Author's Note: Whoa. Chapter 50! Never did I ever think this fic would go so long. I wanted to do something BIG (plot-wise) for chapter 50. I hope you like it! I'm not confident in what I wrote, so please let me know what you think!
I started this fic to focus on mental health. It was/ is an outlet for me and more than anything I wanted to bring hope to others, or at least some comfort.
I am SO glad you're here. You matter. You are important. You are loved!
TW: References to self-harm and suicidal thoughts, torture
Reviews:
Urgwaew: Hi, love! You may love chapters and I love your reviews! They make my day! Yes, caring Minnie is the best! And I know! Harry did so well with the alternatives! I am proud of him! I personally couldn't think of 15 alternatives when I started writing this so it's been a journey for me, too! Thank you for your comment about Severus! Anytime anyone says I keep him in character I am blown away because I want to make him better than canon Snape, so thank you so so much! Oh! You found another one of my favorite lines to comment on (the And the 'I'm fine - That's exactly my point'). Thank you for seeing the power in that! The 'I'm fines' are going to be addressed in this chapter! I have not forgotten about Sev's drinking and I do have plans for that! It won't be right now, but thank you for the reminder and I love that you remembered that. Thank YOU for your kind comments! You make my life better and give me hope (which is not an easy thing). Thank you so much!
Previous chapter summary: Harry talks about what happened when he was triggered. He shows adults his list of 15 alternatives. He has an Occlumency lesson with Snape and an Animagus lesson with Minerva. He rests (again, poor kid).
This chapter summary: Remus talks to Harry about his increasing use of "I'm Fine". Draco gets a letter from Lucius and is distraught over it. Harry takes Draco to the bridge to help him calm down. Something happens.
Remus wanted to make sure he talked to Harry early in the week and made sure they had an appointment on Tuesday instead of Thursday. Remus scheduled it for the morning and arranged with Minerva for Harry to be a bit late to Transfiguration.
"Am I in trouble or anything?" Harry asked once he and Remus got in the office.
"Merlin, no!" Remus assured him. "I just wanted to talk to you," Remus said, shutting the door.
"Okay," Harry agreed, grabbing a pillow to hug close to him.
"Harry, I first wanted to start again by apologizing for Saturday."
Harry scrunched up his nose, thinking, before shaking his head. "Moony Da, I'm over it. Really."
"And while I'm continually amazed by your capacity for forgiveness- thank you, by the way- I want to take responsibility for my actions. People don't apologize enough, especially adults. Sometimes I have to take a step back and remember that you're a fifth year and while you're our son- you need to live your life. I make mistakes and I'm not perfect, that's for sure. I am sorry I was managing you too much."
Harry smiled. "Thanks for apologizing and I forgive you. Just forgive yourself, okay?"
"Yes, Therapist Harry," Remus teased.
Harry chuckled and shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Now, I wanted to talk about something else, too."
Harry nodded, becoming serious again and showing he was listening.
"You've been saying 'I'm fine' a lot recently. I wanted to check in with you about it."
Harry sighed. "But I am!"
"I know you might feel okay, but I want you to think about how you truly feel. How does your body feel? What makes you feel happy or sad? When you're truly 'fine' you're probably near your baseline, correct?"
Harry nodded.
"So obviously something is bringing you up and something is bringing you down. Or, maybe nothing has happened yet. That's okay. Use your words to describe how you're feeling."
Harry nodded. "I understand. I wasn't trying to worry you or break a rule or anything, I just felt fine most of the time. And sometimes I don't really want to dwell on it, or I'm too tired to think about it."
"That makes sense. I totally understand that. When that happens, tell us. You can certainly say that you are too tired to explain or that you don't want to think about it. That helps us understand more than you saying that you're fine."
"Okay, Moony Da, I'll try."
"Good. Because when you say that you're fine, I'm going to worry."
"Sounds good," Harry replied, smiling and rolling his eyes.
Remus and Harry continued to talk until they were nearing the end of their session.
"Before we end is there anything else you'd like to talk about?" Remus asked.
Harry shook his head.
"Alright. You know where I am if you need anything."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, I do know where you live."
Remus chuckled and shook his head at Harry's antics and then he said, "I do have a question to ask you."
"Shoot."
"You know how therapy helps keep us accountable, right?"
Harry gave a slow nod. He knew Remus was leading him somewhere.
"Is it alright if I talk to Dadfoot about you trying to use 'I'm fine' less? It's okay if not, I just wanted to ask. I thought it would be a good way to help you remember to use your words."
"Yeah, of course. I really appreciate when you ask and I like that you do, but of course, you can tell him about it. That's not anything that has to stay private. And it will make Dadfoot feel good."
"It will, you're right. And of course, Harry. I value your confidentiality and don't reveal anything you don't want me to. It's a safe space."
"Thanks, Moony Da," Harry said.
"Anytime. I'll talk to Dadfoot later. You get to class then, yes?"
"Okay, thanks Moony Da! Love you!"
"I love you too, Cub," Remus said, accepting a quick hug from Harry.
"See ya!" Harry called over his shoulder as he left to get to Transfiguration. Remus thanked his lucky stars that Harry was his.
Minerva was more than understanding as Harry slipped in late. She gave him an approving nod and continued on with her lesson. She also gave Harry a set of notes for the whole lesson so he knew what was going on.
Harry made it through Transfiguration and then he had Herbology. He had a break (which he did homework during with Ron and Hermione) and then he had lunch. For the first time in a few days, Harry actually had an appetite. Remus (and later Sirius, when he came) gave him approving looks and proud smiles seeing what he ate.
Harry chatted with his friends after they all finished eating. However, he saw Draco leaving the Great Hall and hurried to catch up with him.
"Draco! Draco!" Harry called out as he ran after him.
Draco didn't stop.
"Draco! Oi! Malfoy!" Harry cried, jogging now.
Draco still didn't stop. Harry finally caught up to Draco in a courtyard outside. "Draco! Didn't you hear me calling you?" Harry asked out of breath. He put his hand on Draco's shoulder and turned him around.
Harry's entire face changed when he saw Draco's face with a tear streaming down it.
"Draco? What's going on? Are you okay?"
Draco angrily wiped a tear away. He took a few steps to face the wall but didn't try running away.
"It's my father," Draco spat.
"What happened?"
"I got a letter today. He said that I could 'rejoin them and all would be forgotten' if I just did a simple task. Ugh." Draco kicked the ground.
"What did he want you to do?"
"You really don't want to know."
Harry thought for a moment before it dawned on him. "Is it about me?"
"How'd you know?" Draco asked, shocked.
Harry shrugged with a half smile. "It seems to come down to me when it has to do with Voldemort."
Draco chuckled weakly.
"So, what is it? Do you need to possess a teacher or student to get to me? Use a portkey to take me to a graveyard? Call me crazy and isolate me from the Wizarding World? Oh wait, those were already done."
"Off it, you prat," Draco chuckled at Harry's sarcasm. "I'm just supposed to bring you to Hogsmeade. I don't know anything else."
"How are you doing with it?"
"It's annoying. I don't want to join my father, but a part of me would love his acceptance, you know? Uncle Sev found out about it this morning, too. He's been trying to get me to talk about it."
"Parents do that a lot," Harry agreed.
Draco let out a sarcastic noise. "I just wish I could turn my brain off, y'know? It's all too much."
Harry nodded and was quiet for a minute before saying, "I know just the place. Come with me."
Draco followed Harry and was amazed as Harry led him to a bridge. "How in five years of going here did I never realize this was here?"
"It gets better. I'm going to put you in a spot where your thoughts seem to melt away.
Harry positioned Draco to the spot Remus showed him. Slowly, but surely, Draco's scowl was replaced by a relaxed, barely-there smile. Draco stayed there for a moment longer before taking a step toward Harry and saying, "Wow! It really works!"
"I know! Moony Da showed me. Get back there. I'll join you."
Draco nodded and Harry moved so he too could relax his thoughts a little. It had been a long week and he needed a break from his mind.
As Harry stepped by Draco, he felt his thoughts become overcome with the rushing of the water. A smile graced his face and only a moment later he felt a sharp pain on his head and then darkness.
When Harry awoke, he was certainly not at Hogwarts. His head throbbed and he opened his eyes, wincing at the light.
He was in a cell, but it wasn't dingy. He was somewhere that had a lot of silver and black. He stood up but stumbled. He grabbed onto the bar for support, but it shocked him. Harry gasped and pulled his hand away and fell to the ground.
As Harry was nursing his hand, a figure appeared.
"I see you have awoken."
Harry never thought he'd hear that voice again.
"Umbridge?"
"Professor Umbridge, Mr. Potter."
"I-I thought you were awaiting trial?"
"Mr. Lucius Malfoy is rather involved with the ministry and, well, here I am." The pink toad chuckled.
So that's where they were- Malfoy Manor.
"Why am I here?" Harry asked through gritted teeth.
"There's some unfished business that Mr. Malfoy said you'd need to be here for."
Harry looked around and something clicked in his foggy mind. "Draco? Where's Draco!"
Umbridge smiled evilly. "Ah, Mr. Malfoy is elsewhere right now. He's perfectly fine, unlike you."
"What do you want from me?" Harry groaned.
"Well, I thought now would be a perfect time to finish your punishments."
"You're not a professor anymore. You can't control me."
"We'll just see about that. I'll be back," Umbridge said, practically skipping away.
Harry didn't have a moment of silence, however. Two new figures came.
"Peter?" Harry gasped.
Draco looked like the perfect Malfoy heir.
"It might not have been Hogsmeade, but it was close enough. I can't believe Moony showed you that spot," Peter said.
"Don't use his name! You don't deserve it!" Harry roared. "They trusted you and you ruined it! You killed my parents!"
Peter twitched and cowered, but still replied. "I didn't kill them, Harry. That was the Dark Lord. He is back and will rule again."
"Never!" Harry spat.
Draco walked in now and set down a piece of stale bread and a cup of water near Harry. Draco locked eyes with Harry and Harry put his barriers down.
Trust me, was the message Draco was trying to send. Harry gave a nod to show he understood and Draco's face hardened once again. "Here you go, Potter," Draco spat, kicking Harry.
Harry winced and looked away.
"We'll be back." Peter said, leading Draco away.
Harry just eyed the bread and water. He was thirsty, but he didn't dare eat or drink what he was given.
Umbridge came back now with a quill and parchment.
"Your lines, Mr. Potter."
"You can't make me," Harry challenged.
"Oh, can't I?" Delores mocked in a pouty voice. "Imperio."
Harry felt all of his senses telling him to use the quill. However, Harry had practice with this. Not only was he able to throw off the imperius last year, with Moody, well, Crouch, but Harry has had more practice than he's ever wanted not listening to what his brain wants him to do.
Harry threw it off in less than 10 seconds, shocking Umbridge.
"What? How did you-" She gasped. "Imperio!"
Harry threw it off again quicker this time.
She stared at him, flabbergasted before a cruel smirk danced across her face. "Fine. Do you want the hard way? We'll do it the hard way. Crucio!"
Now, this unforgivable Harry hadn't been able to live through.
He fell to the ground and let out a cry before shutting his mouth. He didn't want to give her the satisfaction. Umbridge held it for a while before releasing him.
Harry panted on the ground. He didn't have time to catch his breath, however, before Umbridge went again.
Harry bit his lip, hard. He tasted blood and his head began to get fuzzy again. Just as he thought he'd have relief from being unconscious, Umbridge pulled out.
"Have you learned your lesson, Mr. Potter?"
Harry was too busy shaking to answer.
"No? Pity. I'll be back."
Harry panted again. He looked over at the bread and water.
Well, nothing can be worse than this, Harry thought before reaching over for the water.
"Harry Potter!" A voice boomed.
Harry stopped reaching for the water and forced his shaking and screaming body to sit up.
"So kind of you to join us."
Harry just grimaced in response.
"Now, I have worked hard at getting you here. I did not have much hope for my son, I'm afraid, but he did have you close to the border."
Harry listened feverishly to Lucius' words. He wasn't even surprised that he was hearing their plans. He'd been targeted for too long to not expect it. Most Death Eaters and other bad people tend to tell Harry their plan. Strange.
"You were brought here for the Dark Lord. I have just informed him that you are here. You are in a cell that cannot be apparated in or out of and in an undetectable location."
Harry felt his stomach drop when Tom's name was mentioned. He felt downright sick when he realized he couldn't get out.
However, he did have an idea when Malfoy was talking which gave him hope.
There was a sound upstairs and both Malfoy Sr. and Harry averted their eyes to the ceiling.
"It seems I am needed upstairs. Someone shall be here soon."
Harry finally relaxed when he was left alone. He coughed and was concerned when blood came out.
Harry reached for his chest and felt his pendant underneath his shirt. It was his Christmas present and Harry, despite the immense pain he was in, smiled.
As much as Harry wanted to use it, he knew he couldn't leave Draco here alone. He hadn't heard Draco's story yet, but he just knew that he didn't have anything to do with this.
"Dob-" Harry started to whisper, wanting to call the house elf. He stopped when he saw a shadow coming toward him and heard voices. He didn't need Dobby hurt.
"Mr. Potter! I have a new task for you!" Umbridge sang.
Harry groaned at the parchment she was holding.
"I'm not doing lines," Harry hoarsely said.
"We'll see about that. However, right now you are to write a letter to your parents."
"What?" Harry asked, confused.
"We can't have people looking for you, can we? People need to know you're safe. Now, you are to write a letter letting your, uh, guardians," Umbridge made a face as if she tasted a lemon. "Letting them know you are safe."
"But I'm not!" Harry protested.
"Oh, you most certainly are. Now write." Umbridge commanded.
Harry's hand was shaking pretty badly, but he managed to get some words down. He scribbled his name and handed it back to Umbridge. She read it carefully and looked for hidden messages. She was rather proud when she saw that it was a genuine letter. "This seems adequate."
Harry would've smirked if he wasn't in so much pain.
"Oh, and Mr. Potter?" Delores said.
"Crucio."
Harry felt the curse hit him once more. He reopened the cuts on his tongue (if they even closed the first time). Lucky (?) for Harry, however, darkness soon overtook him.
Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, classes continued. It wasn't mentioned that either boy was missing, but Sirius was rather worried when Harry didn't show up for class. As soon as it was over he went to Remus' office.
Remus' door was closed, but Sirius had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach that was rarely wrong. He knocked on the door and Remus answered.
"Sirius? Are you okay?" Remus asked, opening the door.
"Is Harry in there with you?"
"No, I just finished with a different student and I'm finishing notes. Why?"
"He wasn't in class. I've got a bad feeling about this, Moony."
Remus' mouth turned into a line and he invited Sirius in. "Let's check the map."
Remus and Sirius scour the map but there was no Harry in sight.
"I'm going to Minerva," Sirius said, getting up.
"I'll go to Severus."
Both men break apart and hurry away.
"Minerva! Mum!" Sirius called as he ran into her office.
Minerva would've scolded him for not knocking, but she could feel the waves of desperation and fear coming off of him.
"What is it, Sirius?"
"It's Harry. He didn't come to class and he's not in the castle. Just trust us. We can't find him."
"Have you alerted Albus?" Minerva asked.
Sirius shook his head.
"I'll do that and lock down the castle. Join us when you can."
Sirius nodded and sped away to check the passageways.
Remus had hurried to Snape's office. He knocked and was allowed in.
"Severus," Remus began quickly, "Harry didn't show up to class today. He's not in the castle. Do you have any idea of where he would be?"
Severus' eyebrows came together with worry. He thought for a moment before he remembered something. "Draco got a letter today. He wanted Draco to bring Harry to him. Draco refused, of course. I don't know if there was another plan."
"What? Why didn't you tell us? Was Draco in his afternoon classes?"
"I'm going to check," Snape said, getting up and hurrying to check on the whereabouts of his godson.
No, Draco was not in his afternoon classes. Sirius and Remus were rather upset they weren't notified but Snape reasoned saying, "If I let you know every time a Death Eater made a threat against Harry I'd be seeing you twice a day."
Remus and Sirius didn't know if this made them feel better or worse.
As the professors talked, an owl swooped in and dropped a letter in between Remus and Sirius. The room became quiet and Remus and Sirius opened it, reading it silently to themselves.
Dear Moony Da and Dadfoot,
I just wanted to let you know that I'm fine. OWLs are coming up and they're pretty stressful. I wanted to take a break from all of the classes and schoolwork. I'm fine, just needed a second. I don't know when I'll be back, but don't worry about me. I'm fine.
Love, Harry
"He's not okay," Remus croaked out.
"Why? What is it?"
"It's a letter from Harry," Sirius managed to say, his eyes still fixed on Harry's shaky handwriting.
"What did he say?" Flitwick gasped.
"His handwriting is incredibly shaky. He's hurt. He said he's fine."
"He's fine?" Professor Babbling asked.
Remus gave a small, sad smile. "We don't use that in our family. It's a cop-out answer. There are many other words you can use."
The professors nodded in understanding.
Remus put up a silencing charm and turned to Sirius.
"Sirius, I just talked to Harry today about this a few hours ago. Yes, he gave me permission to tell you. We just talked about not saying 'I'm fine' and he said it here. Three times. It's obvious he's not."
Sirius nodded. "You're right, Moony. You're absolutely right."
Remus took down the silencing charm and they turned back to the teachers, making a plan on how to retrieve Harry and Draco in the safest way possible. The first idea was Sirius' who had to be physically stopped from running in there. The rest were much more thoughtful and careful plans.
Back at Malfoy Manor, Harry woke up some time later. It took him a few minutes to collect himself and when he did he realized he was alone again. This was his chance.
"Dobby," Harry whispered, his voice raspy.
"Mr. Harry Potter, Sir!" Dobby squeaked. He apparated just outside of the cage.
"Shh!" Harry hissed.
"Why are you here? What happened?" Dobby asked, his eyes large with tears.
"Never mind that. I need you to do something for me."
"Of course!"
"I need you to get Draco out of here. Now. Don't be seen."
"What about you, Mr. Harry Sir?" Dobby asked.
"I can take care of myself."
"When Mr. Draco is gone I will send Mr. Snape down here."
"Snape is here?" Harry asked, shocked.
Dobby didn't have a chance to reply because there were voices and footsteps. Dobby popped away and Harry turned his face to the direction of the sound.
Lucius and Severus were emerging from the corner.
"Mr. Potter. You're awake," Lucius said, sauntering over.
"Malfoy. Snape."
"Tsk, tsk. Is that any way to speak to your elders?" Lucius taunted, banging his cane on the metal bars.
Harry just glowered at him.
"He appears to be in a bad mood, Severus. Are you sure you want to have him now?"
"The weaker he is, the less he can resist," Severus reasoned.
"Very well," Lucius said.
Lucius waved his wand to unlock the cage, but a voice stopped everyone in their tracks.
"Wait."
Harry felt his blood run cold.
"My lord," Lucius and Severus murmured, bowing.
Harry just spat blood out.
"I believe it's my time to talk to the celebrity here."
"I have nothing to say to you" Harry hissed.
"Is that so?" Tom smiled evilly. "Crucio!"
Harry held his tongue for as long as he could. Eventually, a whimper rang out and Tom stopped.
"I suppose I need to have you lucid for this," Tom said lazily.
Harry just lay on the ground panting.
"You see, Harry Potter, I will not allow myself to be beaten or tricked by a teenager. I am the greatest wizard to ever live and the only thing standing in the way is you."
Harry gritted his teeth. He wanted more than anything to fight back, but his body wouldn't allow it after the cruciatus curses.
"And from what I've seen in your mind, I'd be doing you a favor wouldn't I?"
Harry's face burned red. "No. I'm here to defeat you and I haven't done it yet."
"And you will never get the chance," Tom smirked. "Any last words, Harry Potter?"
Harry saw Dobby pop his head out and give a thumbs up as Voldemort was talking. Harry reached into his shirt and grabbed the necklace before answering Tom.
"Prongs."
Harry saw a glimpse of the confused faces before he swirled away and everything faded black.
Harry landed with a thump. He didn't have time to process where he was and he was slipping in and out of consciousness when a pop alerted him to the presence of people.
Remus and Sirius were now standing in front of him (part of the magic of the portkey necklace).
If Harry wasn't severely injured, he probably would have asked about the portkey and the fact that Remus and Sirius seemingly apparated inside Hogwarts. However, all Harry knew was that he was safe and in pain.
"HARRY! PUP!" Sirius cried, running towards him.
"Harry!" Remus cried as well.
Both landed a kiss on Harry's head and Harry attempted to give them a weak smile.
"S-sorry I used the necklace," Harry slurred, his eyes glossy.
"Oh, you smart, smart child. You did everything right. We love you so much," Sirius assured him, stroking his hair.
"Love you too," Harry murmured before passing out.
"Remus!" Sirius cried, alarmed.
Remus put his hand on Harry's wrist to check his pulse before saying "He passed out. We need to alert everyone that Harry is safe and get him to the hospital ward."
Sirius moved to pick Harry up, but Remus put his hand out and stopped him. "I know it's tempting, but we shouldn't. There's been nerve damage and we don't want to hurt him anymore. Levitating would be best," Remus said, carefully levitating the traumatized teen.
As they levitated Harry to the hospital wing, Sirius sent out messages and patroni that alerted them that Harry was found and headed to the hospital wing.
Severus had replied saying that Draco was in his quarters and safe.
By the time the Marauders got to the hospital wing, Poppy was waiting.
Her resolve crumbled for the slightest of moments when she saw Harry, but she quickly resolved herself.
"What do we have, Healer Lupin?" She asked. She used his title to make sure he knew what role he was in right now.
"Lots of nerve damage, probably due to the cruciatus curse. Abrasions on his body. I'm not sure if he has a head injury or not. He was slurring his words when we came back and then he passed out."
Poppy was already examining him and Remus was able to see the damage clever in the bright lights of the infirmary.
"I need potions. Nerve regenerating, pain relief, and the after-cruciatus one. I don't carry that last one in my supply. I need Severus."
"Sirius, go get Severus," Remus said, turning to look at his husband.
"I don't want to leave him," Sirius pleaded.
Remus wished he could allow that, but he knew Harry needed help. "Sirius, I have to assist Poppy. Get Severus to help Harry. Please."
Sirius hesitated but nodded and hurried to the floo.
Sirius was quickly allowed entrance into Snape's quarters.
Severus had been allowed to return to Hogwarts when they noticed Draco was missing.
"How's Harry?" Draco asked immediately. He was sitting on the couch with a mug in his hands and a blanket wrapped around him.
Sirius grimaced and turned to Snape. "We need you. We need your potions, too."
"Which one?" Snape asked.
Sirius' mask was beginning to crumble. Both Draco and Severus saw this and Draco looked up at his godfather.
"The one for after the cruciatus," Draco said quietly.
Severus pursed his lips and nodded. "I'll be back," he said before going to his lab.
"How's Harry?" Draco asked again, his eyes pleading for information.
"He's alive. That's what matters. We haven't been able to talk to him yet," Sirius said, running a tired hand through his hair.
"Is he with Madame Pomfrey?"
Sirius nodded.
"Can I come? Please?!" Draco asked.
"Can you what?" Severus asked, returning from his lab.
"I want to help Madame Pomfrey, please!" Draco pleaded.
"Harry's not in the best condition, Draco. I don't know what you've gone through, either," Sirius said gently.
"I'm alright! I'm better than he is! I want to help!"
Sirius looked at Severus and said, "He's your godson. It's up to you."
Severus sighed and thought for a moment before saying, "Alright. You may come. It will be good for you to see the effects of dark magic. However, if I see you becoming ill or needing a break, you will listen to my instructions immediately. Understand?"
"Yes, Uncle Sev! I promise!" Draco replied.
"Come," Severus instructed, sweeping out of the room with Sirius and Draco trailing him.
They got to the hospital wing and as soon as they stepped in, Madame Pomfrey started to talk but stopped when she saw Draco.
"What are you doing here? Are you hurt?" She asked, half-worried and half-suspicious.
"I'm alright, really. I wasn't harmed. I want to help."
"Draco," Madame Pomfrey said, softening her voice and using his first name. "Harry is not in a good condition. Are you sure you can handle this? Everyone has their limits, and you're not even in school to be a healer yet."
"I'm sure," Draco replied firmly.
Poppy glanced at Severus who gave a nod. The matron stood up and became her no-nonsense self again. "Very well, follow me."
"Severus, he needs the anti cruciatus. We're not sure how long he was subjected to it. He'll need nerve regenerating potions for at least a couple of weeks." Poppy explained as they walked over and around the curtain barriers.
Severus had his mask on and was able to get right to work to coax potions down Harry's throat.
Draco, on the other hand, was still for a moment. Harry looked much worse than when he delivered the bread and water. He took a deep breath and was able to place shields in his mind like his Uncle Sev taught him. He turned to Madame Pomfrey and said, "What do you want me to do?"
"Mr. Malfoy you can clean out some of the abrasions on Harry's arms and legs, please."
"Of course," Draco replied, getting the supplies he needed.
Remus, Poppy, Severus, and Draco worked on Harry. Sirius even helped too with some of Harry's minor abrasions. It took about an hour before Poppy said, "It's all we can do. He'll be okay. Now, he needs to rest."
They all nodded and Poppy ushered Severus and Draco out of Harry's area, giving Remus and Sirius some time alone with Harry.
"Before you leave, Mr. Malfoy, I will do a diagnostic on you."
"I'm okay! No one did anything to me!" Draco protested.
"Draco, sit," Severus said, lightly pushing Draco down on the bed.
"Fine," Draco huffed.
Madame Pomfrey smirked and waved her wand over Draco.
"He doesn't have any abrasions or any sign of torture or abuse from today. He is, however, he is tired and has some signs of shock. Please, Severus, have him rest. No more magic today and he needs to take it easy until next week. Does that make sense?"
Simultaneously, Severus said, "Yes' and Draco said, "No."
Draco was met with a stern look from both Severus and Madame Pomfrey which caused Draco to shrink back.
"Ugh. Fine," Draco huffed, crossing his arms.
"Thank you, Poppy. I shall bring you more potions tomorrow," Severus said, giving her a nod. "Come along, Draco." Severus put an arm around Draco and helped him up before leading him back to his private quarters.
Draco slept shortly after he returned to the quarters and Snape (not that he would ever admit it), stayed by his godson's side.
Harry stayed unconscious through the night and Sirius and Remus didn't leave Harry's bed.
In the middle of the night, however, a visitor did sneak in.
Dobby crept through the hospital wing and placed a newly knitted sock on Harry's bed. "For Mr. Harry Sir. Dobby is glad yous are safe," the house elf whispered with eyes full of tears before apparating away with a soft pop.
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
10. Do something artistic (draw, paint, use clay, play-doh, fingerpaint, etc)
11. Play a game
12. Bake or cook something you like to eat
13. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation (variety of strategies including naming something of each color of the rainbow, 5, 4, 3, 2,1 with your senses, box breathing, rainbow breathing, 5 finger breathing, etc)
14. Listen to music
15. Ice cubes (hold them, put them where you want to harm yourself)