Author's Note: Sorry for the late post, but I hope you enjoy this 7k chapter! I wanted to get this up as soon as possible, so please forgive me for any errors!
If you celebrate Easter or Passover, I hope you had a lovely weekend!
TW for references to self-harm and a panic attack as well as references to abuse. Stay safe and remember that you are loved!
I appreciate all the responses about my pairing in my author's note in the last chapter. I took it out, but I appreciate all the input! I'll be going with a big brother Draco in this story and I hope that's okay!
Urgwaew: Thank you for your review! I agree with you that underage characters don't have to be in a relationship. I guess since I'm 23 and not that far from Harry's age I feel like you "have" to be in a relationship (because you know, teenagers), but you don't! I still haven't been in a relationship and that's okay. I appreciate you reminding me about that! I might not do a pairing at all. There's a reason why I didn't tag it with any pairings (besides Wolfstar in ao3) and it's because I wanted to focus on Harry and his recovery, not other things. I hope you liked the Draco in this chapter! There was a lot of it! And I totally understand what you're saying about the affirmations! That never occurred to me until a few months ago when my mentor pointed it out to me. Of course, I never was ever trying to be patronizing, I just wanted to help and be kind! I am so glad that you like and appreciate them now! You are a wonderful soul that the world is a much better place for having. You are SO loved!
Roolie: You are so kind! Thank you so much for your review! I hope you like this chapter as well!
"Who is knocking at 2 in the morning?" Remus asked, quickly getting up and going to the door.
"I don't bloody know!" Sirius grouched, half asleep.
Remus pulled on his robe as he walked to the door. He opened it up to see a sleepy-looking Draco Malfoy.
"Mr. Malfoy?" Remus asked confused.
"Hello, Professor," Draco replied.
"Please, come in," Remus said, letting him in. "Sit down. Make yourself at home."
Draco silently sat down on the couch.
"What's going on, Draco? Are you okay?" Remus asked, concern in his voice.
"I'm okay. Uncle Sev woke me up and told me to come here. His arm was hurting so he, uh, had to go," Draco said, looking away.
"Ah," Remus said, understanding. "Are you okay with anything? Do you want to talk?"
Draco was almost touched at the level of concern Remus had for him. He did feel a little shaken up, but he's been through this before at home. "I'm okay, really. It's nothing I haven't been through before."
"Still, it's not easy," Remus commented.
Draco shrugged.
Remus knew that Draco was not ready to talk about it and that the middle of the night is not the best time for therapy. "Why don't we get you set up to rest? We have a guest bedroom I can take you to. Do you want a calming drought or dreamless sleep?"
"I'll be alright, thank you," Draco said, standing up to follow Remus.
Remus led Draco to the guest bedroom and pulled out an extra blanket from the closet in case he needed it. "If you need Sirius or me, we're in our bedroom. It's the door to the left of the sitting room."
Draco nodded, "Thank you".
"Of course. We'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams," Remus said, shutting the door softly behind him.
"Who was at the door?" Sirius asked, sitting up in bed as Remus came back into their bedroom.
"Draco Malfoy," Remus replied, rubbing his face with his hands.
"Draco Malfoy? The son of my cousin?" Sirius repeated, shocked.
"The one and only."
"Why was he here?"
"Severus was called to a Death Eater meeting. He told Draco to come here. I'm guessing he'll be gone a while if he sent him here. We can check with him around lunchtime tomorrow, well, today."
"How's he doing?" Sirius asked.
"He seems to be doing okay. He seemed a bit shaky, understandably so, but he also said that he's been through this before, and you can tell he's used to it. Poor kid."
"Is he in the guest room?" Sirius asked.
Remus nodded. "Yeah, I'm hoping he'll sleep a bit more. He didn't want any potions. I did charm the door to notify us if it's opened."
Sirius and Remus were quiet again until Sirius spoke again. "Remus, you've done all you can. Put the therapist aside. Let's try to get some more rest before morning. We'll need our energy if we have Harry and Draco tomorrow morning," Sirius told him lovingly.
"Oh Merlin, I forgot about that," Remus said, running a hand through his hair.
"It'll be all okay. They're friends now. Let's get some rest, come on," Sirius encouraged again, helping Remus lay down.
Both Remus and Draco were doubtful they would fall asleep, but the sandman did visit them and both fell asleep, resting up for the next day.
When Harry woke up the next morning, he savored the warmth of his bed a moment longer before making his way out of the covers and to the kitchen.
He was going to go on a trip with Sirius and Remus today and he was excited to spend some time somewhere else. It was a few days before New Year and they would return to Hogwarts on the 1st.
However, when Harry walked into the kitchen he stopped in his tracks. "Malfoy?"
"Good morning, Potter," Draco said, having a sip of tea.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, still frozen in his spot.
"Professor Snape had an errand last night and asked us to keep Draco here. We'll check in with Professor Snape after lunch," Remus explained before Draco could reply.
Harry nodded wordlessly, still surprised to see Draco in his kitchen.
"Come sit down, Pup. Breakfast is ready," Sirius said, patting a seat next to him.
"Dadfoot," Harry hissed, blushing. He didn't mind the nicknames but he didn't want Draco to hear them.
"What? You've always been called that! At least I don't call you Puppy anymore," Sirius continued, ruffling his hair.
"Dadfoot! Stop!" Harry pleaded his face bright red.
"Don't worry about it, Potter. Uncle Sev has some nicknames for me, too. Besides I've called you worse names. I won't tell anyone, it's fine," Draco said, trying to alleviate Harry's embarrassment.
"Still," Harry grumbled, not looking at Sirius.
"Take some food, please," Remus told Harry lightly. However, Harry saw Remus' face and knew that Remus was watching him to make sure he ate. Harry didn't need Draco to see him drink a nutrition potion.
Harry gave himself a moderate amount of food and started eating. He was quiet at first but eventually started to chat with his godparents and Draco.
"So what are you going to do this morning?" Remus asked after everyone had finished breakfast.
"I'm going to take Malfoy exploring," Harry replied, just wanting to get out of his quarters.
"Exploring?" Draco repeated incredulously.
Harry quickly shot Draco a look that said, 'just trust me.'
"Okay, be back by lunch," Remus said lightly, picking up a copy of The Quibbler.
"I'm going to change and I'll meet you in the sitting room in 5 minutes," Harry told his classmate.
Draco nodded and also got up to brush his teeth. The boys quickly got ready before leaving the quarters together.
Once they had left the quarters and were a decent amount away from the door, Draco turned to Harry and said, "Exploring? What are we? 7-year-olds?"
Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. "Trust me, there are parts of the castle you've never seen."
"By all means, Potter, lead the way," Draco said, a bit unbelieving.
Harry led Draco down the hallways and made some sharp corners. Eventually, they reached a dead end.
"It's the end, Potter. There's nothing there," Draco said dryly.
"Watch this," Harry said. He pulled his wand out and tapped different parts of the wall, similar to Diagon Alley. Eventually, a door appeared. Harry reached for the doorknob and opened it up, revealing a hidden room.
Draco slowly walked in, making sure water wasn't about to fall on him or anything. "Wicked."
It was a smaller room compared to others. This used to be the teacher's lounge a few hundred years ago and it was hidden from students. There was a couch and some chairs as well as a fireplace, pillows, and blankets. There were also a couple of tables.
Draco sat down on one of the chairs and Harry picked the one that was next to his.
"How did you find this room?" Draco asked, still looking around.
Harry smirked. "I know people."
Draco let that comment slide because he was rather impressed with Harry's knowledge of the castle. "How often do you come here?"
"Not that often. I used to come here more often when I was younger and needed a place to hide away. One of my dads would bring me. They showed me after someone showed them." Harry said, not lying but not telling the truth either.
"Who else have you brought here?" Draco asked.
"No one."
"Not even Weasley?" Draco asked, shocked.
"Nope. Never had a reason to. We have other places to hide."
"Really? How many secret places do you have?" Draco asked.
Harry smirked and shrugged, not giving anything away.
Draco just rolled his eyes and looked around again.
"How was your Christmas?" Harry asked after several minutes of silence.
"It was good. Uncle Sev was really generous. It was probably the best one I've had in a long time," Draco admitted.
"I didn't think professors made a lot of money. I mean I know they make enough, but still."
"They don't. But Uncle Sev comes from the Prince line and they had money. Nothing like Black or Potter, but more than enough." Draco explained.
"I guess I never even thought about Snape having a family."
"Yeah, he doesn't talk about it much. I've only heard bits and pieces over the years."
It was silent for a moment before Harry quietly asked, "Does he treat you well?"
Draco was a bit surprised by the question but didn't say anything about it. "Yeah, he does. Uncle Sev may seem strict, and he is, but I know he loves me and wants the best for me. My dad used to be that way, but he hasn't been for a few years now. It's nice to have a parent without ulterior motives."
"I'm really glad you have someone who cares for you. That's important," Harry said warmly.
"Was it really that bad at your aunt and uncles? I know you said they hit you and didn't give you a lot of food."
Harry gave a small nod. "Yeah. It was bad. They permanently stunted my growth. Not that bad, only an inch, but if I grew up there it would've been like 4 inches or something. They despised me. It's a relief each day knowing I'm not there and I am so thankful for Dadfoot and Moony Da. It's like a dream."
Draco had read a bit in some of his healing books about mistreated, abused, and neglected children. It took a lot to permanently affect the growth and development of a child. Draco felt his blood boil. "I'm so sorry Potter, you didn't deserve any of that. No one does."
"I thought I was a spoiled prince?" Harry teased Draco.
Although Draco picked up on the teasing, he responded seriously. Draco shook his head and said, "I was so wrong. I already told you that I was such a prat. I really am sorry."
"Malfoy, you're much better now, it's okay," Harry tried to appease him.
"If anyone ever treats you the way I did, tell me. We had no idea what you went through."
"But I didn't want anyone to know! I still don't! The Prophet would be giving a tour of my cupboard!" Harry groaned.
"Your what?" Draco said darkly.
Harry gulped. My cupboard. Under the stairs. That's where they kept me. It was my room."
Draco stood up and yelled a series of colorful words. "Our house elves are treated better than you!" He said when he sat down again.
Harry shrugged and looked away. "It's all better now. That was a long time ago."
"It doesn't make it any less horrible," Draco reasoned.
Harry shrugged again, now staring at his shoes.
It was quiet for a moment before Draco smirked. "You're remarkably normal for someone who had to live in a cupboard."
Harry looked up at Draco and saw the smirk and the teasing look in his eyes. Harry broke into a smile and said, "No one has ever called me normal. I'll take it."
"I hate to break it to you, Potter, but you are average in many ways," Draco said in a faux serious tone.
"Yes!" Harry said, punching his fist. "It's all I've wanted!"
Draco chuckled but could hear the yearning in Harry's voice. "You're actually below average at many things, too. Potions?"
"Hey! I do much better when you're not throwing something into my cauldron!"
Draco laughed, "Yeah, that's true. I was impressed with your skills when we brewed together."
"Thanks, Malfoy. You're not so bad yourself," Harry replied.
"It helps when my godfather is a potions master, Potter."
"Call me Harry, if you want to," Harry replied.
Draco blinked for a moment, not ready for the sudden change of topic.
"I mean you know more about me than most people, and you really aren't that bad," Harry reasoned.
"Draco, then. Call me Draco."
"Okay, Draco," Harry said, trying out the name.
"Hey, Harry," Draco said after a moment. "You talked about secret passageways. Are there any in Slytherin?"
"Are you kidding? You haven't found any yet?" Harry asked.
Draco shook his head. "We have better things to do than play explorer."
Harry rolled his eyes and stood up. "Come on! I'll show you!"
Harry went down to the Slytherin common rooms with Draco. Draco was surprised to see that Harry seemed to know where he was going but didn't say anything.
Draco let Harry into the common room. Harry looked around, despite being in there before. Not much had changed. Harry led Draco over to a portrait and whispered something to it. It opened up, revealing another secret room. This room looked like a study, but it was big enough not to make one feel claustrophobic.
"What did you say? I would love a private study spot!" Draco explained, sitting down in the chair.
"Tell the portrait the ingredients of a snake venom antidote. Then, it will open."
"No bloody way," Draco said, sighing against the chair.
Harry laughed and checked his watch before saying, "Come on, let's head back to the quarters. We can play a game before lunch."
Draco nodded and got up, not before one last longing look at the newfound room.
"You'll be back, let's go!" Harry said, already 20 feet ahead of him.
Draco sighed and quickly caught up to the other boy. They had an impromptu race and were both out of breath by the time they were back in the Marauder Quarters. They played a game of chess which Draco won before having lunch with Sirius and Remus.
Remus checked the clock a bit after they finished lunch and said, "Okay, Draco, let's head back and see how Professor Snape is doing, hm?"
Draco nodded and stood up. "Thank you so much for everything."
"It was our pleasure. We're happy to help," Sirius said.
Draco smiled at him and then turned to Harry. "It was good to hang out with you. I'll see you later, Po- er, Harry."
Harry smiled. "Bye, Draco."
Remus escorted Draco out and Sirius looked at Harry. "First names now, huh?"
"It happened to you and Snape! Draco and I aren't near as bad as you both are!" Harry shot back.
"Cheeky bugger," Sirius teased him, causing Harry to grin.
"Come on, help me with these dishes while we wait for Moony."
Harry smiled and nodded and go up to help Sirius at the sink.
Meanwhile, Remus was walking Draco back to his quarters. They chatted lightly until they reached the main door. Remus knocked, but there wasn't an answer. Remus tried again to no avail. Eventually, Draco said the password and opened the door.
Remus was immediately greeted with the stench of firewhiskey. Draco took a step in and Remus put his hand out. "Draco, wait outside the door."
"Professor?" Draco asked, confused.
"Just do as I say, please," Remus replied.
Remus had put a hint of his alpha voice into that statement. Draco had heard this and took a couple of steps back, following directions.
Remus took a few steps in and flicked his wand out. He slowly made his way through the quarters. He found Severus sitting in a leather armchair in his study. There were vials next to him as well has a bottle of firewhiskey and a glass.
"Severus?" Remus asked.
Severus turned toward the voice.
"Are you alright?" Remus asked, seeing the large gash on Snape's face.
"I'm fine. It won't scar," Severus waved away.
Remus looked around the room. "Was it a rough meeting?"
Severus chuckled darkly and took a sip of his drink.
"How much have you had to drink?" Remus asked.
"The bottle was full," Severus replied, slightly slurring his words.
Remus looked at the bottle and saw that it was 2/3 of the way gone.
"We're keeping Dracoo for now," Remus said firmly, not returning the boy while Severus was in this condition.
"Remus! I am capable of watching the boy!" Severus argued.
"Have you even seen Poppy from last night?" Remus hissed.
Severus looked away.
Obviously not.
"We'll return Draco tomorrow. Sober up and clean yourself up. Get your wounds tended to."
Remus turned to walk away and said, "I'm also going to call Poppy."
Severus groaned but knew there was nothing he could do.
Remus left Severus there, but sent a Patronus to Poppy, alerting her of the situation and telling her where to find Severus.
"Professor?" Draco asked when Remus had exited the quarters.
"Pack a bag, please. Quickly."
Draco was raised in a family where he couldn't ask questions at certain times. Draco knew that this was one of those times. He did as he said and within two minutes he was walking back to the Marauder quarters with Remus.
Sirius and Harry had heard the door open and were excited to go on their vacation. Harry had rushed into the room and was confused at what he saw.
"Draco?" Harry asked, seeing the platinum hair boy holding a suitcase standing in the doorway.
"Severus is back but isn't feeling well. He'll be back to normal tomorrow, he just needs some rest. Draco will be coming with us tonight and we will return him tomorrow."
Sirius knew there was more to the story but could tell that Remus wasn't going to say it in front of the boys.
"Harry, are you all packed?" Remus asked, changing the topic.
Harry nodded.
"Great, grab your suitcase and bring it to the sitting room. Sirius will grab ours. Are we all cleaned up?"
"Yes, Moony Da," Harry called, heading to his room.
Momentarily, all four were in the sitting room.
"We have a portkey and it'll activate in a moment," Sirius said, grabbing a book from the mantle.
"Excuse me, but where are we going?" Draco asked.
"Australia!" Harry supplied.
"Why?" Draco asked.
"It's summer there so we will be able to-" Sirius began to explain before the portkey took effect and there was a pull behind their navel.
Harry wasn't as prepared for it this time. Draco, Remus, and Sirius all landed on their feet but Harry fell to the ground. Harry gasped for breath on the ground and Remus was immediately at his side.
Sirius started to lead Draco away. "What happened?"
"Just got the wind knocked out of him. Come with me, I'll show you to our house."
Draco turned his head one more time, but Sirius kept leading him away.
Meanwhile, Remus had set up a privacy charm around them and had gotten behind Harry. "Harry, you're safe. Moony Da is here. Take some deep breaths."
Harry heard the rumbling of Remus' voice, but wasn't sure what was being said. He eventually felt his arm being rubbed and started to breathe in sync with that.
"Good work, Harry. Nice job. Keep breathing," Remus praised.
Harry heard Remus' voice and relaxed.
"I'm sorry," Harry choked out.
"Shh, none of that. Just keep breathing, love," Remus said softly, helping him calm down.
When Harry had calmed down enough to talk, he started to cry. "I wasn't ready! Just like last year!"
"Oh, Cub," Remus breathed. He held his charge close to his chest. "I'm so sorry. You are safe. You are right here with me and I won't let anything happen to you."
Harry had started to get worked up again, but Remus kept him grounded. He talked softly to the teen and kept him breathing deeply. After about 15 minutes, Harry was relaxed against Remus and his crying had stopped.
"How are you feeling?" Remus asked, running his hands through Harry's hair.
"Embarrassed. But okay," Harry admitted.
"There's no reason to be embarrassed. Your body reacted for you," Remus tried to explain.
"Moony Da! Draco saw!" Harry groaned.
"I heard what Dadfoot said to him. He told him you got the wind knocked out of you. We'll just say that we went for a walk together after to catch your breath."
"But what if-" Harry began, but Remus cut him off.
"Harry, no. Don't let your mind spiral. Your feelings and worries are valid. There is also no reason to let them control you right now. You are safe. We have no reason to think that he will doubt us. He is our guest, after all."
Harry nodded, thinking. "Okay," he said eventually.
"Atta boy. Are you ready to head to the house now?"
Harry nodded.
Remus got up from behind Harry and helped the boy up. They walked quietly to the house and Harry was relieved when he walked in as Draco wasn't anywhere to be found.
"How are you doing?" Sirius asked, concern laced in his voice. He was sitting on the couch and got up and walked towards Harry, putting his hand on his shoulder.
"'M okay. Moony Da helped," Harry replied, not wanting to get back into it.
Sirius seemed to understand. He nodded and then said, "How about I show you to your room? You can rest there for a bit while Moony and I set some things up?"
Harry nodded wordlessly. Sirius showed him to his room which was up the stairs, down a long hallway, and to the left. "What do you think?" Sirius asked.
It was a Gryffindor Red room with golden snitches. "It's brilliant! How did you do this so quick?" Harry asked in awe of the bedroom.
Sirius blushed a little. "It was mine when I was younger. I hope you wouldn't mind. If you do we can switch it."
Harry engulfed Sirius in a large hug. "It's perfect. I love it. Thank you."
Sirius felt his heart warm. "We love you, Pup."
They stayed there for a moment longer before they broke apart. "Rest for a bit and we'll get you soon, okay?"
Sirius and Remus unpacked their things and got the house ready. About 30 minutes later they knocked on the boys' doors and told them to get their swimsuits on and get ready for the beach.
"I don't have one," Draco admitted quietly.
"Here, borrow one of mine!" Harry called from across the hall, flinging a pair of swim shorts towards Draco.
Draco caught the flying pair of shorts and said, "Er, thanks!" He couldn't say anything else because Sirius had waved his wand and both doors shut, forcing the boys to get ready.
"Really, Sirius?" Remus said, rolling his eyes as they went to their bedroom to get ready.
"I'm excited, okay!" Sirius pouted.
Remus chuckled and kissed Sirius before shutting their own bedroom door.
Within 5 minutes all were down in the sitting room, ready.
"Let's go!" Sirius said, starting to march out the door.
"Not so fast, Mister Black," Remus warned.
Sirius froze but didn't turn around, knowing what was coming.
"We need sunscreen," Remus reminded him.
"Moony! Must you be such a buzzkill!" Sirius whined, turning and stomping his foot.
Remus sighed and rolled his eyes, but waved his wand, effectively coating Sirius in sunscreen.
Draco and Harry chuckled, but their chuckles were squashed when they too were covered in sunscreen.
"What about you?" Sirius asked.
Remus smiled and aved his wand, putting sunscreen on himself. "Unlike some people, I actually care about the health of my skin."
"Yeah, yeah," Harry said, waving it off. "Can we go now?!"
Remus chuckled and Sirius smiled. "Alright, let's go, boys."
Sirius lead them outside the door. They walked down the property line for about 5 minutes when they came across a stunning beach.
"Dadfoot! No way!" Harry cried, running towards the water.
Sirius chuckled and Remus smiled at Harry who was actually acting like a teenager.
"Is this yours?" Draco asked, in awe.
"Yup. The Black family has all kinds of properties," Sirius confirmed, looking at Draco's face. "Now go play! Harry's already in the water," Sirius laughed, watching Harry.
You didn't have to tell Draco twice. He ran towards the water and got into a splash war with Harry. Remus and Sirius pulled out their towels and laid them on the beach before sitting down.
They sat in silence, watching the boys and finally basking in the warm sunlight.
"Moony?" Sirius asked after several minutes of silence.
"Hmm?" Remus asked, looking over at his husband.
Sirius didn't reply but rested his head on Remus.
"What is it, love?" Remus asked tenderly.
"I love you so bloody much," Sirius replied quietly.
Remus blushed a little (but if anyone asked it was the hot sun) and kissed Sirius' head. "I love you, too. So much."
"So bloody much?" Sirius asked cheekily.
Remus let out a chuckle and said, "Yes, Sirius. So bloody much."
Sirius and Remus kissed before Sirius laid his head back on Remus, soaking it all in. Life is good.
Meanwhile, Harry and Draco were playing in the water. They did that and swam a bit. About 30 minutes after they got in the water, they both found a spot in the water where they could sit and the water would only hit their chest.
"Have you been here before?" Draco asked.
Harry shook his head. "No. I didn't know we had a private beach!"
Draco chuckled. "I really thought this is how you lived when we were younger."
Harry scoffed. "Hardly. I lived at Hogwarts for most of it. It was fun, but there were good things and bad things. When I wasn't there I usually was in Black Manor. That's where they first took me when they adopted me."
Draco appreciated this tidbit of information. He knew it wasn't the time to bring down everything he had gathered, but he couldn't help but ask a couple of questions. "When they first got you, was it the summer?"
"Yes. But they spent months with me. It was only the three of us for months. They didn't take me to Hogwarts until much later."
"I remember hearing about that. There was a temporary professor for like 6 weeks or something at the start of a school year."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, that was me."
Draco had to bite his tongue to stop from asking more. However, the Slytherin knew that it wasn't the time.
"You may have thought that I lived like this, but I thought you lived like this!" Harry teased him.
Draco chuckled. "The Malfoys are rich, I'll grant you that. However, we don't have our own private beach. We've rented one for a vacation, but never anything like this. I would've gotten this though if they hadn't adopted you!" Draco teased Harry, nudging him.
Harry knew he was joking and fake gasped. "I resent that Malfoy!"
"Fight me, Potter," Draco smirked.
Harry jumped on Draco and they play wrestled as teenagers do. However, they both quickly came up, feeling something sharp.
"Ouch! You okay, Potter?" Draco asked, sucking on a finger.
"Yeah, what was that?" Harry asked.
Draco reached down and pulled out a jagged seashell. "Just a sharp shell." Draco threw it away from them and pulled the finger out of his mouth to inspect it. "I think I'll live," He joked.
Harry smiled and turned away to once again look at the water. However, it didn't last long because he felt his arm being picked up by Malfoy.
"Harry, you did get scratched," Draco pointed out.
Harry turned his head and saw a line across his arm. He stared at it transfixed.
Draco looked at his scratch closer. "It's okay, Harry. It'll heal. I can heal it right now if you want to go inside," Draco offered, wanting to help.
Harry yanked his arm away and held it close to him.
"Harry?" Draco asked, confused.
"I-It's fine," Harry said, trying to move on.
"Is it bothering you? Let me see," Draco said, gently, but firmly, grabbing Harry's arm again to look at the cut.
"Draco," Harry stammered, trying to protest.
"I have healing skills, you know," Draco reminded him. He looked down at the arm and turned it a bit, examining the cut. As he did that, he saw some white lines catch his eye. Draco ran a light finger over the lines, which he quickly figured out to be scars.
Harry yanked his arm away again and wrapped it around himself.
"Harry, it's okay," Draco said, seeing how distressed the boy was.
Harry just shook his head and began to rock back and forth.
"Harry, take a deep breath," Draco tried.
No response.
Draco sighed but saw how Harry was slipping into a panic attack.
Draco knew that Harry needed help. He also didn't want to leave Harry in the water alone in case something happened. Draco turned around and started to wave his hands. "Help! We need some help!" He shouted to the two men.
Remus and Sirius were just chatting and watching the boys and the water. At Draco's yell they both got up faster than they ever thought they could, sprinting towards the water. Luckily, they didn't have to go very far.
"What is it?" Remus asked as they were almost there.
"It's Harry. I think he's having a panic attack," Draco explained.
Remus quickly turned into Healer Lupin.
"I need to know what caused it, but first we need to get Harry out of the water," Remus commanded.
Sirius, not even hesitating, picked his trembling godson out of the water and started to head back towards the shore. Remus ran back and grabbed a towel out of the bag they brought. He set it down and grabbed another one to wrap around Harry. He wandlessly put a slight warming charm on it and was ready when Sirius set Harry wrapped the warm towel around Harry and wrapped his arms around him.
"You're safe, Harry. You're okay," Remus murmured in Harry's ear.
Remus glanced up at Sirius and gave him a pointed look.
"Draco, come on. Let's give them some space," Sirius said, trying to lead the boy away.
"I want to make sure Harry is going to be okay!" Draco insisted.
"He will be, I promise. Remus knows what he's doing. It's literally his job," Sirius said, putting his arms around the teen and starting to walk away with him.
"Wait! You said you wanted to know what caused it! Don't you want to know?!" Draco said, digging his heels in the sand.
"What happened, Draco?" Sirius asked calmly.
"We were play wrestling and a shell scratched us. Harry got scratched on his arm. He seemed really shaken up by it. I looked at it and then I noticed he had some, er-" Draco cut himself off, not knowing what to say. Sirius was too overwhelmed to connect the dots, but Remus did.
"I understand, thank you. Harry needs his space now," Remus said.
Draco nodded and was finally able to be led away from the situation. Sirius took Draco back into the house.
"Er, Professor Black?" Draco asked.
"You can call me Sirius since we are out of school, you know. We are related. Hah! I guess I'd be your Uncle Sirius. Yeah, that sounds good!"
Draco rolled his eyes but said, "Uncle Sirius?"
"Yes?"
"Professor Lupin seemed to know what I was talking about. Do you?"
"Draco, I'm trying to understand what you saw. Explain to me again what happened."
Draco retold the story with a few more details, and Sirius understood it this time. He paled and ran a hand through his hair. "Merlin's balls."
"You didn't know?" Draco asked, horrified that he just revealed a secret.
"No, that's not it, Draco. Remus and I are aware of what you're talking about. Harry's okay. I'm just feeling bad for Harry, that's all."
Draco was relieved that the adults were aware of the situation. "Is he getting better?"
Sirius sighed and looked at Draco. "I can't tell you anything because it's not my story to tell. I'm probably going to have Remus talk with you, too, because he's handled this more times than I could count. I will ask you though, not to tell anyone. Do you think you can do that?" Sirius asked, well, seriously.
"Of course!" Draco replied firmly. So firm, in fact, it took Sirius off guard.
"I think you know, Uncle Sirius, that Slytherins can be fiercely loyal as well. Sure, we have self-preservation, but we also have deep preservation skills for those we care about."
Sirius nodded. "You have a point, Draco. And thank you. I can't thank you enough."
"Of course. He'd do the same for me," Draco reasoned.
Sirius nodded. "Unfortunately that's all I can say on the situation. How about you get dried off and shower and I'll make us some snacks." Sirius said as they walked into the house.
Draco nodded and made his way back to his room.
Meanwhile, Remus was still calming down Harry. "Cub, you're safe. Moony Da's got you. You are loved."
Remus put his hand on Harry's chest near his heart and kept breathing slowly, encouraging Harry to do the same.
Harry slowly came back to reality.
"Good work, Cub, Good work. Wiggle your fingers and your toes for me. Yes, that's it. Take some slow, deep breaths. Lovely," Remus praised.
"Moony Da?" Harry croaked out.
"I'm right here, Love," Remus said kindly.
"My arm," Harry whispered.
"Your arm is going to be just fine," Remus reassured Harry, hugging him tightly from behind.
"Dr-Draco saw," Harry said, his meager resolve crumbling.
"Oh, Love, it's okay. Shh, you're okay. Keep breathing for me, Cub," Remus said, not wanting Harry to hyperventilate again.
"I-I-" Harry stammered, unsure about everything at the moment.
"Cub, just focus on you and me right now. You don't need to worry about anything else. Focus on coming back to me. Just be here with me."
Harry slowly relaxed against Remus. Remus, no longer needing to restrain Harry, gently ran his hands up and down Harry's arms. He talked quietly in Harry's ear with reassurances, affirmations, and a funny story or two.
They stayed there for quite a while, probably about 30-45 minutes, before Harry said, "I'm better now, Moony Da, really."
"And what are you thinking, Cub?" Remus asked kindly.
Harry sighed. "What should I do about Draco? He knows. I-I don't know what to do."
"Well," Remus sighed. "Do you want to talk to him?"
"I mean I think I should. I don't think we can really avoid it."
"I think that's really brave of you. Do you want to talk to him now or later?" Remus asked.
"Now, but only because I want to get it out of the way," Harry admitted.
Remus nodded. "I understand that. You ready to go?"
Harry nodded and started walking. "Are you going to be there?"
Remus paused before answering, "For the beginning, I will be. If you want to be alone after it, that's okay and I'll respect that. I want to make sure that you're safe in the beginning."
Harry nodded. He understood that.
When they got back to the house, Sirius was in the sitting room. "Hey, Pup. How're you doing?" Sirius knelt down in front of Harry; his eyes were full of concern.
"I'm better now, Dadfoot. You don't need to be worried."
"I'll always worry," Sirius said, kissing the top of Harry's head.
"Where did Draco go?" Remus asked.
"He's in his room. I can grab him if you want?" Sirius offered.
"Please," Remus replied.
While Sirius went to get Draco, Remus sat Harry down and sat down next to him. He saw Harry fidgeting and summoned a fidget for him to use. Harry took it gratefully and gave Remus a shaky, but grateful smile.
"I'm right here," Remus quietly reassured the nervous boy.
Then Draco came in. He took a spot on the couch next to Remus and Sirius sat down next to Draco.
"Hi, Draco," Remus began, giving him a kind smile.
"Hello," Draco replied, unsure of how this conversation was going to go.
"Draco, we're here to talk about what happened. You're not in trouble in any way, we just want to clear the air, okay?"
Draco nodded, feeling a bit better.
"Now, Harry became nervous when he saw the scratch the shell left, correct?" Remus asked.
Draco nodded.
"You wanted to help Harry and examined the scratch, correct?"
Draco nodded again.
"Splendid. I'm glad we're all on the same page. Now, Draco, can you tell us what you saw on Harry's arm?"
Draco hesitated, not sure if he should tell the truth or not.
"It's okay, Draco," Remus said softly, "You can tell the truth. You can say the words."
Draco looked at Harry and Harry gave a small nod.
Draco looked back at Remus and then down at his hands. "I saw scars."
Remus nodded seriously. Harry looked down at his hands and Remus gave him a loving squeeze, making Harry feel better.
"You're right, Draco. Do you know what they're from? you don't have to say it, you can nod," Remus said.
Draco nodded and then said, "I-I think so."
"What do you think they're from?" Remus asked.
"I think Harry did them."
Harry nodded, his eyes still downcast.
"How do you feel about that, Draco?" Remus asked.
Draco was quiet for a moment and then he spoke. "I had a friend who struggled with harming himself last year."
Harry's eyes shot up at that revelation.
Remus and Sirius nodded, encouraging the Slytherin.
"I know that it's just their way of coping and handling pain. I don't care. Er, I mean yes! I do care! I just mean that it doesn't make a difference to me. You're still the same person and it just shows that you're dealing with some big stuff, which you are. I mean, no one else has to deal with what you do. It's okay, mate."
"Are- are you sure?" Harry asked, his eyes wide.
Draco smirked and said, "Potter, have I ever said anything to you I didn't mean?"
Harry let out a weak smile and shook his head.
"See! Truly, Harry, it's okay. Your parents know and you're getting help I assume- I mean your dad is a therapist, so it's all good."
Harry didn't know how to reply, he was overwhelmed by Draco's reaction. It was better than he could have hoped for.
"Thank you Draco, we appreciate it," Remus said, giving Draco a kind and proud smile.
"Of course, Professor. It's no problem," Draco replied.
"Thank you," Sirius whispered to Draco, a bit thick with emotion.
"My mother may be a Black, but she still has a heart. I have learned decency, even if most of the compassion was from Snape," Draco replied.
"Merlin! Compassion from Snape?! It's a wonder you learned it at all!" Sirius replied dramatically.
Remus and Draco rolled their eyes. "Come on, Padfoot, let's give the boys a minute. We can get started on dinner. Let's go," Remus said, standing up.
"Oh, the horror!" Sirius continued dramatically.
Draco shook his head at the man and then turned back to Harry. "You good, Potter?"
"Yeah," Harry said after several moments. "I just wasn't expecting you to be so- so-"
"Decent? Kind? Understanding?" Draco supplied.
"Yeah, those," Harry admitted a bit sheepishly.
Draco chuckled. "Really, Harry. It's all good. Just promise me one thing."
Harry nodded warily. "Next time, instead of hurting yourself, get me. Well, get someone. You shouldn't do that. I know you can't help it. I just don't want you to be hurt, okay?"
Harry nodded.
Draco stuck his nose up. "Good. I am older than you so I am responsible for your wellbeing."
Harry rolled his eyes. "By a month."
"Almost two. Therefore, I am your older cousin and I make the rules."
Harry scoffed but didn't argue. He was just happy that everything went well. "Can I suggest one?"
"Maybe," Draco replied haughtily.
"Can you not tell anyone? Please? I really don't need Slytherin to know."
"Of course! Slytherins are good at keeping secrets, unlike Gryffindors," Draco replied.
Harry just shook his head.
"If I may ask, who does know about it? If you feel comfortable sharing," Draco added quickly.
Harry nodded and thought for a moment before saying, "My parents, obviously. Some of my friends: Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall and er, Professor Snape."
"Uncle Sev?! How did he find out?!" Draco asked, shocked.
Harry blushed and looked away.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I was just surprised."
"It's okay. He, er, found me once. So he found out."
Draco nodded. "You are a good guy, Harry. Seriously. I'm here for you if you need me. We're friends, right?"
Harry smile. "Better. We're cousins."
"You're right, little cousin," Draco teased.
Harry gave Draco a small push which he reciprocated. It quickly turned into a full-blown wrestling match on the floor.
"I leave you alone for one minute and you're already destroying each other!" Sirius said, his hands on his hips.
"Hi, Dadfoot," Harry replied, pinned under Draco's leg.
Sirius chuckled and shook his head at their antics. "Come on, we're having dinner soon. Come to the kitchen and we can talk about our options."
Draco and Harry made their way to the kitchen to discuss dinner. They ended up having pizza. After dinner, there was an impromptu night swim (much to Harry and Draco's delight) and a campfire where s'mores were roasted. Both boys fell asleep the instant their heads hit their pillows.
The next morning, Draco was brought back to Hogwarts. Harry thought Remus seemed happier this time around, but Remus didn't give specifics.
Harry wasn't sure what was going on, but for once, he was okay with that. Harry knew that vacations were few and far between and he was going to enjoy this as much as he could.
For Harry, something was always right around the corner.
Alternatives to Harming Yourself:
1. Talk to someone you care about and/or trust
2. Exercise
3. Get outside and get some fresh air
4. Have a warm beverage
5. Write something down
6. Go to therapy/ contact your therapist
7. Be with your pet or another animal
8. Take a nap
9. Play or fiddle with a fidget
10. Do something artistic (draw, paint, use clay, play-doh, fingerpaint, etc)
11. Play a game
12. Bake or cook something you like to eat