CHAPTER 23

Heir's Suite, Potter Manor - One Hour Later…

Jim stared blankly at the ceiling as he laid in his massive bed, wondering where the hell things had gone so terribly wrong. 'And of course, it's on bloody Christmas too.' Groaning, he rubbed at his face in frustration.

The Potter Christmas Ball had unceremoniously ended a little over an hour prior, a complete and utter disaster to what had been a rather enjoyable night.

'You just had to go and muck it all up, didn't you Daddy Dearest. FUCK!' Jim angrily grabbed one of his pillows and screamed into it, needing an outlet for his anger. James had essentially destroyed the little camaraderie, trust, and affection he and his mother had worked hard to build over the past month. And it went without saying that Harry would probably rip him apart with his bare hands should his older brother attempt to go near her. Unbidden, the memory of their confrontation in the Mirror Room of First Year flashed through his mind. Jim shuddered.

Hugging his pillow, Jim slowly went through the breathing exercises Lily had taught him to help clear his mind as he recalled memories of her screams. Those terrible, anguished, gut-wrenching screams. He wasn't sure what spell his idiot father had cast against his mother, but he just knew it was something godawful. The Potter Heir had been horrified at the sound and attempted to breach the assembled crowd to get to her, but Uncle Obi had grabbed him at the last second and guided him out of the ballroom all the way to his bedroom, urging him to "stay put while I get things sorted". On their way they'd passed an alcove wherein a seething Mad-Eye was verbally thrashing a visibly abashed James. The alcove had to have been warded and silenced because Moody looked to be screaming at the top of his lungs, and Jim knew the grizzled auror's voice had a propensity to…carry.

Suddenly, a gentle knock sounded on his door.

"Enter!" The door opened to reveal Obediah, who looked exhausted. Tiredly smiling at his godson, Uncle Obi made his way over to sit right next to Jim. A beat passed before he wrapped a firm and reassuring arm over the younger wizard's shoulder, pleased when the boy leaned into his embrace. For once in a very long time, Obediah was being completely sincere. Though he gleefully relished in Lily's misfortune as well as House Potter's inevitable demise, the older wizard could sympathize with dealing with a selfish and shortsighted excuse for a father. The emotional strain was as maddening as it was overwhelming, and just made things so unnecessarily…messy.

"Did you find out what happened to my mum?" Jim asked after a few moments of silence. Obediah could only sigh whilst he rubbed the boy's shoulder soothingly.

"No, unfortunately not. Your father is currently…indisposed, and I have Gia keeping watch over him. He's…he's not in the right state to properly discuss anything, and I believe it would be in both of your best interests for him to be in a clearer and calmer mind when you have your much needed discussion." Jim nodded in response.

"Um…did you know what that spell was? I only heard him shout it, but I haven't any idea what it means." The boy started when he felt Obediah slightly stiffen. "What? What is it?! Is it that horrible?!" Obediah just rubbed Jim's shoulder in an effort to calm the younger wizard's agitation.

"I…honestly I don't know what the spell does. Based on my understanding of Latin, it means 'Bear thy shame', but I'm not really certain what that entails or its effects on the person it's cast on. I heard some…whisperings from the old family guests as they left that it was something called 'olde magick', but I haven't a clue what that means either." Obediah was, in fact, lying through his teeth, since he was well-versed with a plethora of olde magicks since his ascension to become Mr. Arachne. "As I said before, we'll just have to wait for your father to explain himself about everything." Jim gave a tense nod.

"Do you…do you believe what dad was saying? About Mum and Lord Black having an affair?" asked Jim quietly.

"I honestly don't know." Jim looked scandalized at his response. "Hang on a mo' buddy, I'm not accusing your mother of anything." Obediah held his hands up in apology. "I'm just saying…she and Lord Black are adults who may have found comfort with each other during the war. Dealing with the madness of that time wasn't easy, and they both had to deal with your father. While I care for and respect James greatly, he is not an easy man to deal with, in any capacity of the word." Jim snorted, not at all disagreeing with that latter statement. Still…the thought of his mother being unfaithful to his father felt…wrong. From what he'd gleaned over his interactions with the older witch, she was deeply loyal and dedicated to those she loved and cherished, as few as they were. He just couldn't see her betraying his father - her husband - and her children that way, especially with a man both she and said husband considered a brother. Still, Obediah's words rattled around in his mind.

"So I guess this means I can't spend any more time with her." Jim groaned as he flopped backward onto his bed. Obediah chuckled sardonically beside him, causing the younger wizard to do the same.

"Mate," said Obediah amiably, "as much as I hate to say it, I don't think that's a good idea right now. Or for the immediate future. I…I know you two were working to repair your relationship, a process which was long overdue in my opinion. At this time…I think it will be for the best that you two keep your distance, at least until we get all of this mess sorted out." The younger wizard could only groan at the unfairness of it all as Obediah quietly chuckled sympathetically.

"How far did you get along with your Occlumency training with your mum?" Jim stiffened.

"Um…what-what Occlumency training?" asked Potter completely unconvincingly as Prewett snorted in response.

"C'mon mate, don't even pretend to be coy with me. You've never been a good liar, or need I remind you of the training broom accident on your seventh birthday?" The boy blushed and mumbled under his breath, causing Obediah to hem and haw in laughter.

"Well…theoretically speaking…only the introductory breathing and calming exercises. Nothing beyond that, theoretically speaking of course." Obediah just nodded in response, before reaching into his robe pocket and produced a small and rather battered-looking pocketbook bound in red leather. "For you," he said, carefully handing the book over to his godson. "I'd intended to discreetly give this to you on your birthday after the festivities, but thanks to that…disaster, I was unable to." He leveled an unblinking stare at his godson. "One of my more…disreputable clients told me where to find it in Knockturn Alley. He recommended it as the most concise means for a self-taught Occlumens, and trust me when I say I agree; it's nigh impossible to get a good read on the man." He chucked sardonically before his expression turned grave. "Do not let anyone know I gave it to you, okay? Hide this away when you're not reading it and don't get caught with it." Jim was taken aback at the forcefulness of the man's expression, before nodding seriously. "Good. Occlumency is still considered to be quite taboo and…sketchy as far as its legal implications are concerned. However, you are still the Potter Heir and I firmly believe James is completely remiss in his duties to not give you the training you require. Go ahead, give it a look see."

The front cover was blank, but when Jim opened the book up to look at the title page, he gasped. It was Occlumency: A Beginner's Guide, with the author identified only as "Nemo." The boy looked up at his godfather with a delighted and grateful smile. "Wow… thank you so much for this, Uncle Obi." And with that he enveloped his godfather in a firm hug that the man eagerly returned, glass blue eyes glittering with unseen malice.

"Of course dear boy. After all, what are godfathers for?"

Heir's Suite, Goyle Estate - Two Hours Later…

'Father is a monster.'

That was the primary thought looping through Gregory Goyle Jr.'s mind, a never-ending cycle of damnation against his wretched excuse for a sire.

Just a few hours prior, Goyle Sr. had hosted a few of his… 'old hunting buddies' which Greg knew was code for 'Death Eater pals' for a quick catch-up consisting of quality scotch and wizarding billiards. Among the esteemed group was Lords Nott and Crabbe, with a surprising appearance from Aries Flint (Marcus' dad), along with Traian Vaisey and Patrin Urquhart. Greg had immediately been on edge, knowing the addition of Vaisey and Urquhart spelled nothing but trouble. They were desperate to become Noble Houses and up until a point, focused on kissing Malfoy Sr.'s ass to do so and pushing their sons Donovan and Conrad to do the same with Draco. But ever since Harry Potter had succeeded in curbing the worst of Draco's tyrannical behavior and scaring the older boys senseless (Greg still wasn't sure how), it seemed their fathers were looking to greener pastures. Specifically those shepherded by Tiberius Nott, self-proclaimed arch-nemesis of Lucius Malfoy.

Greg hadn't really meant to, but he couldn't resist eavesdropping on their conversation. Hidden in a small alcove adjacent to the 'Game Room', Greg had listened in on the entire exchange from a tiny (and unwarded) opening that tunneled straight into Lord Goyle's private room.

He regretted ever doing so.

Father had been working to draw up a secret marriage contract between Amy and himself (to take effect after their OWLs!), with Lord Goyle automatically appointed as regent for any male children born of the marriage. The Wilkes possessed a massive secret fortune that Father was eager to get his hands on, believing that there would be more than enough galleons in the Wilkes vault to pay off the debts House Goyle owed House Malfoy, ridding themselves of their Vassalship to become established as a truly independent House. Greg had balked at the idea, not being able to fathom being married to a girl he considered a sister in all but blood. It was sickening.

It wasn't the worst of it.

Somehow, Tiberius buggering Nott had convinced his father to abandon the marriage contract between his son and Amy, citing that it was a very "low chance of Jr. passing the OWLS anyway". Though he would never admit it out loud, it stung Greg deeply to know that his own father thought him an imbecile worth very little effort. Tiberius (with seemingly little effort Greg had noted) had convinced his father to draw a marriage contract between himself and Amy. Eleven-year old Amy. Not only would he pay a generous dowry, he'd also pay off House Goyle's debts to House Malfoy and support them as an independent Vassal, so long as they could exchange alliance oaths. Lord Nott had gone on to offer the same deal to Francis Crabbe, asking that the two abandon fealty to House Malfoy and become "true partners" in the Wizengamot. Tiberius had gone on to offer Flint, Urquhart, and Vaisey a chance to become House Nott's Vassal Houses, stating he'd pay their dues if they swore fealty oaths to him. Together, they'd form a Wizengamot superpower that would not only crush Lucius Malfoy's, but could stand toe-to-toe with Lord Gaunt's faction and, potentially, the Selwyns. To Greg's enduring dismay, the five others had all been in agreement.

Horrified he'd run off, pausing to stop by Amy's room to ensure the girl was still safely tucked in. In a pique of protective paranoia, he'd summoned Euron and asked the elf to keep an extra eye on the witchling. The elf - who doted on the two children - had readily agreed.

"Bloody hell, what do I do?!" Greg rubbed his face in frustration as he mentally ran through his very limited options.

Father was absolutely not an option. He would be infuriated that Greg had been eavesdropping on him and his friends, and would more than likely take out his temper on him. He shuddered as he ditched that idea.

He briefly considered speaking about it with his mum, but that idea quickly lost its wings. Though Hecuba Goyle (née McLaggen) loved and cherished both her children greatly (for she really did consider Amy like the daughter she'd never had), she was still a traditionalist through and through. She would support her husband in whatever path he chose.

There was… just doing as he was told. Following behind his Father as he married his little sister off to a man actually old enough to be her father, watching as he ruined her life or worse. 'That won't work either.'

Once more, Greg weighed his feeble options before making his final decision. Sighing, he went over to his desk and grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill and began writing a letter to the one person he believed could best help him. 'Here's hoping you've really changed for good Draco.'

Tom's Study, Castle Basilicus - Three Hours Later…

Silence reigned.

The three Slytherins - Harry, Severus, and Tom - had just viewed Sirius and Harry's memories of Lily's attack in Tom's pensieve, and all three had more questions than answers. In Tom's case, anger at himself for his inaction hummed at the forefront of his mind. He knew that Yaxley was planning…something nefarious that involved manipulating Lord Potter. He knew that whatever it was, it would inevitably cause irreparable harm to Lily (and by consequence, Harry). He's stayed his hand and now, disaster. 'Should've killed that smarmy little Selwyn-arse-sucking gobshit when I had the chance.'

Once Sirius had summoned Mia to take Harry and his mum to the Evans Keep, he'd immediately sent a Patronus message to Severus to "get his pale skinny arse back to England right now!" before marching to the guest floo to make his exit to the Keep. Less than two minutes after his arrival, Severus had apparated in wearing an uncommonly tight expression of worried anger, demanding to know where Lily was. Quickly explaining the situation as they made their way to the master bedroom, Sirius had watched in morbid fascination as Severus cast rapid-fire diagnostic charms while spelling a myriad of potions that he'd pulled out of seemingly nowhere directly into Lily's still unconscious body.

Finished, Snape summoned Mia and asked her to initiate "Healing Protocol Three" before demanding that Black tell him everything that had happened. Once that had been complete, a blank-faced Severus had asked Sirius to give him a copy of the memory so he could review it - and their options - with Lord Gaunt. After convincing Sirius to keep watch over a sleeping Lily, Severus had awakened Harry from his room and together, the two had Flooed to Tom's study in Castle Basilicus. It'd taken less than five minutes from Severus' summons for Tom to appear, outfitted in traditional thobe robes in celebration of Sameer's coronation. After exchanging brief hellos, Tom had retrieved his pensieve and the three had immediately gotten to work. As perceptive as ever, Mab had provided a bounty of refreshments to aid her beloved master and his wizard friends.

"'Sustina Ignominia Tua'." Harry's tone was dull and robotic. "If my Latin serves me correctly, it means 'Bear thy shame'. Lord Potter," he spat the words with an intensity that had the older Slytherins exchange a concerned glance, "cast that spell at my mother. And caused her to suffer great pain." His eyes flashed Avada-green. "What. Does. It. Mean?" A beat passed as the older wizards exchanged another glance. Finally, Lord Gaunt responded.

"That spell…is known as 'The Scarlet Letter Curse'. Harry's eyes widened.

"Hang on… 'Scarlet Letter'? As in the American muggle novel about those religious nutters running some poor woman out of town?' Tom chuckled before continuing.

"Prior to the advent of the Statute of Secrecy, the events regarding what constitutes the modern muggle novel were, naturally, a bit divergent. Hester Prynne was actually Lady Hestia Pusey née Durnford, wife of Lord Elgar Pusey. Lord Pusey was born of a wealthy pureblood Noble family that successfully wormed their way into becoming the magical advisors of the wizarding Puritan Church, primarily through financial sponsorship of the poorer magical and muggle communities who sought to resettle in the New World." Tom paused to take a sip of his lavender anise tea. "Pusey was a notoriously jealous and possessive man who both treasured and abhorred his wife's beauty and charms. He harbored paranoid suspicions that the wizard vicar Arsenius Doyle was having an affair with his wife, especially since the two had been close childhood friends. When Hestia became pregnant with their daughter Phaedra, Elgar's paranoia grew that much more intense as he was convinced his wife had fathered a child with his enemy." Harry's eyes widened as he shifted in his seat, not really liking the direction this story was going.

"One day, he returned to his manor from a quick day trip to London to be met with a - to him anyway - terrible sight; his wife and his enemy taking tea in the lady's parlor as Hestia nursed Phaedra. In a pique of maddened jealousy, he exchanged lethal spellfire with Arsenius as Hestia summoned the family's elf to take Phaedra to her room and protect the little babe. It was only thanks to Hestia's intervention that Arsenius made it out alive. Naturally, Elgar took that as confirmation of her deception and cursed her with the spell." Tom paused, leaning forward to steeple his fingers.

"That spell…is considered olde magick, straddling the precipice of the abyss that is known as…Wild Magick." Unbidden, a shiver ran down Harry's spine as Contessa Zabini's prophetic words rattled in his mind. "True wild magick is expressly forbidden, earning anyone who speaks openly of it - much less uses it - to be tossed straight through The Veil." Harry shifted uncomfortably as Tom paused to take a sip of tea. "In Pusey's case, the virtue of being a Noble house meant he had access to a family grimoire that contained old magical spells that would be considered 'redacted' in today's time. His family wasn't the only one; that spell was contained in the grimoires of quite a few other families, and could be found in a fair few libraries. Restricted Section naturally. Anyway, in his stead as the Pusey family lord, he was able to freely use the spell against his wife as recourse for her…perceived wrong."

"What…what was the effect on Hestia?" It was Tom's turn to shift uncomfortably. Severus' eyes sharpened.

"Tom," said Snape quietly. "What happened to Hestia?" A few moments passed before Lord Gaunt responded.

"It took some time, but in the matter of a few months, Hestia's chest bore a stigmata that resembled a scarlet letter 'A', a manifestation of the spell's magic upon her as it slowly drew on her magical core like a parasite." Harry looked horrified while Snape's lips thinned significantly. "You must understand that the spell is not Magic exacting judgment upon a wrongdoer. Rather, it is the expression of the caster's ill-intent; his jealousy, his paranoia, his selfishness." Tom sneered cruelly. "It is the living testimony of a man's insecurity and his desire to lash out instead of confronting his lack within himself."

"Did…did Hestia…you know…die?" Potter's question ended in a breathy whisper.

"She…she ultimately did, but she was able to raise her daughter to the age of eleven before she passed on. Hestia successfully incapacitated Elgar and fled with their daughter to Ilvermorny where she was granted sanctuary by Isolt Sayre, one of the school's founders. Under the older witch's watchful care, Hestia survived for eleven years and was able to help raise and protect Phaedra free from Elgar's purview."

"Eleven years…" whispered Harry. "But in the end, she still died before her time." Harry stood and began pacing in a manner not unlike his mother.

"So my mum is going to…die. James killed my mum and she's going to die because my useless birth father is a petty, jealous, short-minded, fucking idiot!"In a flash Harry forcibly knocked off several knick-knacks on Tom's desk, screaming in outrage. Sympathetic to the boy's temper, Tom allowed it. The younger Potter raged for a few more seconds before allowing his ire to cool, his Occlumency allowing him to resume his usual composure. Snape nodded approvingly.

"Feeling better?" asked Severus quietly. Harry nodded before resuming his seat, expression perfectly placid. In a flash Tom unholstered his wand and set his desk to rights.

"Good," said Lord Gaunt. "Now we can talk solutions. Firstly, Lily isn't going to die." Harry (and Severus) allowed hope to bloom in their hearts at the ferocity of the older wizard's statement. "From my exhaustive research into the Scarlet Letter Curse upon my discovery of it, there are three possible solutions, in addition to our own course of actions to guarantee Lily's health and life span." He finished his tea before leaning forward to address his audience.

"The first - and quite frankly least likely - is that James reneges the curse and restores Lily back whole. Though Potter does not realize it, his accusation of his ex-wife having an affair brings into question the future of his own House. Since you and your brother are identical twins, his claim of Lily's 'infidelities' has ramifications that posit that you and your brother - Heir Apparent Potter - may not really be his sons." Harry looked scandalized as Severus snorted into his tea. "Oh yes," Tom said with a sinuous edge. "His actions could very well expose House Potter to Line Extinction. Especially if certain members of the Wizengamot decide to…debate the legalities of the mess he's created." Harry stewed over that

"Wait a minute, doesn't that also have some dire implications for Sirius? I mean, he's already my godfather and he takes his role very seriously, especially with him being my pater familias since my mum's divorce… Doesn't James' accusation leave Sirius open to allegations of Line Theft?!"

"And that brings me to my… second solution. You are correct Harry, James' actions do open the possibility for Sirius to be formally accused of Line Theft. Now, as one of the 'accused' and a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House, can nullify the curse by first marrying Lily then performing the necessary ritual to rid her of Lord Potter's malignant magic. Unfortunately if he were to do that, James could easily levy a Line Theft lawsuit against him, ruining his reputation and bankrupting him. Granted, while House Black has survived quite a bit in its… impressive history, I am not sure it could survive this. House Black has made many an enemy, and there are plenty in the Wizengamot - on both sides - who would relish the chance to see the formidable Blacks razed to the ground."

"Well then," said Severus quietly. "I'm assuming the third solution is the most viable? Hence you saving it for last?" Tom chuckled at the man's sardonic tone.

"Indeed dear friend. The third possible solution is that a wizard lord of equal standing to Potter and close biological relation to Lily be the one to remove the curse from her person."

"Well that's perfect!," Harry exclaimed excitedly. "You could do it Tom! You and mum are technically cousins, so she could become a ward of House Gaunt so you can remove the curse! Mere paperwork is all it will take…right?" Harry's enthusiasm waned at Tom's expression.

"Unfortunately, the biological relation between myself and Lily is entirely too ephemeral for me to be an effective curer of her curse. We are, at best, sixth cousins so many times removed. It wouldn't be enough." Tom paused as he stared at Harry significantly, who, after a few moments, finally got Tom's gist.

"The Wilkes Seat! If…if I can claim House Wilkes as its Lord, I can bring mum on as my ward, hell as my Proxy even, and remove the curse from her!" But then, Harry's excitement deflated. "But there's a problem. I can't take on the House seat until I pass the OWLs. Unless I'm able to do that by the end of this year and be the first Second Year in wizarding history to do so. Ugh, mum doesn't have that time!"

"Be calm Harry. While it is commonly believed that you require your OWLs to ascend to a Lordship, there is no formally written law anywhere - Wizengamot or otherwise - that says you have to pass your OWLs. And since you're not the Potter Heir, it will be easier for you to…cut ties with House Potter and become Lord Wilkes."

"Oh trust me," snarled Harry. "It will be easy to let go of James and the Potter name, that I swear."

"Good." Tom nodded sharply. "I will of course aid you in the steps to your ascension so the process is as expedited as possible. If we're focused, you should have your Lordship by the end of your Third Year."

"Does…does mum have that long?"

"We will ensure that she has that long, all three of us." Severus' tone was firmly resolute. "Remember, Hestia survived for eleven years before the magic of the curse claimed her life, and she didn't have the resources that we do to aid her. We will do everything in our power to ensure Lily's health and well-being. Trust me." Harry nodded before thanking his uncle in all but blood.

Once more, the three Slytherins sat in much more comfortable silence before Tom asked Severus what he'd wanted to speak with him about prior to the night's events.

"Oh yes, I'd almost forgotten." Snape set his teacup down. "There was an incident in Hogwarts during All Hallows Eve that was most vexing. To summarize, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened," said Severus calmly. "Enemies of the Heir beware. Also, 'Gryffindors Gruel'." To both he and Harry's shock, they watched Tom grow uncharacteristically pale as his eyes widened.

"Well. Shit."

Snape could only stare as he watched Tom down a second shot of Blishen's as his pallor slowly returned to normal.

"Well," said Tom quietly, "I certainly wasn't expecting to hear that." He banished the Firewhiskey away.

"Bloody hell, I don't doubt that at all! I didn't even think you knew what Firewhiskey was," said Harry cheekily. Tom chuckled sardonically, though he didn't disagree.

"So based on your uncharacteristic reaction, I assume you know what that cryptic little message means?" Tom's expression became perfectly blank, surprising Severus.

"I can neither confirm nor deny that I know what 'that cryptic little message' refers to within the context of the Chamber of Secrets or aforementioned 'Enemies of the Heir'. Severus blinked. 'Secrecy Oath then.'

"Tom…not to be too blunt, but whatever... magical apparatus that is contained in that chamber left Mrs. Norris petrified." Tom became like stone. "It took using some of Professor Lockhart's mandrake elixir to restore her back to normal. Whatever it is, it's dangerous. Whomever is behind it, is just as dangerous. We cannot risk the latter releasing the former back into the halls of Hogwarts. Students' lives could be in danger, and even if we had barrels overflowing with mandrake elixir, that is not a risk we should be willing to take!" Severus took a calming breath. "Now, I will ask again: what is the Chamber of Secrets and Enemies of the Heir nonsense all about?!" Tom quirked at a brow at his friend's volume, before lightly sagging.

"All…all I am able to tell you about either matter is that both are real, and both are connected to Salazar Slytherin. I can neither confirm nor deny that the 'Heir of Slytherin' is a sobriquet that can be utilized by a Slytherin descendant as a means to…accessing the secrets of the Founder's Chamber."

"Tom…while I understand Secrecy Oaths - for whatever unfathomable reason - may be at play here, playing discovery theater regarding a matter this serious is completely uncalled for!" Harry's eyes widened as he looked back and forth between his two uncles as they argued (something both rarely did, especially in front of him). Merlin's sake, you're a Level Seven Occlumens and Legilimens, is there no tangible way you can bypass these oaths and just tell us what we need to know?!" Tom's expression blanked as he prepared a second cup of tea, seemingly ignoring Severus' outraged outburst.

"I can't tell you any more than I already have Severus." Snape made to angrily interrupt but he paused as Tom raised an elegant hand in silence. "Please. I want to tell you, but I can't!"

"And just why the hell not?!"

"Because I'm not the bloody Secret Keeper!"

AN 1: To clarify, a family grimoire is not code for an Anathema Codex. In AD it's really just a family book that catalogues any spells, anecdotes, photos, recipes, etc. that a family wants to preserve. They are more commonly found in pureblood families.

AN 2: I also wanted Harry to have some different motivation to claim the Wilkes Seat. He's quite the adorably protective mama's boy, so this seemed a good enough reason.

AN 3: I wanted Jim to receive Nemo's Occlumency text after this event, because his brainwashing and increased violent tendencies will be commensurate to the stress that he will be under. More on that later.

AN 4: Hecuba is Cormac's third cousin in AD.