WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF DEATH, BLOOD, TRAUMA AND ABUSE

Wednesday, December 25th:

Although it was supposed to be a festive and joyful occasion, everything felt grim to Artemis.

The cold and harsh weather didn't faze her, but the same couldn't be said for the lies she felt her mother had been telling her for years.

Everyone had been staying at the Seramore manor: Septrim, Blaise, Draco, Ophelia, Elijah and Klaus. Sapphire wasn't in attendance, but she sent many presents to make up for it as did Marcel.

When the Mikaelsons met Draco he was extremely standoffish, doing anything to not be around them. He didn't want to be in their company, to say the least. But the two brothers decided not to push him.

Draco stayed by his girlfriend's side over the last couple of days. Artemis had barely spoken to her mother, as she felt extremely uncomfortable around her, which was noticeable but Celeste blamed it on hormones.

The couple also informed Blaise about Artemis's realisation and the boy immediately believe his cousin.

Artemis simply didn't want to leave her room, due to wanting to ignore everyone around her, but it was hard to do with a house full of guests. She, fortunately, didn't have any nightmares. Daphne even wrote to her many times to remind her to burn sage which she did, even though it gained some curious looks from the various adults in the house.

Even Blaise and Draco were confused but refused to ask why she was doing what she did. They both knew that it was a sensitive time for the witch and just chose to support her, whether it was sleeping alongside her in her room, or making excuses for her as to why she wasn't present.

This Christmas was going to be as cold as the ice forming outside, although it was uncertain who was going to get shocked by the frosty news to come.

***

ARTEMIS'S ROOM:

As Artemis had finished getting ready, she turned to her boyfriend, who was already staring at her.

Draco couldn't take his eyes off of her, even when she wasn't in the room, his eyes always seemed to move to the door, almost like he was waiting for her to make her presence known.

He shuffled off the bed and stood in front of her with a wide smile.

"What's wrong?" he asked, after seeing her tense expression.

She pondered before responding, "I'm asking mum tonight."

His eyes widened briefly, "During dinner?"

"What, you think I should pick another time?" Artemis didn't want to keep her emotions bottled up anymore, she simply couldn't. She felt like they had been bubbling for a while and they were soon going to boil over and attack everyone in her vicinity.

Her father's death not only shaped her but changed her completely and she just wanted answers.

Draco cupped her face and traced her cheekbones with his thumbs, "Do what you want darling, I support you." he promised, staring into her pools of brown.

His words wrapped around her heart and squeezed it. Her feelings for him continued to grow, to the point she just smiled every time he was near.

"Thank you," she murmured and rested her head on his chest before he encircled his arms around her waist.

"You don't ever have to thank me." he muttered against the top of her head, squeezing her sides 3 times, to which she instantly returned the gesture.

They stood in a comfortable silence, attempting to calm themselves before dinner was ready. The day had gone as smoothly as possible; presents were opened and various jokes were shared, but Artemis's sullen mood didn't go unnoticed, especially not by Septrim, who felt like something would happen later tonight, he just didn't know what.

The couple were so wrapped up in each other they failed to notice the appearance of the small house-elf, who stood awkwardly by the door,  "Mistress Artemis and Master Draco it's almost time to eat." her croaky voice caused them to snap their heads towards her.

"We'll be down soon," Artemis replied softly. She had missed Binky a lot and felt as if it had been far too long since they had spent any time together.

Binky had practically been another childhood friend of hers.

Draco stared at the big-eyed creature, as his fingers rubbed over the curve of Artemis's back, "Hello Binky."

The house elf's lob-sided smile widened, "Master Draco, it's good to see you." she spoke, rocking on her bare heels.

Being around Binky had constantly reminded Draco of Dobby and how it was unlikely he would never see him again, something he would blame on Harry for the rest of their lives.

Throughout Draco's childhood, Binky was someone that cared for him, almost as much as his mother. He just hoped the house-elf was alright, even though he would never admit that he missed him aloud, out of fear his father would scold him.

He just wished he would see Dobby again.

***

SERAMORE CORRIDOR:

The platinum-haired boy was sorting out his hair in the middle of the hallway after Artemis had been tugging on it only a few minutes prior. He didn't mind of course, especially because of the moment they shared.

"It still looks fine," Artemis couldn't contain her smirk, before she combed her fingers through, resulting in him letting out a satisfied sigh.

"My scalp is sore, thanks for that."

A ghost of a grin tugged at his lips at the thought, but his content mood deflated the moment he caught two looming figures standing behind them. Klaus and Elijah stared at them from the mirror, with expectant expressions.

Draco stiffened at their presence. He was still coming to terms with the fact they were immortal beings and had been for 1000 years. He was hoping to never meet them, but their union was inevitable, considering that they were not going anywhere.

Artemis had become fond of them, after all, they had been in her life for over 2 years. Klaus had bothered to make an effort with her, written to her, took interest in her interests, they had even become... close, but she still couldn't help but think she was betraying her father's memory.

Elijah decided to speak up first, noticing his cold stare, "Draco —"

"I'm coming." Draco quickly cut him off and went to the dining room, leaving Artemis with the two originals.

The witch was extremely amused.

"He doesn't like us very much," Klaus commented, wanting to roll his eyes but he knew his brother would scold him for doing so.

Artemis hummed, "I still don't." she said chuckling, before walking off.

The Mikaelsons couldn't help but smile at her playful tone, aware that she fibbing, "Come on brother." Elijah spoke up, tugging his brother to join the rest of the family.

Tonight would be eventful.

***

DINING ROOM:

The dining room table was packed to the prim, plates were full and stomachs were stuffed.

The smell of the well-seasoned food engulfed the atmosphere, causing everyone to crave more and more.

Klaus and Septrim sat at the heads of the table, the teens sat on one side, whilst the adults sat on the other.

So far the meal was going great, provided that Artemis wasn't speaking as much as usual, she kept her eyes on her food and occasionally glanced at her gleeful mother, who continued giggling at the things that Klaus said to her.

Septrim had just finished another batch of pigs and blankets before he turned to Blaise, "I'm surprised, I haven't been presented with any great grand babies yet." his voice was very loud, due to the gin he had been consuming.

Everyone turned to him, some in amusement and the others in disapproval.

Ophelia sent him a harsh glare, "Septrim."

Celeste shook her head at him, "Dad." she said, pursing her lips. She never used to call him father, but after she married his son it become normal for them both.

"What?" Septrim shrugged, then turned back to the Zabini wizard, "Blaise."

"Maybe soon." the boy mumbled teasingly.

Blaise has been itching to use the floo system and go and see his fiancé, even though he did it last night,  he just wanted to be around daphne.

"What?" his mother's jaw was on the floor,  however, the teenagers struggled to keep their laughter in, just like the Mikaelsons.

Blaise looked down at his plate, "Nothing mum."

Elijah ran his hand over Ophelia's back, trying to calm her down, knowing that she didn't take what her son said with a pinch of salt.

They all soon went back to their previous discussions, whenever they were not eating or drinking.

It seemed like the food was neverending, but sadly neither was Artemis' bubbling irritation. She hadn't touched her plate in a while, Draco seemed to notice and tried to encourage her to eat, but she didn't care for his attempts.

She was too busy focusing on what to say, how to say it and how to keep her emotions from exploding across the table.

As the Christmas crackers were broken and wisecracks were told, Celeste started to become worried about her child, noticing how she barely spoke during the meal, other than the occasional comment to the two wizards who sat on either side of her.

"Arty, are you alright baby?" She questioned her child quietly.

Artemis bit back a snarky comment, "No." she answered truthfully, attracting Draco's attention, who placed his arm comfortably around the back of her chair.

Celeste's brows furrowed in confusion, "Is it the food-"

"The food is fine," Artemis answered, slowly raising her head to meet her mother's concerned gaze.

"Then what's wrong?"

By now everyone's listening, watching the seemingly tense interaction.

Artemis inhaled sharply, "I don't like the liars." she stated, not looking away from her mother. The other supernaturals exchanged confused glances.

"Who's lying to you?"

"You. Mother."

Celeste shifted in her seat, Klaus grabbed her hand that sat on the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Let's not talk about this here." she said, eyeing her child sceptically.

Artemis blinked harshly, "No let's-"

Ophelia shot her niece a disapproving look, "AJ listen to your mother-"

"So she can tell me more lies?" Artemis snapped, taking them all by surprise. She felt guilty for sounding so disrespectful, but she just wanted the pounding in her head to stop as well as the uncertainty of her nightmares.

She just wanted it all to stop.

"I have never lied to you," Celeste spoke in a hushed tone.

The adults in the room all knew she was being dishonest, but they kept their mouths shut.

"You have aunt Celly," Blaise muttered, then winced when he received a glare from his mother.

Ophelia shook her head at her son, "Blaise stop."

"You've been lying ever since it happened," Artemis angrily huffed out.

Celeste snapped her eyes shut, "What happened?" she asked quietly, as she already knew the answer.

"The night my father was killed."

***

The entire room stilled, even the chandelier stopped its gentle swinging. Artemis's words caught a few off their guard, but soon the adults knew exactly what she was talking about.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Celeste rushed out, struggling to even make eye contact with her daughter.

She honestly wished that they had taken the discussion into a different room.

Artemis chuckled humourlessly, "Oh you know the night the dark Lord killed my father and then you took my memories away."

The twins shared a look, one worried the other scared.

Celeste stiffly shook her head, "Why would I do that?"

"That's what I would like to know... liar."

She slammed her hand on the table, startling them all, "Don't speak to me like that," she gritted, "You are my child and I am your mother."

"Then stop lying to me." Everyone heard the way Artemis's voice cracked. Both Draco and Blaise shuffled closer to her, making sure she was aware that they were there for her.

Draco exchanged a cautious look with Klaus, "Darling-" the wizard went to calm her but she shrugged off his hand.

She continued to stare at her teary-eyed mother.

"Why don't you just say that it was the Dark lord who murdered my father and that I witness it all?" Artemis croaked out, breathing heavily to stop the tears that were trying to escape her eyes.

Septrim scoffed, "Voldemort didn't kill your father Artemis." his words caused her to snap her head towards him, as did everyone else.

'Voldemort' wasn't a name that one could say so carelessly. Barely anyone spoke his name aloud, out of fear of him, his supporters and what he stood for.

Blaise eyed the older wizard in disdain and Artemis did the same, "Why do you always defend him?" she asked and thought back to the last summer she spent with him. He was too quick to jump to his defence back then. She decided to let that go, but she couldn't now.

Septrim brought his glass up to his lips, "Because he didn't kill him. Honestly they spread too many lies at that school." and with that, he downed the rest of his gin.

"Not now Septrim," Ophelia said then, giving him a knowing look, she didn't need anything else to come out, it was neither the time nor the place in her eyes.

Now all eyes were on the Seramore Patriarch.

Artemis slumped back in her chair, "Great more lies." she threw her arms up in annoyance. She sounded more hurt than angry.

"Artemis-" Klaus attempted to calm her but it was futile.

"Just tell me what's happened." Artemis's eyes darted between all the adults in the room, knowing that they had the answers to several things, "Please, he was my father. I just want to know why someone killed him and why I still get tormented about It in my nightmares?" she blurted out.

"Nightmares?" Blaise and Draco questioned her, alarmed by her proclamation and it seemed so was everyone else.

"Every night on the day he died. I dreamed about him, rotting and bleeding out in the snow."

"Bloody hell," Klaus muttered and received a glare from his brother.

"Why didn't you tell us, darling?" Draco asked, feeling nothing but guilt for not knowing as well as not helping her.

Blaise stared at his cousin sadden by the pain she experienced, but he did not doubt that his fiance knew as well.

"Because it's not your burden to bear," Artemis replied quietly.

"It's not yours either." Her cousin whispered, grabbing her hand.

More guilt coursed through Celeste's viens, "Arty-"

"Tell me what happened to my father," she pressed on, looking at her grandfather, "why didn't the Dark Lord kill him like everyone says he did?"

"She doesn't need this Septrim," Ophelia stated, she hated disorder and everything tonight felt out of place.

She felt Elijah squeeze her hand. The Mikaelson man continued to shared looks with his brother, neither felt like it was their place to speak.

Artemis didn't bother to look at her aunt, her eyes stayed on her grandfather, "Yes I do."

"Celeste," Septrim turned to her and the older Zabini twin nodded timidly.

"You can tell her Septrim," her voice was shaky, which caused her partner to hold her hand tighter, "She deserves to know."

"Okay." He cleared his throat, ready to unload over 40 years of knowledge onto them. "Well to tell you why I have to tell you everything that happened during my school years."

"Why?" Blaise wondered.

"Because Voldemort and I went to school together." he stared down at his empty glass, before continuing, "We were practically best friends."

"What?" The teens said in unison, looking at him in shock, meanwhile, the witches stayed silent, staring down at their plates as they heard the information.

"He was known as Tom Marvolo Riddle back then."

"T.M.R," Artemis quickly deduced, remembering the initials written on the wall of ghosts, "he was in Mente Striae."

Septrim nodded slowly, "He was."

Draco's mouth fell agape, "You let him in?" a shiver ran down his spine at the thought.

"I did."

Blaise frowned, "Why?"

"As I said we were close. Well, we kept each other at arm's length, knowing we could never truly trust the other." Septrim spoke reminiscently, "I could only trust my best friend; Abraxas Malfoy." He said looking at the joined hands between the teenage couple.

"He mentioned you a lot, the last time I saw him," Draco murmured, recalling that it had been years since he had seen his grandfather. Abraxas sometimes seemed to be nicer and much more caring than his own father.

"Good ol' Braxy." Septrim let out a breathy chuckle, "He was my true friend. But Tom was something else," he stared around the room, taking in their anticipated expressions, "We were too similar." Merlin, I need another drink.

"Then how did you not turn out like him, if you don't mind me asking?" Elijah thought aloud, fully emerging in the story.

"No, it's alright." Septrim waved him off, before he responded, "I always knew my limits. My ambition had bounds but his never did."

"Why didn't you stop him?"

"Trying to stop a mad man is redundant." septrim stated, shaking his head, "It's like an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force."

Elijah nodded in agreement, shooting his brother a look, only to revive an eye roll in response.

"But only one thing could stop that I guess," Septrim's ominous words caused perplexity to spread across the room.

"What?" Klaus questioned first, he leaned closer, still squeezing his partner's hand, even wiping away a stray tear that trickled down her cheek before anyone else could notice, but of course, Septrim did.

"Love," Septrim answered, staring between the two with fondness in his eyes, remembering how similar she had been with his son.

The teens gasped, initially believing that he was lying until they saw the sincerity on his face.

Klaus raised his brows questionably, "He was in love?"

"As close to the feeling he could grasp."

Draco blinked back his initial shock, "And who were they?"

"They were the reason I stopped celebrating my birthday," Septrim stated sadly.

Blaise choked on air, gaining everyone's attention, "Merlin's beard."

"What is it Blaisy?" Ophelia asked, catching the realisation dawn on her son's face before she gestured for her niece to pat his back, which she did quickly.

"Was her name Nova?" the young wizard asked timidly.

Septrim narrowed his eyes onto him, trying to recover from the guilt he felt hearing her name after decades.

"How did you know that name?"

Not even the twins knew about his old friend, they only knew parts of the story.

Blaise nervously played with his ring-clad fingers. Usually, he would be able to make a joke to pull him out of his anxious state, but he knew now wasn't the time, "You mentioned her when you were drunk a few years ago. You said that you missed her and what happened to her was awful and before I could ask anything else you told me to go to sleep."

Septrim hummed in acknowledgement, vaguely remembering parts of that night.

Artemis could see feel his inner turmoil, "What happened to her?"

Septrim clenched onto his glass, "She was killed," he admitted for the first time in years, he wished he could take the words back, not wanting to speak them in existence, he had to, no matter if it hurt him, "Just like your father, tortured until she bled out."

Everyone looked away, trying to digest his dreadful words.

The tense atmosphere only seems to grow.

"Why would anyone do that to her?" Artemis dared to ask, trying to deal with the fact that it must have been the same person who murdered her father. It can't be a coincidence.

"Because she loved Tom."

"That doesn't explain why you don't celebrate your birthday," Draco stated absentmindedly, earning a few pointed looks.

Septrim winced at the statement and then replied, "Because she died on my birthday."

Draco tilted his head, "She was killed on your birthday?"

"Was it Tom Riddle?" Artemis inquired.

"Surprisingly he never laid a hand on Nova." Septrim struggled to continue, "As I said, what he felt for Nova, was as close to love." he explained, "He didn't hurt her. They were even going to get married."

"Damn," Blaise murmured.

Elijah pondered for a moment, "forgive me for asking, but why did someone choose to take her life on your birthday?"

"Sounds awfully convenient," Klaus stated.

"It was." Septum nodded in agreement, "Someone wanted to frame me because they wanted Tom to think it was me." he added bitterly.

Artemis raised a questioning brow, "But he didn't right? Or he would've killed you."

"Correct," Septrim paused for a moment, he needed to recollect himself, "Tom knew it wasn't me who killed her. And even if he didn't believe me, he couldn't hurt me."

Blaise suppressed a smile, "Was he in love with you or something?" he asked and received disapproving looks from his mother and aunt.

"Valid question to be fair," Klaus muttered, then grunted when Celeste elbowed his stomach.

"It is." Draco and Artemis added simultaneously.

Septrim let a small chuckle escape his lips, "He wasn't in love with me. But we had a bond, which was strengthened with a vow."

Blaise sucked in a deep breath, "Wedding-"

"Blaise." The twins scolded, making him raise his hand in defence. The Mikaelsons quickly exchanged amused looks.

Septrim rolled his eyes at the boy, "An unbreakable vow."

"What?" Artemis knew that they were more sacred than everything.

"Two unbreakable vows" Septrim reiterated.

"Two?" Draco and Blaise gasped.

"Could someone explain what an unbreakable vow is?" Elijah asked. The term was unfamiliar to him.

"Long story short, it's a vow, three parties are involved. Two are making the vow and the other is the bonding agent as they hold their right hands together. Don't ask why it's the right hands it just is." Blaise explained quickly, rushing out his words because he was eager to get back to the story. "Person one states terms, person two has to agree. When they do, person three holds their wand to their hands, which supports the vow, making it unbreakable. And if someone breaks their vow they would die." He finished with a huff

"Drink," Draco told him, then held up a glass of water.

"Thank you, Blaise." Elijah shot the boy an appreciative look as he tried to hold back his smile.

"Try to breathe," Klaus added with a teasing smile, to which he even gained a small one from his partner, although they both knew it wouldn't last for long.

"Continue, please." Elijah gestured for the Seramore Patriach to resume the story.

Septrim cleared his throat, "I made Tom do an unbreakable vow on his birthday, well it was the day he celebrated it."

"The 21st," Artemis remarked.

"Yes."

"So he was the wizard who celebrated his birthday 10 days before the actual day?" she questioned.

"How did you know?"

Artemis sighed, "Dumbledore."

Septrim glared at the mention of the wizard, "Prick."

"Agreed."

Klaus's eyes darted between the two, "Why did he celebrate 10 days earlier?"

"Because he was always an attention whore." Septrim confirmed his suspicions.

Before the hybrid could respond, Artemis spoke up, "What was the vow?"

Septrim looked around at his family, "That he was not allowed to harm anyone that had Seramore blood running through their veins."

"Wow," Blaise muttered, before continuing to drink his water.

To say Artemis was stunned was an understatement, "There is no way he agreed to that."

"Not when he was incredibly drunk." Septrim avoided the stares he received and clenched his glass harder, wishing he could go and get another one. Where is binky when you need her?

"Wait, you got him drunk?"

Septrim hesitantly turned his gaze to her, "I'm not proud of myself but I had to do it for our family."

"And what was the vow he made you do?"

He sighed, "That I have to stay out of his way."

Draco scoffed, "That's it?"

Klaus agreed with the young wizard, "For someone so dark, he's not that smart." I could do better than that.

"I know right."

"And you just did that vow?" Artemis asked incredulously. She knew that her grandfather was just as stubborn as her, so there had to be a catch.

Septrim shifted, "He threatened the life of my best friend so, of course, I did."

Draco tensed, "Oh."

Blaise cocked his head to the side, staring directly at Septrim, "If Tom Riddle did the vow..."

Artemis caught on to what he was saying, "Then he didn't kill my father, but who did?"

And with that Septrim uttered something that stunned the teens.

"Dumbledore."

***

"Dumbledore?" Artemis practically screeched, whereas Draco seemed extremely disgusted.

"That bitch." Blaise spat.

Ophelia tutted, "Blaise." she scolded him, only to be ignored as her son felt anger coursing through his viens.

"It's a necessary response aunty," Draco pointed out, seeming his reaction was plausible.

Artemis glanced at her grandfather, "Why?" her body trembled with fear. She couldn't believe that she had been going to school with the man. He even tried to comfort her on many occasions.

What the actual fuck?

Celeste spoke up, "I don't know." her voice sounded strained and coarse, almost as if she had been crying for hours.

Artemis turned back to her mother with a pleading expression, "Mum."

"Art-"

"Please just tell me what happened that night," she begged, something she never did. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Celeste's bottom lip quivered, "Everything will change baby."

"I'm okay with that."

They all knew she wasn't.

"Are you?"

Artemis gulped and harshly wiped the tear that fell, "No, but I need to know."

"Fine."

Klaus shuffled closer to his partner, knowing she would need as much support as possible. He didn't let go of her hand, nor would he let her, because she needed someone to lean on.

Celeste let out a breathy sigh and glanced around the room before her gaze settled on her daughter again, "But you need to know that I was-" she cut herself off and covered her mouth.

"What?" Artemis waited expectantly for an answer.

Her mother choked back a sob, "I can't." she shook her head, turning away from her daughter.

"Mum?"

Ophelia quickly came to her twin's aid, "your mother was pregnant at the time." she exclaimed, receiving 3 pairs of shocked eyes.

Klaus pulled Celeste closer to him, he felt her tremble and stiffen at her sister's words. Elijah shot the distressed witch a sad look.

The brothers were extremely worried and also didn't think this was the most appropriate time to be revealing this.

Artemis's jaw was on the floor, "What?"

"Aunt Celly, is that true?" Draco inquired.

"Yes." Celeste mustered up the courage to respond.

A chilling silence overtook them all. Was pregnant. But the three heirs never saw the pregnancy or the child, which only meant one terrible thing.

Blaise awkwardly glanced around before asking, "Did you, um lose the-"

"Yes." Celeste blinked back the tears that clung to her eyelashes, "The grief was too strong." she refused to look up from her lap.

Artemis was scared to ask her next question, "You lost a baby," she paused, coming to terms with what has been disclosed, "you lost my sibling because of what happened?"

"I did."

"How far along were you?" she wondered, never remembering her mother with a baby bump, but then again her memory was taken from her.

"4 months. You were going to have a baby brother." Celeste tried to smile but she couldn't, she had no energy left. All the memories that were resurfacing from those dark months were heartbreaking.

She had lost a child, a baby boy. Apollo Seramore. He would never know what it would be like to love, grow and feel protected. Something that she hated to think about, she often tried not to... until tonight.

Artemis bit down on her bottom lip to stop the cries from spilling.

"Do you want me to go on?" her mother questioned, still keeping her gaze on her lap.

"If you can." Artemis felt Draco wipe a tear from her cheek, whilst Blaise placed an arm on the back of her seat.

"Okay," Celeste sighed, she reluctantly continued, "before Ezekiel left for his trip he stared at me like he knew this was the last time he would see me."

"Why?"

Her heart ached at the mere thought of her husband, "Because your father was an intelligent man, he discovered many things and helped many people."

Septrim nodded along, staring ahead at nothing in particular, "My boy had discovered that Sirius black had been wrongfully imprisoned."

Artemis slowly turned to look at him, "How?"

Celeste inhaled deeply, "He was framed by Peter-"

"The rat." Ophelia gritted out.

"Pettigrew."

Artemis stilled at the mention of the traitor, "The one who killed Cedric." she spoke in a mere whisper, although her anger shone through.

"That bastard," Blaise muttered, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Draco glowered, "So my second cousin was in prison because of him?" he had never met the man and although he was banished from the house of Black, Draco hated the idea that his blood was framed by a Gryffindor.

The Mikaelsons were confused as to how big Draco's family tree was.

"Yes." Septrim confirmed, "Ezekiel had found that out, along with the fact that Harry Potter was being abused by his aunt and uncle and Dumbledore had just left him there."

Draco hated Harry, but he actually felt a level of sympathy for him.

Elijah spoke up after shuffling closer to his partner, feeling the rage emmit off of her, "why put him there if he knew that he was going to be neglected and ridiculed?"

"I'm assuming it was all due to a greater plan." Klaus said in a 'matter of fact tone.

Septrim hummed in agreement, "correct but Zeke didn't know that and none of us do now, but somehow Dumbledore discovered that my son knew what had been going on."

"He was going to help get Sirius out of prison then place Harry with him," Celeste added sadly.

"Why?" Klaus glanced down at his partner.

"Because he's Harry's godfather."

Blaise was certain that he had heard something about that from Theo, although he was unsure how Theo knew about that.

Septrim carried on, after noticing how much his daughter-in-law was struggling, "He was also going to tell another mutual wizard about it all...."

Something dawned on Artemis, "Lupin?"

"Yes, the wolf-wizard."

And with that Klaus's attention was solely on Septrim.

"How is that possible?" Elijah was amazed by the wizarding world, each day he learned something new.

Klaus scrunched up his face, "Surely he can't have both."

"Magic is a powerful thing, after all, you two are sat here centuries after you were born," Septrim stated, holding his available hand out and gesturing to the originals.

"Touché."

"He was going to tell Lupin to help him, but he was intercepted by Dumbledore."

Artemis's eyes started to tear up again, "He killed him to silence him."

"Presumably."

"We still don't know," Ophelia said solemnly.

Artemis gasped, "So I've been around my father's murderer this entire time?" regardless of any prior issues she had against the man, any discrepancies she held against him, this took the bloody cake.

Blaise and Draco both exchanged a bitter look.

"We still haven't proven anything."

Artemis tearfully looked at her aunt, "But you are certain."

"Very."

"B-but, what happen that night?" Artemis struggled to even ask, but she needed to.

All eyes slowly turned to Celeste, who still hadn't looked up from her lap.

She began to speak, "You told me you couldn't sleep baby, you couldn't sleep because you were so happy that your dad was coming home," she paused, "But I fell asleep, I had Binky keep an eye on you." thank merlin for binky, she thought, "You managed to tiptoe out the house."

"And that's where I found him," Artemis forced back her tears, "drowning in his own blood."

The teens looked away from the adults, coming to terms with everything that had been told, although the feeling of distrust spread throughout them.

Celeste continued, although her daughter's words felt like knives dancing against her skin, "I heard your scream, it was piercing. I woke up and rushed out of the house. Binky came with me and we saw you standing there frozen in fear as you looked down at father."

"But I wasn't alone."

"What?" Septrim snapped his eyes over to his granddaughter and for the first time in a while, Celeste looked up.

Artemis felt all eyes on her.

"I saw someone that night, I don't know who or what, but I saw someone." she explained, " a black robe and pale skin."

Blaise thought it described a half dozen of the wizarding world.

Septrim clenched his fist, "Dumbledore."

All this time Artemis thought it was Voldemort, it would've made more sense if it did in her eyes. Voldemort was the enemy, the dark lord, oh wrong she was.

"Then what else happened?" Artemis pressed on, even though her heart clenched at the thought.

Celeste gulped, "I rushed you away and back into the house..."Klaus brought Celeste's hand up to his lips and pressed an encouraging kiss to it, it brought her the tiniest bit of solace.

"She called me," Ophelia felt the betrayed expressions from the teens settle on her, "AJ your mother couldn't cope. She lost your brother and your father in the space of a few days," she wanted nothing more than to whisk her twin away, but everything seemed to come out tonight... well not everything, "You wouldn't sleep or eat. You barely spoke. Neither of you was okay."

"I was grieving," Artemis stressed angrily.

Tears flooded Celeste's face, "I know I'm sorry that I-"

"Removed my memories?" Artemis laugh bitterly and tearfully.

"I had to." each time Celeste recalled those nights, where both she and her child struggled, she broke down and cried. She never wanted to think about them again.

Artemis's harsh gaze didn't waver from her mother, "I would've been fine if you didn't."

"Artemis-" Septrim tried to reach for her, but Blaise shook his head.

"For years I haven't been to express my emotions," Artemis dropped her boyfriend's hand and ran her own across her face.

Celeste's cries turned to sobs, "I'm sorry baby."

"Mum I can't even say that I love- I can't even say it and I haven't since he died." her daughter screamed painfully. Artemis hung her head as tears continued to fall from her eyes. Damn them all.

"Darling let's go." Draco instantly ushered her up, not wanting her to stay in this environment any longer.

"Perhaps we should get some air," Elijah went to mirror his actions, as did his brother, but they all were stopped by a voice.

"No." Blaise snapped, staring directly at his mother, the same way his cousin looked at hers.

"Blaise let's go, mate." Klaus tried to encourage him, but he was ignored.

Blaise's eyes didn't leave his mother's, "Mum."

Ophelia knew what was coming, but still, she refused to stare at her son, "Yes Blaisy."

"Be honest" Blaise spoke unnervingly calm, "have you ever taken my memories?" he dared to ask.

"Blaise-"

"Be honest." he tried to not raise his voice, he was struggling not to.

Elijah shot him a look, "Blaise".

"Tell me the truth," he repeated, ignoring everything around him, he just focused on the guilty expression on his mother's face.

Ophelia knew there was no way out of this, so she tiredly sighed before confirming his suspicions.

"I have."

***

The atmosphere in the dining room worsened, growing more suffocating as the truth spilt and caused more cracks in relationships.

Artemis had already been pulled to her boyfriend's chest, she refused to sit back down, too overcome with years worth of repressed emotions to stop sobbing.

Celeste felt broken and no touch from her partner could put her back together. The deafening truth sobered Septrim up, almost making him see how tired and hurt his family truly was.

Ophelia was still refusing to look at her son, scared of the judgement in his eyes. His beautiful brown eyes.

Blaise kept his gaze on her and ignored all of Elijah's soothing words, "You have? You've taken my memories for what reason?" his tone was low and tense.

"It's much more complicated than y-you think." she stammered. Nerves overtook her now fragile frame.

Never has anyone seen the Zabini twins in such a vulnerable state, well no one other than their close friends. They almost looked unrecognisable to their children and godchildren.

"Just tell me." Blaise insisted, trying to maintain his confidence, although each word he spoke, only emphasised his breaking voice, "Arty got to know, I want to know to."

"I don't want to hurt you." his mother's chest grew more constricted.

"You lying to me has already hurt me." Blaise unintentionally snapped, startling everyone. Through his peripheral, he could see his godbrother come closer and place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Septrim sighed, "He deserves to know." he said to no one in particular.

Ophelia scoffed and wiped away a tear, "Shut up Septrim."

Blaise let out a humourless chuckle, his eyes darted between all the adults in the room, "So everyone knows things apart from us, great."

"Fine, I'll tell you but I was doing it to protect you." Ophelia managed to finally look at her son, she flinched at the betrayed glint in his eyes.

"Go on."

Ophelia sucked in a deep breath before she started, "The first time I did it was when your father passed."

"The first? You mean you've done it more than once," he raised his voice, enough to make her mother recoil in her stance.

He ignored the stern look from Elijah. Blaise wasn't trying to scare his mother, he was only hurt and expressing himself.

Even Artemis and Draco gasped at the fact his memories had been removed multiple times.

Ophelia felt her partner take hold of her shaking hands, "To protect you." she whispered.

"Sure."

"Blaise listen," Elijah advised after hearing his attitude.

Ophelia huffed quietly, "the reason why he passed was-"

"Because of you." The teens said simultaneously.

"Yes, it was because of me. But only because he wasn't nice to you," she emphasised each word, attempting to make her son understand.

In all honesty, she was putting it nicely, but judging from the sceptical expression on his face, he didn't comprehend.

Confusion furrowed Blaise's brows, "You killed him because he was mean, Is that it?"

All the adults shared a knowing look, Elijah decided to take the reigns, "What your mother is trying to say, is that he hurt you." he said, looking visibly angry.

Blaise's breath hitched and he shifted backwards in his chair.

Artemis and Draco both turned to look at all the adults in the room, noticing how they all looked as disheartened and deflated as them.

Ophelia shakily continued, "And he hurt me as well, but it was always you that he went for and took his anger out on. And I wouldn't let anyone hurt my child, so I had to get rid of him." Guilt swam in her eyes when she looked at him and it only grew when her son's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.

Blaise's bottom lip quivered, "My own father, he hurt me?" he uttered in a whisper. His mother's words felt like a fist gripping his heart, squeezing so tightly that bruises would remain as a reminder.

Klaus knew exactly what that felt like, being beaten by a man that was only supposed to love and protect him. How someone can hurt a child is despicable. He felt bad for the poor boy.

Artemis went to reach for her cousin's hand, but he shrugged her off, unintentionally but he didn't want to be touched right now.

Blaise blinked back his tears, before asking one more thing, "And the rest? Did they do the same thing?"

When Ophelia nodded timidly, Blaise couldn't listen anymore, his chair scraped against the floor and he was out the door before anyone could stop him.

****

SERAMORE GARDEN:

Draco found Artemis outside in the cold, staring out into the snow-covered forest. She was numb to the icy weather, she barely even shivered, but that didn't stop him from wrapping his arms around her, even though she tried to push him away, her tears rendered her weak.

Everyone had dispersed after the harsh revelations.

Who knew that the joyful season would turn so... miserable?

The couple failed to notice a certain Mikaelson brother appear behind them until he cleared his throat.

Draco sighed when he saw Klaus standing there and Artemis was too tired even to move.

"Can I speak to Artemis?" The original asked.

Draco huffed, "No-"

"I'll find you later," Artemis cut him off, "I promise."

Draco stiffly nodded, then placed a kiss on her forehead, before he strolled straight past the hybrid, shooting him a glare as he hesitantly walked back into the house, to go and check on Blaise.

Klaus stalked closer to the witch, who had turned her teary gaze back onto the forest. He stood next to her, removing his suit jacket and slowly placing it over her shoulders, concealing her from the cold.

He didn't want to say anything yet, knowing that she would speak whenever she wanted to.

Before leaving the dining room, he didn't want to let Celeste go, but they both agreed that it should be him to go and check on Artemis, whilst Elijah went to go and find blaise.

Artemis believed if she was allowed her memories, she would've been able to express her emotions more, instead of keeping everything bottled up. She understood why her mother did it, but she still couldn't help but resent her for it.

Artemis still couldn't comprehend that she would've also been an older sister as well.

"Death sounds so easy, you know?"

Her voice caused Klaus to snap his head towards her and immediately tense.

"Don't worry I won't kill myself, I would miss myself too much," she added feeling his gaze on her.

"Nor would anyone let you do something as final as that," he said sternly. The witch was a large part of his life and had been for the past 2 years.

He was more than protective over her, he felt like it was his responsibility to look after her, just as he did with her mother.

Their families had practically merged whether they liked it or not.

Artemis tiredly nodded, "I know, I'm just tired and I don't know how I'm supposed to talk to my mother or aunt after this."

"You will," he promised. He saw both sides of their stories and although it seemed like the mothers were in the wrong, it was more than just black and white.

"I know, but I doubt it will ever be the same."

"A mother's love is a powerful thing, I would know." after all, it was his mother who turned him and his siblings into vampires out of protection and love, due to not being able to cope with the possibility of losing another child before their time.

"My father died only a few miles from here and I saw it happen."

Klaus shook his head, "Artemis-"

She interrupted him, "I saw the life leave his eyes and how his body instantly started to rot, all at the age of 6," she laughed, but he could hear the pain in her voice, "Can you imagine that?"

He didn't respond. He vaguely remembered seeing his birth father, but only after his death. Klaus never spoke to him, though, he wondered if he would've turned out better if he did If he had a loving connection with someone who was supposed to nurture him and not tear him down.

Artemis tugged on the blazer that sat on her shoulders, "I always dreamt about him. Well, it was more of nightmares than dreams," she paused, "They were almost the same, but the smallest details changed."

"You don't have to tell me." he didn't want to add to her torment, no parent should do that.

She stared up at him as she continued, "The only person who knew about my nightmares at the time, was Binky."

He quirked up a brow, "The elf?"

"House elf and yes."

Klaus's brows pinched together, "She didn't tell your mother?"

"She didn't because I told her not to," she said, trying to suppress a smile. She recalled all the times she woke up in a state of panic and discovered Binky by her side with a box of tissues and a glass of water.

"Loyalty is rare these days," Klaus murmured.

"So is honesty," Artemis countered, making him sigh.

"Your mother kept it from you to protect you," he had known all about Celeste's past around their fourth month anniversary.

One day he found her crying in the compound, presumably, she had tried placing a silencing spell on her room, but was too overcome with her emotions to do so. She had told him her entire life story and he just listened and held her until they drifted to sleep.

Artemis stared back into the distance, "Then why do I feel like I'm worse off? I'm so emotionally broken I can barely confess my love for the people who matter the most to me."

"That doesn't make you broken." to Klaus, Artemis just needed someone else to talk to, more emotional support, that he would provide if she requested.

She huffed, "Then what does it make me?"

"A child that's seen more than they should."

"That's just a nice way to say I'm broken." they both cracked a smile at her words.

"If you were truly broken you couldn't be fixed," he proclaimed. There were days when he believed that he would never be loved or cared about.

But the moment he had found and started nurturing his son, just like the way he wanted to be cared for, he realised what love truly felt like.

Being a father changed him and being with Celeste helped him feel a hole.

"I don't think I can," Artemis whispered, which made him inched closer to her.

"Oh, you can." she raised a brow at his confidence.

"How?"

"Because you have the one thing that stops many people from going mad," Klaus said dramatically.

"And that is?"

"Loved ones," he playfully nudged her side, "They're all around you Artemis. Always."

She gulped nervously, "What if they leave?"

"They won't."

She pondered quietly asking, "Will you leave?"

He was initially taken back by her question, but it soothed and warmed his heart, "I won't." he promised, even though she wasn't entirely convinced.

"Why?"

"Because you're family." he smiled down at her and it only broaden at the shock on her face.

"I am?"

"Always and forever little witch."

And with that, she rested her head on his shoulder as they both stared out into the darkness.

***

SERAMORE HALLWAY:

As Elijah neared closer to the top of the staircase, the sound of quiet sobbing filled his ears.

Blaise was curled up against the wall, his head in his lap as his entire body shook.

"Blaise," the Mikaelson carefully called out to him, causing the young boy to tense and shuffle back with a frightful look.

"Leave me alone," Blaise whispered, shaking his head at the thought of being around anyone.

"It's not your fault."

"Why does it feel like it is," A yell tore through Blaise's throat, damaging his voice completely, "Why do they hurt me? What have I done to deserve that?" he shouted at the original.

Elijah gradually made his way closer to the heartbroken boy, "You cannot blame yourself for the actions of others. Those men did unspeakable things to you-"

"Why?!" He cried, rocking back and forth.

"I don't know," Elijah muttered sadly, he would never know why someone would ever hurt a child. The thought alone made him go mad.

"Are you going to do the same thing to me? Hurt me?"

"I would never," Elijah promised, his stomach dropped at the fact he had to even say it aloud.

Blaise continued to shake with fear and guilt. Fear due to being a victim of child abuse that he couldn't even remember and guilt because he believed that he was at fault for causing his mother to have blood on her hands.

"How do you know?" he didn't believe the original, how could he?

Elijah slowly lowered onto his knees in front of him, "Because I don't hurt the people I love."

Blaise stared at him in disbelief and distrust, "You don't love me. You probably hate me and want to beat me just like they all did."

The look of horror that made its way into Elijah's face was truly a picture that only a few ever saw.

He had grown to love the boy like he was his own. He would protect him that he was his own, hell, he would even go to war for him.

"Now listen to me Blaise," Elijah said softy cupping his face, "you are one of the most beautiful and talented wizards I have ever met over the many years I've walked this Earth. You will continue to grow into the man that your mother raised you to be, that I will help you become because you will make your mark on this world in the most exceptional way. After all, you are everything and more."

More tears escaped Blaise's eyes, "You truly believe that?"

Elijah nodded fiercely, "I do and you know what else I know?"

"What?" the wizard croaked out.

"That I'm proud to call you a son."

His words only caused Blaise to cry more, "Are you sure?" he didn't want to believe what Elijah had said, after all, every man that he had in his life had either, died, been absent or hurt him.

He needed to believe Elijah, but it was so hard.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." the original proclaimed, then pulled a sobbing Blaise into his chest.

A lonely tear trickled down Elijah's face as he ran his hand over the boy's back, whispering encouraging words to him.

The pair were too distracted by their feelings to notice how Ophelia overheard the entire encounter with a tearful smile.

But as soon as she went to approach them, she saw Draco nearing the crying supernaturals, causing her to leave and go find her sister.

***

DINING ROOM:

Ophelia slowly entered the room, hearing her twin talk to Septrim in a hush and timid voice.

Septrim was drinking a new glass of gin that Binky had given to him. The house elf decided to keep herself busy for the rest of the night after discovering what had taken place tonight.

"Do you think they'll forgive us for this?" Celeste asked, leaning back in her chair. Her face felt tight due to the dried tears that rested there.

She knew she looked a mess, a beautiful one, but a mess regardless.

Septrim hummed, "They will." he sound so confident, then turned to face the large set of windows that exposed the winter night.

"How do you know?" Ophelia didn't mean to sound so snappy, but she was too tired.

Septrim didn't bother to glance at the twins, "Because I know my grandchildren, they will learn to trust you again."

"I've never seen Arty look at me like that before," Celeste murmured, feeling guilt creep up on her again.

Ophelia sat next to her sister, "Or Blaisy."

Septrim sighed, "You kept things from them to protect them-"

"But will they see it that way?"

"They will and you two have those vampires to help out with that," Septrim exclaimed, trying to reassure them both, "we will all get through this."

Celeste tilted her head to the side, "How can you be so certain?"

"Because I have more than once."

***

A little while later, after the clock struck 12 and the day concluded, everyone sauntered back into the dining room.

The cousins were met with apologies and promises that they would never have their memories removed again, even reassuring Draco that Narcissa had never done anything like that to him either.

Although the teenagers were distrusting and sceptical they accepted the apologies.

It was clear that the dynamics had changed significantly, but that only made each adult want to try harder and be better, despite them each having valid reasons to do what they did.

The festivities finished with a new tradition, a tradition that was introduced by the Mikealsons.

It involved burning wishes in front of a bonfire and since Celeste didn't want her entire house to burn down, they settled for the fireplace in the living room.

None of them realised that they had all wished for the same thing...

A happy new year.

***

a/n:

well, this chapter hurt me.

it was probably the longest written chapter in the book btw (9k) I hope you enjoyed it and didn't cry too much.

any thoughts? the twin's secrets? artemis and klaus bonding? blaise and elijah bonding?

in both canon and fanon it is known that blaise's mother had killed her husbands, but no one really dared to arrest her. but in this i wanted to give her a reason for doing so, because she doesn't need their money or status, so i wanted her main motivation for killing them was out of the protection of her son.

honestly, the information that everyone received today will definitely shape the families and alter their dynamics.

dumbledore... that bastard. were you guys expecting him?

don't worry, the information that septrim told will be shown in a flashback soon. but i warn you, it will hurt you more than this chapter.

watch out for the tiktok of this chapter tomorrow