"Did you see how fast Snape took him out with that Stupefy?" A fierce whisper demanded.
"Yes, and if Moony didn't hold me back, I would have hexed him." James muttered reproachfully. "Bloody arse deserved it too; no one hurts my little brother."
"Snape was only trying to protect the girl from being attacked." The logical voice of Remus retorted. "I doubt that he meant to hit Harry that hard."
Sirius snorted. "Come off it Remus, you can't tell me that you believe yourself. Snape hit Harry and he hit him hard." There was the sound of shifting material. "He practically flew to that girl's side to make sure she was alright."
Remus remained silent and James spoke up again. "I know that Harry likes the bloke, I don't know why, but if it were any other person I wouldn't mind so much. Snape though, he has too much animosity towards us, and I'm afraid that it'll spill onto Harry."
"You think he's using Harry to get back at all of the Marauders." Remus murmured.
"I know he is, that's why I stepped in, I won't have Harry hurt." James said firmly.
Stepped in? Harry remained still. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Does he mean the situation with Lily?
"You won't be able to keep him locked up forever Prongs." Padfoot said in a strangely serious tone. "He needs to grow free of your control."
James made a disgusted sound deep in his throat. "I know that."
"Then stop interfering."
"He's my brother, what do you expect me to do? Do you want me to abandon him?" James asked desperately.
"Sirius isn't suggesting anything that extreme." Remus spoke up. "Just give him some space James; you're not going to be able to be there for him every time he has a problem."
"Like hell I won't." He snapped.
"Come on Prongs, let's not talk about this right now, we should be thinking about Harry." Sirius huffed in irritation.
Remus' voice shot in the "sleeping" boy's direction as he turned toward Harry, a frown in his tone. "Perhaps we should have taken him to Madam Pomfrey. Surely he should have woken up by now."
"You're right." James' voice sounded worried as he rose.
Harry mentally frowned; he didn't need his brother's concern, James only seemed worried about not being able to control him. The only thing Harry was worried about was getting Severus away from that conniving Slytherin witch.
I suppose I should "wake up" now though. He slowly opened his eyes and blurrily looked around the room, someone had taken his glasses. Why do I always end up in the Gryffindor common room?
The Marauders were once again circled around him on the other couches, their heated discussion drifting toward him and surrounding his overactive brain.
It's James' fault, it's always his fault. He probably knows about Mia, he probably "stepped in" and sent her after Severus!
"How dare you." He growled, drawing their attention onto his rising form. He glared at James through lidded eyes, slightly squinting in an attempt to see clearly.
"Harry." The elder Potter straightened from his slump and smiled in relief.
"Where are my glasses?" He demanded. "Accio glasses!" He snapped when they continued to stare at him blankly.
"Hey mate, are you feeling alright?" Sirius chuckled slightly. "You've been out for a couple hours."
Harry sneered. "Perfectly fine." He snapped. "I don't expect you to understand or care though. Let the Gryffindors celebrate the great Harry Potter's defeat!" He spat.
"Bloody hell Potter, did you damage your head when you fell?" Sirius demanded. "You're acting like a right prat."
An angry finger was shoved in James' direction. "It's because of him!" He roared, not caring if anyone looked on, they had witnessed his little fits before, one more wouldn't hurt.
James blinked in surprise. "Me? What the hell did I do?"
"You took Severus away from me!" His face was red with his fury.
Remus and Sirius looked at each other worriedly; the younger wizard seemed to be having these breakdowns more often as of late.
"How could you possibly fall for a great greasy git like that!" James yelled back, face just as red. "Lily is perfect, why don't you fall in love with her!"
Harry laughed brokenly. "Merlin you are so blind James." He shook his head viciously. "If you can't see what's in front of you then I won't be the one to show you."
"Why don't you explain things to me then?" The Gryffindor held out his hands.
"Because you don't understand me!" Harry yelled angrily. "No one does, and they never will!"
"Then talk to me Harry, I'm here for you, I'll listen." James pleaded.
Harry sneered. "Don't pretend that you care." He scoffed. "I can see right through your act."
James stared in shock. "Act? Harry, what are you talking about? I'm your older brother for fuck's sake!"
"And that is exactly why I don't want to talk to you!" Harry jabbed an angry finger in his direction. "All you care about is yourself; you just don't want people to think I'm a poof!"
"That's not true!" James cried.
"It is!" Harry's eyes flashed. "That's why you took Severus away from me, and that's why you sent that whore after him to steal him." He growled to himself.
"What?" His brother frowned.
Harry snapped out of his thoughts. "Leave me alone! I don't want to talk to you!" He stood and angrily strode toward the portrait.
"Harry." James tried to grab onto his arm as he retreated.
"Don't touch me!" Harry screamed angrily, plowing into the Gryffindor with his uncontrollable power.
There was a scream from across the room as James flew away from Harry and knocked into a table, sending papers and inkwells to the floor as the solid wood flipped onto its side.
The Slytherin's eyes widened in terror at what he had done, caught in shock at the power of his rage. Sirius hurriedly stood, moving to grab Harry in his moment of pause. The boy turned frightened eyes onto the Marauder and came back to his senses with a quick sneer as he fled the room.
"That'll teach you to stay out of my business James!" He called as the portrait slammed behind him.
AN: I know, I know, sucky way to end the chap. Lots of luv though. Thank u once more Zoomi for betaing, go and get some sleep now!
-Red