Chapter 1
Harry never knew much about his parents.
His uncle Vernon, whenever his face turned red with fury, would shout about his parents. That they were incompetent, idiots, freaks, monsters.
His aunt Petunia would explain a little more about them with each outburst from her husband. How they were incompetent because they never looked for or even wanted a job. How they were idiots living in a fantasy world fueled by alcohol and a sick love. How they were so strange in the way they spoke and behaved. How they were monsters who only cared about themselves. That’s how he learned they had died—in a car crash.
Hagrid was kinder. The giant spoke to him about how his parents were brave, kind, selfless, and loving. How they fought for him and for everyone else, their sacrifices, their adventures at Hogwarts, and the many times they crossed paths.
Remus was an essential part of the family Harry could have had but no longer remembered. Maybe he wasn’t involved as much as others, but he was the best observer. He told Harry about failed plans, adventures he could never replicate, and all the moments that made him love James and Lily.
Sirius had no filter. He told Harry everything he remembered, including how James smelled, how long Lily’s hair was, hair-styling techniques for his father’s hair, and just how far his mother could throw a punch.
It took Harry some time to realize he knew more about his father than his mother. Perhaps because they had been friends with James before Lily, or maybe because most of Lily’s friends, from what he’d heard, were already dead.
Severus Snape wasn’t kind. He wasn’t like his uncle, nor had he been part of his family, and he didn’t want him to be. He was spiteful and only ever spoke poorly of his father. He never even mentioned Lily.
Sometimes, like Sirius, Snape would mistake him for his father, but unlike his godfather, Snape was anything but kind.
Everyone always talked about his father. Harry liked that, but it still hurt not knowing much about his mother.
Now, the empty vial between his fingers told him something about her. It wasn’t enough, but he knew it was the last thing he would ever hear about them.