A very unusual and powerful story, told in perfect language for the tale. Eileen's grim existence comes across so very clearly in a melange of brandnames and television and petty concerns, and my heart really ached for her... until her horrifically calm handling of the curse upon Severus, and the revelations thereafter. Merope Gaunt springs readily to mind, both in terms of appearance and trickery. It's so very sad how Severus' one remaining safe, quiet place turned on him like that.