Interesting, the true history of Hogwarts doesn't have quite the awesomeness of the quoted history but it has a more "real" feel to it. I can't blame Shaymal for swanting to take care of his sibs, but they are correct, too, in that by making friends and associates of the students, they've made them family of sorts and they can't desert them as they know full well what that feels like. It's going to be right interesting watching the battle in his conscience between two very strong priorities.
As for the Heir, I can't help but wonder if it's someone deliberately set up and possessed by one of Tom's horcurxes, though I'm not sure how the eye color would be matched. Of course, if Tom got hold of some of Harry's hair or genetic material, there are some potions and other methods for getting such a "tool" as the Heir.
Author's response
Out of all of this, that bit about the Hogwarts Founders is what drove me up the wall.
If real life was so simple. Between a rock and a hard place, as they say.
Still keep on guessing. lol. Though someone on ff.net got it but with the multiple guessing she did, lol, she doesn't really know which one was right.
Thanks for the review and belated Happy Holidays.
Spy