Author's Note: Mentions of self-harm in this chapter as well as a language warning. Please be safe and know that you are loved. I am so glad you are here!
Please leave a review to put a smile on my face:).
Harry awoke on Saturday feeling much better than the day before. He had a glorious second or two when he woke up before remembering everything that happened the day before. Padfoot slept with him again, not wanting to leave him alone. Harry groaned and rolled over, reaching for his glasses.
"Mornin' Padfoot," Harry grumbled.
Padfoot had just woken up as well, so there was no response there.
Harry tried to get out of bed but winced as he threw back his covers. His left arm was sore and stiff from the bandages.
This wince woke Padfoot right up. Padfoot popped into Sirius and he helped Harry out of the bed, "Easy there Pup."
Harry blushed but didn't say anything because he did need the help. Sirius got him out of bed and they walked to the kitchen where Moony was sitting, sipping tea, and reading a book.
"Morning Sleepyheads," Remus said smiling.
Harry waved and plopped down on a chair, still waking up.
"Harry, you're going to eat breakfast, and then I want to check your arm and redress it, okay?" Remus asked.
"Uncle Moony! I don't want you to!" Harry whined. He didn't need anyone to see his arm, or have a reminder of yesterday.
"It'll be quick and I'll be gentle, I promise," Remus said gently.
Harry nodded and looked away before shooting up. "How's Mr. Weasley?"
Remus smiled. "He's doing better. The healers think he'll be able to come home in a few days. He'll have to take it easy, but I don't think Molly will let him lift a finger."
Harry chuckled, "Yeah, you're right."
Sirius swooped in now and put a plate of breakfast in front of Harry. "Courtesy of the house elves."
Harry gave Sirius a weak smile and started to eat, but didn't eat much. Remus and Sirius tried to engage him in conversation but Harry seemed worlds away.
Eventually, Remus couldn't take it anymore. "Okay, what's wrong, Cub? What's going on in your head?" He asked kindly, trying to catch Harry's eye.
Harry shrugged. "I just feel so embarrassed and I'm dreading everything that's going to come."
"Like what?" Remus probed.
Harry huffed, "We have to talk about it and I have to have conversations with everyone and it's all a mess." Harry pushed his plate away, not hungry at all.
"Well, Harry, we will probably talk about it, but only when you're ready to. I'm not going to push you into talking about something you're not ready for."
"But you have before! Like when you found out!" Harry protested.
"I never once threatened you or made you do anything. I did ask questions and I did need to know about what was going on because you were a danger to yourself. I do push the topic a little more when you're a danger to yourself or others. Right now, however, we are aware of the situation and we're working with you on it. I know it might not seem like it right now, but you will be ready to talk about it at some point. We're here for you through all of it. If you're worried about something, just ask. If you need to slow something down, let us know. We love you, Kid." Remus reminded him.
"Okay," Harry said softly, nodding.
"Do you think you can eat any more breakfast?" Sirius asked gently.
Harry shook his head, "I'm full."
Remus nodded in understanding, "That's okay, Cub, but we do have a nutrition potion for you."
Harry rolled his eyes but understood. He watched as his dadfoot grabbed the potion and Harry downed it, shuddering at the awful taste.
"Do you want to be with us or rest in your room?" Remus asked, giving Harry the choice.
"I'll be in my room," Harry said quietly, pushing in his chair and walking away.
Sirius cleared his plate and then the two men went into the sitting room. They both sighed and threw themselves on their couch and armchair, respectively.
"Moony, what're we going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Love him. He'll be okay. There's a lot right now that's being thrown at him."
"What can I do to help him?" Sirius asked, asking his healer husband for help.
Remus thought for a moment before remembering a conversation with Harry.
"Do you remember how you pestered Harry and me a bit about therapy?" Remus asked.
Sirius nodded, remembering how he didn't get any answers out of them and Remus had to seriously calm Sirius down to stop bothering Harry.
"Well he did give me permission to ask you a question, but he didn't want to be there when we talked about it."
Sirius nodded, listening intently.
"He said that sometimes when he wants to harm himself he is really angry, but does not want to be around anyone. He wanted to know if you had any suggestions."
Sirius leaned back, thinking hard before sitting up, leaning forward. "What about a punching bag? Harry punched a wall before and it would be a good way to get out his anger. He does not have to tell anyone. I still have my old one. We could use that bottom basement-type room we have and set it up as a room for Harry to use with the punching bag. We could add padding to the walls."
Remus was listening eagerly to this idea, "That's a great idea! We could even use it as a safe room if Harry escalates to where he was last night. I really like that idea."
Warmth bloomed in Sirius' chest. He loved when his husband complimented him, especially when he came up with a good idea that was in Remus' specialty. "Thanks, love."
Remus' face softened as he saw the pride on Sirius' face and he moved closer to his husband.
"You have lots of good ideas." Remus reminded him.
"Yeah, but it's still nice when you say it," Sirius admitted.
Remus kissed Sirius' cheek and said, "Well, Mister Black, I'll validate you all day long."
Sirius turned pink and turned into his husband. He didn't like how Harry would retreat to his room, but he did love these spontaneous moments with his husband.
A few hours later, Harry was doing some homework for class when a knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Harry said.
Remus poked his head in and smiled before walking in and shutting the door softly behind him. "Hi, Cub. How're you doing?" Remus asked, sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Fine." Harry shrugged.
Remus raised his eyebrow and sent Harry a stern glance.
"Right, er- sorry. I'm okay. Kinda tired."
Remus still felt like Harry was being vague (because he was), but let it slide.
"I wanted to ask if you've talked to Neville or another one of your friends about what's going on?" Remus inquired.
Harry slapped his head, "Oh, Uncle Moony I totally forgot! Merlin! I'm sorry!" Harry said.
Remus smiled gently at him, "Harry, it's okay. It's no big deal. I was just asking and you're certainly not in any trouble. Also, don't hurt yourself." Remus chided softly.
Harry blushed, looking down at the rebuke.
"The reason I asked," Remus said clearly, bringing Harry out of his mind and to the present, "is because we are going to Professor Dumbledore's office and I wanted to know if you wanted to go to Gryffindor Tower to talk to someone."
"Yeah, I mean I guess that's a good idea," Harry admitted.
"But..." Remus prompted.
"But I'm really nervous to do it."
"I know. I know it's a scary thing to do. I believe in you. If it becomes too much or you need to step away, just let us know. We'll be in Dumbledore's office and that's right near Gryffindor Tower."
Harry paused, thinking it over, then nodded, "Okay. I'll do it now."
"Splendid. We are leaving in about half an hour, okay? We'll walk you to Gryffindor Tower and you can have Neville walk you back when you're done, okay? If we're not back yet please keep Neville with you, okay?"
Harry groaned, "But Uncle Moony! I can be by myself!"
"For this weekend we're keeping someone near you. We're keeping you safe." Remus replied.
Harry sighed. His arms itched, but he stopped himself before he scratched. That would not convince Remus to let him be by himself.
"Okay, I'll be out them," Harry replied dully.
"Good. I'm proud of you, Harry."
Harry gave his uncle a weak smile before getting ready to leave.
The thirty minutes flew by. Harry was able to change his clothes, brush his teeth, and attempt to tame his hair by brushing it (it didn't work). Harry joined his dads in the sitting room and they stood up when they saw him.
"Ready, Cub?" Remus asked.
Again, Harry replied with a weak smile. Not trusting his words.
"It'll all work out," Sirius said lovingly, squeezing his shoulder.
Harry followed his parents as they walked through the halls together. Harry couldn't really speak but listened to the banter of his fathers. When they arrived at the Fat Lady, Remus bent down and talked to Harry as Sirius tried to charm the portrait.
"Harry, remember, your friends will love you. If you need us we are in Professor Dumbledore's office. We believe in you. You can do this." Remus reminded his son.
Harry nodded and gave his dad a hug before heading into the common room.
Harry looked around and saw that the common room was pretty empty. He let out a silent sigh of relief to see that Hermione and Ron were not in the common room. He was pretty sure Hermione was in the library and there was a chance that she had dragged Ron along, but Ron could be sleeping, too.
"Hey, Harry." A voice said near him, pulling Harry out of his thoughts.
Harry jumped a bit at the voice and turned to see Ginny Weasley next to him. "Oh, hey, Ginny."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Ginny said, giving him a small smile.
"You're good, I just didn't see you there," Harry admitted.
"It's so nice to see your face. We've really missed you lately." Ginny told him kindly.
Harry looked uncomfortable and put a hand on the back of his neck. "Well, uh-" Harry stammered.
"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to give me an explanation. I know you told us that you have stuff going on right now. Just remember that you're not alone and I'm here if you ever want to talk." Ginny said gently.
"Thanks, Gin," Harry said, giving her a relieved smile.
Ginny returned the smile before walking out of the Common Room.
Harry scanned the Common Room again and saw Neville. He walked towards him and Neville lit up when he saw him. "Hey, Harry! I've missed you. How are you?" Neville asked genuinely.
Harry gave him a small, nervous smile and said, "Yeah, I kinda wanted to talk to you about that. Is there a place we can talk? Privately?" Harry added.
Neville had a flash of concern flicker across his face before returning to his usual kind one. "Yeah, our room is empty. Ron is flying and Dean and Seamus are out taking a walk. C'mon." Neville said, standing up.
Harry followed him into the bedroom. He made sure that the door was shut behind him. Both boys sat on their respective beds and faced each other.
"Uh, d'ya think anyone can hear us?" Harry asked nervously.
Neville seemed concerned but didn't comment on why Harry was asking that question. "No one can hear us," Neville confirmed.
Harry wiped his sweaty palms on his pants and looked around, unsure of how to start this conversation.
Neville picked up on his unease and said, "You said you wanted to talk about how you were doing."
Harry nodded, still not sure of what to say.
Neville was patient and continued asking, "Does it have something to do with you staying with your dads right now and not being here?"
Harry nodded again, glad Neville was able to guess what was going on.
Neville nodded, thinking, "So they're keeping an eye on you. Are you okay?"
Harry shrugged, "Yeah they're, uh, having me stay with them right now. Did you, uh, notice how I was a few weeks ago?" Harry asked.
Neville nodded, "Yeah, you've been more withdrawn. You haven't seemed so happy. I know the tournament was really tough."
"Yeah. Uh, I've been having a bit of trouble with my feelings lately and-" Harry cut himself off. He stood up and clenched his fists. "Merlin! I sound like Hermione!" He said angrily, looking away from Neville.
"Harry, you're okay. I don't think you're acting like a girl or weak in any way by talking about your emotions. We all have them, it's okay." Neville said kindly.
Harry took a breath and sat back down, trying to reign in his fear and embarrassment. "Thanks," he mumbled before continuing, "My head has had a lot of stuff going on with it, and with Voldemort returning and Cedric it's all been too much." Harry took a deep breath to keep him from crying before continuing. "I, uh, didn't really deal with my stress the best way possible and my dadfoot and Uncle Moony found out."
Neville was quiet, listening intently to his traumatized friend.
"They have had me staying with them and I have all these rules and stuff like that. Uncle Moony told me that it's a good idea to talk to a friend and I, well, we, thought you'd be good for it because you're kind and you won't tell anyone and you know it's just-" Harry rambled on.
Neville gently cut him off, "Harry, what is it that you want to tell me?"
Harry took another deep breath and pushed up his sleeve, revealing his left arm. It was still covered with bandages so Harry said, "I uh, haven't handled things the best way."
Neville seemed to understand, "You cut yourself."
Harry flinched at the word, not used to someone saying it out loud. It sounded rather harsh. Harry tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling he had and nodded. "Yeah. Uncle Moony says it is an unhealthy coping mechanism. They've had me with them because I'm a danger to myself." Harry said, rolling his eyes.
Neville cracked a small smile and Harry's feeble attempt at a joke.
"You, uh, you won't tell anyone, right? Not even Ron or Dean or Seamus?" Harry asked nervously, not able to look him in the eye.
Neville looked appalled. "Of course not! I won't tell anyone! Harry, that's your secret. I am honored that you trusted me with it. And no, I don't think any less of you. It just proves that the great Harry Potter is human." Neville teased him.
Harry had a small smile now.
"And also, I know Professor Lupin couldn't tell you anything, but he probably thought that I was a good person to tell because I've seen him for my depression." Neville confided.
"What?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Yeah. I mean you know that my relatives literally threw me out of a window to prove that I was magical. I'm always told that I'm not good for anything and I'm made fun of. I never had a lot of self-esteem. I've gotten a lot better now, but I spent a lot of time with your uncle and he's helped me through a lot."
Harry was hurting for his friend, but so glad he understood.
"It's not anything you can control, Harry. I'm just glad you're here, Mate." Neville said, giving him a sideways smile.
"Thanks, Nev. I appreciate it." Harry replied sincerely.
The two boys sat there for a moment before Neville spoke again. "So, are you allowed to come back here now?"
Harry scoffed. "I wish! Nah, they just dropped me off and said that you uh, needed to walk me back. I mean, if that's okay." Harry said, embarrassed.
Neville didn't seem to mind. He gave Harry a reassuring smile. "Sure, Harry, I'll do that. Do you want to play some exploding snap first?"
A real smile appeared on Harry's face. "Yeah, I'd love to!"
The boys played the game and Harry had some real, carefree fun for the first time in a while.
Meanwhile, there was a very solemn conversation being had in the Headmasters office.
"Excuse me. My son is a what?" Sirius said, his voice low and menacing.
Albus sighed and clasped his hands together before returning his weary face to the man in front of him. "It is my belief that Harry is a Horcrux. I believe that when Voldemort tried to kill Harry and the spell backfired, a piece of Voldemort's soul attached itself to Harry in his scar. Unfortunately, I also believe that Voldemort has made several, one of which being the diary that Harry destroyed a few years ago."
Sirius knew what a Horcrux is (he is a Black, after all!), but he was feeling all sorts of things finding out that his son is one.
Remus was deathly quiet, amber coming into his eyes.
Even Severus was in shock. He may not adore Potter, but he wouldn't wish this on anyone.
"How long have you suspected this, Albus?" Sirius hissed.
Albus was quiet, knowing that he wouldn't like the answer.
Sirius stood up and slammed his fist on the headmaster's desk. Remus stood up and put his hand on his husband's shoulder. Sirius touched his hand before turning around and walking to the back of the headmaster's office to pace.
"We don't keep secrets from Harry, Albus, but I certainly don't think now is the right time to tell Harry this," Remus confessed.
"Have you told him the prophecy?" Severus asked Remus, sitting up straight.
"He has known that there was, well, is, a prophecy and Voldemort went after him because of it, if that's what you're asking," Remus replied.
Severus exchanged an uneasy glance with Dumbledore but didn't say anything.
Albus knew that this was difficult enough and was not about to bring any more bad news into this conversation. "I believe this is why Harry can see things from Voldemort, like the attack on Arthur Weasley." He said, turning the conversation back to the reason why they were here. "Occlumency is vital to protecting his mind from Voldemort."
Sirius had come back now and stood behind where he was sitting, looking at Albus. "Merlin, Albus. I know you love him. You're his grandfather for fuck's sake. I know you can't just share your theories anytime you have one, but I'm going to need time to process this. I-I can't keep having this conversation right now. I need to figure this out."
Remus knew Sirius was affected by what the professor shared, but wasn't aware of how deep this was affecting Sirius. The last time Sirius was this distraught was when Harry's name came out of the goblet. Before that, it was when they found out the extent of Harry's abuse when he was very young. Remus himself was having trouble digesting this news but knew he needed to be there for his husband. Remus stood up and got behind Sirius, putting his arms around him. Sirius lightly protested against the physical contact, but Remus whispered something calming in his ear and Sirius relaxed into the hold.
"Albus, before Sirius leaves, I have one more question. What can we do to remove the Horcrux? We can't just stab Harry with a basilisk fang and let it kill him." Remus pointed out.
"I am still doing research on what to do and how to take care of the matter. In the meantime, we will have Harry work on occlumency with Severus."
"We're meeting tomorrow with Harry about this, correct?" Remus asked, still holding onto Sirius.
"Yes, we are," Albus confirmed.
"Thank you. Now, Sirius and I are going to leave, but I will be back to discuss Harry with you later, Albus. I think we need a night to process things and someone needs to watch him tonight."
"It would be my pleasure," Albus said, giving the men a small smile.
Remus led Sirius to the fireplace where he flooed them to one of the many Black homes. One, in particular, that didn't have a lot of breakable things in it.
Severus, as the fire turned back to its orange color, turned back to the headmaster. "You haven't told them the whole prophecy?" He asked.
"My boy, if this devastated them, imagine how they will reach to hearing that Harry has to defeat Voldemort or die. I do love my grandson, Severus, and I want him to be as happy as he can be for as long as he can. It is a burden no one should have to carry."
"Albus, with all due respect, the boy isn't happy right now." Severus pointed out.
Albus looked sadly at Severus, "Ah, then imagine what he'd feel like if he heard the second half of the prophecy."
Severus' face paled even further, if possible.
"Harry still has hope and I refuse to take that away from him," Dumbledore said, a faraway look in his eyes. He wanted to protect the child and this is the way he knew how. It was more than Harry should ever have to carry and he just wanted to flame the spark of hope Harry had so that when he was burdened with the second half of the prophecy he'd have enough hope to hold on.
Hold on, Harry.
Remus flooded Sirius to a secluded Black home that was actually somewhat near Hogwarts. It was a small place (for the Black family). It has been passed down for about a hundred years as a backup home that was rarely used. Sirius and Remus used it as a getaway when they just wanted to be alone and have some space. It was a three-bedroom house with a single fireplace. It was on a huge field and there were no other houses for miles; there was not another house in sight.
When they had got there Remus let Sirius go and he collapsed on the couch before getting up and storming out of the house with his wand. Remus watched Sirius from the window, giving him his space. He saw Sirius absolutely obliterate a tree, scald a part of the field, and scream into the sky. After about twenty minutes, Sirius started to slowly head back. Remus moved away from the window and decided to pour a drink for Sirius, having it ready when he once again collapsed on the couch.
Sirius took two generous sips of his drink and was silent for several minutes before finally speaking. "Sorry, love." He said softly.
Remus shook his head. "You don't have to be sorry. We were just given some life-changing information about our son. I think your feelings are pretty understood."
Sirius wanted to smile in reply but just couldn't bring himself to. "The thought of something so hideous inside of our beautiful, brave, and good son is not easy," Sirius said in reply.
"No, it's not. And I think it's good if we stay here tonight to process it." Remus said.
"That was real good and quick thinking on your part, Moony," Sirius said, raising his glass to him before having another sip.
"Since we are staying here, we need to talk about what we're doing with Harry tonight." Remus reminded his husband.
"Oh, Merlin! How could I forget!" Sirius said, hitting his head.
"Don't hurt yourself," Remus said softly, but firmly.
Sirius rolled his eyes but nodded at Remus. He was right.
Seeing the nod, Remus continued, "I think you heard me ask Albus to take Harry for the night. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah. I know Albus will protect Harry. We just need to go over a few things with him."
Remus nodded, "And I will. I expect you to stay here to calm down some more before you have an accidental magic outburst at your old age."
"Who're you calling old?!" Sirius said weakly, trying to be affronted.
Remus could see how hurt Sirius was and gave him a smile. "I'll talk to Harry and make sure he's okay with everything before I come back."
"Of course, he's our first priority," Sirius confirmed, confident about that.
"Will you be okay while I'm gone?" Remus asked, giving his husband a knowing smile.
"I'll be just fine, Healer Lupin," Sirius said, shaking his head at Remus.
"Hey, I banned that word." Remus reminded him.
"Aw, but I'm not Harry. I'm your loving, funny, irresistible husband." Sirius said, wagging his eyebrows.
Remus rolled his eyes and got up to kiss his husband before flooing back to Hogwarts.
When Remus arrived in Dumbledore's office, Severus was not there anymore, but Albus was still behind his desk.
"Remus, please sit down. How is Sirius?" Albus asked, concerned.
Remus sat down and sighed. "He's, well, processing. He'll be alright. We just have to think things through."
Albus nodded and grabbed a lemon drop and offered Remus one, who politely declined.
"About tonight," Remus began.
"Ah, yes. I haven't had Harry spend the night here in ages. I think it'd be a splendid time."
Remus smiled at the headmaster, "Good, I'm glad. I just want to go over a few rules we have and things we do to keep Harry safe right now."
Albus nodded, wanting to keep Harry safe in any way possible.
"First of all, he is not to go anywhere alone. Someone escorts him to every class or any place he goes to, whether it is us or a friend. He isn't allowed his wand unless he is in class or studying. If he is studying he is supervised. We do not let him have his wand overnight. We have also made sure that there is nothing in his room that he could use to harm himself, so I suggest you do that to the room Harry is staying in."
Dumbledore nodded. While he didn't think there was anything, he would double-check. When feeling hopeless one's mind can go to great lengths to soothe itself and fight to survive.
"We have also hidden and charmed the knives and forks away from Harry. Please make sure he doesn't have easy access to anything that he can use to hurt himself." Remus said.
"Remus, is it truly that bad?" Albus asked, despite knowing the answer deep within him.
"Professor, you saw Harry the other day. I don't need anything to trigger him any more than his trauma already knows. My son needs a lot of love right now, whether he knows it or not."
This statement caused Albus' heart to constrict. He felt horrible adding this to their worries, but he didn't want to hide information from Remus and Sirius concerning their son. Oh, how he wished he could solve this all.
"I give you my word, Remus, Harry will not harm himself while under my care."
Remus let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, "Thank you." He whispered gratefully.
"We will have a grand time. I think we can even make a trip to Hogsmeade."
"Oh, he'd love that! He missed the last one." Remus commented.
"Now, why don't you go back to your quarters and wait for Harry? I'm sure you have a few things to arrange before you bring him back here."
"Thank you, Albus," Remus said gratefully.
"Anything for family," Dumbledore said, smiling as his former student walked away.
Remus had enough time to pack a bag himself and Sirius and start to tidy up the sitting room before Harry walked in with Neville.
"Hi, Uncle Moony," Harry said, walking in.
"Hey, Cub," Remus said, looking from Harry to Neville.
"Yes, I told Neville, Uncle Moony," Harry said, blushing.
"Hey, I'm proud of you," Remus said warmly, looking into Harry's eyes.
This caused Harry to blush further and look away.
Remus shook his head at his son but said, "I'll explain in a minute, but I need you to pack a bag. You're staying with Professor Dumbledore tonight."
Concern was etched across Harry's face. "Are you and Dadfoot okay?"
"We're all good, Harry. Nothing is wrong. I promise I'll explain in a minute. Pack a bag while I walk Neville out."
Harry knew that was his dismissal so he left, albeit reluctantly.
Remus, knowing his son rather well, took out his wand and cast a silencing charm so Harry couldn't eavesdrop.
"Professor Lupin, Sir?" Neville asked, a bit confused.
Remus turned back to the boy he's known since a young child. "Neville, thank you for being such a good friend to Harry. He was reluctant to tell anyone and I appreciate you being so understanding, kind, and loyal."
It was Neville's turn to blush now. "I'm just being a friend. It's what any decent human would do."
"Ah, but so many would not. So thank you, Neville."
Neville shrugged, but blushed.
"I doubt Harry included this part so I want to tell you. When Harry does return to the dorms, we would like it if he's not alone, especially at first. If he is in there to be with friends or when he's back permanently we don't want to give him an opportunity to harm himself. He also shouldn't be alone in the hallways, either."
Neville nodded. "I understand, Sir. Harry told me about the hallways. You didn't want me to be alone a lot either, so I suspected that applied here, too." Neville looked down, a bit embarrassed.
"Neville, you've come a long way and I am very proud of you. You are a wonderful young man. Your parents would be so proud of you."
Neville blinked, refusing to cry in front of Remus. He wasn't even in session!
"Neville, I think we've gone over the fact that you can always express your emotions, no matter where you are." Remus reminded him gently.
Neville sighed and looked up, "Yes, Professor. You're right. But I'm not even in a session with you right now!"
Remus smiled at him, "You are allowed to have feelings outside of therapy."
Neville smiled, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"That's why they made me a healer." Remus stage whispered.
Neville laughed and rubbed his eyes.
"Are we still on for next Wednesday?" Remus asked.
"Yup! I'll be there!" Neville confirmed.
"Good. And thank you again for bringing Harry back and being a good friend. We appreciate you, Neville."
Poor Neville would have a permanent blush from all this praise. "Of course, Professor. Tell Harry 'bye' for me!"
Remus watched Neville shut the door behind him and took down the silencing charm. Harry came out a moment later with an annoyed look on his face. "A silencing charm, Uncle Moony?"
Remus gave Harry a knowing smile. "You were raised by The Marauders. I know when to put up a silencing charm."
Harry rolled his eyes but gave his uncle a smile. "So, what's going on? Why isn't Dadfoot here?"
"Things got a bit heated in Professor Dumbledore's office," Remus admitted.
"What happened!?"
Remus despised lying to Harry, but this wasn't something Harry could work through yet. They needed to get a handle on it before they threw it on their son.
"You know your godfather has a bit of a temper," Remus began.
"A bit?" Harry scoffed.
Remus gave him a small smile, "Yes, well, Dadfoot has a bit of a temper and we were in a room with Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape."
Understanding washed across Harry's face. "Was Snape being a git to Dadfoot again?" He asked knowingly.
Remus bit his lip, on one hand wanting to reprimand Harry for his language and another to lean in the direction Harry is pulling him in. He didn't want to lie and this way he wouldn't have to.
"Professor Snape, Harry, and I can not comment on what exactly happened in that room. But, I will say that I think it's best if Dadfoot calms down right now. He already destroyed a tree." Remus said dryly.
Harry was accustomed to Sirius' temper and nodded. "Okay, Uncle Moony. Whatever works."
Remus looked at Harry seriously now. "Harry, are you okay to be with Professor Dumbledore tonight and away from us? We're only a floo away if you need us."
"Yeah, I'll be good. Granddad and I haven't spent a night together in forever. Besides, it makes Malfoy jealous when he sees us together so it'll be amusing."
Remus let that one slide.
"Alright, splendid. Remember, if you need us just floo us. We're at Willowfield."
Harry nodded, understanding.
"I have to check your bag before you go see the headmaster," Remus said apologetically.
Harry groaned but handed his dad the bag, not bothering to fight about it. Harry sat on the couch as Remus went through the bag, making sure he had nothing to harm himself with.
"Professor Dumbledore is really looking forward to spending time with you." He commented, rifling through the bag.
"Yeah?" Harry asked, a smile on his face.
"Yes, of course! And Harry, I told him the rules so don't try to trick him. He knows about your wand and being alone." Remus said, handing the bag back to Harry.
Harry huffed and slung the bag over his shoulders.
Remus shook his head at Harry and ruffled his hair. "C'mon. Someone is excited to see you."
Harry tried to flatten down his hair but followed Remus out of the door and to the headmaster's office, ready for more fun than he's had in weeks. he hasn't spent a night with his grandad in forever. Harry knows that Albus Dumbledore is not perfect, but he's good at many things, one of which is spoiling Harry. And Harry knew that he was overdue for his grandfather's overindulgences. After everything, he's been through, a night of sweets, games, and bloody spectacular stories sounded absolutely lovely to Harry.
Unbeknownst to Harry, there was an old wizard in his office who was looking forward to a night of sweets, games, storytelling, and being near his grandson. He knew that his innocence wouldn't last forever and he was going to take every chance he had to savor it.
Harry James Potter might have to save the wizarding world but tonight he was Harry. Just Harry.
Alternatives to Harming Yourself:
1. Talk to someone you care about and/or trust
2. Exercise
3. Get outside and get some fresh air
4. Have a warm beverage
5. Write something down
6. Go to therapy/ contact your therapist
7. Be with your pet or another animal