AN: Mentions of self-harm. Please be safe. You are important. You matter. You are loved!

Harry awoke the next day by Remus gently shaking him.

"You're better than Padfoot," Harry said sleepily, sitting up.

Just as he said that a large black dog bounded into Harry's room and jumped on his bed.

"Blech! Padfoot!" Harry said, trying to push the dog away.

"I'd give in, Harry. Padfoot's pretty persistent." Remus said, walking to the door.

"Uncle Moony! Call him! Please!" Harry said between licks.

Remus walked out the door, stood in the hall for a minute, then poked his head back in. "Come on, Padfoot. Bacon!"

Padfoot perked up and jumped off the bed and skidded into the kitchen.

Harry wiped his face with his sleeve and made his way to the shower. He wanted the water almost scalding, trying to scrub the memories of the nightmare he had. Luckily, he wasn't loud so his parents didn't know that he was awake. Harry dreamed that Dumbledore told the whole school about his scars and Draco was owling his father.

Yeah, it wasn't pleasant.

He was able to fall back asleep a little less than an hour later and for that he was thankful.

"Harry! Come on! You don't want to miss breakfast!" Harry heard Sirius shout from the bathroom door.

Merlin, how much time had he spent here?

Harry quickly finished his shower and went to his room to get dressed and made his way to the breakfast table. Sirius put a plate in front of him and Remus began speaking. "You have Transfiguration first thing this morning, then a double Herbology, and then lunch. After lunch, you have an hour break and then you have History. After History, Sirius will walk you back up here and let you rest before dinner. Does that make sense?"

Harry nodded, his mouth full of food.

Remus slid his wand across the table and Harry grabbed it, sighing in relief from feeling his magic flow through him.

"C'mon, Cub, I'll walk you to class on my way to my office. We don't want you to be late for Professor McGonagall." Remus said.

Harry took a large swig of pumpkin juice and stood up.

"Take a piece of toast with you, you still need to eat enough." Remus pointed out.

Harry rolled his eyes but complied. He swung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed a piece of toast, shoving it in his mouth.

"Have a good day, Pup! I love you!" Sirius said, putting the dishes in the sink.

"'Wuv 'oo 'oo 'aFoo,'" (Love you too, Dadfoot) Harry said with a mouthful of food.

"Next time, chew and swallow. Merlin, you don't want your Dadfoot's manners." Remus chided lightly.

Harry rolled his eyes, but swallowed and nodded. He knew that his Dadfoot actually did have really good manners when they were in public, but he was more relaxed during breakfast.

Remus carried a light conversation with him all the way to the Transfiguration classroom. When they got there Remus gave Harry a hug and said, "Remember to get me if you need me."

Harry nodded but knew his Uncle Moony was really busy right now.

Remus saw the poorly concealed lie in his face. "I mean it, Harry. You come first."

Harry nodded again and shrugged off Remus' hand. "Mmkay. Bye, Uncle Moony!" He said, walking into the classroom.

Professor McGonagall saw him come in and went out, obviously wanting to talk to Remus.

Harry got settled in his seat and was thankful that his friends weren't here yet. He pulled out his transfiguration essay and textbook, skimming the chapters they were talking about today.

When he saw Ron and Hermione come in, Harry stiffened, but he didn't have to worry. Professor McGonagall walked in behind them and said, "Mister Potter, please come up to my desk."

Harry grabbed his essay and walked up to her desk.

"Good morning, Professor," Harry said, unsure of why she called him up. "I have my essay here," He said, putting it on her desk.

Professor McGonagall glanced at it as he set it down. "Nice job. I look forward to reading it." She said approvingly.

Harry stood there, shifting his weight between his feet. "Professor is there something I can do for you?" Harry asked.

"Yes. I know you have a break in between Herbology and lunch. After you wash up, please come to my office. You're not in any trouble, there's just something I want to discuss with you. I asked Professor Lupin if it was okay for you to come to see me."

Harry nodded, relieved he wasn't in trouble. "Okay, professor. I'll be there!"

"You're excused." Professor McGonagall said, nodding her head.

Harry made his way back to his spot and Professor McGonagall stood up beginning class.

Harry went through the motions during Transfiguration and Herbology. He wasn't the best and he wasn't the worst. It was quickly time for him to see Professor McGonagall. He felt a little nervous, but more numb than anything else. He was just so tired.

He knocked on Professor McGonagall's door and heard a crisp voice say, "Come in."

Harry walked into the office and sat down in front of her desk. McGonagall studied him for a minute and then said, "Have a biscuit, Potter."

Harry grabbed a biscuit and nibbled at it, unsure of why he was here.

"Harry," Professor McGonagall began.

Harry was alert now. She rarely used his first name during the school year.

"Your Uncle Moony talked to me the other night. He mentioned you were having a difficult time lately." She said gently.

"Oh, uh, yeah," Harry mumbled.

"Now, I know you're getting help from your uncle and godfather and I am aware that Albus is meeting with you as well. I just needed to talk to you." She said.

"I'm sure you have a whole head of house spiel." Harry moaned, tired of the lectures.

"Watch your tone," Minerva warned the sullen teenager in front of her.

Harry sat up straighter, remembering how formidable the witch in front of him is.

"As your Head of House, yes, I have things I can say to you, but Harry, I want to talk to you as your grandmother." She said gently.

"Really?" Harry asked.

"Of course!" Minerva said, moving to sit next to him.

"Harry, I love you. I don't want you to be hurt and it pains me to see how distraught you are. Is there anything you want to talk about? Your uncle told me that you consented to me being privy to this information and I thank you for being brave and trusting me with it."

"I, uh, don't really want to talk about it right now. It's really hard for me to talk about. But you mean so much to me and you're so great and I trust you so I thought you should know. Besides, Uncle Moony told me that you helped him."

Minerva was touched by Harry's words and nodded, "Yes. Your godfather came to me with information and I confronted your Uncle Moony. We met every week. I am so proud of everything he has done." She said, her eyes misty. "I just want you to know that I am here to support you in any way I can. I know distractions can be helpful and I'm always here for that or just to listen."

"Well," Harry said thinking. "I have a big project I want to complete and I haven't told anyone about it. I got the book, though."

"What is it?" Minerva asked, looking intrigued.

"You have to promise you won't tell anyone," Harry said seriously.

"Harry, I-" Minerva started, looking firm.

"No, it's not going to harm me or anyone else," Harry said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Minerva seemed relieved, "Okay, that's good."

"And, I'm telling you this as my Grandma Min, not just my professor," Harry said.

Minerva was very interested now. "Alright, I will keep that in mind. What in the world is this secret project?" She asked.

Harry had a small mischievous smile and pulled out a book from his bag, causing Minerva to gasp.

"Animagus! And how did you get that book? It's in the restricted section!" She said, talking the book and flipping through it.

"I had a deal with Uncle Moony. He signed my restricted section slip and I got the book. And yes, before you asked, I had to promise it wasn't to hurt myself or others."

Minerva smiled at him, "Well, I shouldn't be surprised. Your dads were younger when they learned. And I'm glad you told me because this can be dangerous." She said with a raised eyebrow.

"I know, Grandma Min, that's why I told you," Harry said exasperatedly.

Minerva smiled at the teenager's dramatic tone. "Well, I'd be happy to work with you on this. I daresay you're busy enough each week with classes, OWL studying, Quidditch, and your weekly meetings, but we can meet once a month, or more often if you like." The professor offered.

"Oh, Grandma Min! That would be great!" Harry said excitedly, smiling at her.

Minerva smiled back and ruffled his jet black hair. "I'm happy to do it." More seriously she added, "Now, I expect the first three chapters read by the next time we meet."

Harry nodded, "Of course! When will that be?"

"How about two weeks from now? That way we can get started."

Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Thanks so much, Grandma Min! You're the best!"

Minerva smiled and chuckled. "Again, I am happy to help. Besides, your dads have given me enough gray hairs to last a lifetime. I think it's time I give them some back."

Harry shook his head, smiling, and putting his book back in his bag, getting ready to leave.

"And Harry, please, come and see me if you feel like you need to hurt yourself. I'm always here for you."

"Thanks, Grandma Min," Harry said sincerely before leaving the office.

Harry made sure at lunch he made eye contact with Sirius and ate some lunch. He studied before History and that class, thankfully, was a lot less dramatic than last Thursday when everything was revealed.

The next day, when Harry would normally have Defense, he went up to see Professor Dumbledore. Once the gargoyle let him through and he hiked up the stairs he knocked timidly on his grandfather's office.

"Come in!" A jovial voice rang out from the other side.

Harry entered and saw his grandfather's smiling face from behind his desk.

"Harry, my boy! Come on in! Let me just finish this page and I'll be right there." He said.

"Sure, take your time," Harry said, looking around. Harry's been in this office probably hundreds of times since he was young, but it amazed him every time. This time, Harry walked along the bookshelves and looked at the many books and pictures. He stopped at a frame and smiled, it was him as a 4 or 5-year-old, sitting on Dumbledore's lap in the Great Hall. There was another picture of Harry playing Quidditch his first year.

"You have pictures of me?" Harry asked, turning around.

Dumbledore had finished the page he was on and was walking over to Harry. he put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Of course I do. I'm rather proud of my grandson."

Harry blushed and mumbled a thank you.

"So! I want to hear about your week and what you've been up to! Then, I want to show you something." Dumbledore said, leading Harry to the sitting area in his office.

Harry chattered on about his week, mostly talking about the classes he was in. Dumbledore commented appropriately, listening with interest as Harry spoke. When they were done, Dumbledore lead him over to the pensive.

"Harry, I know you didn't join your dads and me in the pensive, but I was hoping to show you another memory in here."

"What is it?" Harry asked, a bit wary.

"I thought you'd like to see a memory of your parents. All of them, Lily, James, Sirius, and Remus." The old man's eyes twinkled fiercely.

Harry was shocked, "You have one?! Of course, I do!" He said, practically jumping up and down.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Alright, alright. It's very simple. I put the memory in already so all we have to do is lean in. Remember, they won't see or hear us. We are just observers." He reminded Harry.

Harry nodded and leaned into the pensive with his grandfather.

Harry fell in and promptly fell as he entered the memory. The older Dumbledore helped him up. Harry saw the much younger Dumbledore sitting on the Quidditch stands, looking as inconspicuous as possible.

"Did they know you were here?" Harry said, whispering. He knew they couldn't hear him, but it felt odd not to whisper.

"I have to say I believe that they didn't," Dumbledore said, his mouth twitching.

"How did you disguise yourself?" Harry asked.

"Ah, let's leave some things as secrets," Dumbledore said, now giving Harry a small smile.

Harry shrugged and put his attention on the Quidditch pitch where he saw James walking on the pitch with Lily, Sirius, and Remus running behind. Harry instinctively went towards the memories of the people, wanting to be near them.

"Oy! Prongs!" Sirius said, panting.

"If you can't keep up, that's your loss," James said, walking fast with Lily who chuckled.

Sirius finally got in front of James and stopped him then plopped on the ground. James sat down and Lily followed. Finally, Remus caught up and sat down with them.

"So, how did it go?!" Sirius asked after catching his breath.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, do you, James?" Lily asked, looking at James.

"None," James said with a straight face.

"You prat! Telling Dumbledore you're engaged!" Sirius said, shoving James.

"Yeah, how'd he take it? Did he already know?" Remus asked, leaning forward.

Peter's not here, are you sure we should talk about it?" Lily asked.

"Nah, it's his fault he got detention. Besides, he's been acting a bit dodgy lately, just tell us already!" Sirius practically bounced.

James paused and looked at Lily, stalling and practically torturing his friends.

"We wouldn't even have to ask if you just let us come. I mean, we're a package deal!" Sirius said.

"Hey, you got to choose who you wanted to see, McGonagall or Dumbledore and you choose McGonagall." James pointed out.

"And that was a moment that will fuel my Patronus for decades," Sirius said, leaning back.

"Just tell us how it went," Remus said, kissing his boyfriend.

"Well, we got to his office and sat down." James began.

"He asked us how classes were going and NEWT studying and what we wanted to do after school." Lily continued.

"And then we both smiled and told him we were getting married!" James said, grinning ear from ear.

Lily looked annoyed. "What James actually said is 'Professor I finally got her! Evans is mine! We get to have Potter-Evans babies!'"

Remus lightly slapped James upside the head. "James of all the ways you could've told him!"

"I was excited, okay!" James said, putting his hands up.

Lily rolled her eyes and smiled and continued talking, "I told him what James meant and he congratulated us. He gave us some advice and told us some memories of when we were younger."

"He even told us that some professors have a bet on if we were going to get married or kill each other," James whispered.

"He didn't say that!" Lily said, looking affronted.

"He certainly meant it. It sounds like Ol Slugy owes him 10 galleons." James said, obviously amused.

"Well, he certainly saw everything you did to me in potions so it's no wonder that he didn't think we'd get together," Lily said, defending her professor.

"So did Minnie and she knew you'd get together," Sirius said, pointing out.

"I just keep thinking about how I'm the luckiest bloke in all the world," James said dreamily.

"And don't you forget it!" Lily said, kissing him.

They all talked for about ten more minutes before Sirius reminded them about lunch. They all stood up and James winked exactly where the young Dumbledore was sitting and followed his friends.

The memory faded out and Harry and Dumbledore were back in his office.

"I realize I could've shown you the conversation we had, but I thought it would be particularly special to see all your parents together," Dumbledore commented, leading Harry to sit down.

"Professor, thank you so much," Harry said, tears in his eyes.

"I hope this hasn't upset you," Dumbledore said, worried.

"Oh, no professor. It's been so good to see them." Harry was quiet for a minute. "Granddad, do you think they'd be proud of me. Especially with everything lately?"

"Oh, Harry," Dumbledore said, guiding Harry's eyes to meet his. "I have no doubt that they'd be proud of you. They'd be so incredibly proud of you. You were their pride and joy. Oh, Harry, they love you still. You are loved by many." Dumbledore said.

Harry leaned on his grandfather, soaking in the affection. Eventually, Harry fell asleep on Dumbledore. Minerva came in much later on and snapped a magical picture seeing both boys asleep.

When Harry woke up later on that day he was magically back in his bed. He walked out to the sitting room, a bit confused, but saw Sirius sitting there.

"Dadfoot, how'd I get here?" He asked.

Sirius looked up and smiled. "Minerva told me that you and Professor Dumbledore had fallen asleep in his office. I brought you back here since you are obviously exhausted and I notified your professors. You're not in trouble since you were having 'special tutoring' with the headmaster." Sirius explained.

"What time is it?" Harry asked, rubbing his hands on his face, trying to wake himself up.

Sirius cast a quick Tempus. "4:40. We'll head to dinner in a little over an hour. How about you wake up and do what you have to do and then we'll do some homework together, hm?" Sirius asked.

Harry nodded and went back to his room. He made sure he went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face, trying to wake up. He brought out his history homework and had Sirius guide him with it.

Dinner went without a hitch and as he was getting ready for bed he remembered that he had a meeting with his Uncle Moony tomorrow. It sounded silly, but he was nervous. This wasn't him just asking for help with his friends or creating a schedule. This was Remus mandating it. He wasn't really looking forward to it, but he knew he had no choice.

Harry drifted off into an uneasy sleep, not knowing what to expect in his dreams or in his day tomorrow.

That night, Harry had another nightmare. Unfortunately, he wasn't lucky enough to stay quiet and Remus and Sirius were by him, waking him up.

"Pup, wake up. It's just a nightmare." Sirius said, rubbing his godson's arm.

Harry was still in the throes of the nightmare and Sirius looked to Remus for guidance.

"Just keep talking to him and comforting him. We'll get to him eventually." Remus said, stroking Harry's head.

"Harry, Cub, you're safe. It's not real. You're okay." Remus said softly.

Through Remus and Sirius talking softly to Harry and comforting him, Harry woke up from the nightmare.

He was still panting as he opened his eyes. "Oh. Nightmare. Sorry." Harry mumbled, rubbing his eyes and trying to reach for his glasses.

Sirius handed them to him. "You're fine, Pup. We are happy to be with you. We love you," he assured him.

"What was it about?" Remus asked lightly, rubbing his arm.

Harry stiffened, remembering what he had to do with Remus tomorrow (or was it today?).

Harry looked down, "I don't wanna talk about it." He mumbled.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look. Harry doesn't normally love to talk about his nightmares, but he certainly does more than this.

"Harry, what happened?" Sirius asked, repeating Remus' question.

Harry shook his head. He didn't feel like having a therapy session right now.

Sirius looked at Remus, not used to Harry refusing to speak. Without looking at them, Harry could tell they were communicating with their eyes, but Harry was too tired to try to stop them.

"Okay, Harry. You must still be tired. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. If you change your mind, you know where we are." Remus said carefully.

Harry nodded, still not looking at them.

"Do you want anything? Hot chocolate?" Remus asked, trying to get the boy to speak.

Harry shook his head again.

"Harry, are you sure you're okay?" Sirius asked, concern in his voice.

"Yeah, just tired. I'll be fine." Harry said quietly.

"Harry, pick a different word," Remus said, not allowing that word even in the middle of the night.

Harry sighed, "I'll be alright."

Remus and Sirius lingered there a moment longer before they both bent down and kissed Harry on the head.

"Okay, but get us if you need us, okay Pup?" Sirius said.

Harry nodded, "I will. G'night. Thanks."

Harry sighed with relief when they shut his door. He just wanted to be by himself. He laid there for a few minutes, thoughts racing through his head. Harry knew that he had nothing in his room that he could use to harm himself and his Dadfoot and Uncle Moony already went through his trunk and room to make sure there was nothing there. However, that didn't stop Harry from getting up and looking around, trying to find anything.

He wanted a distraction.

He felt angry, confused, and scared.

He couldn't even cast a Tempus to find out the time to see if anyone would be patrolling the hallways (not that Remus and Sirius wouldn't skin him alive first).

Harry cursed quietly, feeling frustrated.

He had his nightmare and didn't tell the two most important people in his life about it because he didn't want to go to that stupid therapy session.

Harry stopped crawling around the floor and sat there, putting his head in his hands.

If it wasn't for Sirius catching him in the first place, he wouldn't have to deal with this right now. He didn't want to talk about it. He just wanted to make how he is feeling now go away. He wanted it gone.

Harry blinked back a few tears, not allowing himself to cry.

"Get it together, Harry," he whispered to himself.

Harry sat there on the floor for several minutes trying to pull himself together before getting an idea. He took a deep breath and stood up, tiptoeing to the kitchen. Harry knew the kitchen had knives, but he also knew that his dads were probably still awake so he needed a cover. Harry grabbed the milk out of the fridge and put it in a pot for the stove to heat it up.

His Uncle Moony taught him early on that proper hot chocolate is made with milk, not water.

Harry grabbed the cocoa from the pantry and then grabbed a mug and set it on the counter. Harry opened the door he last knew the knives were in as quietly as he could, sneaking a peek at the door of his godparents.

Still closed. No noise.

Harry looked and saw the spoons, but no forks or knives.

Harry rolled his eyes, silently cursing the fact that they moved the forks, too, which were his backup plan.

He opened another drawer and put a hand in to move things around, trying to find anything sharp or pointy.

"Harry? What're you looking for?" Sirius asked.

Harry jumped and put a hand over his now wildly beating heart. "Sirius! You scared me!" Harry exclaimed.

"Sorry, Pup. I wasn't trying to scare you. I came in here for some hot chocolate for me and Moony and I was surprised to find you here, going through the drawers." Sirius said rather suspiciously, raising his eyebrows.

"A spoon," Harry said quickly, going to his cover story. "I'm making hot chocolate, see." Harry gestured towards the milk that was heating on the stove.

"You know where the spoons are. They're where they've always been." Sirius said, opening the first drawer Harry opened.

"Uh, yeah, but uh, Uncle Moony says to use a wooden spoon for hot chocolate," Harry said.

Harry was rather proud of himself for pulling that out of his butt. It's true, Uncle Moony does indeed insist on a wooden spoon for making hot chocolate rather than a metal one, but Harry was not planning on using that excuse. I guess growing up with the Marauders does help one develop quick thinking.

Sirius didn't seem very convinced, but shut the drawer and reached over to a vase that held spoons and spatulas. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Dadfoot," Harry said, trying to give him a weak smile.

Sirius sighed and sat down, rubbing his face. "Pup, what's going on?" He asked rather pointedly.

"Nothing!" Harry said, a little bit more forcefully than he intended.

Sirius gave him a weary glare and Harry softened.

"I'm sorry, I just- ugh. I don't have to tell you both everything!"

Sirius nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. You don't have to tell us everything. When something is hurting you or difficult, however, we want to help you. Keeping it all bottled in isn't helpful." He explained.

"It is to me," Harry mumbled, looking at the floor.

"No, it's not. We've seen what you do with your bottled-up emotions and it's not healthy. Oh, Pup, I love you. I want to help you." Sirius pleaded.

"Well, maybe I don't want to relive my nightmares anymore than I already have to! Maybe I don't want to tell you about how Voldemort was actually touching me and what every inch of his face looks like. It's enough for anyone to have nightmares!" Harry exclaimed loudly.

Remus was walking out of the bedroom now. "What's going on?" He asked, walking towards the pair.

"Nothing!" Harry said angrily, turning away.

Sirius was silent for a moment. He was trying to digest the information his godson told him, but he also saw the animosity he had towards Remus, which wasn't typical of him.

"Harry, what-" Remus began, but Sirius put a hand on his arm to quiet him. Remus looked down at him and Sirius shook his head.

"He wasn't even an inch away from you, was he?" Sirius asked solemnly.

"No." Harry quietly spat out.

"So that's why you have nightmares. You're remembering what his breath smells like! Merlin, I bet it REEKS!" Sirius said dramatically.

Harry rolled his eyes but cracked a small smile. He was relieved his godfather made light of the conversation. He didn't want to have this conversation, especially in the middle of the night when he had no patience. He couldn't handle or process it right now. "It was really bad," he admitted.

"Well, yeah. I mean I guess that's what happens when you don't brush your teeth in 15 years." Sirius said, nodding.

"It can't be any worse than your morning dog breath!" Harry exclaimed, looking at his godfather.

Sirius gasped, "Oh, my dog breath is pristine!"

"It's dog breath, Dadfoot," Harry said dryly.

"Hmph!" Sirius said, turning his nose up.

"I think the milk is done," Remus said gently after a moment of silence.

Sirius stood up and poured the milk into three mugs and added the chocolate. "To having better breath than an evil git." He said, raising his glass.

Harry and Remus cheer-sed his mug with theirs and had a sip.

"Well, uh, thanks. I'm gonna go back to my room now." Harry said awkwardly, taking a few steps.

"I'll come too!" Sirius said much too jovially.

"Uh, I'm good," Harry insisted.

"I need to prove to you that my breath is better than no-nose man. Let me just finish my drink!" Sirius said, chugging the warm beverage.

"Sirius Black," Remus said exasperatedly, rolling his eyes at his husband's antics.

Sirius just ignored him, finishing his drink and turning into Padfoot and bounding into Harry's room.

Remus shook his head at his husband and saw his son standing there awkwardly.

"Uh, G'night." Harry said, turning his gaze away from his uncle.

"Goodnight, Harry." Remus said, watching him start to walk away. "And Harry," Remus began.

Harry stopped walking and turned around, looking at Remus expectantly.

"Don't go looking for the knives again. They're hidden and spelled so you can't get to them." Remus told him honestly. He wanted him to know now rather than try to look again. He knew what it was like practically torturing yourself to try to find something, only to have it hidden. It only causes more frustration and Remus could most definitely see Harry trying to find them again.

Harry stood there frozen, surprised at being caught after the situation was over (and Remus wasn't even in the room when he was looking!) before he just turned around and went to his room, loudly setting the door.

Harry set the mug down on his bedside table angrily and threw himself on his bed next to Padfoot. Padfoot whined seeing Harry so angry. He nuzzled into Harry and after a moment of listening to the black dog whine, Harry gave in.

Harry pet the dog, calming himself down and taking a sip of the hot chocolate.

It might've been the lack of sleep or the calming effect of petting a dog and drinking hot chocolate, but Harry began to speak softly to the dog.

"Are you awake?" Harry whispered.

Padfoot was awake but didn't move or say anything. He was half-asleep after all.

"Good," Harry whispered, still petting the dog. "I really don't want to see Remus tomorrow. I mean I really don't want to. I don't want to talk about anything. I don't want to talk about 'how it makes me feel'," Harry mimicked, rolling his eyes.

"I just want rest," Harry said, so softly only Padfoot's hearing picked up on it.

Padfoot couldn't help himself and whined a bit, nuzzling further into the boy.

"Did you hear that?" Harry asked quietly, looking at the dog.

Padfoot, of course, didn't respond.

"Don't tell Uncle Moony, okay Padfoot? I just don't want him to know."

Harry sat quietly petting the dog, getting more drowsy and fighting both sleep and the calming effects of cocoa.

"Me and you Padfoot. We'll just run away together. We'll be normal together. No 'Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived, or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone or Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban or Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, none of that. Harry and Padfoot. Boy and dog. Yeah, Harry and the Dog. That'd be nice." Harry said, finally giving in to closing his eyes.

With that, Harry and Padfoot dreamed about the mighty adventures Harry and the Dog would go on. While it might not be wise to dwell on dreams, it certainly isn't bad being in them.

Alternatives to Harming Yourself:

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

2. Exercising

3. Get outside and get some fresh air

4. Have a warm beverage