Author's Note: References to self-harm and mentions of self-harm. Please be safe and take care of yourself. You are loved!

James Birdsong: Thank you so much for your review! I appreciate it!

Urgwaew: Thank you so much! I appreciate you more than I can put into words! You are so kind to say all these nice things about me! Oh my goodness! What an amazing soul you have! The most important thing I teach my students is that they are loved so I am thrilled you picked up on that. Thank you! I am so glad you liked the chapter! You are right that he won't be completely safe until he gets it back, which he did! Harry was more mature in this chapter and I think it is due to his upbringing and the fact that he has to do more than any teenager has to do! I am also so glad you liked the scene with Draco! I also see Poppy as fair so I am glad you liked my characterization of her! Draco as a healer/ apprentice will definitely be explored in future chapters. I appreciate your kind words more than I can say. Thank you, thank you!

It didn't take long before winter exam season truly hit the students at Hogwarts. Hermione, of course, had been preparing for these exams since late October, but that was beside the point.

Remus, the poor therapist, was terribly overworked. He wanted to make sure he was available for his first years, especially since it is their first exam season at Hogwarts, while also being accessible to the whole student body (and staff, if needed). He was completely booked and even took earlier and later sessions, making sure he could fit each student in. At least once a week he also had an emergency with a student in the middle of a panic attack. He was returning to their quarters later and later. He even went to a common room once or twice in the evening.

Harry, Remus, and Sirius were all rather used to this during exams. Harry remembered it when he was young, even before he attended Hogwarts, with how busy Remus became with anxious students who were distressed. The holidays also brought up a lot of feelings for people that Remus helped them work through. In addition, it was also important for Remus to make sure that care plans were set up for students while they were home if needed and that they had what they needed to be successful (or at least alive in some cases).

Sirius was also busy too with students who were trying to cram a semester's worth of content into a couple of weeks and students who knew everything and were still worried, and everyone in between.

Harry was not immune to the stress of exams. He was also worried about how he would do. He had worked hard this semester, but he also had to deal with all of his mental health difficulties. However, he didn't want to bother Sirius and especially Remus. He knew that they were both so busy and needed to help students who didn't have anyone else. He was working hard to stay strong for them.

"How was your day?" Remus asked one evening. All three of them were eating a late dinner in their quarters.

"It was alright. We're all just studying." Harry replied honestly, piercing a piece of asparagus.

"How's that all going?" Sirius asked.

"You know, exams," Harry shrugged, trying to play it cool.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look as Harry was looking down at his plate.

"Well sure we know how exams go, but we're asking how you're doing with it all. Every exam season is different," Sirius said.

"I'm doing alright," Harry replied, brushing it off.

"Are they stressful?" Sirius pushed.

Harry sighed and set his fork down. He wasn't getting out of this. "I mean they're stressful, sure. But nothing I haven't handled before. I think I'll do okay." Harry hoped that would satisfy them.

"Yes you've had exams before, but this is your OWL year. We know it is a lot," Sirius said.

Harry shrugged, getting another bite of food.

"Harry," Remus began. "You've had exams before, but there is so much more going on right now. It's okay if you need some help," Remus told him.

"Thank you, but really, it's okay. You both are so busy," Harry started. Both men opened their mouths to interject and Harry said, "Don't deny it. Are you busy or not?"

Sirius looked at Remus and Remus sighed, turning to Harry. "Yes, we are busy."

"See! I know you both are busy! It's okay! I know you both are so busy. I understand," Harry tried to explain.

"Harry, we may be busy, but we are never too busy for you. We'd both quit our jobs tomorrow if it meant helping you," Remus said.

"I appreciate that; I do. I know I can get you if I need it," Harry said, trying to appease them.

Remus and Sirius sighed. "Harry-" Sirius began before sighing once again. "Just know that you're not alone, okay?"

"I know," Harry said, going back to his dinner.

Remus and Sirius exchanged worried looks but went back to their dinners. They were both rather busy so they had to trust Harry on this one. They hoped he would reach out if he needed it.

Later that week, Harry was sitting in Charms, stressed out of his mind. It was his last class before the test and by Merlin, Harry wanted to do well.

It was odd. On one hand, Harry didn't see a future for himself that included him alive (thanks, Voldemort). On the other hand, he wanted to do well and make his parents proud.

Anyway, Harry was sitting in class trying to listen to Professor Flitwick answer questions. He was frantically taking notes with his quill and parchment. He finally got a break, however, when a question was asked that Harry knew the answer to.

Professor Flitwick happily answered the question and while he did that, Harry's mind ran away from him.

Neville has been keeping an eye on Harry while also paying attention. A few minutes later, Neville turned his attention back on Harry. Harry was absentmindedly scratching his quill against his wrist.

"Harry, Harry!" Neville hissed, trying to get his attention.

Harry looked at Neville, still moving his quill.

"Harry, stop!" Neville whispered, nodding his head to his hands.

Harry looked down and saw what he was doing. He quickly dropped the quill and put his hands up. His wrist was dark from the ink but had new red scratches on it. Harry had felt it, but it didn't even register with him. All his consciousness knew was that he was trying to soothe himself.

Harry was frozen, not sure how to process what he had just done. He stayed there, frozen, his mind racing.

Neville watched him carefully, seeing if Harry was able to snap out of it or not. About 10 minutes later, Neville concluded that he wasn't able to.

Neville raised his hand and said, "Professor Flitwick, Sir?"

Flitwick turned to look at Neville. He had also noticed Harry and was hoping someone would help him. He could stop class, but he didn't want to attract any unwanted attention to the teenager.

"Yes, Mr. Longbottom?"

"I wanted you to see my wand movement for the banishment charm. Is this it?" Neville asked.

Neville really concentrated, not being able to do it yet. He knew that he had to succeed to be able to get Harry some help.

Neville waved his wand and muttered the incantation and banished Harry's quill.

"Splendid, Mr. Longbottom! Ten points to Gryffindor!"

"Thank you, Professor! May I take Harry into your office to get him a new quill?" Neville asked, already standing up.

"Certainly," Flitwick smiled, thankful he was helping Harry.

Neville grabbed Harry's arm and practically dragged him to Flitwick's office. He sat Harry down on the couch and shut the door.

"Harry? Harry, mate?" Neville said softly, coming near Harry.

"I can't do this, Neville," Harry whispered, his hand traveling up his arm. His eyes were glossy.

"Do what, Harry? Charms?" Neville asked.

"No," Harry said, closing his eyes.

"Come on, Let's get you to Professor Lupin," Neville encouraged

"No, Neville! I can't!" Harry said, his eyes shooting open.

"Why not?" Neville asked, sitting down next to him.

"I don't want them to know. We've been working so hard," Harry disclosed softly.

Neville nodded, understanding. "They won't be mad, Harry."

"But they're too busy for this! They're always busy right now. I can't bother them!"

Neville thought for a moment before taking a deep breath and speaking. "Harry, you're not a bother to them. Your uncles adore you. They love you so much. Professor Lupin asks about you often in our sessions. He is so proud of you."

Harry shrugged, not making eye contact.

"Harry, we need to go see him. We have to," Neville told him.

"I really don't want to be a bother," Harry continued to insist.

Neville sighed and stood up. He grabbed his hair and looked around, trying to think. He then saw Flitwick's fireplace and got an idea. Neville hesitated for a millisecond, not sure if he was actually allowed to do this, but took a deep breath and went towards it. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it in, saying "Professor Lupin's Office".

Neville stuck his head in when the flames turned green and waited for the therapist to open his connection. It felt odd, his head just waiting while his body stayed in Flitwick's office.

Remus was with a patient and was nearing the end of his session. He heard his fireplace and saw that he was getting a call. He excused himself and saw that it was from Flitwick's office. Remus' forehead creased with concern as he realized that Harry was in that class right now. He set up a silencing charm and allowed the call.

Remus saw Neville's head come through and he managed to school his expression to stay neutral.

"Neville, are you okay?" Remus asked immediately.

"Yes, Professor. I'm alright. It's Harry."

"Is he okay? Does he need immediate attention?"

"He's not okay, Professor. He-" Neville sighed and turned his head as if he could look back at Harry. "He needs you right now."

"Can you bring him through in a moment? I will need to excuse my patient first." Remus told him.

"Yes, of course."

"Bring him through in one minute," Remus said.

Remus took down the silencing charm after he exited the floo. He turned back to the student with an apologetic smile. "I am so sorry, Mr. Felton, but I have an emergency to attend to,"

The seventh-year Slytherin smiled and waved his hand. "No worries, Professor. When I scheduled this I knew you'd be busy with exams. I'll see you next month?"

"Sounds good, thank you for understanding, Tom," Remus said, smiling at the student as he left the office.

Remus quickly locked up his office and made sure his door said that he was handling an emergency and would be back later. All emergencies would be redirected and all appointments rescheduled.

Remus then was able to move some stuff and Neville came through with Harry.

"Thank you, Neville," Remus said gratefully.

Neville nodded his reply, his arm still draped around Harry.

"Hi, Harry," Remus said softly, trying to catch Harry's eye.

Remus saw that his godson was pale and he could smell the fear and disappointment on him. Remus made sure his face stayed neutral, not wanting to convey his worries.

"Neville, you can bring Harry to the couch. You can go back to class. I will check in with you later if that's alright."

"Of course, Professor," Neville said, helping his friend to the couch before heading back to the fireplace. "Bye, Harry. See you later."

The Gryffindor flooed back to the office and stepped out of the fireplace. Neville stood there for a moment after the fire returned to orange. He took a few breaths and calmed himself before heading back to class. He quickly sat down. Seamus leaned over and asked, "Where'd Harry go?"

"There wasn't a spare quill so Harry went to get one from his quarters,"

Seamus nodded and bought the story, much to Neville's relief.

Meanwhile, Remus was sitting in his armchair, watching Harry. "Harry, what's going on?"

"You are so busy, Professor. I can just come back later," Harry said, starting to get up.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Remus said, taking long strides over to Harry on the couch. He put his hands on Harry's shoulders and gently pushed him back down to the couch.

"Harry, love, what are you saying?" Remus asked, kneeling in front of Harry.

Harry sighed in frustration but kept his eyes on the ground. "You're super busy. I don't want to take away from your job. There are other students who need you more. We can just talk about this later."

"Harry, you are my job. No one needs me more right now, I can guarantee that. You are my priority, first and foremost."

Harry didn't reply.

"Cub, look at me," Remus said. He gently took his hand and cupped Harry's chin, turning his head so that Harry faced him.

"You are the most important thing in Dadfoot and I's life. We would do anything for you. I don't care how many people are banging on that door, now or ever, I will always put you first."

"I don't- I can't-" Harry stuttered, feeling conflicted.

Remus put his hands in his lap and said, "Harry, I can see that you feel overwhelmed. I am not too busy for you. We will sit here for as long as it takes. Nothing or no one matters like you."

Harry sighed, accepting defeat. He finally looked at Remus in his eyes and saw how loving and accepting they were.

"I love you, Cub," Remus said, giving him a warm smile.

Harry gave him a watery smile and then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Something happened in Charms."

Remus nodded, happy Harry was finally opening up. He slowly moved to sit next to him on the couch.

"I must've disas- disassoc- what is it again?" Harry asked, looking at Remus.

"Disassociated," Remus supplied, giving Harry an encouraging smile.

"Yeah that. I must've done that. Someone had asked a question I knew the answer to and the next thing I remember is Neville getting my attention because of something. And then I froze up and then Neville brought me to Flitwick's office and then here."

Remus knew that parts were left out of the story, but he wanted to focus on the positive, first. "I am so proud of you for coming here, Harry. A couple of months ago you would have fled."

"I didn't want to come, though. Neville made me," Harry admitted quietly, looking at his shoes.

"That's okay. The important thing is that you did end up coming. No one could have brought you here conscious without any magic a few months ago. It is progress, Harry. I am very proud of you for coming here."

Harry shrugged, but still said, "Thank you,"

Remus took a deep breath. "What caused you to freeze up?"

Harry stiffened.

"Harry, you're not in trouble. You are safe. I won't think any different of you," Remus assured him.

Remus' eyes flickered to Harry's ink-stained hands. They were guarding his left arm. "Harry, did something happen?"

Harry didn't respond.

"Harry, I meant what I said. I won't think any less of you. I just want to make sure we take care of you so you can stay safe and healthy."

"I didn't mean to," Harry whispered.

"What happened, Cub?" Remus asked softly.

Harry slowly lifted up his sleeve. His left arm was covered in new scratches. There was a part that was covered in dark, black ink and had some red staining around it.

Remus' face softened. "You're okay, Harry. You're okay."

Harry bit his lip. his eyes were still trained on the floor.

"Cub, look at me," Remus commanded gently.

Harry's eyes slowly met Remus' once again.

"You are safe. You are loved. I am still proud of you. I want to help you."

Harry nodded, his green eyes wide.

"May I look at it for a moment?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded timidly.

Remus reached over and gently touched Harry's arm. He moved it around a bit, examining the wounds.

"Cub, I want to take care of this in our quarters, alright? I need water for this."

Harry wasn't expecting this. "O-okay."

Remus helped Harry up and flooed them back to their quarters. Harry stood by the fireplace awkwardly as Remus started to walk toward the bathroom.

"Take a seat, Cub. I'll be right there," Remus called out to Harry.

Harry did as he was told and sat down on the couch. He fiddled with his sleeves as he waited, not being able to help it.

Remus came back levitating a few things and his face once again softened, seeing Harry fumbling with his sleeves. Remus carefully set the items down on the coffee table and said, "Hey, hey. You're okay. You are safe."

Harry stopped fidgeting and Remus took his hands in his own and kissed Harry's forehead.

"It's okay. Everything is okay."

Harry nodded and then his eyes wandered to the items Remus put on the table. "What's that?" Harry asked.

Remus assumed Harry was gesturing towards the large porcelain item.

"It's a piece of transfiguration Professor McGonagall showed me long ago," Remus said. "Come here," he continued as he gestured to a spot on the floor.

Harry sat down next to him and listened as Remus explained the item.

"It's like a bath for your arm. It looks like the book holder you used in muggle school, but there's an arm opening and a spot for your arm to rest. It's a way to clean your arm and wrist without having to hold it over the sink or take a bath."

"Cool," Harry said, his eyes roaming the item.

"Now, you need to take your shirt off or at least be in a short-sleeve shirt," Remus told him.

"Okay. You can transfigure my shirt to a short sleeve one. Just change it back when you're done," Harry told him.

Remus chuckled. "I will."

Harry's shirt became a short sleeve one and then Remus said, "I want to put your arm in there, okay?"

Harry bit his lip and nodded, putting all his trust in Remus.

Remus gently put Harry's arm in the arm bath. He had already filled it up with warm water and some soap, so Harry winced as his arm was placed in there.

"Sorry, love," Remus said, carefully setting down his arm.

"'S okay," Harry said through gritted teeth.

Remus gently set Harry's arm down in the holders (which were very nicely padded, by the way) and went to reach over to the first aid kit to prepare some things

Harry eventually relaxed his arm, the stinging going away.

"When you're ready to talk about it, I'll be here to listen. Take your time, though. Whenever you're ready." Remus said gently, patting Harry's other hand.

It was quiet for a few minutes. Remus was completely okay with that; he wanted to make sure that Harry didn't feel pressured.

"You can take your time, it's okay. I do want to take this rag and gently rub some of the ink off, is that okay?"

Harry nodded and went back to looking out the window. After a few moments, Harry began to speak, somewhat soothed by Remus' gentle ministrations on his arm.

"I know I dis- disca-," Harry huffed. "What is it called again?"

"Disassociated," Remus supplied with a smile.

"Yeah that. I knew I was stressed and thinking about things and then someone asked a question for Flitwick and then the next thing I remember is that Neville was trying to get my attention. I saw that I was-" Harry stopped talking, ashamed.

Remus stopped rubbing his arm and looked at Harry. "It's okay. You're doing great."

Harry replied with a weak smile and took a breath, trying to continue. "I saw that I was pushing my quill into me. I-I didn't even know I was doing it. I think somewhere I was trying to feel relief. I froze up and I think I was scratching up my arm, but I don't really remember. The next thing I clearly remember was Neville in Flitwick's office."

Remus nodded as Harry spoke, intently listening. "I'm proud of you for sharing that," Remus said as Harry finished.

"Yeah, but I still hurt myself and I was working so hard!"

"You didn't mean to. This happened before, remember?" Remus asked.

"Yeah, but not with my quill! And it's just so stupid!" Harry cried out, frustrated.

"No, it's not. I know you feel angry, but these are feelings that are real and valid. They are worth just as much as anyone else's feelings."

"I should be able to handle it," Harry argued.

"Cub, no one should have to deal with their feelings alone. I have a degree that deals with feelings and I don't deal with them alone. You know I see a therapist and I talk to Sirius. You're also a teenager. You have guardians and parents for a reason. And, there's a reason you're staying with us right now. it's to help you through this. You are not alone, Harry. We want to help."

"I know that, but it's not sticking!" Harry said.

"We'll work on it," Remus assured him. He totally understood that you can logically know something but not truly feel it. It was a horrible feeling and he hoped that one day Harry would truly know and feel that he was not alone.

"Thanks," Harry replied, thankful for his godparents.

"Now, I'm going to finish getting the ink off your arm, and then I'm going to take care of the wounds and bandage them up, alright?"

Harry nodded.

Remus carefully finished scrubbing his arm to get most of the ink off. When he was done, he drained the water and pushed the arm bath aside, and began to apply the cream before healing the wounds with his wand and wrapping a bandage around it.

"How's that feel?" Remus asked, trying to make eye contact with Harry.

"Better," Harry admitted.

"Good. Now sit on the couch and get comfortable. I'm going to bring you some hot chocolate."

Harry smiled and did as he was told. As soon as Remus walked into the kitchen, Sirius came barreling through the door.

"Dadfoot?" Harry asked, confused as to why he was here.

"Harry! Are you okay?" Sirius asked, joining Harry on the couch.

"I'm okay now," Harry said, still confused.

Sirius planted a kiss on Harry's head and looked him over.

"Hey, Siri!" Remus called from the kitchen.

"Hi, Remy!" Sirius replied.

"Dadfoot, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.

Sirius gave Harry a small smile. "I heard there was an incident and I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"But you're so busy!" Harry once again insisted.

"Harry, we are never too busy for you. We saw that you were exhausted at dinner this week. We were worried. You come first, kiddo," Sirius said.

Harry sighed and looked away as Remus came back in with three mugs of hot chocolate.

"Did you know he was coming?" Harry asked.

"Who do you think contacted him?" Remus replied with a wink.

"Moony Da!" Harry whined.

"Harry, I didn't tell him anything that happened. I did tell him that there was an incident and that you're safe with me now in our quarters. Sirius decided to come and let me know."

"But it's almost exams!" Harry tried one last time.

"And you're our son!" Sirius said firmly.

Harry was taken aback by Sirius' tone and looked at him. "We have one son, and that's you. No exam, thing, or person will come before you. You needed us and we're here. We want to be here. Harry, accept the help and love," Sirius said.

"I just feel bad," Harry admitted.

"You are entitled to your feelings. However, please know that we choose to be here. You don't have to feel guilty for the choices that we make," Remus told him.

"I'll work on it," Harry replied.

"Good. Now, do you want to tell me what happened or not?" Sirius asked kindly.

Harry knew that Sirius truly was giving him a choice, but he knew he would tell Sirius what happened. Harry recounted the whole story and only was crushed by Sirius' hugs twice.

"I'm so proud of you," Sirius said, pushing hair away from Harry's eyes.

"Thanks," Harry muttered, trying to accept the compliment.

"What do you want to do right now?" Remus asked Harry after a few moments of silence.

"Well you both have to get back to class," Harry said.

Sirius laughed. "Harry, we're not leaving you alone right now. You are obviously worried about exams. How can we help?"

"I know I need to study more, but you can go back to your jobs and I can study somewhere else."

"Harry, let's have you take a break from thinking. What do you want to do to rest your brain?"

Harry shrugged, unsure.

"Is it alright if we pick for you to give your brain a break from thinking?" Remus asked.

"Sure," Harry shrugged.

Remus leaned in and whispered in Sirius' ear. Sirius had a large smile on his face.

"Harry, go get changed into comfortable clothing," Sirius said.

Ah, there it was. The glint in Sirius' eye was back again.

Harry nodded and quickly got up to go change.

"I'll set up the Portkey," Remus said, standing up and grabbing something high from their bookshelf.

"I'll go change," Sirius said, heading to their bedroom.

Less than five minutes later, all three of them were back in the sitting room.

"A portkey?" Harry asked, in awe.

"You'll love it," Remus assured him.

"Hold on Harry," Sirius advised.

Harry grabbed onto the book and soon felt a pull at his navel as he and his parents were whisked away.

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