Author's Note: TW/CW: mentions and descriptions of self harm. Please be careful and safe! You are loved!

The song mentioned in this chapter is Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

Celebrating 100k words! How exciting!


Harry had slept well that night. He was able to have a lie-in and woke up on his own. He was a bit confused when he woke up. "Dad?" Harry called out, sitting up.

Sirius immediately came into his room. "Good morning, Pup! Are you okay?"

Harry relaxed a bit seeing Sirius and then the previous night came back to him. Harry gave Sirius a small smile. "Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot where I was for a minute."

"That's alright, Pup. It happens. Do you remember now?"

Harry scoffed at his godfather. "Yes, I do. Hey, what's that I smell?"

Sirius smiled at Harry's question. "Remus is making his famous breakfast. Want some?"

Harry stood up and bolted out of bed, rushing to the kitchen.

"Moony Da! Are those your eggs and pancakes I smell?" Harry asked.

Remus was at the stove wearing an apron. He turned around and smiled at Harry. "Of course they are."

Harry pumped his fist. "Yes!" He sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice before downing it.

Sirius smiled. This is what he was used to from Harry. Sure there were moments where Harry was angry, sad, silly, or excited. And, of course, there were more than enough moments with Sassy Harry. However, all too often lately Harry had been so depressed and angry (and rightfully and understandably so!) but it broke Sirius' heart. He was so glad to see a bit of Harry that wasn't weighed down with his depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.

Harry, Remus, and Sirius had a lovely breakfast together and had fun laughing and teasing each other. Sirius also brought up the 'Moony Da' topic.

"Harry, Moony brought up why you're calling him Moony Da."

Harry stiffened a bit, unsure of how Sirius would take it.

"I think it's wonderful." Sirius gushed, giving Harry instant relief. "I know it shifted when you were in muggle school, but I think the name is sweet. And, I know James would be proud."

Harry needed to hear that. "Really?"

"Marauders honor." Sirius and Remus confirmed.

Harry gave them a big smile and then took another bite of his breakfast. Life is good.

When breakfast was over they cleaned up (with magic from Sirius and Remus, of course), before going back to Hogwarts.

"Are you going to get in trouble for taking me off campus?" Harry asked once they were safe and sound back in their quarters.

"They didn't even know we were gone," Sirius dismissed him, waving his hand.

"Dafoot! You really should let someone know." Harry nagged.

Sirius dramatically put his hand to his heart. "Oh, the pain! When did Moony have this influence on you?"

Remus slightly slapped Sirius on the head. "I think he's just being responsible."

"Oh, the agony!" Sirius said, collapsing on the couch.

Remus and Harry shook their heads before Remus tussled Harry's hair and said, "Go start on your homework."

"Moony Da!" Harry whined, throwing his head back.

"We have something later on. Go get started."

"Ugh," Harry groaned before heading to his room.

Remus now shook his head at his son and sat next to his husband who was now sitting normally on the couch.


Later on that day, Severus knocked on the door. Sirius, Remus, and Harry were in the sitting room just hanging out. Harry immediately stiffened at the knock, knowing what was going on. Sirius put his arm around him and whispered something in his ear as Remus answered the door.

"Ah, Severus. Please come in," Remus said.

Snape swept into the room and took a few steps in.

"Please, sit down," Remus said.

Severus sat stiffly on the armchair, obviously uncomfortable.

Remus sat down next to Harry and nudged him, prompting him to speak. "Hello, Professor," Harry said.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Potter. Are you ready for your lesson?"

"Uh, I guess. What are we doing differently?" Harry asked.

"Wel, Mr. Potter, Occlumency obviously wasn't working in my quarters. However, once you were comfortable with your uncle, the memory I ventured into seemed more positive than the rest. When learning this art some find it easier when they are relaxed."

"That makes sense. So we're doing it here?" Harry asked.

"In a way. You are clearly not ready for me to enter your mind. I have been working with your mutt to work on his Occlumency skills. We're going to do some exercises and then you can practice these on your own."

Harry's head shot to Sirius. "You did that for me?"

"Of course, Pup. I love you." Sirius said, running his hand through Harry's hair.

Harry leaned into and hugged his godfather.

Severus waited and tapped his foot impatiently. "When you're done."

Sirius bit his tongue, but kissed his godson's head and then pulled away.

"Now, I want you to sit on the floor." Severus instructed.

"The floor?" Harry asked, getting on the ground.

"That is what I said," Severus replied dryly. "I don't want you falling on the ground if you're in a chair."

Harry blushed, but it made sense. He had fallen nearly every time he practiced.

"Now, I want you to sit in between your uncle's legs."

Harry blushed deeper now. He loved Dadfoot and Moony Da, but this was embarrassing! He didn't need anyone, especially Snape, to see him like that.

Severus seemed to know what Harry was thinking and said, "Merlin, Potter. Just do it. I've already promised not to tell anyone."

Sirius had his legs out and Harry sat in between them and leaned onto Sirius, his face still beet red.

"Now relax," Severus instructed. "I'll give you a few minutes. I'll get myself water in the kitchen."

Harry seemed to do better knowing that Snape wouldn't be watching. He still, however, opened an eye and mumbled, "Sorry, Dadfoot. This is so stupid. I'm so sorry."

"Hey now, none of that. I used to sit with you like this when you were younger and we both loved it. Now, close your eyes and take some breaths." Sirius said, lightly rubbing Harry's arms.

Harry did as he said and tried to settle in.

"Now, Pup, breathe with me. You're safe with me, always. You are loved. I am here for you." Sirius whispered in Harry's ear.

A small smile appeared on Harry's face. He never got tired of hearing those words.

Harry relaxed further but was still very aware of what was going on.

Sirius seemed to sense this and started to whisper sing.

"Close your eyes

Have no fear

The monster's gone

He's on the run

And your daddy's here

Beautiful, beautiful beautiful

Beautiful boy

Beautiful, beautiful beautiful

Beautiful boy."

Harry smiled as Sirius began singing. That was a song Sirius and Remus had sung to him for as long as he can remember. Occasionally when Harry had a memory of when he was a baby he remembers Remus and Sirius singing it to him at Godric's Hollow. His mother's muggleborn's taste in music influenced Sirius and he dived in headfirst. All the marauders loved The Beatles and their solo careers. Remus was also familiar with this song, of course, and joined in during the chorus. Harry relaxed his body, thinking of the sounds of the ocean.

Severus came in near the end of the song. Sirius knew this, but Harry didn't. Sirius hummed the song and slowly faded off, keeping Harry relaxed.

"No, Harry, work on clearing your mind. Find a positive, calm place to go. Keep that in your head." Severus instructed.

Harry did as he said, working on it.

After several minutes Severus subtly entered Harry's mind. He wasn't trying to go against any defenses or check his walls but wanted to see if he was able to clear his mind. Severus was, truthfully, relieved that this worked and Harry was able to clear his mind.

"Anytime you feel your mind wander go back to that place," Severus instructed. He stayed for another 10 minutes before quietly slipping out, letting the family work on this together.

Harry kept working on this for close to an hour. He was so happy he was able to do it and Sirius and Remus were incredibly proud of them.

However, all that work on a new branch of magic was exhausting. Harry ate dinner and fell asleep early that night.


While Harry needed the rest, he didn't work on clearing his mind before he went to sleep so he woke up in the middle of the night with a nightmare.

"Harry! Harry! You're safe. You're home. Dadfoot is here," Sirius said, already at Harry's side.

Harry woke up and saw Sirius and his body relaxed. "Oh, sorry Dadfoot. I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's my job, Pup. Are you okay?"

"'M fine." Harry shrugged.

Sirius sighed and eyed Harry. "I may not be Moony Da, but I am not going to let you use that word. Moony has made sure that I don't use it or allow it either."

Harry huffed and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine. I'm not great but I'll be okay."

Sirius nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Harry shook his head. "No. Please don't make me!"

"Shh, shh. It's okay, Pup. I won't make you. That's Moony's job." Sirius winked.

Harry let out a small smile in response to Sirius' joke.

"Now, close your eyes. Let's get you back to sleep." Sirius said.

Harry didn't love that idea but did as his godfather said.

"Let's go back to that calm, peaceful spot. You are safe here. Take some breaths."

Harry listened to Sirius, trying to relax.

Sirius ran his fingers through Harry's hair. "Beautiful beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy." Sirius sang softly.


Harry was rather done with it all by the time his DADA lesson came around. He was feeling a bit cranky due to his lack of sleep and just wanted to retreat to his room. The fact that he was in DADA didn't make things any better, either. The class bored Harry to tears and he never learned anything anyway.

He was sitting in his seat and didn't want to talk to anyone else. Luckily, Professor Schoutz started class soon.

"Before we open our books today, I found some essays in my office from Professor Umbridge and I'm going to pass them back." The ministry official then passed back the papers. Hermione seemed caught between pleased she received an O but disgusted that it was from Umbitch. She eventually decided on disgust and put the paper in her bag, huffing.

Harry couldn't care less about the essay but as he went to shove the essay into his bag a line written on his paper caught his eye.

There, in sparkly pink ink, were the words "you must not tell lies, Mr. Potter".

Harry stared at the words for a moment, forgetting how to breathe. He eventually blinked and took a deep breath. He shoved the essay in his bag and sat up, lost in his mind. He didn't want to be here and he certainly wasn't okay, but he didn't want that horrid toad getting to him, especially since she wasn't even physically at Hogwarts anymore. Harry took another deep breath, looking down. He noticed his hands were running up and down his arms. Harry bit back a sigh but finally made a decision. He'd sit through this class and act normal. He would be just fine. He did not want to attract any extra attention to himself. After class, he could check in with Remus or Sirius if the situation still warranted it. However, Harry knew he needed to do something with his hands. Harry reached into his bag, feeling around, before pulling out a fidget. He mindlessly moved it around in his hands as he put a blank expression on his face, pretending to listen to the professor who had started to speak again.

All went well for another 15 minutes until Professor Schoutz's gaze finally landed on Harry. He stopped talking and cleared his throat. "Mr. Potter."

Harry's eyes shot up and looked at the man. "Yes, Professor?"

Schoutz sighed as if he expected Harry to understand why he was getting his attention in the first place. "Mr. Potter," he said again, this time sharper.

Harry nodded slowly with a bit of sass, showing the professor he was listening.

Schoutz sighed once again and said, "Mr. Potter, toys are not permitted in my class."

Harry looked down and then looked back up again, "Oh, Professor these aren't t-"

Schoutz cut him off. "Mr. Potter, if you argue with me the toy will be taken away."

"Sir, they're not toys! My da- er, Professor Lupin gave them to me." Harry protested, blushing a little. The other professors were familiar with the fidgets as students have used them for years. Professor Schoutz either must not be aware or did not care.

The professor walked over and took the fidget spinner out of Harry's hands and gave him a fierce glare. "Toys are not permitted and neither are your lies."

Harry froze. The parchment that was returned and now this? It was too much. Harry blinked and then grabbed his bag and rushed out of the room.

Harry knew that he was passed 'not okay' right now. He just needed to get to someone. He wanted to hurt himself and he knew that he shouldn't. Harry made his way through the halls and found his way to his uncle's office. Harry looked at the door and saw that it was closed and the sign said that Remus was in a session. Harry stumbled backward to the far wall, his breath increasing. Harry fell against the back wall and knew that moving or going anywhere else was no longer an option. Harry reached in his bag and pulled out his invisibility cloak. Harry threw it over himself, not wanting to be seen. Harry felt his right hand travel up his left arm in distress and anxiety. He kept thinking about the parchment and what Schoutz said.

You must not tell lies

your lies

lies

Harry felt himself start to scratch and cry. He felt so frustrated, alone, angry, and hurt. He wanted to be in control of something and Schoutz took away the thing that was helping him function. He let out a soft cry and his eyes welled up with tears again.

The bandage that was on his arm was taken off last night so Harry was scratching on his skin. All of a sudden, Harry felt pain. He saw his arm and saw new red scratches on it. He must have broken the spell.

Harry, however, was not thinking logically. He paused for maybe a moment before continuing to scratch his arm even harder, desperate for a release, control, and something to focus on that wasn't his mental agony.

Meanwhile, Remus was in a session with a fourth-year Slytherin. It was nothing major, just some things the Slytherin wanted to go through. Remus had seen this student a few times over his years at Hogwarts. He was a good kid who wanted to achieve things in this world. The Slytherin, David, was proud of his ambition. He wouldn't, however, hurt someone for it which was something he struggled with from time to time as that differed from some of his housemates.

Near the end of the session, Remus got a large whiff of desperation and fear. He felt worried, but David was talking and appeared to be less burdened so Remus didn't interrupt. About 10 minutes later, the session was over. Remus escorted David outside and when he opened the door to his office, the scent got even stronger.

"David, did this help? Do you feel better?" Remus asked, wanting the boy to be honest with him.

"Oh, loads, Professor! Thank you!" David said, relief evident on his face.

Remus could smell some relief, but the scent of the pain was much stronger.

Then, they heard a sniff. Remus shifted his eyes to where he heard that sound and he smelled the air.

Ah, he knew that scent.

"What was that?" David asked, his head turned to the far side of Remus' waiting room.

"Probably just the old castle. Now, you run along. My door is always open if you need it." Remus reminded him.

"Thanks, Professor, I appreciate it!" David said before walking off.

Remus gave him a smile and a wave and watched him until he turned the corner. Then, Remus flicked his wand and shut the door of his waiting room, something he rarely does. He slowly walked towards the fall wall and eventually knelt on the ground. Remus' face was full of sympathy and concern. He sniffed the air, making sure Harry's scent was strongest here, and then reached his hand out. He felt smooth fabric and enclosed his fingers around it before carefully pulling the material away.

Remus was met with a Harry Potter who was curled up against the wall. His knees were to his chest and his left arm was scratched up and his left hand was scratching his right one. His face was red and had tear tracks going down it. Harry's eyes were slightly glossed over and his breathing was erratic.

Remus said, "Harry? Harry, can you hear me? It's Moony Da."

Harry's eyes flickered up, making contact with Remus'. Recognition shone in those green eyes. Remus reached his arms out and Harry willingly went into them, burying himself in his godmother.

"Let's breathe together, Harry. Take some deep breaths with me," Remus instructed.

Remus led Harry through some breathing exercises, bringing him back to reality.

Remus could tell when Harry was fully present as his body had relaxed in his hold and his breathing was regular. "Nice work, Cub." Remus praised softly.

Harry sat up and gave him a watery smile for the praise before realizing what the whole situation was about and hastily shoving down his sleeves.

Remus glanced down at them and then back at Harry who turned away; his face red.

"Do you want to move to my office? It'll be a bit more comfortable than the floor." Remus said, holding out his hand.

Harry knew that this wasn't really a choice unless he truly felt most comfortable here. Harry looked up at Remus and nodded, but got up on his own, not wanting to show Remus his hands or arms.

Remus withdrew his hand as Harry tried to stand. Remus bit back a sigh and carefully watched the teen try to stand up. Harry wobbled a bit and Remus put his hands on his shoulder and back. "Whoa, Cub. Careful there." Remus said as he carefully led him to his office. He carefully sat Harry down on the couch and shut his door. Remus sat down on his armchair and turned to Harry, but saw that the boy was already scratching up his arm again. Remus quickly stood up and sat next to Harry on the couch, grabbing his wrists.

"Harry, take a breath," Remus reminded him.

Harry did as he said, but that didn't stop the urge. Harry's hand twitched, yearning to be in contact with his arm. Harry let out a soft whine, not able to stop the feeling that was in control of his mind.

Remus' eyes softened and he gazed into Harry's face. "Cub, what's going on?"

Harry opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't find the right words to say. He let out a frustrated groan and his nails started to dig into his palms and run back and forth.

Remus wordlessly and wandlessly summoned a rubber quill and put it into Harry's hands, trying to help.

Harry pulled on it, thankful for the fidget before groaning and saying, "This is exactly what got me into this mess!" Harry threw the fidget on the floor and stood up, pacing the office and his nails making contact with his skin.

Remus stood up and led Harry to the armchair where he sat him down. He put a soft pillow into Harry's arms and watched as Harry held it tight to him.

Remus was quiet for several minutes. He rubbed Harry's arms and watched his face. He made sure his breathing was normal and waited for the teen's body to relax some.

"Cub, what happened?" Remus eventually asked.

Harry was finally ready to explain. "It was in class. Schoutz passed back these essays from Umbridge. She told me not to tell lies on it." Harry's grasp tightened and his lips were pursed.

Remus kept a soothing hand on the boy's arm and made sure that he wasn't going to hurt himself anymore.

While the essay alone was enough to trigger someone, Remus could sense that harry was just getting started.

"I mean it bothered me, sure, but I've been working so hard with you, y'know?" Harry continued on, looking at Remus' face.

Remus nodded, validating what the teen was saying.

"I was upset by it but I decided I would just talk to you later. I didn't want to cause a scene or bring any attention to myself. Besides, I didn't want her to get to me even after she left Hogwarts!"

Harry's fingers twitched and Remus put a hand on them, rubbing them softly. This seemed to help Harry calm down. Harry took a few deep breaths and then continued to speak.

"I felt my hands go over my arms and realized what I was doing. Then, I thought of all the things we've talked about and all that stuff, and then I reached in my bag to grab a fidget," Harry explained.

Remus smiled at that. He was so incredibly proud of Harry for using a coping strategy.

"I used it for a bit before Schoutz saw it. He told me that I wasn't allowed to use toys in the classroom. I explained to him that it wasn't a toy and that you gave it to me. He didn't believe me. He said that toys weren't permitted and neither were my lies."

Remus' eyes flashed amber, but he quieted it down. He needed to be there for Harry.

Harry took a deep breath, just wanting this part to be over. "Then, I came here. I knew that I needed to talk to you because I knew that I wanted to, well, er, uh, hurt myself. When I got here I saw that your door was closed and that you were in a session. I was too far gone at that point to do or go anywhere else. I think I remember half-falling against the wall and I threw my invisibility cloak over me so no one would see me. I was there until you found me." Harry finished, looking down.

"Harry, I am so proud of you," Remus said tenderly.

Harry's face shot up. "What?" Harry asked, rather confused.

"You did everything you could do not to harm yourself, despite all those triggers. You are remarkable."

"Moony Da! No! I still hurt myself!" Harry cried.

"Oh, my dear. You fought so hard. You didn't even use an object. Your own body was trying to protect your mind. You used strategies we talked about to help yourself. Harry, I am so proud of you." Remus said.

Harry let out a breath and the tears started to fall. He stood up from the armchair and dropped the pillow he was holding. He embraced his uncle, thankful for such an incredible guardian and therapist.

Remus held onto Harry tight and waited until his son released the hold first. When they were done hugging, Remus lightly held onto Harry's arms and bent down again. "Can I clean your wounds out?'

Harry bit his lip but nodded.

Remus gave Harry an encouraging smile and led him to the couch. He picked up the rubber quill that Harry had thrown onto the floor and handed it to him as he grabbed the first aid kit and brought it back.

"Er, sorry," Harry replied plainly.

"Whatever for?" Remus said, setting the kit down on the ground in front of Harry and kneeling down.

"Making you use the kit."

Remus shook his head. "Harry, there's no need to apologize. I use my kit at least once a week for various reasons. Self-harm, fighting, someone being ill, a class gone wrong, a prank, or something that just randomly happened. You are not alone. Besides, I am a healer, am I not?" Remus asked cheekily.

Harry rolled his eyes. "While it's just as important, you're a mind healer."

"Hey, I had to do rotations in physical healing, too." Remus pointed out, gently grabbing Harry's arm to roll his sleeve up.

"Really?" Harry asked.

Remus nodded. "Yes. I have basic healer training."

"Look at you, Moony Da!" Harry teased.

Remus chuckled and then looked at his son's face. "Can I examine you now?"

Harry nodded, albeit a bit apprehensively.

"I'll be gentle," Remus reminded him, giving him a small smile.

Harry returned that with a relieved smile of his own.

Remus turned his gaze onto Harry's left arm. He saw angry red scratches on his arm that took up most of his forearm. Remus also saw that some of Harry's old cuts were opened. Harry looked away as Remus grabbed an alcohol wipe to disinfect Harry's wounds. Harry had a sharp intake of breath when Remus began this part and squeezed his eyes shut. While these wounds weren't as bad as others, they were still open wounds and disinfecting them stung.

"Sorry, Cub," Remus said apologetically, glancing up at Harry.

"'S fine," Harry replied through clenched teeth.

Remus let that 'fine' slide since Harry was distracted and in pain.

Remus then used his wand to heal the wounds and then used some cream on them before bandaging him up. He did this part to his right hand as well. There were new scratches over the "I must not tell lies". Remus didn't say anything as he wanted Harry to address that part.

"All done," Remus announced as he used his wand to seal the bandage.

Harry opened his eyes and glanced at the bandage. "It's like it never left," Harry replied glumly.

"You're getting there, Cub," Remus replied encouragingly.

Harry shrugged and Remus stood up and sat next to him on the couch and gave his arm a reassuring pat. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Moony Da," Harry replied after a moment.

Remus sat there with Harry for a moment before getting up and putting the first aid kit away. When he walked back he sat in his armchair, studying Harry. He watched him for a while, waiting for Harry to speak first. This took a while as Harry was in a world of his own.

"Did you heal the scratches over the words?" Harry finally asked.

"Let's talk about that," Remus replied.

"Ugh," Harry groaned, throwing his head back. "Other parents would just do it and I have to sit here and talk about it."

Remus raised an eyebrow, but inwardly he was slightly amused.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled, catching his eye.

"You're allowed to be frustrated, Harry. You're allowed all of your feelings. I was more concerned about you avoiding the topic."

Harry sighed. "It's all sort of hazy. I just didn't want the words there. I'm not a liar!"

Remus nodded, letting Harry speak.

"I don't think I'll do it again. They're really not super visible, but I knew they were there. I hate those words."

"They are false, those words. It was barbaric and cruel. You are allowed to not like them," Remus affirmed.

Harry nodded, letting the words sink in.

Remus knew Harry rather well and that means he knew that Harry would eventually use that as fuel to keep fighting. He did not need another adult in his life telling him to push away the pain and use it for good. Harry needed someone to listen to him and validate him. Remus was honored to do that. He sat there with Harry a while longer, chatting with him and getting him closer to his baseline, and making sure he was not a risk to himself anymore. Eventually, Remus saw Harry yawn. Remus checked his watch and said, "It's about lunchtime. Let's get you upstairs so you can rest."

"It's okay, Moony Da. I'm okay," Harry tried to protest.

"Harry James. You don't have to fake it with me. I can clearly see that you are not and that is okay. Harry, accept this help. Rest is important for your recovery. Just let go." Remus looked at Harry tenderly, love shining in his eyes. He reached out his hand and Harry took it, releasing a breath.

"There you go, Son. Let's go." Remus led Harry to the fireplace where they flooed to the Marauder Quarters. Remus made sure Harry changed into some comfortable clothing and tucked him into bed before making his way to the sitting room. He had grabbed Harry's backpack from his office and made sure Harry's wand was in there. He put away Harry's potions materials and then sent a Patronus to Sirius.


Sirius was in his empty classroom, cleaning up when Moony reached him. Sirius frowned but did not panic. He set a silencing charm up around himself and the silvery wolf and then said the password to relay the message.

Padfoot-

Prongslet came to my office earlier today. There was a bit of a mishap. He's alright now and resting. There's no need to panic, just come to our quarters when you can. I love you.

Once the Patronus disappeared, Sirius, naturally, immediately banished the silencing charm. He waved his wand, throwing things back in their place, and ran out of his classroom, heading to his quarters. While he didn't run in the hallway, he did hurry through the halls and made his way back to his quarter since record time.

"Moony?!" Sirius said as he walked in the door.

"Shh," Remus said, putting a finger to his lips and gesturing turning towards the door.

Sirius closed the door and set a silencing charm around them so they wouldn't disturb Harry and sat down with Remus on the couch.

"What happened?"

Sirius asked, rather worried.

Remus rubbed Sirius' arm. "Take a breath, Padfoot."

Sirius did as his husband suggested and then looked at him expectantly.

"Harry was in Defense and Schoutz passed back essays from Umbridge. Harry's essay told him not to tell lies."

Sirius' fists clenched but kept listening.

"Harry was upset by it but remembered to use a fidget. He was doing alright until Schoutz got upset and told Harry he couldn't play with toys. Harry tried to tell him that I gave them to him, but then Schoutz told him that he shouldn't lie."

Sirius growled and stood up, pacing.

"Harry came to my office but then saw that I was in a meeting. He didn't knock on the door, though. He hit his limit and then sat against the wall and threw the cloak over him. I could smell him and when I dismissed the student and I took the cloak off and took him in my office. He broke the charm on his fingers and was scratching himself up. We talked for a while and then I brought him back here to rest." Remus explained.

"Oh, my poor Pup," Sirius said, caught between disgust and concern.

"He's going to be okay, Siri. He's going to rest for the rest of the day. I'm hoping someone can be with him."

"Of course! Have you contacted Albus or Minerva yet? I'm sure they'll sit with him when they don't have class or meetings."

"I haven't, I wanted to make sure you knew first. I also want to make sure Harry's okay with them knowing."

"Ah, that makes sense. You don't have to explain anything to them if he doesn't wake up in time. They know he needs an adult with him right now."

Remus nodded. "You're right. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. I'm sure Albus is available after lunch if he's not awake then."

Sirius sat down again and ran a hand through his hair. "Moony, what are we going to do?"

"Sirius, Harry is safe now. It was his own body trying to protect him. We can deal with Schoutz later. Let's just focus on Harry right now." Remus reminded him.

"You're right. Thanks, love."

"Of course I'm right. You married a healer." Remus replied with a cheeky smile.

"Oh, you git," Sirius teased him.

Remus leaned in and kissed Sirius. They snuggled close to each other and stayed there for a bit until Remus said, "You need to eat lunch."

"But Moony!" Sirius whined, snuggling further into his husband.

Remus savored this but shook his head. "As much as I love it, you need to take care of yourself. What would you rather do, eat here or in the great hall?"

Sirius thought for a minute before saying, "If I'm in the Great Hall I get to tell Minnie that Shoutz was an arse, right?"

Remus rolled his eyes and then said, "Yes, Sirius."

"I'll do that, then."

"Okay, but if you see Schoutz don't approach him yet. We still need to talk to Harry again."

Sirius groaned, "Alright, alright. But I'm slipping something into his drink."

"Sirius!" Remus said, standing up.

Sirius chuckled but was halfway out the door, heading to the hall. Remus saw Sirius pat his pocket, making sure something was in there (probably a prank, let's just be honest).

Remus shook his head and muttered a few things under his breath before getting back to the notes he was writing.

'What am I going to do with them?' Remus thought.

Love them. Love them lots. His brain supplied

And love them he does.


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