"Tell me what you know about magic laws and about this kingdom..."
And Harry proceeded to tell her the little information he knew.
oOo
"About magic, I know that it is not rare but only those who are in a high status may use it freely, those who are beneath -as the Weasleys would put it- are not allowed and will be punished severely in public. There are schools exclusive to teaching magic to those who belong in noble families who want to learn how to properly cast a spell and hone their magical abilities. Those who are not of high status are ripped away of their magical abilities as per the kings' order and is done by the powerful court sorcerer –Albus Dumbledore."
Harry said smoothly as the information was repeatedly forced in his brain by his tutors.
Gabrielle regarded his answer with a nod.
"What else do you know about magic laws?"
"I'm afraid that's all there is."
"What about the kingdom?"
"The kingdom of Hogwarts is currently being ruled by Lucius Malfoy, alongside him is Queen Narcissa Black-Malfoy. They've been on the throne for approximately 17 years and there has been a coup d'état, which the king had won and resulted in the banning of the use of magic by the lower citizens to avoid the same mistakes. Many had died in an attempt to overthrow the king. He had the most powerful wizard- Dumbledore by his side so victory was as good as theirs. The rebels didn't stand a chance and it was a very foolish thing to do –as the king would say. So the king took counter measures to ensure that such unfortunate events would never again transpire.
That's all they told me."
Gabrielle frowned. The Weasleys are very kind and generous, no doubt about that but it wasn't right and justifiable for them to keep Harry in the dark, fully knowing that he was the most important key factor in the whole affair they're trying to set into motion. Really, the child was raised to be a pawn and being a mother herself, her protective motherly instincts were in full gear as of the moment. She wanted Harry to know everything that is being kept from him because it just wasn't fair for him not to know important details. She's grateful to the Weasleys for caring and keeping Harry safe but they didn't raise him as a normal child should have been raised. They raised him to be innocent and easily manipulated so they wouldn't have a hard time dealing with the boy when the time comes for him to fulfill his role. If only they realize how cruel they're being to Harry...
"As you may have noticed, Aristocrats, though allowed to use magic, still do not use it as often as they could." She started, determined in letting Harry know everything that is being kept from him. "That is because the king threatens those who are powerful magic casters. He does not take liking to those who are potentially powerful because he is afraid to be overthrown. Some are not able to help but show such prowess in the field of magic because some people possess what is called a 'magic core' inside them. Not everyone is born with it though. Only those who came from magical bloodlines are blessed with much power, and they are called 'purebloods.' Purebloods are the only ones with natural abilities and they are more powerful than 'half-bloods', whose blood is mingled with a common human. There are also some 'normal humans' who shows magical abilities.
Though King Lucius condone the use of magic, he orders its usage to be kept to a minimum level meaning it may only be used for hard tasks like building structures and roads, some mundane chores which are to be perfected with the use of magic, healing in dire situations and light charms for handy purposes. Other than that, magic cannot be used for anything else. If someone breaks that rule, they are called to the royal palace and have their powers drained by the court sorcerer.
Because of this, most people chooses not to use their magic at all because being drained of their magic often causes certain death."
Harry tried to absorb every single bit of information Gabrielle was giving him. It was an information overload but he didn't care. For once someone is actually bothering enough to tell him things he had been wanting to know for quite some time and he's not going to waste such an opportunity.
"If people can use magic, why are they so afraid of the king? You say that the king is afraid of people who are more powerful than him so that makes a statement that the king is actually weak." He asked curiously.
Gabrielle's cerulean eyes gleamed dangerously. "It's because Lucius has the most powerful wizard under his full control." She answered darkly. "No one knows how, but Dumbledore obeys him like a puppet on a string."
"And Dumbledore is much more powerful than anyone else?" Harry asked.
"He's the greatest wizard alive. He was the one who managed to beat Grindlewald, the darkest lord the wizarding world has ever known."
Harry stared in awe. He knew who Dumbledore was but he had only known him as the court sorcerer. He didn't know why such simple information was kept from him. It would've never done him any harm in knowing that. Really, sometimes it feels like he's being kept as a prisoner.
"Tell me more."
The Veela nodded and proceeded on to talk about magical creatures.
"Let's start off with something that we are both very familiar with- Veelas." She said; her previous dangerous expression is replaced by a look of fondness. "Veelas are very rare around here in Britain as most of our kin is currently situated in France where we are free to roam as we wish without being seen as monsters. On the contrary to popular belief, Veelas are not very hostile in nature and we are in no way trying to seduce every living-breathing creature we encounter. We have natural allures that are impossible to turn off but it is not as powerful as most implies. Our kin has been –or rather is still being exploited and abused by wizards and witches alike." Gabrielle frowned as a particularly bad memory crossed her mind. She shrugged it off though before it could become more vivid. "We do not wish for any conflict with humans but due to their behavior towards us, we cannot help but to fight back but unfortunately it only fueled the humans' belief that we are monsters and are to be treated as such. It was a very dark time then. Veelas are being hunted and raped- she said, flinching at the word rape- and then killed like some wild animals. We had no rights and no laws to protect us so we were forced to go to hiding until one very brave French wizard started a campaign in our defense. It wasn't a smooth sail but the Veelas managed to get rights and law protections from the French wizarding kingdom. Also back in that time, us Veelas have perfected and mastered spells, which transforms us into human beings and covers our allures like a blanket; so you never really know if it's a Veela you're interacting with or not.
There are now Veelas scattered across the globe though most of our population chose to remain in France where they are the safest. But alas, we couldn't stay forever in one place since we have to go to and be with our destined mates."
She smiled as she thought of her loving husband.
Harry listened in fascination. He felt so naïve and clueless about the world he lives in. Still he knew he couldn't be blamed for it though, because he was being restrained inside the Weasley Mansion and everything he knows were taught to him by the tutors the Weasleys hired; and most of his lessons were focused on simple things, magic and the outside world was only brought up when he asks questions but his questions were rarely entertained.
"Tell me about vampires!" He exclaimed enthusiastically. He had always been very curious about those creatures.
Gabrielle couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.
"Vampires are dubbed as creatures of the night that feeds on human blood and kills ruthlessly using their sharp claws and inhumane abilities. Everything is true except for the 'kills ruthlessly' part. Vampires, like Veelas are misunderstood creatures. People believe that once a Vampire gets a hold of you, you are either going to be turned into a Vampire with a single bite or you're going to be drained of your blood. None of it is true, I know some Vampires and even though they don't have the best mannerisms they are not murderers and they are kind in their own special way. Vampires cannot empty a human of their blood! They're not starving Hyenas, they only take the amount they need and they don't do it forcefully, they may only take blood from those who are willing to give. A single Vampire bite is not going to turn a human into a Vampire! For a human to become a Vampire there must be certain rituals to conduct and complex spells to cast; therefore most Vampires are born as Vampires; humans getting turned are rare due to the risky nature of the turning.
Vampires are feared because people believe that one will die if bitten. Yes, it is true that some humans who had been bitten dies almost instantly after the feeding, but it's not the Vampire's fault. Some humans react very badly to a Vampire's venom so the tendency is they die.
Vampires can mostly be found in Russia where they originated. Humans leave them alone there, so they live in peace. They almost never leave Russia unless there is a very important matter."
"Amazing... I've always been afraid of Vampires because I thought that they're monsters... I'm sorry."
The Veela chuckled.
"No need to apologize, my darling. Vampires are really misunderstood, but now you know better than to judge blindingly."
A smile tugged Harry's lips. "What about Oriels?"
oOo
"Sirius, come here quickly!" Remus called out.
Sirius, who was fixing up their dinner went to the bedroom where Remus was reading the mysterious book he got him.
Remus' brows were knitted together, giving Sirius an immediate impression that it was something very serious and possibly alarming. Remus never wears such an expression on a whim.
"What's wrong?" He asked, preparing himself for the bad news.
"Lily lied to us."
Sirius tilted his head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Remember what she told us about her kind? That if an Oriel is not together with his/her mate that Oriel will die?"
Sirius recalled the memory where they were all eating lunch at James' house and Lily was telling stories about herself and her kind. He nodded to Remus.
"Apparently, that's not true. I'm not so sure about what Lily was trying to accomplish by lying to us but she really had me worried there. Possibly Molly and Arthur too." He said, looking thoughtful.
"They said on their recent letter that Harry had been experiencing pain a lot lately, if he's not aching-" Sirius paused, cracking up a smile but then he continued when Remus glared at him. "-Dying for his mate then what is causing his pain?"
"According to this book, his pain is caused by the elemental affinities that are creating a bond with him." Remus frowned, something wasn't settling right with him. Lily would not lie to them just for the heck of it, there must have something deeper into it and Remus felt like he had to know what it was. "And also because they cannot be separated from their mate for a long period of time. Oriels shares the life force energy of their mate and they will eventually run out of it if they don't bask in the presence of their mate."
"That's weird but at the same time kind of sweet." Sirius commented, "Oriels really do run on love." He joked lightly. "That also explains Lily's sudden death. When James died, all his life force left the planet and with it, left Lily's."
Remus nodded solemnly, remembering how they lost 2 of their most precious friends.
Sirius saw the look on Remus' face, bent down and sank one knee into the bed beside his lover as moved in to kiss the brunette on the forehead. Remus closed his eyes and let Sirius' kiss travel down his face until it reached his lips. Sirius' kiss was sweet and chaste, meaning to ease his lover's inner turmoil.
Remus smiled into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Sirius' head to deepen their kiss. Sirius used one hand to grip on the bed's headboard for support.
When they separated, they were both panting heavily, faces flushed red. "I love you." Sirius whispered as he touched their foreheads.
"I love you too so much." He replied smiling, as he felt eased. Sirius knew exactly how to make everything better. He couldn't wish for a better partner in life.
"We'll depart tomorrow at sunrise by the use of a portkey. Our business here took longer than expected, riding back home would take time and we'll miss Harry's birthday." Said Sirius.
"But portkeys are ridiculously expensive!"
"Well, lucky for us I am the Lord of the house of Black." He declared proudly as Remus chuckled under him.
"Why not leave right now?" The brunette asked.
"Because if we do..." Sirius moved for another kiss. "We won't be able to do this." He whispered seductively as he gently shifted both of them in a comfortable position where in Remus was under him and he's towering over his lover's lovely form.
oOo
Morning came much too early for Harry. He didn't want it to arrive because he was fully aware of what day it was. Today was his 17th birthday and he wasn't looking forward to it. Yesterday's conversation with Gabrielle was still as clear as crystal in his mind. A restless night was the result of what he had heard from the Veela.
Gabrielle's words rang in his ears: "Lily, your mother, was an Oracle. She sees things even before it happens. Though she cannot control the visions of the future that she sees. 17 years ago, she saw a vision of you, Harry. In her vision you were all grown up and everyone was gathered in a room. There was a feast on the table and someone was greeting you 'Happy 17th birthday' and handing you a sword. Lily was on the verge of tears while she was telling me this, she said she couldn't exactly tell what was going on but she felt that it wasn't something good and she knew for sure it was going to hurt you really bad. She told me that she and James weren't there so she figured something must've happened to them and told me to convey you a message incase they won't make it to your 17th birthday... She told me to tell you to 'Not accept the sword and then run. "
"Run." Harry said out loud. "To where?"
Harry's train of though was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Harry?" The voice said, it was Ron. "Mate, are you awake?"
Harry wanted to remain silent and pretend to be asleep but what's a point of delaying the inevitable? He sighed heavily. His body felt as heavy as lead "Yes."
"Oh, I'm coming in." Then the door opened revealing his best friend. "Good Morning." Ron greeted with a grin. "Happy B-"
"Don't say it." Harry interrupted, frowning. "It's not a good morning and it certainly is not happy." He said coldly and regretted it as soon the words came out of his mouth.
Ron's grin disappeared. "What has gotten you so grumpy?"
"I'm sorry... I didn't get a good sleep last night." He continued, keeping his tone neutral. "If this is about breakfast, tell everyone I want to sleep in today, I'll just eat later."
The red-head shook his head, "Okay but I am also here to tell you that Remus and Sirius just arrived."
Harry's mood perked up at the mention of his Godparent's names. "Uncle Remus and Uncle Sirius are? Where are they?!" He asked, hurriedly getting out of his bed.
"In the east hall guest room, washing up." Ron answered. He was a little surprised by Harry's mood change.
"Thanks!" With that, Harry was gone from the room.
oOo
"Someone's running down the hallway." Remus said as he buttoned up his shirt.
They both arrived at the Weasley's early in the morning, surprising the Weasley couple who thought that the two would arrive later in the day. They were immediately welcomed to the mansion and were taken to the guest room where they took turns showering (much to Sirius' dismay). And now they just finished dressing.
Sirius sat up swiftly from bed, grinning from ear to ear. "It's the little squirt." he said happily. Sirius got up and walked towards the door, as he was about to reach for the handle, the door swung open revealing a flustered green-eyed boy in his nightclothes.
"Uncle Sirius!" Harry exclaimed and flung himself at the said man, who in turn welcomed him with open arms.
"Really Harry? You couldn't even change your clothes before you came running here?" Remus teased.
Harry's cheeks turned red as Sirius gave a hearty laugh. "Leave him alone, Remus. He was just excited to see his handsome Uncle Sirius. Right, Harry?"
Both Harry and Remus rolled their eyes at the same time.
"Where's my welcome hug?" Remus asked feigning hurt.
Sirius let go of the young boy and let him dash to the brunette. Remus held Harry's petite frame, feeling happy and contented. "I missed you." He said.
"Me too." The boy replied. He loved his Godfathers very much. He always looked forward to their rare but long visits. They always had something for Harry from their travels and he enjoyed listening to their stories about their journeys. Remus was his kind, sweet and warm Uncle, while Sirius was the childish, funny and cool Uncle. He grew to love them as his 2nd parents more than the Weasley's. With Remus and Sirius, it felt like he was free and he can be himself. They didn't keep anything from him, unlike the Weasley's did.
"So squirt, what are we up to today?" Sirius asked, wagging his eyebrows.
"No, Sirius." Remus went from sweet to strict in half a second, which was always so impressive to Harry.
Sirius loved playing pranks on everyone. He would drag Harry, Fred and George along with him and pull pranks on everyone in both the mansion and the town. Sirius called them 'The 2nd gen. Marauders' and declared himself as their fearless and gorgeous leader.
"First, Harry has to wash up and change clothes."
oOo
Harry did as he was told. After an hour or so, he emerged from his room wearing a loose fitting white shirt and black fitted pants. He kept it simple because when he was alone, Gabrielle's words once again echoed in his mind. "Not to accept the sword and then run!" Harry thought of dressing formally but just incase he needed to run at a moment's notice, less clothes would make it easier for him to move.
When he went out of his room, Remus and Sirius were waiting for him by the door. The air around was different from earlier, right now it felt like they were there on serious business.
"We're taking you out today before we celebrate your birthday this evening." Remus said.
"Where to?"
"To the forest outside the kingdom."
Harry was taken aback. He'd never been there before. Rumor has it; there are monsters in that forest and anyone who doesn't know how to fight that went there never came back alive. Harry got worried and he thought of what Gabrielle said again "Run." Did his mother mean this? Should he run before he's taken to the forest? No wait, Gabrielle said Lily saw that they were celebrating. There wasn't going to be any celebrations in the forest.
In the end, Harry came with them without a single protest. He knew his Godfathers would never let anything bad happen to him. He trusted them more than anyone else.
...
They went there on horseback. Harry noticed that his Godfathers didn't bring anything else other than the medium sized bag that was slung across Sirius' chest.
He asked them what it was but the only answer he got was "We'll tell you soon." Which made him want to know it more.
When they entered the forest, Harry didn't feel any danger at all. Instead of danger, he felt peaceful and oddly free. More time passed by, Harry could tell that it was already noon by the way the sun was positioned.
"We're here." Remus said.
Harry looked over Remus and what he saw took his breath away. It was a huge lake surrounded by many trees and colorful flowers. The sun's light reflected on the lake causing it to sparkle beautifully. The lakeshore was unobstructed by anything and stretched out wide. The scenery was gorgeous. He felt like he was in another world.
They dismounted their horses by the trees away from the lake. Sirius took the horses towards a tree with low hanging branches tied the horsewhips there.
Harry walked towards a nearby rock with a flat surface and sat there as he waited for his Godfathers to settle down. From where he was seated, he watched his Uncle Remus cast something with his wand. 'He's erecting barriers... for what?' he thought. Then it worried him. Remus was using what is considered as 'high level magic' and if he's caught he'll be punished severely. Harry turned to look at his Uncle Sirius to see if he was equally worried as him but he saw that Sirius was just standing beside him patiently waiting for Remus to finish.
"All done?" Sirius asked. The brunette nodded. Sirius walked over to Remus and they stood side by side.
"So-" Harry started but was unable to finish his sentence.
"You're an Oriel." Both Remus and Sirius interjected. They both looked tense and prepared to answer any hard questions.
Harry blinked at them twice as he processed what they just said. "I know." He replied calmly.
The two men was taken aback, clearly unprepared to hear those words from him. They had expected Harry to ask "What is that?" and then get mad for hiding it from him. They could've never guessed that Harry would say that he knows in such a calm manner. They were more prepared for an outburst rather than calm acceptance.
"What?" The two said simultaneously. Harry loved when they did that. They were like twins, but even more bonded. He cracked up a smile. He couldn't help but feel glad that his Godfathers didn't plan to keep it a secret from him forever but he was irritated at the fact that they knew all along and hadn't told him anything. But at least they were the first ones (in his family) to say it.
"I know. I've known for a quite a bit now." He said, smiling.
Harry's grin somewhat scared the duo, especially Sirius who was very familiar with that grin. Lily also grinned like that whenever she's about to do something that is going to be embarrassing to him. Remus stood in shock, his eyes wide.
"How?" Remus managed to say, although it was more of a whisper.
"Gabrielle told me."
"Gabrielle?" Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Gabrielle Lovegood?"
"Yes."
"How does she know?"
"Li—Mother told her."
"Molly?"
Harry shook his head. "Lily Potter."
Again with the surprises; Harry was supposed to be the one who's surprised here not them.
"Could she be a Veela?" Remus was starting to put things together. Lily had always talked about a friend who's a Veela but she couldn't tell them who it was. Only James knew about Lily's Veela friend. They didn't pry anymore because Lily didn't look like she wanted anyone else but her husband to know.
Harry nodded.
"I see." The brunette stated, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Then we can skip the explaining and get to the point."
"We want you to escape." Sirius continued, "But first you have to know how to fight and defend yourself."
Harry had an idea of what they were talking about, but still it confused him as to why his Godfathers, who's an ally of the Weasleys, were telling him these things.
"Why?" Harry didn't feel the need to ask more; he just needed a reason. If his most trusted Godfathers are telling him run then he'll run.
"We're allies with the Weasleys but our loyalty will always remain with James and Lily. As good as the Weasleys are, our true loyalty now lies to you, our precious Godson." Sirius said. "We don't want you to be used as a pawn."
"We've talked about this a long time ago when we were told of their plans. We care more about you than we care about this kingdom. They are going to use you to overthrow Lucius Malfoy as they used James. We don't want to repeat what happened to your father." Remus finished. Their expressions were utterly serious so Harry didn't doubt what they were telling him.
Despite the seriousness of their discussion, Harry couldn't help but feel warm and happy all over when Sirius said that he was their precious Godson and that they will always be loyal to him. His love for his Godfathers swelled inside him.
Harry only had but one question: "What does my father and I have to do with overthrowing the king?"
Remus and Sirius exchanged a knowing glance before one of them spoke. "You are the true heir of the throne."
Harry's eyes widened in shock for a second, and then they narrowed. Emerald eyes flashing dangerously. "Explain." He stated, balling his fists.
It was Sirius who spoke.
oOo
James Potter was the one next in line for the throne of the kingdom. He and his adopted brother, Lucius were once very close and they treasured each other like any other siblings did. Their closeness only lasted until James was announced the heir to the throne. Lucius, wanting the throne for himself, turned bitter towards everyone. Lucius and James eventually grew apart until they were like strangers to each other.
6 months before James' wedding to Narcissa, he met the most beautiful girl in all the kingdoms: Lily Evans. He instantly fell in love with her the moment he laid his eyes on her and Lily felt the same towards him. They grew closer and closer together in the span of 5 months to the point that they're inseparable. James finally decided to cancel his wedding with Princess Narcissa and wed Lily, but his father didn't allow his decision since Lily was not of any noble blood thus marrying her would not give the same merit as it would if he marries Narcissa. James stepped off of the throne, leaving it to the hands of his willing adopted brother, Lucius. Days later, their father fell ill and eventually passed away, leaving the kingdom to Lucius. According the late king's will, 5 estates shall belong to his legitimate son, James, and he shall bear a crest of his own. Also, half the king's fortune and treasures will also belong to him, while the other half belonged to Lucius.
Years passed as Lucius and James went their separate ways. James was a high ranking noble, living with his wife, who was bearing his unborn son while Lucius ruled the two kingdoms along with his wife Narcissa, and their one year old child.
Lucius' rule was that of evil. He became a tyrant, pushing people to their edges. One by one his people started turning against him and forming groups out to suppress the king. And then those groups of people started seeing the noble and former heir to the throne, James Potter, as their salvation. The people were convinced that James should be their king and not Lucius as the blood that flows in his veins was not that of a royal one.
Five years after Harry Potter was born, Lucius ordered the execution of James Potter for the crime of treason against the king. Lily and Harry, along with their close friends, Sirius, Remus, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley left the kingdom and hid deep in the woods outside the border. James fought Lucius and was winning but then he was betrayed by one of the people he considered as a close friend: Peter Pettigrew. Lucius killed James and after the fall of their leader, all the rebels who wasn't able to escape were executed accordingly.
In a small cottage far away, Tears fell from Lily's eyes as she felt her mate's life leave his body. She herself didn't last long after James took his final breath. Lily died seconds after her husband did, leaving their son behind.
oOo
Towards the end of Sirius' story, Harry was already on the verge of tears and was trembling in anger. His face was flushed and his teeth were clenched. He looked ready to tear someone apart gruesomely. He didn't look anything like their sweet gentle Harry. The scariest bit was Harry's eyes were golden slits. The sight alarmed them.
Harry couldn't bring himself to calm down. He hated Lucius, he hated him so much but the one he hated more was Peter Pettigrew. Sure he wasn't the one who used his hand to kill his parents but he was the reason why he grew up without his parents, and why they were dead. He wanted to say a lot of things, but he couldn't speak. But when he finally mustered up the will to speak, his words were: "Where is Pettigrew?"
Sirius and Remus unconsciously backed away from Harry. They couldn't bring themselves to comfort him. Their Godson radiated a dangerous powerful energy and they knew that they don't stand a chance against the wrath of an unearthly being.
"He's dead. We killed him." Remus said, surprised to hear his voice sounding so calm and in control when he felt completely the opposite.
Harry swallowed and then looked him dead in the eye. "Did it hurt?" He felt like he could murder 10 people in cold blood. A feeling that he never felt before in his life.
"Very much." Sirius supplied.
That seemed to sate Harry's blood thirst. The air around him became less dangerous. But Sirius and Remus remained tense.
A brief silence enveloped them before Remus said: "We don't want you to be used like how James was."
Harry remained silent. Though he seemed to have calmed down. He was no longer trembling and his fists were unclenched to his sides.
"We want you to escape and only return when you are ready to take your place."
"I'm not going anywhere." The raven-haired boy said firmly. His eyes blazing with new purpose. "I will avenge my father." There was no chance that he was going to let his parent's murderer get away after what he did. Peter Pettigrew was lucky to be dead because Harry was sure that if he got his hands on the rat he will tear him apart. Never had he felt so much anger towards someone his whole life. The feeling was completely new but somewhat welcomed to a certain extent. He felt ready, his anger fueling his desire to take back what belonged to his father. He will avenge—
"No you will not, foolish boy." A new voice interjected. Harry quickly turned to look at the source.
Severus Snape stood a couple of feet behind Harry looking as stern as ever. His hands crossed in front of his chest, he gave a curt nod to Sirius and Remus before focusing on Harry again.
"Who a-" Harry was cut off before he could finish his question.
"My name is Severus Snape. That is all you need to know." He said.
Sirius sighed out loud, causing Severus to cringe and turn his attention to him. "Something that matters, Black?"
"Stop acting like a goddamn drama queen for Merlin's sake!" Sirius exclaimed. "Harry, he's one of your Godfathers. He's James's childhood friend, Uncle Sevvy."
"Uncle Sevvy?..." Harry mumbled confusedly.
"Do not call me that." Severus glared at Sirius, who was looking more and more teasing by the minute.
"Kids, This is about Harry." Remus said.
Severus looked irked for a moment, and then it appeared as though he was about to argue back but he just kept his mouth closed. Sirius, however, looked like a scolded puppy, pouting at being called a 'kid.'
Harry looked at them confusedly. That's when it struck him that he didn't know much about his parents or anyone close to him for that matter. He felt like a caged bird, only knowing those who came close to his cage.
Severus stood beside Harry. Looking at Harry right now, Severus felt sad for the boy. He looked so small, so alone and confused. When Lily and James died Severus wanted to take care of Harry, and so did Sirius and Remus. But everyone decided against it because Malfoy knew that Severus, Sirius and Remus were the Potter's close friends. It would've raised suspicion if suddenly one of them get's a kid right after the Potters died. So by majority vote, Harry was left to the Weasleys to be raised and taken care of as a girl to further hide his true identity. Seeing Harry lonely made him want to hold his godson in his arms until all his problems went away but Harry reminded him too much of his friend and his death that being near the boy pains him.
"You will not be avenging anyone, Mr. Potter. I will not let you. You are going to run as far as you could before the Order gets their hands on you." Severus said, keeping his voice as neutral as he could.
Harry furrowed his eyebrows in irritation. "Who are you to tell me what to do?" he asked sharply. "Ever since I could remember everyone has been telling me what to do! I feel like I don't have a will of my own!" his voice trembled. "I don't care what you think, I am going to kill the person who robbed me of my family and no one is going to stop me."
Severus looked stunned by the outburst. He seemed as though he was contemplating within himself whether to comment or stay silent.
Remus and Sirius had never heard Harry speak with such fervour before. It was as though the lid that was keeping his feelings bottled inside was finally being removed after so long. They shared a look that held meaning only they could understand without words. With a nod, Remus cited a spell.
"Accio book!" he stretched his arm forward and a huge book came flying towards his open hand. "If you are so sure about it, then you're going to need your powers."
Harry nodded curtly as Severus sighed sullenly to himself.