Author's Note: Content/ Trigger Warning for flashbacks to abuse. Make good choices for yourself! I am glad you are here! You are loved!
Harry was exhausted and fell asleep quickly Friday night, but was woken up by Sirius who was dragging him out of bed to fly. Harry grumbled and cursed Sirius more than a few times for making him leave his warm bed, but was grateful when they were out there. The weather was colder now and there were no more Quidditch matches until the spring. Harry knew they wouldn't have many more mornings left like this and loved to fly.
Harry ended up having a blast with Sirius in the morning. He had a lovely brunch in the Great Hall and did some homework in the afternoon before Remus reminded him that he needed to get ready for his Occlumency lesson with Professor Snape.
Harry's demeanor changed and Remus noticed this. "Did you do the reading?" Remus asked.
Harry nodded.
"Did you practice clearing your mind?"
Harry nodded again.
"You've done all you can to prepare, which is wonderful. What worried you?" Remus asked.
"I don't want something like last time to happen," Harry said.
Remus and Sirius both knew this as this was a topic of conversation they've had over the past week and a half.
"I will be there, Harry. You won't be alone, ever." Remus reminded him.
"I know that, but..." Harry trailed off.
"But what?" Remus prodded.
"But the memories! What if it's another repressed one? What if Snape sees something he wasn't supposed to see? Oh gosh, can I get detentions for what is shown in the memories?" Harry asked, horrified.
"Harry, take a deep breath," Remus instructed. He slowly moved his body to move near Harry and held his hands. When Harry opened his eyes he continued to speak. "Now, Cub, nothing shown in these lessons you can get in trouble for. Nothing. You could have a memory of dunking Snape in a toilet and not get in trouble."
Harry cracked a smile. Remus was usually so particular about showing respect to the professors so he really must've wanted to prove his point.
"Also, whatever comes up, comes up. Remember, the point of the lesson isn't to see memories, but to block an intruder. No one expects you to do it so early on, but know that this won't last forever. Whatever happens, just know that you are not alone." Remus said, looking into Harry's eyes.
"Okay, Uncle Moony," Harry replied, placing all his trust in him.
"Good. Now, get ready. We need to be there soon and I need to talk your dadfoot down."
Harry cracked another smile and stood up, going to his room as Remus searched out his husband.
"Sirius," Remus called out in a singsong voice, entering their bedroom.
"Are you getting ready to leave?" Sirius asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes, we are," Remus said, sitting down on the bed next to his husband.
Sirius was quiet, which was very unnatural for him. Remus studied his face. "Love, are you okay?"
"For someone who doesn't want people to use the word 'fine', you ask that question too often." Sirius quipped.
Remus knew that this was a defense mechanism for Sirius and slipped into Healer Lupin mode.
"How are you feeling, really?"
Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Worried, of course. I don't know what's going to happen and I want Harry to be alright. And, oh Merlin! I feel bloody useless! Snape is doing his thing and you're there for Harry and I'm just sitting here at home!" Sirius stood up and paced, clearly on edge. "I mean, I know me being there right now would not be beneficial, but I just want to do something! I want to help! I want to protect my son!"
Remus watched Sirius, knowing it was important for him to get his energy out.
Sirius huffed and continued to pace before losing some steam and sitting dejectedly on a chair they have in their bedroom. Remus walked over to Sirius and rubbed his shoulders. "Sirius, you are doing all you can just by being here. You know that if something happens and we need you, we'll get you right away."
Sirius nodded, taking deep breaths.
"What can I do to help you?" Remus asked.
"I don't know!" Sirius cried.
Remus didn't say anything, he just kept rubbing his shoulders. After a moment, Sirius spoke again, this time much more calmly, "I know that you have it under control. I just worry about him. I need to calm down and I'm just not sure how."
Remus thought for a moment before stopping the massage and going around to the front of Sirius. "Why don't you use the punching bag? I know one of us wants to be by Harry at all times and you worry about using it when Harry needs it. He won't need it right now and he'll be exhausted after the lesson. Then, use the time to take a soothing bath. You can watch the map in there if you want to as well. You're rather tight, Love. Relax a little." Remus suggested.
Sirius released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Good ideas. They're not the same as me wrapping Harry in bubble wrap and tying him to me, but it'll do."
Remus smiled and loudly said, "Hear that, Harry? Dadfoot is wrapping you in bubble wrap!"
"In his dreams!" Came a reply from across their quarters.
Sirius and Remus both smiled before kissing each other.
"I love you," Remus reminded Sirius.
"And I love you," Sirius replied.
They kissed again before Remus went out to the main area where Harry was waiting. "Ready, Cub?"
"I guess," Harry shrugged.
Sirius hugged Harry and whispered some things in his ear. Harry buried his head into Sirius' chest, holding onto him a bit tighter. "Love ya, Dadfoot," Harry murmured.
"I love you, Pup," Sirius replied. He squeezed Harry tighter before letting go.
"He's going to be gone for a couple of hours, not months," Remus reminded Sirius with a smile.
"Not all of us can be a mind healer who gets to spend extra time with him." Sirius sniffed, putting his nose up.
Remus smiled and shook his head. "We love you."
Sirius smiled and winked at Remus and kissed Harry on the head as they walked out the door.
Remus reminded Harry of some things during the walk but allowed it to be quiet too. He knew the first lesson was disastrous and traumatic for Harry and wanted him to feel as comfortable as he could going into the next lesson. Remus knocked on the door when they arrived, ushering Harry in when they heard a response.
Harry stood awkwardly at the doorway, Remus practically pushing him into the room.
"Come in, Mr. Potter. Do try to relax." Snape said dryly.
Harry sat down in a chair and Remus sat down near him. Harry looked at Severus, waiting for the inevitable.
"How was your day, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked.
Harry blinked at the man. "W-what?"
"Your day. How was it?" Severus repeated.
"Uh, good. I flew with Dadfoot this morning, so that was fun." Harry said with a small smile.
"Good, I'm glad," Severus replied.
"How was yours, Sir?" Harry asked.
Severus smirked at him. "It was pleasant, thank you. Now, I'm going to give you a moment to clear your head."
Harry closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. He focused on a calm memory and tried to zero in on that feeling. He wasn't quite done yet when he heard, "Legilimens!"
Harry squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the breach into his mind, but his effort was futile. Rather quickly, Severus appeared in Harry's mind.
Memories flashed through the surface until one kept playing.
"You freak! You boy!" Aunt Petunia shrieked.
Harry was around two years old in this memory so he didn't remember it, but Harry knew that he'd been in situations like this all the time.
It was a beautiful early summer day. Two-year-old Harry was outside with Dudley. He had walked over to where Dudley was playing. Dudley had tripped him and Harry had fallen into the garden. A flower was smashed, but nothing was truly damaged.
"Look what you've done to my garden!" Aunt Petunia continued, horrified.
"I sorry," Harry said, knowing it was the 'right' thing to say.
Dudley stuck his tongue out at Harry.
"You will pay for this!" Petunia said, marching over to Harry. She roughly grabbed his arm and smacked his hand. Harry cried out, only causing his wretched aunt to smack harder.
"Just wait until Vernon is home! He'll deal with you then!" She said smugly. Petunia dragged Harry back inside and threw him in his cupboard.
Two-year-old Harry whimpered. He laid on his cot and silently cried, already knowing not to make noise. He didn't mean to fall! It was mean Dudley! Harry cried himself to sleep, only to be later woken up by his uncle grabbing his arm. Harry had 'earned' a beating from him as soon as he got home and was not given dinner. There was a cup of milk that was about to expire in his cupboard and that was all the boy toddler had to sustain him.
Severus pulled out of his mind. Harry was pale and Remus was practically holding him onto the chair. Remus helped Harry stabilize himself in the chair so he wouldn't fall and rubbed his back.
"You're safe, Cub. You're at Hogwarts. You're with Professor Snape. You're with Uncle Moony. You are safe here." Remus said softly, trying to bring the teen back to the present.
Harry blinked and then focused his eyes.
"Harry, you are safe here. You are at Hogwarts." Remus repeated.
"Moony Da?" Harry croaked.
Harry's words caught Remus off guard. While Harry had remembered Padfoot and Moony, he also knew that they were his dads. Turning Padfoot into Dadfoot was easy for Harry since they rhyme. Moony, however, was another story. Remus had shut down 'Doony' and 'Mad'. 'Moony Da' is what stuck for the longest time. Harry went back and forth between Moony Da and Uncle Moony, but as he got older 'Uncle Moony' was a lot easier to explain. He also had to refer to him as Uncle Remus when he attended muggle school, so the uncle part stuck. Remus hadn't heard Harry call him 'Moony Da' in at least 7 years, probably longer.
"I'm here, Harry. Moony Da is here," Remus replied, a bit choked up with emotion.
Harry blinked some more, then squeezed Remus' hand that was in his, working his way back to the present. His eyes focused some more and then Harry realized what was going on. He blushed and sat up. "Oh, uh sorry," he muttered.
"You're okay, Harry. Take some deep breaths. Have a piece of chocolate." Remus said, pulling a piece out of his robes.
Harry took a breath and grabbed the piece. He let the chocolate melt in his mouth and closed his eyes, feeling warmth run through his body. When he opened them he saw Remus looking at him in love and concern.
"Better?"
"Yeah, thank you," Harry replied.
"If you're ready now?" Severus interrupted impatiently.
Harry turned back to his professor and nodded. He felt Remus squeeze his hand in support and then Severus entered. Harry hadn't cleared his mind so there was little resistance. More memories flashed through Harry's mind.
One found its way to the front.
Harry was five. He was in Black Manor and found his way in a broom closet under a shelf. He had accidentally spilled his milk and something had triggered him. All of a sudden Harry felt like he was back at the Dursleys. Harry was sure he was in for it. When the milk spilled Harry had stared at it before looking at his godparents with horror before shooting up and finding a 'safe' spot.
"Harry, are you in there?" Sirius' voice rang out from the other side of the door.
Harry did all he could to stay quiet but couldn't help let a whimper out in fear.
"Harry, love, you are safe." Remus' voice came from the other side of the door.
Harry stayed quiet.
"Harry, it's Dadfoot and Moony Da," Remus' voice rang out again. "You are at home in Black Manor. You are safe here."
Harry's breath hitched. Safe? He wasn't so sure.
"Harry, if you can hear me I want you to wiggle your fingers and your toes. You are safe. You are loved. Try wiggling your fingers for me."
Harry wasn't sure about it, but the voice sounded nice. And wiggling his fingers wouldn't hurt, right?
Harry took a deep breath and wiggled his fingers.
"Keep wiggling your fingers. Now wiggle your toes." Remus instructed.
Nothing bad had happened so Harry did as he said.
"Harry, you are safe. Dadfoot and Moony Da are here." Sirius' voice said.
Harry froze, he recognized that voice. He leaned forward, listening.
"Harry, you are safe. You are at home in Black Manor. Moony Da and Dadfoot are here," Remus repeated.
Harry knew that voice!
"Moony Da?" Harry whispered.
On the other side of the door, Sirius and Remus' hearts soared.
"Yes, Harry, it's Moony Da. Dadfoot is here, too. Can you come out? You are safe with us."
Harry whimpered, "Scared."
"We are safe, Harry. Can you try opening the door? Then you can see we are nice." Remus coaxed.
"Don't grab," Harry whispered.
"We won't grab you. Peek out the door, Love." Remus replied.
Harry crawled out from under the shelf and pushed the door open. He just barely peeked out of the crack. Harry saw Remus and Sirius, sitting on the floor, smiling at Harry.
"Dadfoot? Moony Da?" Harry said.
They both nodded. "You're safe, Pup," Sirius replied.
Harry threw himself out of the closet and in between Remus and Sirius. They both wrapped their arms around him.
"Good job, Harry. You are safe here. We love you." Remus said, rubbing his back.
"We won't hurt you, ever," Sirius said, kissing Harry's head.
Severus had had enough of that. He pulled out of Harry's mind. Harry had fallen on the ground and Remus had caught him. Harry was half sitting, propped up against Remus. When seeing that Severus had pulled out of Harry's mind, he began to console him.
"Harry, you're at Hogwarts. You are safe."
Since the end of the memory was a positive one it wasn't as challenging for Harry to come back to reality.
Harry opened his mouth to speak but it was too dry from his silent screaming so all that came out was "mmm".
Remus seemed to understand. "Hold on, Harry, let's get you some water."
Remus quickly got up and summoned a glass of water. He helped Harry take a sip.
Harry felt relief as the cool liquid ran down his scratchy throat. "Thank you," Harry said, looking at Remus.
"Of course, Cub. How're you doing?"
Harry shrugged. He didn't know how to respond. His head felt muddled and he was still trying to come back in touch with his body.
"That's enough for tonight, I think," Remus said out loud.
Severus didn't like to be told what to do, but he agreed. "It does seem to be fruitless right now. We're going to try something different. I'll meet you in your quarters after lunch tomorrow. Make sure all three of you are there."
Remus nodded, just relieved that he could bring Harry home.
Harry was pale but was aware of what was going on.
"Come on Harry. I'm going to help you up and then we're going to go back to our quarters." Remus explained.
Harry nodded and allowed himself to be helped up by his godmother. He felt himself walk with Remus to the fireplace, and then joint flooed away.
Once they arrived in the quarters, Remus helped Harry to the couch.
"One sec, Cub, let me get you a drink."
Remus hurried back with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. "It's from the house elves, but it'll do. Drink up."
Harry took a sip, thankful for the feeling he was regaining. "I tried, I really did," Harry said after a moment.
"I know, Harry. It seems like Professor Snape has an idea for tomorrow, but we don't need to think about that right now. I want to focus on you feeling better."
Harry nodded and took another sip of his drink, lost in his thoughts.
"What are you thinking about?" Remus asked, his Healer Lupin persona coming out.
Harry took another sip before saying, "I don't know why I ever stopped calling you Moony Da. I mean I remember needing to call you 'uncle' for school and it became a habit, but I never meant to stop. I had totally forgotten about it."
Remus was surprised by the statement but was already in his therapist mode so he was able to effectively mask his emotion. "I was surprised to hear you call me that after your first flashback. It probably triggered the second one."
"I, uh, am sorry I said it," Harry said, blushing and turning away.
"Oh, Harry, no!" Remus said, gently cupping Harry's face and turning it towards him. "I loved that name. I still do! I love both Uncle Moony and Moony Da. I love you."
"I think I'll call you it sometimes again if that's okay," Harry said, trying (and failing) to hide his nervousness.
"I'd love that, Cub," Remus replied with a smile.
Harry set down his mug and hugged Remus. Then, Sirius came out of his bedroom. His hair was wet and he was wearing his pajamas. He had a towel around his shoulders and was drying his hair. "I thought I heard you. Everything okay?" Sirius asked, walking towards them.
"Everything's good," Harry replied, sitting up and hugging his godfather.
"Did the lesson go okay?" Sirius asked, finishing drying his hair by squeezing it with the towel.
Harry glanced at Remus and then looked at the ground in front of Sirius. "I, uh, don't really want to talk about it right now, if that's okay. Moony Da can tell you about it later."
"Yeah, of course, Pup," Sirius said a bit distracted. Harry was still looking at the ground and Sirius used that to his advantage. He made eye contact with Remus and mouthed, 'Moony Da?'
Remus waved his hand at Sirius. 'Later' he mouthed back.
Sirius nodded and put his arm around Harry. "I'm glad you're back, Cub. We have time for a wild Friday night!"
Harry looked up and eyed Sirius in his pajamas. "Yeah, real wild." He said dryly.
Remus and Sirius exchanged worried looks for a moment before Harry smiled, clearly joking. "After what happened earlier this evening, I could use a quiet evening," Harry commented.
"That makes sense, Cub. Anything you have in mind?"
"Nah, not much," Harry said, taking another sip.
They sat and thought for a moment before Sirius sat up. "I have an idea. Harry, finish your drink."
Harry paused before seeing the glint in Sirius' eye. He downed the drink, slightly burning his tongue. That glint only meant fun adventures.
"Padfoot..." Remus said slowly, his voice getting higher in suspicion.
"Trust me on this one, Moony. Or is your inner Marauder gone?" Sirius teased.
"I beg your pardon!" Remus asked, putting his hand to his chest. "Mister Moony takes great offense to that, Mister Padfoot,"
"Mister Padfoot wants Mister Moony to stop thinking so hard and have fun,"
Remus rolled his eyes. As Harry went to put his mug in the kitchen, Sirius leaned into Remus and said, "We're good, Remy. It'll be good."
Remus was satisfied with that. Harry came back and Sirius said, "Go change into comfortable clothing- your pajamas."
That glint in Sirius' eye had never let Harry down before so he hurried into his room to change.
"You too, love," Sirius said, turning to Remus.
Remus shook his head but went to their bedroom to change.
Harry was done changing first and was practically bouncing as he waited for Remus, leaving Sirius amused.
"Pup, I thought you didn't have any energy?" Sirius asked with a smile.
"I don't, but I know we're going to do something good!" Harry replied.
"And how do you know that? Maybe I'm taking you to the dungeons."
Harry shook his head and gave Sirius a cheeky smile, "Nah, you wouldn't do that. Besides, I know that look on your face. I love that look."
"What look?" Sirius asked, throwing himself in front of a mirror.
"Ah, Padfoot, looking at yourself again?" Remus sighed, coming out of the bedroom.
"Moony, what's wrong with my face?" Sirius asked, going over to him.
"Nothing except it's dangerously handsome," Remus replied, kissing his husband.
"Ugh, Moony Da! You'll give Dadfoot an even bigger head!" Harry cried, throwing his hands up.
Remus pulled apart, chuckling. Sirius just gave Harry a grin and said, "Too late!"
Harry sighed again and then pulled on Sirius. "Let's go!"
"You don't even know where we are going." Sirius pointed out.
"Oh, yeah," Harry paused. "Where are we going?" He asked.
"Come on, to the fireplace," Sirius instructed, leading the way.
Sirius threw the floo powder in and gestured for Harry to join him. "Coudoury Cottage!"
Sirius made sure Harry didn't fall when coming out of the floo. Harry, once stable, took a few steps out and looked around. "I kind of remember this place. Why'd you name it Coudoury Cottage?"
"I got to name it," Remus said proudly, stepping out of the floo gracefully.
Harry looked expectantly at Sirius.
"Why are you giving me that look?" Sirius asked. "How do you know I didn't just bring you here because it's quieter?"
Harry huffed and tapped his foot, causing Sirius to crack.
"Okay, okay. Follow me." Sirius lead Harry down a hallway and then down a flight of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Sirius waved his wand and the room was dimly lit.
It was a giant movie theatre-type room complete with comfortable armchairs, a popcorn machine, candy, and a giant screen. There were even small lights on the side of the walls and a red velvet carpet.
"Padfoot! Whoa!" Harry said, looking around in awe.
"I thought a movie night would be perfect for tonight. Hogwarts has too much magic going on for muggle technology, but this cottage is in a muggle area so it can work. What do you think?"
"I think it's bloody brilliant!" Harry said with a large smile. He ran over to his godfather and enveloped him in a large hug. "Thank you, Dadfoot! Thank you!"
"Of course, Pup," Sirius said, kissing the top of his head.
When Harry released Sirius he went over to Remus and gave him a large hug as well, thanking him.
"Of course, Cub. This was your godfather's idea, though."
"I know, but you're a part of it. Thanks." Harry said, squeezing a bit tighter.
Remus' heart swelled. That boy always knew what to say.
"What are we going to watch?" Harry asked, throwing himself into a seat.
"We have a few choices," Sirius explained, putting them out in front of Harry.
Harry ended up choosing a movie called Secondhand Lions. Harry had seen it before but it was his favorite movie. It was about a boy whose parents died and he was raised by his eccentric and slightly mischievous uncles.
Remus made sure everyone had popcorn and snacks before settling down in his spot. Sometimes when they watch movies there is a popcorn war, but not tonight. All three males were engrossed in the movie.
At the end of the movie, Harry always has tears in his eyes, not wanting anything to happen to his uncles.
"We're right here, Cub," Remus reminded him, opening up his arms for Harry to go near him. Harry lifted the armrest barrier and buried himself in his uncle, allowing him to be soothed.
"The thing that makes it worse is that you and Dadfoot would actually try that!" Harry said a small smile on his face.
Sirius couldn't help but bark out a laugh. He came over to Harry and patted his leg. "I promise, Pup, we won't try to fly a plane."
"Good," Harry mumbled, closing his eyes. Remus was running his hands through his hair lovingly and it was quite relaxing.
Remus saw Harry's eyes close and the small on his face and started murmuring to him softly. Within ten minutes, Harry was asleep.
Sirius and Remus enjoyed this for a while until Sirius cast a silencing charm around Harry's head. "We didn't have him clear his mind before he went to sleep. We have to start really working on that."
Remus nodded but said, "You're absolutely right. However, I don't think he'll have any difficulty tonight. A positive calm was this whole evening. I think he fell asleep with it."
Sirius nodded. "You're right. I am thankful for that."
Remus and Sirius stayed here for a while longer until Sirius spoke up again. "My love, you can't stay there forever. Harry needs to get to bed."
Remus sighed and tenderly looked at Harry. "I suppose so. Ah, I just wish we could stay here forever."
"Me too, Moony. Me too." Sirius said.
After another minute Remus sighed and nodded at Sirius. Sirius smiled at Remus and cast a feather-light charm on Harry (not that Remus really needed it). Remus easily lifted the boy and brought him upstairs to his bedroom here. Remus carefully set him down and both he and Sirius tucked him in.
"We love you. See you in the morning," they whispered, placing soft kisses on the boy's head.
A smile appeared on Harry's face. He was unconscious but somewhere deep inside, Harry knew that he was safe. He was loved.
Maybe Remus' messages were starting to sink in.
"You are safe."
"You are loved."
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
