The Traitors

2: Insults, Pain, and Talks

James Potter had to fight the urge to sneer at the mudblood before him. She kept insinuating and nearly even said he was a bloody idiot. As if he, the Dark Prince, could be an idiot. His Papa raised him to know the wonders and knowledge of many countries.

"Are you even listening James!" She screeched causing Remus to wince and Sirius to glare at her.

"Oi! Stop sounding like my Mum!" Sirius said angrily. "You're hurting Remy's ears!"

"Well if James would simply listen!" She said with a huff.

"I already know because I do study." James said with a roll of his eyes. "Unfortunately we do remember who my Papa is, yes?"

A solemn silence fell over the room. Although for people such as Lily Evans and Adrian Stevens, they were sad due to thinking that Lord Voldemort, otherwise known as Lord Thomas Slytherin, was a horrible wizard.

The others, James Potter, Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew knew the truth. They knew Lord Slytherin was kind, caring, and loved his son with every ounce of his being. Specifically for James Potter, he missed his Papa. With this in mind and giving a heavy sigh James began packing his things.

"James, I.."

Her words fell at the saddened look she received from him. His darkened hazel eyes held tears. Again, to some it was to symbolize the betrayal he felt. To others, it was simply him missing his Papa.

"I want to be left alone for now." He said softly, walking out.

He wandered the halls sadly. He understood the need for what he and Sirius were having to do. His Papa had explained it in depth his second year. His eyes found a group of Gryffindors surrounding a person huddled in the corner.

"I would suggest you lot back up." He said, wand in hand as he approached them.

"Potter! We were just teaching the snake a lesson."

"Leave. Now." He said with a sneer. "I'll take it from here."

He watched as they left. Waiting a few extra moments to be sure he knelt before the Slytherin. He could tell they had black wavy hair and pale skin. He hoped it wasn't who he believed it to be. However, his fears were found secure as the Slytherin looked up at him with mercury grey eyes.

"James?.."

It was Regulus Black, James Potter's betrothed. Secretly of course. The only ones in the know at the time were Lord Slytherin, Lord and Lady Black, Sirius, Remus, and of course the two involved. James could feel his blood boil as he saw the bruises which began to form on his love's face.

"How long?" He asked softly healing him.

He tried to keep his voice calm but his anger seeped through. He couldn't help it. He was absolutely livid. He and Sirius both made it clear that Regulus was off limits.

"Since first year.."

He cups Regulus's cheek softly. His eyes locked on Mercury grey. He could tell Regulus could see all he felt. The guilt. The shame. The anger. The sadness. The plan for revenge. It made Regulus smile softly. Leave it to James to make him feel protected.

"Me and Padfoot will handle it. Go find Severus. We will talk later."

He watched as Regulus left until he was no longer visible. He then paced in front of a wall back and forth three time. His thoughts of home stuck in his head.

Walking into the Room of Requirement. He smiled weakly. The room was decorated much like his Papa's study. From the dark wood to the dark forest green carpet to the desk which held picture of him growing up.

Sitting in the replica of his Papa's dark wooden chair with slytherin green cushions, he pulled out the mirror that he used as a way to talk to him.

"Papa." He said hoping he wasn't busy. He waiting a few moments before smiling as he saw the man pick up. "Papa!"

"Hello my Snake. How are you? Have you been crying?" His Papa started off smiling before he slowly turned worried.

James put a hand to his cheek, noticing then and only then, that he had been crying. He set the mirror down and tried wiping the tears from his face and eyes.

"The things they say and do when it comes to you Papa...it's all so bad...and Reg has been getting hurt since first year and didn't tell me and Siri. I couldn't protect him..."

"James, pick up the mirror my Snake." Once James saw his Papa's face he calmed down slightly. "Do you wish to be pulled? I can always talk to Orion and send you, Sirius, and Regulus to Durmstrang. I could even talk to Greyback I'm sure."

"No..this mission is important..."

"Then how about we, along with Orion, Walburga, Sirius, Regulus, the Greybacks, Severus, and the Malfoy's take a nice summer vacation to the states? No Dark Lord business from me unless absolutely necessary."

"I would like that..." James muttered softly. "I'm sorry for being so emotional.."

"You are under bouts of stress and pressure most your age do not have. You are bound to be emotional. Plus, you are still human despite my nickname for you." Thomas said softly. "I am so very proud of you. I know your Mum and Dad would be as well. Effie always said you would do amazing things, and she was right James."

"You think they would be?" James asked gently. "Even if I am not a great potioneer like Dad?"

"I know they would be." Thomas said smiling. "Monty always told me that potions was his passion but he loved you so much even before you were born. He was so sad when he realized he would never meet you. Not without great costs."

James nodded in understanding. He was from the Peverell family from three different ways. The direct line from the eldest brother, his Mum. The next line from the middle brother, his Papa. Finally the final line from the youngest brother, his Dad. All three distant lines joined into one Heir, James Fleamont Potter.

Something they hoped Albus Dumbledore would never learn. They knew Albus was obsessed with the Peverell family, especially their Heirlooms. The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak.

If he ever found out that James was the direct Heir of all three lines, if he ever found out that James was to be Master of Death upon his 17th birthday, they knew James would be in danger. More than he already was as Thomas's son and Heir.