Old Wounds

12 Grimmauld Place was tense that evening

The Order had gathered in the drawing room, but the atmosphere was anything but calm. Harry had been kept away from most of the Order's plans, something Sirius had been increasingly frustrated about

Sirius:"He's old enough to know what's happening."

Molly:"He's fifteen, Sirius!"

Sirius:"And he's not a child."

Molly:"He is a child!"

Harry stood nearby, listening silently as their argument grew louder

Sirius:"You treat him like he can't handle anything."

Molly:"Because someone has to!"

Sirius:"He deserves to know what the Order is doing."

Molly:"And you think that's your decision?"

Sirius stepped forward, his expression hardening

Sirius:"I'm his godfather."

Molly:"Exactly. You're his godfather, not his father."

The room went silent

Sirius's jaw tightened

Molly:"You keep putting him in situations he shouldn't be in because you can't stand being left behind."

Sirius:"That's not true."

Molly:"Isn't it?"

Her voice softened, but the words only became sharper

Molly:"Every time you look at Harry, you see James."

Sirius froze

Molly:"You see your best friend in him, and you're acting like you've got James back."

Silence filled the room

Harry stared at Sirius, while the others remained completely still, unsure of what to say

Sirius said nothing