A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 4: A Newfound Fixation

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're enjoying this far too much."

"Oh, come on, Padfoot," James replied with a smirk, unfolding the letter. "A bit of intrigue, a dash of drama. It's practically begging to be read."

However, James's expression quickly twisted as his eyes darted over the words. His grip on the parchment tightened, and he let out a low groan. "Oh, Merlin's beard. I think I'm going to be sick."

Sirius sat up, his brow furrowing. "What? What does it say?"

James didn't reply immediately, instead holding the letter out at arm's length as if it might infect him. "It's... It's not normal. This is twisted."

Remus sighed, setting his book aside. "Oh, for crying out loud, just read it already."

James cleared his throat dramatically, glancing between them with an exaggerated grimace. "'My dearest Anastasia,'" he began, his voice dripping with mock reverence, "'It is with great pleasure that I extend to you an invitation to the annual Pureblood Ball... blah, blah, blah...'" He skimmed a few lines, rolling his eyes. "Here we go—'Your presence, as always, will be the crown jewel of the evening.'" He let out a bark of laughter. "Crown jewel? He lays it on thick doesn't he?"

"Prongs," Sirius said flatly. "Just get to the point."

James's eyes flicked back to the page, and his voice shifted, losing some of its humor as he read on. "'I am also delighted to inform you that you will be residing with me, at the Riddle Estate for the duration of the spring break. Your guardians, Orion and Walburga, have graciously agreed to this arrangement.'" He looked up, his brow furrowing. "Hang on—so she's being shipped off for the holidays?"

Remus frowned. "Spring break? Doesn't she usually stay at Grimmauld Place—"

"Apparently, Riddle's decided she's moving in," James interrupted, waving the letter. "'Your absence is a void that only your presence can fill.'" He grimaced. "Oh, gag me."

Sirius leaned forward, his expression hardening. "What else does it say?"

James hesitated, his eyes darting back to the page. His tone shifted slightly, losing some of its mockery as he read aloud. "'I long for the touch of your lips, the softness of your skin. The memory of your warmth haunts me, a constant reminder of what I desire most.'" He looked up, his face contorted in disgust. "Sweet Merlin, who writes this stuff? Is he serious?"

"Keep going," Sirius said sharply, his eyes narrowing.

James sighed heavily, scanning the rest of the letter. "'The thought of you in my arms again, feeling your breath against my neck, sends a thrill through me... ugh... taste the sweetness of your kiss... your beauty, your grace, they are mine.'" James dropped the letter onto the bed, his hands held up in mock surrender. "You know what? I'm done. This is—this is mental. The bloke's a lunatic."

Remus reached for the letter, skimming the lines quickly. His expression grew darker with each passing moment. "This isn't just over the top. It's... obsessive."

"That's putting it mildly," James said, running a hand through his hair. "It's like he's... I don't even know what to call it. It's not romantic. It's like he's... marking his territory."

"Give me that," Sirius said quietly, picking up the letter. "'Every night, I long for you, and every morning, I wake with the ache of your absence. But soon, my dearest Anastasia, we will be together again. The Riddle Estate will be your sanctuary, a place where we can explore the depths of our connection, free from prying eyes and unwanted interruptions.'"