Authors Note:
Mentions of self-harm. Be safe and know that you matter, you are valuable, and you are loved.
Remus carefully carried Harry through the hallways and into the Marauder Quarters. When the door opened, Remus saw Padfoot pacing in front of their couch. With a pop, Padfoot became Sirius, but saw the sleeping Harry and backed off.
Remus brought Harry to his bed and gently set him down. He transfigured his clothes into comfortable pajamas, removed his glasses, and tucked him into bed.
"Goodnight my cub. Sleep well. I love you." He whispered, kissing Harry on the head. Remus walked to the door before giving Harry one last glance and softly shut the door.
He turned around and Sirius was right there, less than 4 inches away from his face. "So?!" He asked, anxious.
"Sirius!" Remus whispered, gesturing towards the other room with his head.
They walked down the hallway to the sitting room where Remus sat down with Sirius.
Remus sighed but looked at his husband. He could see the worry, fear, and anger etched on his face.
"Sirius, have you done anything except worry while we were gone? It's been hours. Did you eat or drink anything? Take a calming draught?" He asked.
"Remus, I want to hear about our son. You can analyze me and worry about me later." Sirius snapped. He quickly realized what he did, however, and ran a nervous hand through his hair. Before Sirius could even mutter an apology, Remus was off the couch and he returned with two muffins. "Eat, you'll feel better." He said, having one for himself.
Sirius smiled at Remus. "Okay, thank you. I'm sorry I snapped."
"it's okay, I get it. You're worried. I am, too." Remus admitted.
"Look, I know Harry has to tell me things and you can only say so much, but can you at least tell me what you can?" Sirius asked, pleading.
"Of course," Remus said, having another bite of his muffin.
Sirius waved his wand and two drinks came over. Remus took a sip and started to explain. "So this is me being Professor/ Healer Lupin while also being Uncle Moony."
Sirius nodded, understanding what he was saying.
"Harry did talk about the blood quill. I convinced him that we needed to say something about it because it's likely other students are affected by this, especially young students. We agreed not to do anything tonight. The thought of telling other professors, especially Dumbledore sent him into a panic attack. That's a big conversation for tomorrow. We can't monitor her like we can Harry, we need to make sure the abuse of other students stops."
"So he admitted it was Umbridge?" Sirius asked.
"He didn't say her name at first, but when he realized that I was able to guess it was her, yeah, he said her name."
Sirius let out a few choice words before Remus shushed him, gesturing to Harry's room.
Sirius took a breath and then motioned at Remus to continue.
"We talked about the self-harm, too." Remus started, very carefully.
Sirius sucked in a breath. Oh, how he wanted to be wrong about those scars.
"I know. He has his reasons and I'll let him explain them to you in time. I did show him my scars." Remus admitted.
"You did?" Sirius asked, looking Remus in the eye.
"Yeah, it felt right. I wanted him to know he wasn't alone, ever. But Sirius, he truly felt like he was letting us and James and Lily down. He was convinced that we wouldn't be proud of him and would abandon him." Remus said, working hard to keep his emotions in check.
Sirius' mouth became a line so thin that almost resembled McGonagall's. He stood up and paced for a minute before sitting back down.
Remus did cast a silencing charm while Sirius was doing this, just in case.
"And what did you tell him?" Sirius asked.
"I told him we will never leave him and that we will always love him. We are not disappointed in him and while the coping mechanism is not healthy, we are so proud that he's fighting so hard to survive and make it through each day."
Sirius nodded, not having anything to say.
"I think my scars were proof that you and especially James and Lily wouldn't be disappointed in him and would stick by him. You get to show him that you're supportive, but James and Lily, well, Harry has to trust us." Remus finished sadly.
"You were exactly right," Sirius said, finding his voice. "We love that boy and will always be there for him. I'm so proud of you." He said, kissing his husband.
"He-he's so angry, Siri. His magic was out of control. He was trying to harm himself with a rock when I got there, and when I vanished it he started punching the wall. I went to stop him right away, but it probably took me a minute to get to him because his magic was pushing me away. He's so, so angry, hurt, and, and confused? His emotions were just radiating off of him it was unlike anything we've seen before with him. And he's afraid." Remus said, just spewing it all out. "Harry, not unlike myself, is so private about this. He would rather have double potions with Snape every single day before letting us in. He wants this and wants control of something in his life. Oh, I get it, I do and you know I do, but oh, he's so upset." Remus blew out a breath, not able to stop these words from tumbling out.
"I've done this before, and you've done this countless times before," Sirius said, holding the hands of Remus. "We can do this. If anything, we don't have to worry about certain boundaries which will make it easier for you. We get to make decisions. We can do this, together." Sirius reassured him.
Remus smiled. "That's what I said. I offered him a deal."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, shocked that his therapist husband would do something so "unprofessional".
Remus scoffed. "I am a marauder, after all. Besides, this was a good deal and a deal only because it's Harry. I did it as Uncle Moony. I told him that I wouldn't make him do anything that I wouldn't have done."
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "What? You need to explain this to me." He said, not wanting to get the wrong idea.
"See, I know what you're thinking. I didn't make a deal with him that I would give him what I would've wanted, because then nothing would change and Harry'd be alone right now. No, I told him that he wouldn't have to do anything I wouldn't have done. He does not want to be vulnerable with us like I said. This helps that. For example, I wouldn't have gone to the hospital wing tonight. I wouldn't have been cheerfully babysat 24/7. I wouldn't be strip-searched each day. Sometimes those are things that need to be done, and I get that, but Harry doesn't. But, it also means that I get to be his Uncle Moony who is a therapist."
"What if he didn't take the deal?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Harry asked the same way," Remus said, shaking his head. "I told him that then he would be treated by Healer Lupin like a patient."
"Yeah, I don't see him going for that," Sirius said.
"Uh, no. He did not take that option," Remus said, shaking his head.
"But overall, how was he after this?" Sirius asked, the worry bubbling up again,
Remus sighed. "We have a long road ahead of us, much to Harry's dismay, but he was doing better. After Harry took the deal, I transformed into Moony, and guess what? He laughed when I licked him. Sirius, when was the last time you remember Harry actually laughing?"
Sirius opened his mouth and then shut it. "I don't remember." He admitted.
"Me either. Nothing we've done has gotten him there. But he laughed."
Sirius smiled, "There is hope yet."
Remus smiled, agreeing with Sirius.
Before they could say anything else, there was a knock on their door. Sirius and Remus looked at each other.
"Are you expecting anyone?" Sirius asked.
"No, you?" Remus asked.
Sirius shook his head.
Remus canceled the silencing charm they had up and stood up to answer the door, Sirius behind him.
"It's after dinner, I can't imagine who it'd be." Remus wondered out loud as he made his way to the door.
"Hem, hem," came from behind the door.
Remus and Sirius exchanged glares. Remus cast another silencing charm, but to make sure no noise went to Harry.
"Take a deep breath," Remus whispered to Sirius, doing it with him to calm himself down.
After releasing the breath, Remus went to open the door. He opened it and took a step out, Sirius behind him, not wanting this, this toad to cross the threshold into their home.
"Can we help you?" Remus asked, looking down at the woman dressed in pink.
For whatever reason, Delores seemed surprised to see Remus at his own home. "Oh, hello Mr. Lupin." She said, taking a step back.
"Is there anything you need, Delores?" Sirius asked, next to his husband.
Delores got over the shock of seeing them and took a breath, raising herself to her whole height. "Yes, it seems as though Mr. Potter has not shown up to his detention. I assume he failed to mention it to you." She said, sickly-sweet, the venom in her voice barely veiled.
"Actually, he did mention it to us. Harry is sick and currently asleep in his bed in his quarters. None of us were at dinner since Harry was sick and we were taking care of him. We can wake him up, but I suspect you don't want vomit in your office." Remus replied smoothly. "It was our fault. He wanted to notify you, but we promised we would. We deeply apologize for the misunderstanding. Would you like us to get him?" Remus asked.
Umbridge was taken aback. "Uh, no. If he says he is sick I'm sure you made sure he wasn't lying." She replied.
It took every single ounce of self-control Remus had to not attack the woman right in front of him.
Luckily, Sirius answered her. "Harry doesn't lie. We were with him as he was sick tonight. Again, we apologize for the miscommunication." He said his voice like steel.
Delores, to her credit, didn't flinch at his statement. Honestly, she felt that if they knew about the blood quill, that would have triggered a reaction and there was not any (in her measly mind) and so she felt that her secret was safe.
"Alright then. Please tell him his detention is rescheduled for Tuesday, same time, same place."
"We will," Remus said, all but smirking at her.
"Goodnight." She said, walking off.
"GoOdNiGhT," Sirius said, mocking her as they shut the door. "I swear if I could lay my hands on her."
Remus fell back on the couch, sighing. Sirius grabbed the bottle of Firewhiskey and poured himself and Remus a glass.
"I know we're going to handle the situation professionally," Remus said.
"But I think she needs a taste of the Marauders," Sirius said, filling in what his husband and best mate left unsaid.
Remus smiled, throwing back the Firewhiskey. If she thinks Fred and George are bad, wait until Umbitch sees what the originals can do.
Harry hadn't slept this good in who knows how long. Harry certainly couldn't remember. He only slept this well when his Dadfoot and Uncle Moony dose him up with potions, but nothing compares to the real thing.
At one point in his sleep, Harry briefly woke up and rolled over, feeling something soft and warm curled up next to him.
Padfoot, thought Harry, a small smile on his face. He put his hand over the black dog and promptly fell back asleep.
Harry, who had fallen asleep around 7:30 last night, woke up at 6 am. He saw his alarm clock which read 'Friday, 6:03 AM'. He rolled over, knowing he had another hour to sleep before shooting up in bed.
"Shit!" Harry swore.
He got out of bed so quickly that he tumbled on the floor. He popped up and fumbled for his glasses on his bedside table.
"Oh, I'm dead, I'm dead," Harry muttered to himself, completely forgetting that Padfoot was on his bed. He stripped off his pajamas and tried to hop in his pants, continually swearing.
Padfoot awoke from the weight being lifted on the bed, but the noise brought him completely out of it. He hopped off the bed and transformed into Sirius.
"Pup, what's wrong?" He asked gently, all traces of sleep gone with concern for his godson.
"I-I gotta go!" Harry said, throwing his shirt on. Harry hastily grabbed his robe and reached for the doorknob, twisting it open.
"Whoa, Harry, slow down. What's going on?" Sirius asked, putting his hands lightly on Harry's arms.
"I gotta go, I missed- I gotta go," Harry muttered, walking down the hallway.
"Moony!" Sirius called, knowing he needed backup for this, not understanding his godson. "Moony!"
Remus, thank goodness, was a light sleeper. He heard the urgency in Sirius' voice and rushed out of the bedroom, pulling his robe on. He hurried out of his bedroom, tying his robe and seeing Sirius blocking the door from Harry.
"I need to leave!" Harry insisted, still frantic and trying to maneuver around his godfather.
"Harry, you're okay. Take a deep breath and tell me what's going on." Remus said, bending down in front of Harry, putting his hands on Harry's arms.
Everything from the previous day also came rushing back to Harry. He swore again and tried to break away from Remus. "I need to leave!" He shouted.
"Sirius, a calming draught, please," Remus said, seeing the state Harry was in.
Sirius was already on it. He went to his godson with a vial in one hand. "Harry, open your mouth." He said gently.
Harry shook his head, insisting he needed to leave. "Harry, please," Remus said.
Harry opened his mouth, not trusting his shaking hands to hold the vital. Sirius tipped the potion down his godson's throat.
Harry immediately felt calmer and could think clearly again.
Remus and Sirius slowly lead Harry to the couch. "What's going on, cub?" Remus asked.
"D-detention. I missed detention with Umbridge. Oh man, she's going to kill me." Harry said, calmer but still upset. He didn't even want to think of how much the message would, well, sink in, after this.
"Harry, we talked to her. She came here and we told her you were sick. We offered to wake you up, but warned her you would probably throw up in her office." Remus said dryly.
"So, so I'm okay?" Harry asked.
"Yes, she rescheduled it for Tuesday," Sirius said.
"Oh, it'll be extra long, I'm sure." Harry groaned, his head in his hands.
Remus and Sirius exchanged a look. "Harry, you're not going to be having detentions with Professor Umbridge anymore," Remus said lightly.
"Wait, why?" Harry asked, confused.
"Do you remember talking to me yesterday? Do you remember what happened?" Remus asked.
Harry blushed, putting his head down ashamed. "Yeah." He muttered.
"Hey, we're proud of you," Sirius said, seeing how his godson felt.
Harry shrugged, still looking down.
Remus sighed but continued. "Harry, you remember how we talked about telling someone?" He waited until he saw Harry nod before continuing. "Well, as I said, it's an illegal object and a dark one, too. I doubt she can still teach here after this comes out. If she does, because we know how the ministry is, you will never be alone with her." Remus said.
Harry didn't really know how to respond to that, but there was a part of him that was relieved that he wouldn't have to go through that anymore.
He didn't have to worry about trying to think of something to say, either, because his stomach let out a loud growl.
Remus and Sirius smiled. "I bet you're hungry. You haven't eaten since yesterday." Remus commented.
"Uh, not- not really," Harry said. In truth, he was very hungry, but at the same time just didn't want to eat.
Remus was fully expecting this. "Just try." He said gently, leading him to the table to eat.
Sirius went into the kitchen and made some waffles while Remus sat with Harry.
"You slept for a long time," Remus commented, searching Harry's face.
"Yeah," Harry said, cracking a small smile. "It was nice."
"I'm sure," Remus said.
Harry fidgeted in his seat, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
"How're you feeling this morning?" Remus asked gently.
Harry shrugged, not really wanting to get into it. 'Mm, fine." He mumbled.
Remus raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to lecture you while you're eating breakfast, but I do want you to use another word besides 'fine'."
Harry sighed, irritated. "Fine." He spat. "I'm- I'm." Harry wanted to just say an emotion to throw out at him, but he couldn't think of anything.
The fire left his voice and Harry shrunk in his seat. "I-I dunno." He said honestly.
Remus nodded, but his heart broke for his godson. "That's okay. I understand." He said gently, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Remus sat in the silence with Harry. He squeezed his shoulder, letting him think.
It was quiet for a minute before Sirius came in with bacon and juice. "Waffles will be ready soon!" He announced, wearing an apron.
Remus grabbed a piece of bacon before pushing the plate towards Harry, who reluctantly grabbed a piece. They ate their bacon and sipped their juice together quietly before Sirius came with the waffles.
"So, we're all yours today!" Sirius said once they were all eating their breakfast.
Harry almost choked on his waffle. "What?" He sputtered. He fully expected to be alone today.
"We canceled or covered our classes today. We're spending the day with you!" Sirius explained further.
Harry all of a sudden didn't feel very hungry. He had ideas of what he was going to do today, and none of them included his Dadfoot and Uncle Moony.
Remus glared at Sirius, not happy he ruined Harry's appetite. "Harry, I would really like it if you could have a few more bites." Remus pointed out gently.
"'M not hungry," Harry said, pushing his plate away.
"Have a piece of fruit and then you can be done," Remus said.
Harry shrugged and pierced his strawberry piece. He saw the red juice on the plate where he picked it up. He put it in his mouth and stared at the red juice. He thought about his arms and what his plans for today were going to be.
Remus saw his fixated stare and quickly vanished his plate. He immediately set down a vial in front of him.
"What's this?" Harry asked, brought of his trance.
"Nutrition potion. Please drink it all." Remus said.
Harry dutifully complied, chugging it down.
"Okay, let's head back to the sitting room," Remus said, sensing he can't put this talk off any longer.
Harry got up, his legs feeling like cinder blocks. It took all his effort to move to the sitting room and sit on the couch. He grabbed a pillow and held it in front of him, feeling less exposed.
Sirius sat on the other side of the couch, facing his godson. Remus sat in his usual armchair which was pointed to where Harry was sitting.
Remus crossed his legs and gazed at Harry, seeing his body language and sensing his emotions.
They sat in silence for a moment. "Harry, we just want to talk. You're not in trouble." Remus said.
"Pup, we love you," Sirius added.
Harry squirmed, not sure what to do with the affirmation.
Remus sighed, "Harry, I told you yesterday that we are so proud of you. We are so happy you're fighting just to be here."
Harry felt tears come to his eyes hearing Remus say that and blinked them back.
"We want to keep you safe from harm, and that includes yourself. We need to talk a bit about it and come up with a plan. You can start wherever you want when you're ready." Remus explained.
Harry squeezed the pillow, hating every second of this.
It was quiet for several minutes, the adults wanting Harry to talk first.
Harry had so many thoughts going through his mind. He knew he needed to address his Dadfoot first. He didn't know how to word anything.
"I don't really know what to say," Harry admitted, his body turned towards Sirius.
"Harry, I love you and nothing you say will ever change that. I'm not leaving you."
Harry nodded.
"And remember, I helped Remus. I may not be a certified mind healer, but I'm part of the reason he's here. I'm not perfect, but I've helped someone before. I can help you. Just let me in." Sirius said, putting his hands on Harry, trying to look him in the eye.
Harry gave a small nod and started to explain. "It started with the blood quill. I liked how the pain distracted me. I didn't like the quill or words or detention, but the pain distracted me from other things. I didn't have to think about anything except the pain. I was distracted and I was in control. And, I felt like I deserved it. Cedric is dead." Harry said, his eyes glazing over.
"Pup, that is not your fault at all and you most certainly do not deserve any pain in any way," Sirius assured him.
Harry shrugged, "Yeah, that's what Uncle Moony said."
Harry explained a bit more about how he felt and covered what he told Remus yesterday. He didn't like that, but he could handle it. What he wanted was no part of what was coming next.
"Good job, Harry. We are so proud of you." He said.
"Can I please go to my room now?" Harry asked.
Remus and Sirius exchanged glances.
"Harry, we have to make a plan now," Remus admitted.
"I just want to be left alone." Harry insisted.
"I know, I know, cub. But we want to keep you safe." Remus said.
Harry rolled his eyes, uncomfortable.
"Harry, we wanted to be with you today and we'll be with you this weekend, too. We have some rules we want to go over." Sirius said.
Harry stiffened at the word 'rules'.
"What Padfoot is trying to say is that we want to make our plan and come to agreements. I told you that we'd include you and we will." Remus assured him. "We do have some non-negotiable, however."
Harry was expecting this and set his jaw into a scowl.
"First of all, we don't want you hurting yourself. We know it's something that you can't just change overnight, but we would be remiss if we didn't say that. If you ever feel that way, any day, any time, anywhere, you get us. I don't care what's going on or who we are with. Please, get us. We will never be angry. If you do decide to hurt yourself and realize you went too far, of course still come and get us. We won't be angry, I promise. This goes into our second rule, no keeping secrets that involve hurting yourself or others. We need to know. We're going to have multiple check-ins a week and you'll be seeing us here and me in my office. We are here to help." Remus explained.
Harry squeezed the pillow as tight as he could, just wanting to get away.
"Harry, we also need your wand," Remus said sadly.
Harry's head snapped up. Harry stood up and clenched his fists. "No! No! Absolutely not!" He shouted.
"Harry-" Remus began.
"NO! You said you wouldn't make me do anything you wouldn't do!" Harry yelled.
"Harry, let us explain," Remus said, standing up.
Harry shook his head but bit his tongue. He quickly tasted blood but didn't stop. He appreciated the distraction.
"Harry, I'm asking for your wand mostly because of your accidental magic. Your magical core had a huge strain on it yesterday. I don't want you to hurt yourself further and end up in the hospital wing." Remus explained.
"When will I get it back?" Harry asked.
"For classes. But, we will be taking it at night." Sirius said.
Harry stomped his foot and let out an angry yell. He felt out of control and hated it.
"Harry, it's only while you're sleeping. It's just temporary." Remus explained.
"You didn't do this!" Harry insisted.
"Actually, he did. First of all, I took his wand for him and kept all of his potions supplies, and we'll do that for you, too. When he was out of control I sat on him. I've sat on him to contain him." Sirius said.
"We're not doing that to you." Remus quickly added.
Sirius grumbled, obviously disagreeing with that decision.
"Harry, you're getting it back, this is more for your magical core than anything else," Remus assured him.
Harry didn't respond, but pulled his wand out of his pocket and set it on the coffee table.
Remus knew that that was probably one of the hardest things Harry would have to do and he knew how difficult it was.
Harry was angry. He clenched his fists.
"Pup, we love you so much. We want to keep you safe." Sirius said.
"You're going to be watched pretty closely right now, but it won't last forever. I know it's frustrating." Remus said, trying to close this topic for the moment.
Harry again didn't respond.
"Harry, love, we also need to talk about Professor Dumbledore," Sirius said.
Harry sat on the couch and pulled his knees up to his chest. He wrapped his arms around himself.
"We need to tell Professor Dumbledore about the blood quill," Remus said.
Harry didn't respond.
"We would like to do it today so Professor Dumbledore can have the weekend to come up with a plan. That way, by Monday, something will be put in place." Sirius said.
"What will I have to do?" Harry asked.
"Well," Remus began, "You're going to show him your scars and also tell him about your detention. He'll probably want a memory of it, too."
"What will happen?" Harry wondered.
"We don't know right now, but this is something we want to find out," Remus replied.
Harry nodded, letting it sink in. "I really don't want to do this." He admitted out loud, fiddling with his sleeve.
Sirius caught what Harry was doing with his sleeve, Remus used to do the same thing. He watched him closely.
"I know. It's something really important for us to do so people don't get hurt." Remus said.
"What will Dumbledore think?" Harry asked. His hand had met his arm and he was pressing his nails into his arm, nervous.
"Professor Dumbledore, Harry." Remus chided softly.
Sirius rolled his eyes at Remus. "He'll be furious." He said, the anger causing him to take his eyes off Harry and look at a wall. "He'll be disgusted."
Harry started to move his hand back and forth, scratching at his arm. His godfather's words terrified him. Furious? Disgusted? He can't tell Dumbledore if that is how he is going to react.
Harry sunk further into the couch, just wanting to disappear.
Sirius turned his face back to Harry after taking a breath and saw what he was doing.
"Moony." He said quietly, gesturing his head towards the troubled boy.
"Harry. Harry." Remus said, leaning forward, trying to get the boy's attention.
Sirius got up and went to Harry, grabbing his hands.
Harry had disassociated and didn't hear his godparents, but was brought back to reality when two hands grabbed his arms, gently, but firmly.
"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Harry cried, realizing what he had done.
"Oh Pup, you're okay," Sirius said, sitting next to him.
Harry leaned into his godfather, partly because of the affection and partly because of the fact that Sirius still had his arms.
"We can't tell Dumbledore if he's going to act that way." Harry insisted quietly.
Remus looked confused before it dawned on him. "Harry, no! He'd feel that way towards Umbridge, not you! Oh, Merlin, he's going to feel so sad you had to go through this, mad at himself for missing it, and proud you came to him." Remus said.
Harry let out a breath. "Okay." He said, relieved but still not happy with the situation.
It was silent for a minute before Remus spoke. "Harry, what you just did, you're not in trouble and we aren't mad. I also know you did that unconsciously, trying to calm yourself down."
Harry nodded, his head still on his godfather.
"There's a spell that parents use for their infants when they're born so they don't scratch themselves. I'm going to put it on you, so you can't hurt yourself." Remus explained.
Harry didn't reply.
"Harry, I know this must be frustrating for you, but I won't put a spell on you without hearing your consent," Remus explained calmly.
Harry grumbled and sat up, yanking his hands from Sirius and putting them out.
"Fine." Harry spat.
Remus sighed but performed the charm. Harry's fingernails glowed a light pink before returning to normal.
Harry dropped his arms and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I know you're angry and frustrated. What can we do to help you through this?" Remus asked, trying to give the teenager some control.
Harry huffed, but thought about it. "I want some privacy. I don't want chaperones all the time."
"Okay." Remus agreed, holding his hand up to silence Sirius who was about to protest it. "These first few days we'll be with you a lot, but we will loosen our grip. That will change, however, if there are any incidents." He said, raising his eyebrow.
Harry shrugged, expecting that. "Um, also, I would really appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about me, you know," Harry said, looking down. "I don't want them to know."
"Oh, Harry, of course. This is your information to share. We won't tell anyone, we promise." Remus said and Sirius nodded his agreement.
"Thanks," Harry said quietly.
"Anything else?" Remus asked.
Harry thought for a few moments before saying, "I have more, but I don't know them all right now. Can I tell you later?" He asked.
"Of course," Remus said, giving him a small smile.
It was quiet for another moment before Harry spoke again. "So, when do I have to see Dumbledore?" He asked.
"We'll fire call him and see. Probably early afternoon." Sirius said. Remus agreed, nodding.
"Okay. Is it alright if I go to my room? I have a lot I want to think about." Harry asked.
"Sure, Cub. We're here if you need anything." Remus said, answering before Sirius could say anything.
Harry got up and walked to his room. He shut the door and threw himself on his bed. After a minute he sat up. He looked at the door and looked down at his arm before looking at the door again. He slid his sleeve up and tried to run his nails over his arm.
Nothing.
Harry pressed harder.
Still nothing.
Harry sighed and put his sleeve down. He lay in his bed, thinking.
About an hour passed and Harry hadn't moved. There was some scratching at the door.
Harry ignored it, but it continued with some whimpering.
Harry rolled his eyes and got up, opening the door.
Padfoot bounded into the room and jumped on the bed.
Harry rolled his eyes again and shook his head, but didn't say anything.
He got in his bed and put out the light he had in his room. He got under the covers, exhausted from this morning, and pet Padfoot until he fell asleep.