Author's Note: Mentions of self-harm. Please be safe and remember that you are loved!

Also, I have Harry taking Arithmancy in this AU because I can see Sirius and Remus telling Harry not to take (or drop after this year) Divination because that course only matters if you are a born seer and also, Trewlany is wild.

Please enjoy and review! It would mean so much to me!

As Harry nervously fiddled with his tie in the mirror, he thought back to the conversation he had with his Dadfoot and Uncle Moony on Saturday night.

"Cub, we should talk about this upcoming week," Remus said as they say down for tea.

"What about it?" Harry asked, nervously fidgeting in his chair.

"Well, you going back to your classes. We need to talk about your expectations and how things are going to go." Remus said calmly.

"What expectations?" Harry asked.

"Well, you'll have your wand for classes, but only for classes. If you need it for studying, you will ask either of us for it and tell us who you're studying with and where. You'll get your wand at the beginning of the day and return it to us at the end of classes. However, it's too dangerous for you to be wandering on your own without a wand, so you need to keep someone with you if you don't have your wand." Sirius started to explain.

"I know, I know it stinks, but it's only for a short while. We are doing this to keep you safe and help you." Remus said, seeing Harry's jaw set in frustration as Sirius was talking.

"You have a choice for the next one. You have potions first thing in the morning on Monday and Wednesdays. Do you want Professor Snape to have your supplies and give them to you for class, or do you want to get them from us? You can drop it back off here when you're done, but that is something we can change if we see you misusing your supplies. Again, you shouldn't be on your own right now." Sirius continued.

"I'll drop them off here," Harry grumbled, not wanting to be the center of attention more than he already is.

"We're also having a family meeting once a week and you'll be seeing me in my office once a week as well. It'll be on Thursdays, right before History of Magic." Remus explained, handing Harry a slip of paper.

"If you're late I heard the professor will assign a really long detention," Sirius said, trying to lighten the mood.

Harry was not in the mood for jokes, but he cracked a smile anyway. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?" He asked knowingly.

Remus faked an affronted look. "Me? Have an angle? Never! Besides, I would never cause you to be late to your Dadfoot's class." He said, winking.

Sirius rolled his eyes and said, "Don't ever worry about being late. I can always go over it with you later." He said, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry nodded. "What else?" He asked, searching his fathers' faces.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look.

"Cub, we haven't done anything and we are just asking, okay?" Remus prefaced.

Harry nodded, not having any idea of what Remus was going to say.

"We would like to ask you of there is any professor you would like to know about your situation. Obviously, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape both know. The professors are going to find out about the blood quill. While your name won't be specifically mentioned, it will get out. I know this is a private thing and I understand not wanting to tell anyone and also telling a few professors. I just know it helps when you need accommodations to have a professor that is understanding and willing to work with you. I'll support you either way." Remus said, looking at Harry earnestly.

Harry opened his mouth to reply, feeling many emotions, but then shut it. He took a few deep breaths and thought about it.

"I'm not really sure. Who do you think?" Harry asked nervously.

Sirius and Remus looked at each other again. "Well, Cub, I'm not going to tell you what you have to do. I think letting Professor McGonagall know might be beneficial to you."

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Pup, I told Minnie when Remus was having trouble again. I knew he wouldn't talk to me, but he needed to talk to someone." Sirius told him.

"As much as I despised Padfoot for that," Remus said, glaring at his friend, "it probably helped save my life. She was understanding and was willing to listen. Plus, having your head of house aware of what's going on is really helpful, trust me."

Harry thought for a moment before slowly nodding. "Okay, but can you please tell her? I really, really don't want to." Harry said.

Remus nodded, knowing how hard it was. Besides, he's done this for (too) many students before. "Sure, Cub. Anything for you."

"What else?" Harry asked after a moment of silence.

"Well, Harry, we need to talk about a word you used the other day," Sirius said, sitting up straight.

Harry thought back and tried to remember if he said any swear words.

"You said you were an f-r-e-a-k, Harry," Remus said gently.

"Oh, that," Harry said. That was probably the worse thing he could've done.

"Yes, that. Now Pup, you haven't used that word in years. You know most definitely you are NOT a freak." Sirius said.

Harry shrugged, starting to shut down. He really didn't want to talk about this right now.

Remus noticed what was happening to the boy in front of him. He quickly jumped out of Uncle Moony mode and into Healer Lupin mode. "Harry, we just want to reassure you right now that you are not a freak. You are a wonderful boy who has a lot in his life right now, okay?"

Remus could see that now was not the time to talk to Harry about this. This was one of the things that needed to be handled in his office. He could see that this was too big of a conversation to happen just once and just right now.

Sirius looked at Remus when he said that, but Remus just put his hand on Sirius' arm, silently telling him to back off.

"Okay, what else? Can I please be excused?" Harry asked quietly.

"We have nothing else that's big to discuss, but we do want to go through your schedule. Pull it out and let's look through it together." Remus said, trying to keep Harry from retreating into his room.

Harry nodded and grabbed his schedule, bringing it out to go through it with his parents.

Now it was Monday. Harry was going back to classes today and he was a bit nervous. Luckily, most people didn't know what was going on, but he still fell off the face of the Earth for three days. Ron and Hermione were only satisfied that Harry was alright because Sirius, Remus, and Professor McGonagall insisted that Harry was safe and he was spending time with his dads this weekend to regroup.

Harry had potions this morning and he wanted things to go back to normal, but he was not ready to face the real world. The past few days have been a utopia of some sorts with healing, and Harry was appreciative of it.

He had all of his normal classes today, except for DADA.

The meeting Sirius and Remus went to was rather... explosive.

Umbitch was removed from Hogwarts and is awaiting trial in ministry holding cells. The ministry will send another employee to finish out the year and they will arrive by next week (hopefully).

Remus was probably going to be busy today and tomorrow as well as the rest of the week. The heads of houses were talking to their students this morning, reminding the students in their classes, and Dumbledore was making an announcement at dinner later on. He was strongly encouraging all students to go see Remus if they had been affected by her barbaric detentions or wanted to talk to someone about what was going on.

Sirius lightly knocked on Harry's door before coming in and walking over to him. "You've always been helpless with your ties, let me help." Sirius put his arms around Harry and fixed his tie. "There. Much better. How're you feeling, Pup?" He asked, turning Harry around to look at him.

"Kinda nervous. I mean, I shouldn't be, but the last few days were really nice and I just don't want to get all messed up again." Harry admitted, looking down.

"Harry, you're not messed up and you never were. The last few days were nice, weren't they?" Sirius said, smiling.

Harry looked up and nodded.

"Besides, we're all going to be here this evening and we're checking in after dinner. If you need us, at any point, just come and get us." Sirius stressed, putting his hands on Harry's shoulders and looking at him seriously.

Harry nodded and then hugged his godfather, "I love you, Dadfoot." He whispered into his robes.

"I love you too, Prongslet. So much." Sirius replied, stroking Harry's hair.

Sirius walked Harry out of his room, grabbing his bag as they went to the sitting room where Moony was sitting, twirling something around with his fingers.

"My wand!" harry exclaimed, missing it, running towards him.

"Ah, ah," Remus said, holding it out of Harry's reach.

"Hey!" Harry said, trying to reach it. He eventually gave up and huffed, "I'll be tall enough soon."

Sirius chuckled, but Remus just smiled at him and lowered his wand down. "Hey, sit down, and let's talk about the rules before you get your wand back."

Harry sighed and collapsed on the couch. "What?" He grouched.

"Harry," Remus said, a slight warning to his voice.

"Sorry. I just want my wand!" He exclaimed.

Remus nodded, understanding it, but also not wanting that tone used with him (as Uncle Moony). "You get your wand back for classes. We're taking it when classes are over. Again, you can't go anywhere by yourself if you don't have your wand. You're coming back here to rest during DADA and today, it is just you. Ron and Hermione can come other days, but you really need to rest today. You also have Charms and Arithmancy today. After Arithmancy you are coming back here to rest again and leaving your wand on the table. We'll all go to dinner together and then we'll check-in. Does that make sense?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded. "Yes, now can I puh-leasee have it back?!"

Remus chuckled and handed Harry his wand. Harry grabbed it and red sparks flew out the top, happy to be reunited with its master. Harry took a deep breath and was able to relax a bit. "Much better." He said, feeling his magic.

"Okay, Cub. You better head to potions. Here's your kit, don't forget to drop it off after class." Remus said.

Harry grabbed it and waved to his guardians. "Thanks, Uncle Moony, thanks Dadfoot. I'll see you later!" He said, hurrying out the door.

"I've never seen him so relieved to go to potions," Sirius said out loud after the door shut.

"You and I both know what it's like to go without our wands and it is not easy." Remus reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah," Sirius waved away Remus' comment, taking another sip of his tea.

"Don't you have a class to teach soon?" Remus pointed out.

"I've got twenty minutes. They're fourth years, they're fine." Sirius said.

"Hey, you might have to pick up my classes this week if my schedule picks up. We really don't know who was affected by the quill." Remus said.

"That's fine. I'd rather have you help with that mess rather than leave it be. Besides, the squirts are cute." Sirius said, walking over to his bag.

"They're not squirts, Sirius," Remus said, rolling his eyes but smiling.

"They're just so little!" Sirius insisted.

Remus and Sirius didn't take too much longer before both went to their respective locations, both hoping Harry was going to be alright.

Harry got to potions at a pretty decent time for him. Hermione had already dragged Ron there and they were ecstatic to see Harry.

"Harry! Where have you been, mate?" Ron said, seeing Harry come in.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione said, launching herself at him.

Harry took a seat at a table behind them. "I just stayed with Dadfoot and Uncle Moony this weekend. I'll probably be staying with them for a little bit." Harry said, wringing his hands nervously.

"Why? What's going on?" Hermione asked.

"Uh, nothing. We just haven't seen much of each other and they want to keep an eye on me, you know, OWLs and all." Harry said, trying to shrug it off.

Hermione was not convinced at all but didn't say anything about it because Professor Snape had come into the classroom, the door slamming behind him.

"Good morning," He drawled making his way to the front of the room. "We will be making a strengthening solution today. Open your textbooks and begin."

Harry was paired up with Blaise Zambini today. Blaise honestly wasn't that bad. He was not pleasant when Draco was around, but Draco was on the other side of the room today.

Harry was able to make a pretty decent strengthening solution since Snape wasn't hauling insults at him and Blaise didn't bother him. Harry was actually rather impressed with how he did. He was able to bottle it up and leave before Ron and Hermione, thankfully. This gave him enough time to drop off his potions materials in the Marauder Quarters and make his way to Charms.

Harry was relieved when Charms was over because he was exhausted. He had half a mind to skip lunch and just sleep, but he knew that it was a rule for him to attend almost all, if not all, his meals. So, Harry reluctantly made his way to the Great Hall for lunch with his friends who were too busy talking about the silencing charm they learned about in class today and the length of Ron's essay.

Near the end of lunch, Harry was able to see Sirius slip in and make eye contact with him. He gave Harry an approving nod and sat down next to McGonagall, talking to her.

"Harry, are you sure you're alright?" Hermione asked as they walked to Arithmancy together.

"Yeah, Hermione. I'm fine." Harry said, inwardly smiling that he could still use that word with his friends.

"You've barely talked today and have seemed distant lately. Ron and I are worried about you." Hermione admitted.

"Hermione, really."

"No! I mean it! And why are you staying with your dads? You love being in the tower! I mean I understand every once in a while but you've been avoiding them and now you're just there!"

Harry sighed. Hermione was too observant for her own good.

Harry stopped and pulled Hermione aside, "Look, there's some stuff going on and I'm trying to sort it all through. Uncle Moony and Dadfoot and Professor Dumbledore know what's going on. I just need some time to figure things out." Harry said, looking at her and fiddling with his sleeves.

Hermione seemed satisfied that adults know what is going on. "Okay, but I'm only letting it go since you told some adults!" She said, both starting to walk to class again.

By the time Arithmancy was over, Harry was exhausted. He thought the whole 'magical core being exhausted' was a load of crap, but after this weekend and today, he knew they were serious. When he got back to the quarters he noticed that his potions kit was already put away and there was a note on the table for him.

Harry-

We hope you had a good first day back. Good job dropping off your potions kit and eating lunch. We are so proud of you. Leave your wand here and we'll get you when it's time for supper. We'll be back around 4. Rest up and have some tea.

Love,

Uncle Moony and Dadfoot (MOSTLY DADFOOT)

Harry chuckled and shook his head. He appreciated Remus' tidy scroll and laughed at Sirius' bold addition at the end. He debated keeping it with him until a little before 4, wanting to keep his wand on him, but he knew that he was tired and had to rest. Just for fun, Harry cast a scouring charm on the table, cleaning it, and set his wand down before making his way to the kitchen, making himself a cup of tea. He brought it to his bedroom to drink it, but he only was able to have half of it before he promptly fell asleep.

"Harry, Harry, love. It's time to get up." Sirius said, gently shaking the sleeping teen.

Harry groaned and rolled over.

"You asked for it," Sirius said before becoming Padfoot and licking Harry while simultaneously pulling the blanket and pillows away.

"Ugh, nasty," Harry said, wiping his face and sitting up.

Padfoot became Sirius again and laughed, "Hey, you didn't get up!"

"I was having a good dream!" Harry said.

"Yeah, and what was this good dream?" Sirius asked, wagging his eyebrows.

Harry blushed and moaned, throwing a pillow at his father. "Shut up!"

"Moony! Harry had a dream about someone! I THINK HARRY HAS A CRUSH!" Sirius said gleefully, practically skipping out of the room.

That got Harry out of bed. Harry haphazardly rolled out of bed and quickly stumbled after his godfather. "Dadfoot!"

Remus grabbed Harry from behind before he could attack Sirius. "What's this about a crush?" Remus teased.

Harry wiggled out of his uncle's grasp and said, "Nothing! I just said I had a good dream!"

"Oohkay, Harry. Whatever you say." Remus said in a singsong voice.

Harry groaned, knowing there was nothing he could say to get them to change topics.

"It's time for dinner, Pup, so go on and get ready," Sirius said in his normal tone of voice now, ruffling Harry's hair.

Harry tried in vain to flatten down his hair as he walked back to his room to get his robes on and get ready for dinner.

Sirius, Remus, and Harry all walked to the Great Hall together in light conversation. Remus stopped Harry before they went in, however. "Harry, remember, Professor Dumbledore is going to ask the students to come to me if they were affected by the blood quill. You and your name are not going to be mentioned, okay?" He asked seriously, looking into Harry's face.

Harry nodded, "I understand," he said, a bit nervous.

Remus tousled Harry's hair again, much to his dismay, and walked in with Sirius and Harry tried to flatten his hair before he walked in.

Harry made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat near Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny.

"Harry, it's good to see you, mate," Neville said, smiling at him.

"Thanks, Neville," Harry said, smiling back at him. He really did like Neville. He wanted to become better friends with him this year. Neville was always kind and genuine with him and, quite frankly, not as moody as Ron and Hermione.

Harry chatted with his friends for a few minutes before Professor Dumbledore stood up, instantly quieting the room.

"Good evening, students. I hope you had a stellar start to your new week. By now you've probably noticed that Professor Umbridge is missing from the table. She will no longer be at Hogwarts."

A cheer came from the students and a few of the professors clapped as well.

Dumbledore smiled at the cheer and quieted it down after a moment. "Your Head of House has probably spoken to you already and will do so again for a mandatory meeting after dinner. I want to address you all right now. Professor Umbridge left due to a rather serious manner." He said, growing solemn.

Harry glanced at Sirius and saw him whispering something to Remus (probably the whole Sirius/serious joke) who nudged him rather roughly.

Harry had a brief smile at the exchange before returning his attention to the headmaster.

"It has come to light that Professor Umbridge was using a dark and illegal object during her detentions called a blood quill. This quill does not use ink but instead uses the writers' blood. Hogwarts does not condone the use of those objects or any other form of corporal punishment or torture during detentions. If you were affected by this blood quill, please inform your Head of House and make an appointment with Professor Lupin. You are in no trouble at all, we just want to check on your wellbeing and make sure you are okay. In addition, if you were affected by Professor Umbridge in any other way, I urge you to make an appointment with Professor Lupin. Remember, there are effects that are not just physical. We do not want harm done to you in any way, by anyone in the castle. You are safe and cared for here. I truly hope you reach out if you need or want some support." Dumbledore was quiet for a moment, letting his speech sink in. "Again, remember, there is a mandatory house meeting after dinner and all defense classes are canceled this week until we get a new professor. Now, tuck in!"

Harry felt uncomfortable at Professor Dumbledore's speech. He felt like Dumbledore was talking about his own self-harm and did not like that at all. He sat in his spot, frozen, as everyone else began to ear.

"Harry, are you okay?" Ginny asked, seeing Harry frozen and eyes glazed over.

Harry shook his head, coming back to reality. "Yeah, Ginny, I'm fine. Just not hungry." He admitted.

Harry, to appease his friends, put some food on his plate. He wanted to leave but wasn't sure what the best time was. He felt like the walls were closing in and he just wanted out.

Harry counted to 100 before he said, "I, uh, just remembered that I left my textbook in the library. I'll see you later," Harry said, rushing off and out of the Great Hall.

Sirius was watching Harry closely during the speech and saw his body language.

Remus, too, was watching Harry, but he was also trying to watch the other students. He wanted to see who reacted negatively to what the headmaster had to say and he already had a mental list of students he would seek out if they didn't make an appointment with him.

"He's gone," Sirius said, getting ready to stand up.

"I'll go," Remus said, setting his goblet down.

"No, you have to watch the other students. I'm sure some will come up to you after dinner. I got him. I'll get you if you're needed. Don't worry." Sirius said, setting his napkin down.

Remus didn't love the idea, but he knew Sirius was right. He had a job to do. "Okay, I'll check on you when I'm done here." He agreed.

Sirius quietly left the Great Hall through the teacher's exit and went to find his son.

Harry felt his panic and felt stupid for doing so. He wasn't sure where he should go but he wanted, no, needed some air. Harry stumbled into a courtyard and loosened his tie, taking deep breaths of air. He sat down against a pillar and closed his eyes, gulping in the cool night air.

Sirius was worried about Harry, but luckily he didn't have to worry too long. He saw Harry in a courtyard near the Great Hall. Sirius approached his son. "Hey, Pup. You okay?" He asked gently.

Harry still had his eyes closed, but recognized that voice. He felt the body get closer and heard someone sit down next to him and put their hand on his shoulder. Harry didn't feel like answering that question so he just kept taking some deep breaths.

"Good job, Pup." Sirius' voice said softly, the smooth voice cutting through the night air.

Harry scooted closer to Sirius and felt him wrap his arm around him. Sirius was softly whispering in Harry's ear, saying grounding things to him.

Eventually, Harry's breathing became normal again and Harry opened his eyes. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. What happened?" Sirius asked gently, looking into Harry's face.

"Dumbledore talked about the blood quill, and I knew he would do that. He also said something about people causing students harm and how no one should cause anyone harm and I just thought about myself and-" Harry sighed, cutting off his rambling.

"Pup, Professor Dumbledore was not trying to talk about you with that, I promise. He talks in those dang eloquent sentences and riddles sometimes, I don't blame you for getting it all jumbled." Sirius said, trying to lighten the mood.

Harry gave him a weak smile and then laid his head on Sirius' shoulder saying, "it was just too much, ya know?"

"Yeah, Pup. I know." Sirius said, stroking Harry's hair.

They stayed there for another 5 minutes before Sirius said, "Prongslet, I'd love to just stay here, but I'm sure you don't want everyone seeing you."

Harry sat up and quickly shook his head.

"Do you want to go back to dinner or go to our quarters?" Sirius asked, giving Harry the choice.

"Quarters, please," Harry said.

Sirius was expecting that. He half wanted Harry to go back to dinner so he wouldn't raise too much suspicion from his housemates, but he knew Harry was exhausted and could tell he was struggling.

"Come on, Pup." Sirius said, helping the teenager up.

Sirius and Harry walked back to their quarters. Sirius got dinner from the house elves for the both of them and made sure Harry ate enough. After dinner, Harry did some of his homework and Sirius did some grading for about an hour before they took a break to check out a quidditch magazine together.

Sirius noticed that Harry was tired and made him go to bed after that, much to his dismay.

Remus came home shortly after Harry went to bed.

"So, how is he?" He asked immediately, setting his bag down and joining Sirius.

Sirius put down the grading he resumed and looked up at his husband. "He's okay. He felt anxious and panic-y when Dumbledore made his speech and talked about not wanting any harm done to the students. Harry convinced himself that bit was about him. He went to a courtyard when he left and I found him there on the verge of a panic attack. I calmed him down and we stayed there before coming back here. We finished dinner, he did some homework, and then we looked at a quidditch magazine before he went to bed. He's only been down for about 10 minutes." Sirius explained.

"Poor kid. I was wondering if that was going to trigger him. I'm happy he wasn't hurting himself, that's a step in the right direction." Remus said, sitting down and running a hand through his sandy hair.

"How did things go with you?" Sirius asked.

Remus sighed. "I had a student talk to me after dinner. I also went to all the Common Rooms and went around with sign-up sheets, too. I'm definitely booked this week, but I think I can still teach my classes." Remus said, thinking.

"If you can't, just let me know," Sirius said earnestly.

"Thanks, I will. Harry's friends talked to me when I visited Gryffindor. They were really worried about Harry. I told them that he was fine and that they'll see him tomorrow."

Sirius sighed, "Good. Yeah, I don't know what to do about them. I mean I don't want to push something he's not ready for, but I don't want to isolate him either."

Remus nodded. "That makes sense. I'll talk to him about it at our appointment or some other time this week. We have to make arrangements for the full moon, anyway." Remus pointed out.

"Blimey, you're right. I totally forgot about that." Sirius said.

Remus nodded. "We've had a lot going on, I almost forgot, too."

Sirius caught the 'almost forgot' by Remus, but didn't say anything about it. "Are you doing okay after all of this? It's a lot of trauma for one therapist." Sirius commented.

Remus sighed, "Yeah, I'm doing alright. It is a lot of trauma, you're right. I think this week and next week will be the worst, but I know some aftermath will come later. I don't think anyone had detentions near the level Harry did which is relieving since he had them all of the time."

Sirius nodded, "Yeah. At least Harry we can keep a close eye on. On one hand, it's infuriating that he's the worst, but on the other, I'm glad no one else has to suffer like he did."

Remus nodded and yawned.

"How about you go to bed, love. You had a busy day." Sirius suggested gently.

Remus nodded, standing up and stretching. "You're probably right. But you should come, too. Who knows when Harry will need us." Remus pointed out, holding out a hand.

Sirius nodded, agreeing and standing up. "Alright. Let me clean up here and I'll join you."

Remus didn't want to give Sirius a chance to stay up any later. "Okay, Mr. Black, but I'll wait right here." He said in his best teacher voice.

"Cheeky Healer," Sirius grumbled, shoving his quills away.

Remus chuckled and shook his head. "C'mon, Padfoot," He said, taking his hand and leading him to their bedroom. "We have a long week ahead of us."

Alternatives to Harming Yourself:

1. Talking to someone you care about and/or trust

2. Exercising

3. Get outside and get some fresh air