest paternal aunt. Krum's father is the baby of the family. Casting-wise, I'm thinking Catherine Zeta-Jones (The Legend of Zorro era) for Vasilka. As previously stated, Corban Yaxley is played by Daniel Day Lewis.

AN 3: "Scherza Infida" is an aria in Handel's Ariodante wherein Polinesso (antagonist) tries to convince Ariodante (protagonist) that Ginerva does not love him, but is instead in love with Polinesso. Ariodante doesn't believe him, but then sees Dalinda (Polinesso's conspirator) coming out of Polinesso's apartment disguised as Ginevra. He's so distraught he attempts suicide but is stopped by his friend Luciarno, before singing about it. Not identical to the plot point here, but I thought it quite fitting thematically.

AN 4: I saw one reviewer point out that snakes eat rats, which creates a plot hole as to how Rex Novergicus can control the basilisk. While that could be explained in a paragraph, it would essentially ruin the story I intend to tell and defeat the whole purpose of the overarching plot. Naturally, we don't want that, so continue to stay tuned :)