Damian naturally agreed without any hesitation. If he could learn from this old man, not only will he have a better understanding of this power and how to prolong his life but also if he can get some attention, he can ask guidance for spells. It may not be direct one but asking for pointers will be possible at the least.
Though, this will be a tough task especially since the old man himself looked distant and uninterested. There is only a little soft spot for him. From headmaster's words, this brother of his seems to know someone who has that power just like him and that someone may have been a close person or he wouldn't allow Damian to stay here.
With all that plan, he stayed in hogs head inn. But -
" You sure are slow for someone in their youth ".
" Serve the dishes quickly or I'll deduct the amount from your salary ".
" Do you even know what cleaning is. Looking at this mess ".
" How the hell do you messed up a simple serving duty ".
" Boy wash those dishes ".
The first day itself proved to be quite a nightmare. He endured scolding all day long and his ears are slightly ringing. At the end of the day, the old man checked his condition once again. A few days passed like this. The serving only became difficult under Aberforth's scoldings but Damian endured with an expressionless face. Aberforth gave him a pendant, a ring and an amulet to keep near him all the time.
He said," they will keep the obscurus at bay for the time being ", he looked at Damian with a serious gaze and said," remember this boy, you need to understand something, you're a danger. To you and those around you. An Obscurus is a destructive force that only seasoned aurors can defend against. When an obscurus went berserk, a squad of elite aurors will be needed to just handle it and minimize the damage. And once you lose control, you'll be branded as a threat and will be hunted down. So, never ever try to use this power if you don't want to be labelled as a kill at sight target. This is my only advice to you. And make sure you carry these around. They will absorb and suppress the obscurus from growing ".
Damian wanted to ask something but he stopped. He just nodded while the old man said," remember, don't ever use that power in any circumstances. In wizarding world, it isn't taken as quite a good thing. It'll only bring disaster for you. Also I heard from that idiot what happened to you. Don't try to do stupid things. Your life is already limited ".
Damian felt something in him snap," I WILL AVENGE THEM. NO MATTER WHAT ", the old man looked at him and said," even if a half baked wizard is here, he can kill you with some minor spells. You're weak and fragile. Live your remaining years in peace or you'll become a ghost with that rage, resentment and stubbornness of yours. Becoming a ghost isn't quite a good thing. Souls that have lingering feelings and won't be able to pass down into the afterlife to be reborn, they have two outcomes, leave their lingering emotions and go to afterlife or become wraiths that will dissipate little by little unless you're a ghost in a magical environment that has some kind of protections. So, boy tell even knowing all these, are you still considering to avenge them. Do you know who did it or who made them did it? What's their background or how much force they have. You don't even know their identity. So give up ".
Damian said," never, I'm alive just because of them. This life will be meaningless if I DIDN'T EVEN AVENGE THEM ", the old man said furiously," they are collateral damage. They died because of you and you're wasting your life on meaningless revenge. Cherish this life that they bestowed upon you. Don't waste it. Even if you're strong enough to beat some aurors, the underworld is a den of snakes and spiders. Once you're act, then it'll be worse than death. I advice you to give up on these useless thoughts boy. You can't avenge anyone ".
Damian said," you're right. I'm pathetic that I can't avenge them. I'm weak, but I'll grow stronger. I wanted to grow stronger and punish those beasts with my own hands. For that I need power. And you have it ", Damian dropped to his knees and begged," teach me. Please Teach me how to grow stronger. How to grow strong enough to avenge them. I'll do anything ".
Aberforth simply gave him an answer," no ", Damian said," why? ", Aberforth said," you're too unstable and too stubborn on this foolishness. A strong wizard needs a stable and controlled mind. Not a monster who is bloodthirsty for his revenge. It'll only lead to a disaster. Just like- ".
He didn't complete the last words not does he say them loud. Damian wasn't able to hear them. His mind raced," then teach me how to gain a stable and controlled mind. Teach me how to not become that monster. Teach me to be able to defend myself. Someone is plotting, that someone ordered that assassination that took everything from me. If I don't want to lose more, I can only grow stronger. Teach me not to avenge, teach me how to protect myself and those around me who will be affected ".
Aberforth tapped his fingers on the table. His gaze both amused and concerned. Contemplation reached his heart. He pondered whether to agree or not. Especially if he agrees to this quickly he will lose the value and the young one in front of him may take it for granted.
If anything he is already tempted to give the kid what he wants, he could only blame the soft spot he developed after his son is gone. Afterall, he saw Aurelius in Damian many times after he just arrived and more over his dear brother told him to only take care of him, and only take care of him.
He will give his brother some headache, so he could sleep peacefully few nights gloating at his brother. Looking at Damian he isn't the type to back away. He is a stubborn fool, more stubborn. So he is going place some conditions of his.