Author's Note: TW Mentions and descriptions of the urge to self-harm and references to self-harm, language. You are loved! So, so loved!

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James Birdsong: Thank you so much for your review! I appreciate it and I hope you like these chapters, too!

Urgwaew: I am so glad you got access to your account! I am not able to pm you so if you enable it I can properly respond to your review! I love, love your reviews and they make my day! I also love your suggestions! Draco and Sev will be in this chapter and I hope you'll like it! I so appreciate your well wishes and love. It's going right back to you!

The next couple of weeks went by rather well. Nothing extraordinary happened, which, in Harry's world, was rather miraculous. He had fruitful therapy sessions and classes went well.

Harry was in relative bliss with his mindset. He didn't even know what he was missing until it came back with a vengeance one day.

It was a typical Tuesday. Harry had felt rather tired, but that wasn't unusual. it wasn't until after Charms that Harry realized what was gnawing on his mind.

He wanted to hurt himself.

A jolt of panic went through Harry before he calmed himself down. He ran through his head about what could have triggered this. He didn't have any ideas. Harry felt a bit silly about not knowing what was causing it and didn't want to embarrass himself. Harry pushed the thoughts to the side of his brain and tried to forget about it. He went to his next class and tried to focus on that instead.

Unfortunately, Harry wasn't able to push the thoughts to the side. He was done with classes for the day and decided he would go to his room and try to distract himself. Within half an hour he realized that was not a good idea at all. The urge was getting stronger and Harry knew he couldn't handle this alone. He made his way to Remus' office, but he was in a session. Harry also walked by Sirius and Minerva's classroom but they were teaching.

Harry sighed, not knowing what to do. He thought about going somewhere else when he noticed his fingers were playing on his sleeve. In a session with Remus, Harry realized that was a precursor to him hurting himself and a warning sign. Harry sighed and made fists, fighting everything his brain was telling him to do.

Harry realized what room he was closest to and couldn't believe he was about to do this. He didn't really remember getting there, but he eventually found himself in the dungeons. He knocked on the door and heard a deep voice respond, "Come in."

"Professor, I'm sorry to bother you but I didn't know where else to go an-" Harry began quickly as he walked in the room. He abruptly stopped when he looked up and saw Draco Malfoy at a station, making a potion.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were busy. I'll just leave," Harry said, trying to hurry out the door while mentally cursing himself.

"Freeze, Mr. Potter," the deep voice rang out again.

While all the instincts in Harry were telling him to run, he didn't dare disobey that voice.

"I could use your help. Let me get your required equipment. Please go to station 6."

Snape immediately knew something was wrong when Harry walked in. He saw how Harry was fiddling with his sleeves and could sense his demeanor and energy. He knew that he needed to keep Harry here.

Harry saw Snape turn and go into one of the storerooms and he went to the station.

Draco had peeked at him but quickly went back to looking at his ingredient list.

The air was full of tense and awkward silence until Harry finally spoke. "What're you doing here?"

"Detention," Draco replied, stirring his cauldron.

"Huh? It's in the afternoon?" Harry asked, confused.

"He has to make 100 potions for the hospital wing for his detention. He can do them any time." Snape stated, coming back into the classroom and setting down ingredients and materials in front of Harry.

"What for?" Harry asked.

"I think you know, Mr. Potter," Snape said dryly.

Harry mentally hit himself, not even thinking about their encounter.

"How many have you made?" Harry asked Draco.

"18. This one is 19," Draco replied.

"As long as it's acceptable," Snape added.

"What am I making, Sir?" Harry asked.

Severus bit back the comment he had since he knew Harry was somewhat distressed. The potion's name was on the paper handed to him.

"A fever-reducing potion. Instructions are on your table."

Harry nodded and thanked him and then got started.

They worked in silence for a while until a seventh-year Slytherin came through the door. "Professor, some first years are in the lab and messing it up, and they're too afraid to get you."

Snape muttered something under his breath before standing up. "I will be back. Neither of you may leave this room."

The potions master swept out of the room and left Draco and Harry working on their potions. It was quiet for a while until Draco spoke up first this time.

"Professor Snape has been teaching me a lot. I am sorry I've been such a git. I was raised that way."

Harry wasn't expecting this. However, he knew what it was like to expect things based on the way one grows up. It took a long time for him to relearn things with Remus and Sirius.

"Thanks. But, uh, I get it. I was raised by my aunt and uncle and I didn't know any better about a lot of things until Dadfoo-, er, Professor Black and Lupin took me in."

"I bet they let you get away with a lot," Draco commented.

"The opposite. They didn't really like me." Harry said.

"What do you mean?" Draco asked.

Harry sighed. He wasn't sure if he should say anything.

Draco seemed to notice Harry's reluctance and said, "Hey, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But I won't tell anyone. It's the least I can do."

Harry nodded his acknowledgment, still thinking. He finally opened his mouth and said, "They hit me, a lot. I also didn't really get food. It wasn't good there." Harry knew there was much more to the story, but he didn't want to get into the details. That was more than enough to share for the moment.

Draco actually stopped with his task and looked at the boy on the other side of the room. "What?"

Harry shrugged, not looking at him. He didn't want to say anything more on the topic.

"Merlin, I've been such a git!" Draco said, running his hands through his hair.

"You didn't know, it's fine," Harry said, adding an ingredient to his cauldron.

"Look, Uncle Sev is teaching me a lot and stuff, but even before this, I knew that starving and beating children wasn't okay."

Harry shrugged again.

Draco took a deep breath and returned to his potion. A few minutes later he spoke again, "What do you want to do after Hogwarts?"

This was a complicated question for Harry. He always told people he might want to be an Auror, but he wasn't sure. Truthfully, if the last year has shown him anything, he isn't really sure he has a future after Hogwarts. However, he hasn't admitted this to anyone, not even Remus.

"An Auror, maybe. What about you?" Harry replied.

"A healer. I want to help people. I find it interesting. But everyone expects me to follow in my father's footsteps." Draco spat.

Harry nodded. He understood what it was like to be compared to your dad. "Well, I think it's great. Have you worked with Madame Pomfrey yet?"

"Not really," Draco admitted, "but I'd like to."

"You should! And sit down and talk to her about what you want. She loves when students help, especially when they take an interest in healing. You'd be her favorite."

"How do you know this?" Draco asked.

Harry smirked. "There are some perks to growing up in the castle."

Draco nodded; that made sense.

Just then, Snape came back into the room. "I said to stay here, but I didn't say to speak."

Harry bit back the reply of, 'well you didn't say to stay silent, either'. Snape was treating him nicer lately and he didn't want to jinx it. However, he'd have to tell Sirius that one later.

They kept working on their potions until Draco vialed up his and presented it to Snape. "Number 19, Sir."

Snape picked up one of the vials and inspected it. "Decent." He said after a few moments of silence. "You are excused after your station is clean."

"Thank you, Sir," Draco replied.

He quickly cleaned his station. Before he left he made eye contact with Harry and nodded before walking out the door.

Harry nodded back and then turned back to his potion. He kept working on it after Draco left. Near the end, Harry had to have his potion sit for a few minutes before the last step. He had been given the ingredients already prepared so all he had to do was sit. Harry wiped his hands on his pants and looked up, seeing Snape staring at him.

"Sir?" Harry asked, wondering why the professor was just looking at him.

"Are either of your guardians aware that you are here?" Snape asked.

Harry blushed. "No, Sir."

"Did you try to contact either of them?"

"They were busy. Professor Lupin was in a session and Professor Black had class. I didn't want to bother them."

Snape nodded, thinking. "And you came here to keep your hands busy?"

Harry bit his lip and looked down, "Yes, Sir. I hope that's okay."

Severus sighed. "Of course. You did well."

Harry smiled at that comment and then went back to his potion.

"Are you feeling better?" Snape asked.

Harry had gone back to his potion but had still heard him. He didn't really want to reply to that comment. He hoped that Snape was able to see that he wasn't being rude but just didn't know how to answer that question.

Severus did in fact pick that up and sighed. He eyed the boy who was working on his potion. He didn't want to leave Harry alone but also wanted to get his uncle.

Snape set a tracking and monitoring charm on Harry (they don't last long) before slipping out of the room and going to his office to floo Remus.

He waited until Remus permitted him and he found himself in the therapist's office.

"Hello, Severus. What can I do for you?" Remus asked kindly.

"I have Harry in my classroom right now," Snape said, getting right to the point.

Remus' face creased with concern. "What's going on? Is he okay?"

"He's okay right now. He seems to be struggling. Can you come to get him in a few minutes?"

"I can come now!" Remus said, grabbing and putting on his cardigan.

"Lupin, stop. Close up your office and then floo and get him. Harry's finishing a potion right now, anyway. He's safe."

Remus nodded but was distracted. "Thank you, Severus. I'll be there in a moment."

Severus gave a sharp nod and flooed back to his office where he then went back into his classroom.

"Oh, there you are, Sir," Harry said, walking towards his desk with some vials. "I finished my potion."

Severus accepted the vials and inspected one of them with a trained eye. "Nicely done, Mister Potter. You may leave them here and clean up your station."

Harry lingered there for a moment, shifting his weight back and forth.

"Yes?" Severus asked with a raised eyebrow, sensing there was something more.

"Sir, could this count towards one of Draco's potions? That way he'd have 20 right now."

Severus leaned back and thought about it before leaning forward again and saying, "If you wish, Mr. Potter, this can count towards one of his potions. That is incredibly kind."

Harry shrugged and said, "Thanks for helping him. He's not so bad."

Severus felt his heart swell with pride for his godson, so happy to hear those words. He kept his face unreadable and said, "Thank you. Now, go clean up."

Harry did as he said. He kept his head down the whole time, quietly thinking. He still didn't feel a ton better. He certainly was doing better than before, but he didn't know if he should be alone. However, he was so busy cleaning and thinking that he didn't notice the tall man enter the classroom and quietly talk to Professor Snape.

When Harry was finished he looked up and was surprised to see Remus talking to Snape.

"Moon- Professor Lupin," Harry asked confused.

"Hi, Cub," Remus smiled at him kindly.

Harry walked towards the two professors. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to pick you up. I thought we could chat," Remus said, still smiling at Harry.

Harry looked down and hugged his arms around himself. "O-okay,"

"C'mon, love," Remus said, putting his hand around Harry's shoulders.

"Thank you, Professor Snape," Harry said, looking at the man. "I appreciate it,"

"You're welcome, Mr. Potter," Snape replied, nodding his head.

Harry allowed Remus to lead him out the door and to his office.

Remus decided to walk, giving Harry time to think and process.

"Did Professor Snape get you?" Harry asked after a few minutes of walking.

"Yes, he did," Remus replied, looking down at his son.

Harry nodded, biting his lip.

When they got to Remus' office, Remus unlocked the door and Harry walked in, sitting down on the couch. Remus followed Harry and softly shut the door behind him.

Harry twisted his hands in his lap. He felt nervous but wasn't really sure why. He had sought Remus out earlier, didn't he? Why did he feel this way?

Remus sat down and watched Harry who was clearly deep in his thoughts. He saw him play with his hands. However, Remus saw how his movements were starting to become more erratic and Remus didn't want him to hurt himself. Remus summoned a fidget and got up, placing it in Harry's hands. This brought Harry out of his mind.

"Oh, thank you," he said, grabbing the fidget gratefully. Harry fiddled with it, thinking about what to say.

"Harry, what's going on?" Remus asked gently, still knelt in front of the boy.

"I don't- I felt- I needed-" Harry huffed, not knowing how to get the words out.

Remus saw this struggle from Harry and put his hand on his arm. "Take a deep breath with me, Harry."

Harry nodded, looking into Remus' face before closing his eyes and listening to his voice.

"In... and out. Good. Again. In... and out. Excellent." Remus praised softly.

Harry opened his eyes, giving Remus a small smile.

"Now, how are you feeling?" Remus asked gently.

Harry took another deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I want to hurt myself," Harry said softly. He expected Remus to react loudly or start to lock him up, but Remus instead just nodded, his eyes full of empathy and care.

Harry took this as a good sign and continued. "I felt this way earlier. I realized it after Charms. I tried to push the thought away, but that didn't work. I then tried to go see you or Dadfoot or even Grandma Min, but you were all busy."

Remus nodded, listening intently as he slowly made his way back to his seat.

"I then tried to distract myself, but I could tell I was getting worse. I then went to see Professor Snape so I could keep my hands busy. And then you came." Harry said, pulling on the fidget.

Remus gave him a small smile, proud of him. "And do you still feel like you want to hurt yourself?"

Harry squirmed, uncomfortable with the question.

Remus leaned forward, trying to catch Harry's eyes. "Harry, I know it's an uncomfortable question. I also want you to know that there's no wrong answer. I just want to know if you still feel like hurting yourself."

Harry set down the fidget and instead grabbed the pillow that was next to him. He squeezed it tightly to himself, burying his head in it before coming back up and taking a deep breath. "Yes," Harry admitted, not looking at Remus at all.

"That's okay. Thank you for telling me. We'll work on it together," Remus said warmly.

"What?" Harry asked, confused. "How is it okay?"

"Harry, can you control how you feel?" Remus asked.

Harry shook his head.

"I never have and never will be mad at you for your feelings. You can't control them. This is an uncomfortable feeling, and something we can work on together. You are not alone."

Then, Harry lost it. He started to cry and pulled his legs to his chest. Remus got up from the armchair and sat next to him on the couch. He put his arm around the teen and Harry leaned into him.

"You're safe, Harry. You are not alone. You are loved." Remus assured him softly, comforting him.

Harry and Remus stayed there for several minutes. After Harry had caught his breath enough after he stopped crying he said, "I hate this. I hate!" He said, sitting up.

Remus knew that sadness is a common emotion with self-harm and anger is as well. He quickly got in front of Harry and held his hands. "Harry, you are safe with me, alright? I know it's horrible. Take another deep breath with me."

Harry did as Remus said. When he had calmed down enough, Remus replaced his hands with a pillow, giving Harry something to squeeze. Remus went back to his seat. There were still some things he needed to figure out.

"Harry, did something happen to trigger this? Or was there something you thought about?" Remus asked.

"No! And that's the worst part! There's no bloody reason!" Harry groaned and ran his nails along with the pillow he was squeezing. He realized what he did and threw his hands up and then made fists.

Remus saw that Harry was still clearly distressed. He quickly got up and sat down on the couch next to Harry. He moved the pillow in between them and gently, but firmly, grabbed Harry's hands in his. Harry bit his lip before turning away.

"Deep breaths, love. Come on now," Remus encouraged gently.

Harry followed Remus' breathing and closed his eyes. He stayed that way for a while. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but it was at least several minutes before he opened his eyes.

"How are you doing?" Remus asked, still holding his hands.

"Better," Harry replied.

"Good," Remus said, giving him a small smile. it was quiet for a moment before Remus spoke up again. "Harry, it's normal to have an urge with nothing to trigger it. You don't need to be embarrassed or ashamed. It just comes and sneaks up on us sometimes."

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised.

Remus nodded. "Really. You, and many others, harmed themselves to cope. However, that became almost an addiction. There isn't always going to be a reason why you want to do it. Sometimes it might just sneak into your head. Or, you could feel stressed about an exam and the urge comes creeping back. There isn't any rhyme or reason. It isn't logical. And it's okay to need help without a trigger. You don't have to go through a horrible event to feel justified in your feelings. Your feelings and thoughts are valid just as they are, Harry. Always."

Harry felt tears come to his eyes again. Goodness, he cried more in the past month than he had ever before. He let a few tears fall but blinked the rest back.

"It's okay to cry, Harry," Remus reminded him.

Harry felt more tears fall down his face and he rolled his watery eyes saying, "Fuck. I didn't want to," Harry said.

While Moony Da most certainly does not approve of that language, Healer Lupin lets his patients express themselves with their words in any way. He bit back his comment about Harry's language and instead said, "If your body is producing tears, it means that it's your body's response to whatever it is. You'll feel better if you just let it happen."

Harry sighed and gave in, letting the tears fall. He squeezed his eyes tight, trying to gain enough control to talk. "I did feel a little better after making the potion, but it didn't go away."

Remus nodded. "I understand. I'm glad it helped. I know you tried to go to your classes and distract yourself in your room. I know you've also used some fidgets. Is there something else you want to try?"

"I DON'T-" Harry began loudly. Harry took a deep breath, calming himself. "I don't know. I need your help."

Remus was still holding Harry's hands and gave them a comforting squeeze. "I'm here to help. Nice job using your words."

Harry felt like a toddler but still smiled at Remus.

"Now, let's think of some things we can do together, okay?"

Harry nodded, biting his lip again.

"Let me see. Do you want to do some art?"

Harry shrugged "Maybe. I want to do something useful."

Remus thought again for a minute, keeping Harry's hands in his. Finally, he got an idea. "Professor McGonagall uses pinch pots for her transfiguration class. I know there's a lump of clay that some students were going to have to use for detention to make them. Do you want to do that? I know it'll make Professor McGonagall feel much better knowing that they're not sloppy pots. She always says that they're easier to transfigure that way." Remus said with a sly smile.

Harry knew there was more to that story but tucked it away for later. "That sounds good. Where is it?" Harry asked.

"An empty classroom on the eighth floor. That's where most of the pottery stuff is. There used to be an art class for students and that's where we had our studio." Remus said.

"Wicked! Why don't we still have it?" Harry asked.

"I don't know. it sort of died out when the first war got bad. I still use it for some art therapy sessions occasionally."

"Cool," Harry said. He loved learning more about this castle.

"Now. We should probably go change our clothes before we do this. Can I let go of your hands so we can head to our quarters and leave a note for Dadfoot?" Remus asked seriously.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, Moony Da."

"Harry, I'm being serious about this," Remus warned.

Harry sobered up. "I know Moony Da. Thank you. Yes, you can let my hands go for this."

Remus gave him a nod and slowly released Harry's hands. He leaned forward and kissed Harry on the top of his head. "I love you so much, Cub."

"I love you too, Moony Da."

Remus and Harry flooed to the Marauder Quarters. Remus didn't leave Harry's side, much to his dismay. He went with Remus while he switched clothes and Remus helped Harry decide on which clothes he would wear. Harry looked at Remus expectantly as once the clothes were picked out.

"I'm not leaving," Remus stated, giving Harry a knowing look.

"Moony Da! Please!" Harry whined.

"Harry, you know I want to keep you safe," Remus reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah," Harry groaned, pulling off his shirt. Harr quickly got changed, not making eye contact with Remus.

"Done," Harry huffed as he threw his dirty clothes into the magical hamper.

"Let's write the note for Dadfoot and be on our way," Remus said.

Remus quickly wrote the note and he and Harry walked through the halls, heading to the eighth floor. They received some looks on their apparel, but since Harry was with a professor no one questioned them.

When they got to the room, Remus unlocked it and Harry wandered in. It was a dim room, but there were art supplies all over it. Remus led Harry over to a slab of clay. He waved his wand and the clay separated into small lumps.

"You can dip your hand in the bucket of water, grab a lump of clay, and make a pinch pot. When you're done with it you can set it on that tray and they'll dry out. It's magical clay so it doesn't need a kiln."

Harry nodded and sat down. He dipped his hand in the water and started to mold the clay. He remembered how to do it from his muggle primary school. He looked over and Remus was doing it, too.

"I didn't know you were going to make them, too," Harry commented.

"I got changed, didn't I?" Remus asked. "Besides, I like keeping my hands busy sometimes as well. And most importantly, I like spending time with you."

Harry blushed and smiled, shaping his pot. "D'ya think Dadfoot will come up here at some point?"

Remus chuckled. "I'd bet my healer license on it."

"Moony Da!" Harry laughed, shocked.

"The man loves you very much, Harry. He really is like a lost puppy sometimes."

Harry laughed and got back to his pot.

Harry and Remus both worked on pots, putting them aside when they were done. They chatted some, but not about Harry's self-harm or PTSD, but rather everyday things. They talked about Harry's classes, what he has done with his friends, and Remus told Harry a story about when he was 5 years old.

About an hour and over twenty pots later, the classroom door banged open and Sirius sped through the door. "How are you?" Sirius asked, running towards Harry.

Remus sighed. He waved his wand, shutting and locking the classroom door. "Padfoot, give him some space."

Sirius still kissed Harry's head and looked over his son before stepping back and going over to Remus. "Why didn't you get me right away?"

"I was doing my job and you were doing yours." Remus reminded him.

"Harry comes first," Sirius told him.

Remus nodded. "He does, you're right. I had him and I let you know where we were. I needed space to do my job."

Sirius and Remus both looked at each other. Harry looked between them, knowing that neither would back down.

"Dadfoot, you're here now. Moony Da was helping me. Why don't you just come and join us," Harry said.

Sirius sighed, backing down and taking a seat. "I've made enough pinch pots in my life, thank you,"

"What?" Harry asked, looking at Sirius confused.

"You didn't tell him?" Sirius asked, turning to look at Remus.

Remus shook his head, smirking.

"Tell me what?!" Harry cried, wanting to know what they were talking about.

Sirius chuckled and turned back to Harry. "The marauders spent many, many hours making pinch pots in their fifth year."

"What'd you do?" Harry asked knowingly, raising an eyebrow.

Sirius and Remus exchanged glances and smirked at each other. They turned back to Harry and Sirius began speaking.

"So our sixth year we decided to prank the students during dinner. Nothing new. However, this prank worked really well. Too well." Sirius began

"Do you think it'll work?" Peter asked, leaning into the boys.

They had gone down to the kitchens and spiked the pitcher of juice that is going to sit at the Slytherin table. They had even asked to make sure it was the right one before they did it.

"Course it will," James said, waving his hand. That'll show Snape not to mess with Lily."

Lily, of course, had heard this comment. "What did you do?" She asked, leaning into the boys.

All of a sudden, people started to levitate. It started at the Slytherin table, but then there was a Ravenclaw who joined them. More students started to float up towards the ceiling.

"Siri- we didn't plan that, did we?" Remus asked lightly.

"No Remy, we did not," Sirius replied faintly.

Then, the worst happened. Flitwick floated up into the air, followed by Dumbledore.

"Bloody Hell," Sirius said, looking at everyone in the air.

"Well, it was nice knowing all of you. It was nice while it lasted." Remus said with a fake smile.

McGonagall stood up. "I expect four Gryffindors to walk up here right now if they know what's good for them!" She shouted.

The boys gulped and made their way to the head table.

"Get them down. Now." Minerva commanded.

"Uh, Professor, I hate to be the one to say this, but, uh, we can't," James said, wincing as he ran his hand over the back of his neck.

"What?" Minerva hissed.

"Yeah, it'll wear off, but it'll take a few minutes."

"What did you put it in?" McGonagall asked, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

"Pumpkin juice," Sirius said, giving her a hopeful smile.

Minerva waved her wand and all traces of pumpkin juice were removed from the tables. "Once each and every person is down from the ceiling we are going to my office and having a long talk."

All four boys gulped, but they didn't say anything as Dumbledore was laughing and dancing in the air. "This is splendid!" He said, clapping.

Sirius broke first and started to laugh, followed by James and Remus, then finally Peter.

They continued laughing until the first few students started to fall. However, those were the Slytherins and they started charging towards the Marauders.

Dumbledore, even in the air, was able to freeze everyone. James, Remus, Sirius, and Peter were quickly escorted out and to McGonagall's office where they received their punishments.

"Needless to say, we made those ridiculous pinch pots for the rest of the year," Sirius said, rolling his eyes. "No one even got hurt."

"Aw, come on, Pads. You got really good at it." Remus said, smiling at him.

"It doesn't mean I want to do it again!" Sirius said.

"Uh, I don't have to do this," Harry said, setting down his clay.

Remus glared at Sirius and Sirius quickly went over to Harry. "Oh, no, Pup. I want you to do this. I just don't want to make them. Believe me, it's funny watching Moony Da make them," Sirius reassured him with a smile.

"I never minded this," Remus said, defending himself.

"No, you never did, did you?" Sirius asked, sitting down again.

"It kept my hands busy," Remus replied, giving Sirius a knowing look.

"Ah, yes it did. It was around then, wasn't it," Sirius said, deep in his memories.

"Dadfoot had to keep my hands busy on more than one occasion," Remus revealed to Harry.

"Really?" Harry asked, looking to his parents.

"Really. One time, he and James held my hands through the whole day. Even in classes. We somehow got a slip from Professor McGonagall permitting us. I don't know who got that. Maybe Sirius? Anyway, they held my hands the whole day and even at night. They pushed their beds towards mine. I was fine the next day, but we woke up holding hands," Remus said with a smile.

"Yeah, that was a fun day. I did get Minnie to give us a slip. I don't remember what I said, but it wasn't too hard. She was willing to do anything to keep Remus safe."

Harry smiled and set down another finished pot. "You know, I bet Grandma Min would love to hear these stories and talk to you about it all. When was the last time you sat down and talked with her?" Harry asked.

Remus and Sirius looked at each other before Remus said, "I'm not sure. It has to have been at least a few years."

"You should do that soon. She'd like it. You both are like her sons." Harry told them.

"She is a good woman, isn't she?" Sirius asked, smiling.

"Moony Da, can I have my wand?" Harry asked abruptly.

Remus and Sirius looked at him, confused and concerned. "No. Why do you want it?" Remus asked.

Harry sighed. He was expecting that answer. "I just wanted to send Grandma Min a Patronus message."

Remus and Sirius grinned at their thoughtful son. "I'll just use my wand, Harry. You can speak into Padfoot." Sirius offered, whipping out his wand.

"Okay," Harry said, smiling.

Sirius conjured his Patronus and said, "Okay Harry, go ahead."

"Hi, Grandma Min. It's Harry,"

"And Sirius,"

"And Remus,"

"And we are talking about how amazing you are and that we love you!" Harry added. Sirius went to send Padfoot and as he waved his wand, Harry quickly added, "Also, come to the pinch pot room. Okay, bye."

Sirius was already sending Padfoot on their way so Remus and Sirius could only look at Harry in horror.

"You told her to come where?" Sirius asked mock-dangerously.

Harry smiled at Sirius in triumph.

Sirius waved his wand, cleaning Harry from the clay before transforming into Padfoot and jumping on him, pinning him down and licking him.

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

Remus let it happen for a little bit before calling off the dog.

Sirius transformed back into himself and helped Harry up before saying, "Why did you tell Minnie to come here?"

"I thought she'd find it hilarious that you're back in this room," Harry replied cheekily.

"Oh, Merlin. I don't think I've even been back here since fifth year."

"You sure got here fast enough," Remus commented, setting a finished pot down.

"Like I could ever forget where this room was," Sirius said with an eye roll.

"Who knew my detention could scar you so much," said a voice coming from the door.

"Grandma Min!" Harry said with a smile, getting up to hug her.

Minerva raised her eyebrow at the informal greeting but didn't fight it. She hugged Harry and walked towards the men. "What in the world is going on?"

"How'd you get here so fast?" Remus asked, changing the topic.

Minerva once again raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on it. "I was nearby. And I was touched by your message. I wasn't expecting you to be here, however."

"Dadfoot and Moony Da were telling stories and talking about you and I told them that they should sit down and talk to you about it. Then, I thought it would be hilarious for you to see them back here so I called you. Well, Dadfoot did." Harry said.

"It is rather amusing," Minerva said with a smile.

"Sirius refuses to make one," Remus rattled with a smirk.

"Moony!" Sirius hissed, glaring at his husband.

"And why is that, Mr. Black?" Minerva asked, giving him her best professor glare.

Obviously, it still worked.

"I think I made enough of them to last a lifetime," Sirius replied.

"I think you can make another one, don't you? They ended up being perfect," Minerva commented.

"No way," Sirius declared.

"Would you like a detention?"

"You can't give me a detention. I'm a professor," Sirius insisted.

"Watch me," Minerva said, stepping towards him.

Sirius stared at her before sighing and rolling up his sleeves. "Merlin, you're just as pushy as a mum, too."

Harry smiled and Remus laughed as Sirius wet his hands and grabbed a chunk of clay and began to mold it.

"Why are you here?" Minerva asked as she herself grabbed a thing of clay and transfigured it into a chair to sit on.

It took Harry a moment to register the question and when he did, he stiffened. For whatever reason, he didn't think about that question when he asked his professor to come to the room.

Remus watched Harry closely and saw Harry begin to close up.

"Harry? Harry, love?" Remus said softly.

Harry looked up and made eye contact with his son. "Deep breaths." Remus reminded him with an encouraging smile.

Harry nodded and did as he was told, trying to stop himself from going into a panic attack.

Minerva watched him, concerned. She knew, however not to say anything and to let Remus and Harry get through it together. When Harry was back to how she had previously seen him and pinching his clay she said, "Harry, are you alright?"

Harry once again looked at Remus who said, "It's up to you."

Harry nodded and took a deep breath before turning to look at his grandmother. She knew what was going on so he might as well tell her about this situation.

"I, uh, needed to keep my hands busy," Harry muttered, looking down.

Luckily, Minerva knew what this meant. Remus used to use the same phrase when he was younger. Her face softened and she gave Harry a small smile. "Well, that sounds like a good solution,"

"Thanks," Harry said, blushing.

They stayed there and chatted for a while. Minerva was rather impressed with Sirius' pinch pot, much to his dismay. About another half an hour later, Minerva stood up and said, "I am going to head to dinner. I will excuse you three and I hope to see you tomorrow?"

All three nodded. "Bye, Mum!" Sirius called, smiling.

Minerva shook her head and smiled at him.

"Bye, Grandma Min," Harry got up and hugged her.

"I'm proud of you," She whispered in his ear.

Harry blushed and squeezed her tighter before pulling away.

Remus, Sirius, and Harry stayed there for another twenty minutes until both Harry and Remus finished a pinch pot at the same time.

"How are you feeling, Cub?" Remus asked gently.

Harry shrugged. "Okay," he replied honestly.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look.

"Do you think you can eat some dinner?" Remus asked.

Harry thought for a moment before replying, "I think so. Can we eat in our quarters, though? I don't really want to be around other people."

"Absolutely," Sirius confirmed.

"Let's clean up and we'll head back," Remus told him.

They quickly cleaned up and headed back to their quarters where they ate tacos. Remus chose this on purpose because there was no silverware involved. Harry had assumed this, but was too tired to swell on it.

Sirius had cleared the table when they were done and Remus held Harry's hands.

"How're you doing?" Remus asked kindly.

"Okay," Harry replied again.

"Do you think you are better, worse, or the same from earlier?"

"Better," Harry told him.

"That's good!" Remus praised.

Harry nodded but bit his lip.

"Harry, we want you to improve. It's okay if the urge isn't fully gone right now," Remus told him gently.

"Really?" Harry asked, perking up.

Remus nodded and smiled at him. "Really," he confirmed. "It's a process. I am just so glad you're being honest with us."

"Wh-what should I do?" Harry asked.

"Do you want to play a game? Maybe chess?" Remus asked.

"Sure. Chess sounds good. Then maybe battleship?" Harry asked.

"Sure, Cub. Go get the games."

Harry got up and grabbed the games. He and Remus played a game of Wizards Chess (Remus won) before they played Battleship (Harry won). When they had finished that game, Remus caught Harry yawning.

"Tired, Cub?" Remus asked gently.

"Yeah, a little," Harry admitted.

Remus studied Harry for a minute. "How about I have Padfoot sleep with you? I can also give you a bit of a potion to help you sleep?"

"That would be great, Moony Da," Harry smiled.

"Wonderful," Remus said, giving him a large smile in return. Remus helped Harry up and then called Sirius over who was doing some grading.

"Hey, Padfoot? Do you think you can sleep with Harry tonight? I'm going to give him a small amount of a sleep potion but you can go with him as he gets ready for bed?" Remus asked.

"Of course! It'd be my pleasure," Sirius said, pulling Harry to him and ruffling his head. "Let's go, Pup," Sirius said.

Harry and Sirius went off to get ready as Remus went to his potion stash that he kept behind (magic) lock and key. He poured a small amount out of a beaker and into a vial for Harry before returning. Remus stood in the doorway of the bathroom as he saw Sirius and Harry brush their teeth and push each other around. It didn't take long before Harry was in bed and Padfoot was on the foot of the bed.

Remus sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Harry lovingly. "I am so proud of you, Cub. You have done so well today."

"Thanks, Moony Da. And thank you for helping me with everything. Dadfoot, too."

"You are the most important thing in the entire world to us. We'd do it every day. We love you so much." Remus said seriously, leaning into Harry.

"Moony Da," Harry whispered, blushing.

"You are loved, Harry," Remus said quietly before kissing Harry on the forehead. When he was done he held the vial out to Harry. "It's not a full dose, but it'll help you fall asleep."

Harry gratefully took the vial and tossed it back before returning it to Remus. "Thank goodness," he said as he snuggled further into his bed.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to get me, okay?" Remus said with an eyebrow raised.

"Okay, Moony Da," Harry replied, his eyes already shut.

"Sweet dreams," Remus said, giving both Padfoot and Harry another loving look before getting up and shutting off the lights.

Remus softly shut the door behind him and let out a sigh. Harry was getting better. He was doing it. And by Merlin, Remus was so proud.

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, etc)

11. Play a game