Author's Note: Mentions and references to self-harm. Please be safe! You are loved!

A special thank you to all my reviewers, especially those in the last chapter of James Birdsong, All is calm, and, the OG, LunePrimus. I appreciate you so much!

"Why don't you just change the sign on the door and make it Harry's room," Harry said, walking in and throwing himself on the couch. It was his weekly Thursday therapy session.

Remus shut the door behind him and looked at Harry, an eyebrow raised. "Excuse me?" He asked, amused.

"Well, I'm here often enough!" Harry stated, summoning a practice snitch Remus kept in his office and playing with it above his head.

Remus sat down and thought for a second before saying, "I see. Next time I'll make sure our session is somewhere else. Somewhere more fun."

"Really?" Harry asked, catching the practice snitch and sitting up, looking at Remus with bright green eyes.

Remus smiled at Harry. "Really. I don't want you to come to despise this room or me."

"I could never despise this room, Uncle Moony. Only you." Harry teased him, laying back down and throwing the practice snitch over his head again.

"Cheeky bugger." Remus teased him.

Harry let a devilish grin appear on his face, glancing at his uncle before returning his attention to the snitch.

"How were your classes today?"

"Good," Harry said.

"Did you finish your Transfiguration homework?"

"Yes," Harry replied dutifully.

"And are you ready for History of Magic later?"

"Yes, Uncle Moony," Harry chanted, rolling his eyes.

Remus shook his head but then became serious. "Harry, there's something we have to talk about."

Harry caught the snitch and closed his eyes. He sighed and stayed there for a moment before sitting up. "There's always something we have to talk about."

Remus gave Hary an apologetic smile and then started to speak. "After the incident with Draco, do you remember that Professor Snape came to visit you the next day but you weren't up for visitors yet?"

Harry nodded slowly, not loving where this conversation was leading to.

"Well, he wanted to check on you. He said he had a few things he wanted to discuss with you."

Harry half nodded, half shrugged.

Remus continued to speak. "He's told me a bit about your behavior the past few days. He said you've avoided him."

"I just wasn't ready to talk," Harry mumbled.

"And that's okay. No one is going to make you talk about it if you're not ready. I do want to check in with you about it, though."

Harry sighed, thinking. "I guess I'm ready to talk to him, but I don't really want to talk a ton about it, either. He doesn't need to know everything I did, right?" Harry asked Remus a bit nervously.

"Oh Cub, no! He wants to make sure you're okay and I'm guessing talk to you about Draco."

Harry's face became unreadable. "Why?"

Remus studied Harry for a moment. "Because he is Draco's Head of House, and is responsible for his punishment."

Harry's face remained unchanged and he stayed silent.

"Harry, where'd you go? What are you thinking about?" Remus asked gently after a moment.

"I don't want to talk about Malfoy," Harry replied coldly.

"Harry, I understand that you don't want to talk about him. I also want you to hear Professor Snape out. And remember, you don't have to agree with everything he is saying or do everything he asks. You get to set your own boundaries."

Harry thought about this for a moment before nodding. "That's fair. And I won't get in trouble?" Harry asked.

Remus gave Harry a small smile and shook his head. "No, Cub. There is a big difference between listening to your professor and respectfully not being okay with an action they asked you to do because it is not beneficial for your recovery or you're not ready for it and outwardly defying your professor during class."

"Can you make sure Professor Snape is okay with it, though? I don't want him to get mad if I'm not ready."

"Of course, Cub," Remus replied, smiling at his son.

"Now, what else do you have to therapize me about?" Harry asked, lying back down and releasing the snitch.

Remus rolled his eyes and shook his head. Harry was certainly cheeky today, that's for sure. But he was in a good mood and that was important. Remus could work with cheeky and sassy, he is married to Sirius Black, after all.

Remus let out a good-natured sigh before speaking again with a smile on his face. He did have to 'therapize' his son.

A couple of hours after Harry's appointment, before dinner, Remus found himself walking to Severus' office. He wanted to talk to him about Harry's concerns and make sure he understood where Harry was coming from. As he approached Severus' office he knocked on the door and waited until he heard a voice allowing him in to open the door.

"Hello, Severus. I wanted to talk to you for a moment if you were free?" Remus asked, popping his head in the door.

Severus looked up from the essay his red quill was obliterating. "Come in." Severus set aside the essay and put his quill in its holder. He folded his hands and looked at Remus. "How can I help you?"

Remus smiled at Severus. "Hello, Severus. How are you?"

Severus pushed his lips together. Darn small talk. "Adequate. Now, is there is a reason you are here?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Harry." Remus began.

This crushed the annoyance that was in Severus. He was truly concerned about the boy after Draco's words. "How is he?" Severus asked.

"He's getting better. I appreciate your concern and care." Severus opened his mouth to deny what Remus said, but the werewolf kept talking. "I talked with him about speaking with you. Thank you so much, first of all, for not pushing Harry to speak before he was ready. We so appreciate that."

Severus nodded. Of course, he wasn't going to make Harry talk about it before he was ready. There was no point in doing that.

"Harry is a bit wary but seems ready to talk to you. He doesn't want to go into details about what happened after Draco and I assured him you wouldn't make him. I told him that you wanted to make sure he was alright and to talk a bit about Draco."

Remus paused, looking at Severus for confirmation. Snape nodded and Remus continued.

"I don't know when and how you want to talk to him. What were you thinking?"

"Well, I'd appreciate it if it was tonight before Occlumency lessons tomorrow. I can't have him overly emotional before we start our lessons. It might help if you bring him down here for our discussion. It will seem more private to him. In addition, I'd appreciate it if it was just Mr. Potter and myself for this conversation."

Remus looked like he was going to protest, but Snape put up his hand and kept speaking. "I will make sure he won't leave and I will accompany him back to your quarters.

Remus seemed hesitant but began to slowly nod.

"You can even place a tracking spell on him if that would make you feel better," Severus said exasperatedly.

"That's not necessary," Remus assured him, thinking of the map. "Just keep a close eye on him and make sure he won't escape."

Severus gave a stiff nod. "I will. He will be just fine."

Being fine is what I'm afraid of, Remus thought. He didn't say that, though. He smiled and thanked Severus before leaving and going back to his quarters.

A few hours later, Harry found himself being once again being walked to the office of his potion's professor. Remus had come to him early that afternoon and told him that he was meeting with Severus later. Harry was rather nervous, but Remus assured him he wasn't in trouble and it was going to be okay.

Harry stood at the door when he arrived. Remus looked at Harry, waiting for him to knock. Harry just stood at the door, wringing his hands.

"It's going to be okay, Cub," Remus told him, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder and kneeling down. "Are you sure you are ready for this?"

In all honesty, Harry didn't think so, but he wanted to get it out of the way. "Yeah, thanks though."

Remus searched Harry's face a moment longer before standing up. He gave Harry's shoulder a reassuring squeeze and kissed his head. "I'm proud of you, Harry."

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

When Harry was little, especially when he was first rescued from the Dursleys, he would get in his head and his anxiety would take over. He would convince himself he was basically the equivalent of a house-elf. While Harry was slow to warm up to any physical contact, a method Remus taught him was leaning into the affection. He instructed Harry to close his eyes and take some deep breaths, only thinking about being loved by that person. He would focus his attention on how his body feels and fill himself up with the 'warm fuzzies' he felt from the love.

Harry did the same thing now. With his still eyes closed, Harry took some deep breaths. He savored the feeling of Remus' loving touch and reassuring words. He allowed that sensation to fill him up.

Thinking about it now, it was similar to how one would cast a Patronus charm, but it was a method that worked for 4-year-old Harry.

After a moment, Harry opened his eyes and looked at his uncle who was smiling reassuringly at him. Harry gave him a small smile in return and knocked on the door.

"Enter."

Harry took a deep breath and opened the door. Remus stood in the doorway after Harry entered. He waved to Severus and glanced at Harry, giving him one last smile, before softly shutting the door and walking away.

"Mr. Potter, please sit down."

Harry made his way to the chair where Severus gestured to and sat down, wiping his hands on his pants.

"Mr. Potter, Harry," Severus amended, "there is no reason for you to be nervous. Unless, of course, there is something you're keeping from me?"

Harry shook his head. "No, Sir."

"Alright then," Severus said, leaning forward and clasping his hands. "I wanted to talk to you about what transpired a few days ago."

Harry nodded, expecting this.

"I remember you leaving Potions rather abruptly. I quickly made sure Mr. Weasley was with you as you know you shouldn't be alone in the hallway," Severus said with a raised eyebrow.

Harry looked down, abashed.

Severus continued, "I heard a commotion and when I arrived it was Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy who were fighting and you were nowhere to be found. When hearing what happened, I became aware of what Mr. Malfoy said to you."

Harry swallowed the lump in his throat. He really didn't want to talk about that.

Severus took a deep breath and made an effort to soften his voice. "Harry, nothing that Mr. Malfoy said is true. What he said was not okay and unacceptable."

Harry shrugged, but then remembered that his professor hated shrugging so he opened his mouth and said, "Thanks,"

Severus sighed. "Harry, part of Mr. Malfoy's punishment is to apologize to you. It is up to you, of course, if you accept it. He, however, needs to say it."

"He really doesn't have to, Professor," Harry said, almost mumbling.

"I assure you, he does," Severus replied.

"There's no reason to make someone apologize if they're not sorry!" Harry said, looking up with his eyes blazing.

Severus had to bite his tongue to not comment on Harry's tone. Instead, he said, "Mr. Potter, I wouldn't have Draco apologize unless he saw the error of his ways. H was reprimanded and understands more now."

"You-you didn't tell him anything, did you?" Harry asked fearfully.

Snape shook his head. "No, Harry, I didn't."

Harry released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"I was going to have him apologize earlier in the week, but you were not ready. Are you ready now?"

Harry wasn't expecting this. "Uh, I guess," Harry shrugged.

Again, Severus bit his tongue to reprimand Harry and said, "I will summon him. One moment."

Professor Snape stood up and walked out the door. Harry sat there, just waiting. He didn't realize this, but his hands were going up and down his arms. He still had a bandage on and the charm was still working, but it was a force of habit. Harry seemed to get lost in his thoughts until he felt two strong hands grab his traveling arms.

"Harry, are you alright?"

Harry looked up and saw Snape looking at him, concern evident across his face.

Harry looked down and realized what he was doing. He blushed and looked down. "Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry." Harry mumbled.

Snape held onto Harry's arms for a moment longer, studying his face, before releasing them and going back to his spot. "I asked a student to bring him to me. I was just outside the door."

Harry nodded, still embarrassed.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Snape asked.

"Yeah, just force of habit," Harry replied.

This seemed to concern Snape even more, but he didn't have a chance to say anything else because there was a knock at the door.

Severus sat up straighter and made sure his face was back to its usual neutral look. "Come in."

Draco opened the door and walked in, shutting the door behind him.

"Please sit down, Mr. Malfoy," Severus said, gesturing to the chair next to Harry.

Draco sat down and looked at Severus. Harry had kept his head down.

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter and I were discussing the incident the other day. What do you have to say on it?" Severus prompted his godson.

Draco took a deep breath and turned to Harry. it was going against all his instincts to swallow his pride; it was the complete opposite of what his father taught him, but he knew he had to do it.

"Potter, er, Harry, I'm sorry for what I said the other day. I was just trying to rile you and Weasley up and I went too far. I don't wish anyone to die and I didn't think about what my words could do. I guess I'm just used to saying whatever. I never really had consequences related to what I told other people. I didn't think my words would or could affect someone. I'm sorry."

Harry was looking at the floor but looked up as Draco started to talk. Being shocked at his words was an understatement. Draco actually sounded truly apologetic.

"It's okay," Harry said, finally looking at his face.

Draco looked at him incredulously. The Draco a week ago would've been fine with that, but Draco had learned and heard a lot from his godfather the past few days.

"What did you say?" Draco asked.

Harry felt himself blush. "It's okay," he repeated.

Draco stared at him a moment longer before standing up, throwing his arms up. "No, it's not! Nothing I said was okay! How are you so chill about this? I mean I know you're a Gryffindor but this is wild? Are you suicidal or something?"

"Draco!" Severus said sharply, standing up.

Harry felt his mouth go dry. He looked down again before remembering he had to reply. "N-no."

Draco seemed to read the situation and looked at Snape whose eyes flashed dangerously at him.

"Look, what I meant to say is that what I said wasn't okay and I don't mean it. I'm glad you're alive." Draco said sincerely.

"Thanks," Harry said, giving him a small smile. He felt that his secret was safe, not seeing the looks Draco and Snape exchanged.

Harry and Draco sat there awkwardly, neither sure what to say. Snape certainly wasn't going to interfere and watched them, obviously amused.

Harry finally mustered up the Gryffindor courage he had and spoke first. "So are you still going to be an arse to me?"

"Mr. Potter! Language! 5 points from Gryffindor!" Severus said sharply.

Draco and Harry ignored the reprimand.

"Yeah, I'll work on it. Just don't be too Gryffindor-ish." Draco said, cracking a smile.

Harry smirked at him. "Just don't act like a snake and we'll be good."

Draco rolled his eyes and then looked back at Severus.

"Are we good?" Severus drawled.

"Yes, Professor." Both boys said.

"Good. Now, Mr. Malfoy, I know you have an essay to write. Mr. Potter, I have one more thing to discuss with you before you leave."

Draco nodded and stood up, taking his leave. Once the door was shut Harry turned back to his potions professor.

"That seemed to go well," Severus commented.

Harry squirmed in his seat. "Yeah," he agreed.

Severus restrained himself from rolling his eyes at the teenager in front of him and said, "Now Harry, before I walk you back I wanted to ask you about an assignment."

Harry thought back to class. He didn't think he had an essay due next week, did he?"

Severus obviously saw the confusion on Harry's face and said, "The assignment I gave you about 15 alternatives."

"Oh, that," Harry replied plainly.

"Ye, that," Snape said, his lips curling. "How is it going?"

Harry shifted in his seat. "It's going. I have about 8 things on the paper. I'm working on it, I promise!" Harry said, his eyes pleading for Snape to believe him.

"Harry, calm down. I told you there wasn't a due date. I am glad you're working on it thoughtfully. Are you having any urges right now?"

Harry bit his tongue, hating that question. "No, Professor."

Snape seemed to sense Harry's unease and believed what Harry said. "Alright then, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

Harry shook his head. He was ready to get back to his quarters.

Severus stood up and Harry mimicked the man. Harry followed Severus out of his office and worked to keep up with him in the hallways. They walked quietly which Harry was grateful for. The adrenaline was wearing off and Harry was realizing how much that took out of him.

When they got to the quarters, Harry opened the door and made a motion to walk right in, but Severus grasped Harry's shoulder and held him there. Harry sighed and waited until Remus and Sirius came to the door, then Severus released him.

"Harry!" Sirius cried, hugging his son who walked towards him.

"He wasn't even gone for an hour," Snape commented, clearly not used to the display of affection.

"Well, it was an hour I missed him," Sirius defended, ruffling Harry's hair.

"Dadfoot!" Harry whined, trying to smooth it out.

"Thank you for returning him safely," Remus spoke, giving Severus a grateful smile.

"Of course," Severus replied, not moving.

Remus stood there for a moment longer before understanding what was going on.

"Harry, go get changed. You've had a long day," Remus told Harry.

"Okay," Harry replied, shrugging, and wandering off to his room.

Sirius was going to bother Harry but saw a look Remus sent him as Harry turned away and walked towards his husband, putting his arm around him.

"Is everything okay?" Sirius asked.

"I just wanted to tell you something that had transpired earlier."

"What happened?" Remus asked, worried.

"At one point I had stood in the doorway to get a student to retrieve Mr. Malfoy for me. While Harry consented and said he was ready for this, he must have been nervous. When I had turned back to him he was running his hands up and down his arms."

Sirius closed his eyes, his heart breaking for his son. He squeezed Remus' arm and Remus put a comforting hand on Sirius' hand. Remus took a deep breath as Snape continued talking.

"I did not see any damage done to himself. He still has the bandage on and he had his robes on but I wanted to make you aware of the situation."

Remus gave Severus a small but tired smile. "Thank you, Severus. We appreciate the information."

"Of course. And I know you are going to have Harry tell you what happened but I will tell you that everything went rather well, much better than expected. He's a-" Severus took a deep breath, making himself say these words. "Your son is a good boy."

Sirius beamed with pride, puffing his chest out. "Yes, he is."

Severus rolled his eyes. That looked like the Black he remembered. "You look a peacock, Black," Severus muttered.

That certainly didn't stop Sirius from showing his pride.

Remus smiled and said, "Just excuse him, Severus. You know how his pride works. And thank you. We appreciate it. We are rather proud of him, too."

All three stood there for a moment, Severus rather uncomfortably until he said, "Well, I have potions to brew. Good night." Severus swooped away.

Remus shook his head and shut the door behind him. He went to say something to Sirius, but he had already turned into Padfoot and was heading towards Harry's room.

"Dadfoot! I wasn't even gone that long!" Remus heard from Harry's bedroom. Remus walked to the teen's bedroom and saw Harry with his pajamas on, Padfoot over him on his bed, licking him.

"Padfoot!" Harry laughed, trying to push the black dog off of him.

Remus allowed it for a moment before he said, "Okay, Padfoot. That's enough. Get off of him."

Padfoot knew that tone of voice. He could tell Remus had something in mind. He gave Harry a final lick before hopping off and turning back into Sirius, standing by his husband.

Harry wiped himself off with his sleeve before looking at his godparents.

"How did everything go, Harry?" Remus asked, coming to sit by Harry's side. Sirius followed his husband's lead and took Harry's other side.

"Fine-er, alright," Harry mumbled, blushing.

Remus studied Harry for a moment before asking (despite knowing the answer), "Do you want to talk about it right now?"

"Not really," Harry replied.

"Okay, we don't have to talk about it right now," Remus said.

Relief flooded Harry's face.

"I do want to ask and make sure that you're okay right now."

"I'm okay, Uncle Moony," Harry said earnestly.

"Do you feel like you want to hurt yourself?" Remus asked seriously.

Harry groaned, the blush coming back to his face.

"I know it's an uncomfortable question, Harry. I still need you to answer it." Remus told him.

"No, I don't," Harry said, his face covered by his hands.

"Good," Sirius said, rubbing Harry's back.

Remus was quiet for a moment before he said, "I know you don't want to talk about it right now and I completely respect that. I don't know what happened but I do want to address one thing."

Harry looked at Remus, waiting to hear what he had to say, but didn't meet his eyes. He felt rather uncomfortable.

"Professor Snape told me that at one point you must've gotten nervous. He popped his head out and when he returned you were running your hands over your arms."

Harry felt very uncomfortable now. His blush got stronger and he pulled his legs towards him, burying his face in his hands.

Remus noticed the change in Harry's body language. He looked at Sirius and tilted his head back, indicating to Sirius to give Harry some space. Sirius got off the bed and sat in Harry's desk chair. Remus moved away from Harry's side and moved more diagonal from him, giving Harry space.

"Harry, take some deep breaths. When you're ready, open your eyes." Remus said calmly.

Harry appreciated this as he was feeling overwhelmed. This was another thing that he has done since he was little. He listened to his dad's voice. He took some deep breaths and opened his eyes. He could tell that there was more space around him and he didn't feel as suffocated.

"Are you better?" Remus asked kindly.

Harry nodded, still taking some deep breaths. Unbeknownst to him, his fists were clenched together.

Remus noticed this but didn't want to scare Harry. "Harry, you're not in trouble at all, at all! We know that the motion is out of your control. The charm is a great thing to help you from hurting yourself, but we want to stop the motion too, right?" Remus asked kindly.

Harry nodded.

"Now, I have an idea. Give me one moment." Remus said before getting off the bed and hurrying out of the room.

Sirius stayed where he was. He didn't say anything except to remind his godson to breathe. He was relieved Harry followed his advice.

Remus came back in a little less than a minute later, his hands full. He put them on Harry's bed in front of the teen.

"A practice snitch? A rubber quill? A fidget spinner? Uncle Moony, what're all these for?" Harry asked, looking up at the therapist.

"These, Harry, are some of the many fidgets I have. You like to use your hands and a fidget could help. Instead of raking your arms, your hands would be busy with the fidget instead."

Harry took the rubber quill and began to play around with it. "I like that idea, but what if I mess it up?" Harry asked, looking at Remus with large green eyes.

Remus gave Harry a reassuring smile. "Then you try again another time. Harry, these are alternatives. Nothing is a cure-all, always effective method. You do your best and that's all we ask for."

Harry nodded, looking down at the object in his hands, digesting his uncle's words.

"Do you want to have some fidgets on you to help?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded, "Yes, please, Uncle Moony! I think it'll help."

Remus gave Harry a large smile. "Good. I'll leave the rubber quill here right now and I know you have a practice snitch in your drawer. I'll get some more this weekend to put in your bag for classes, okay?"

"Thanks, Uncle Moony!" Harry said, getting up to hug him.

"I love you, Cub. I'm so proud of you." Remus murmured.

"I love you, too," Harry whispered back.

"Family hug!" Sirius cried, wrapping his arms around the pair dramatically.

Harry chuckled and Remus rolled his eyes, but they stayed there for longer than a moment. Love seems to have magic more powerful than anything a witch or wizard could have. Remus, Sirius, and Harry knew this and leaned into it. They could use all the love, and magic, they could get.

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

8. Take a nap

9. Play or fiddle with a fidget