Author's Note: References to self-harm. Thanks for being here. You are loved.
I borrowed a quote from POA and an idea from A Very Potter Musical.
Uwgwaew: Thank you so much for your review! I can't thank you enough for your kind words! I appreciate your care, affirmations, support, validation, and love more than I can put into words! Truly, it means the world to me! I'm glad you thought the last chapter was written well! It was heavy for sure, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. This chapter is Harry-Draco heavy and I'm hoping you'll enjoy that! Draco really looks out for Harry! Again, thank you so much! You are loved!
Harry shifted nervously on his bed. He was waiting for his friends to come into the room from the train. Their trunks had already magically appeared so it was only a matter of time before they followed. Harry had opened his book twice before trying to read but was too nervous. Harry opened it again for the fourth time and then the door burst open followed by four teenagers.
"Harry?!" Ron said, coming in first.
"Hi, fellas," Harry said meekly, smiling at them.
"Harry! Are you back?" Neville asked hopefully.
"Mostly. I'm here on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights right now, but my parents said I could stay here tonight."
"That's fantastic!" Dean said.
All the boys hugged Harry and it turned into dogpiling on the bed.
"Ge-off!" Harry laughed, trying to push the boys off of him.
Reluctantly, Seamus, Neville, Ron, and Dean got off of Harry.
"It's good to have you back. Ron was driving us bonkers," Seamus commented, elbowing Ron.
"Oy! I was just fine!" Ron protested.
Harry smiled at the banter. He certainly missed this.
"I know we have the feast soon, but we should do something after, just us. You know, to celebrate Harry's return," Neville suggested.
Harry blushed but appreciated the suggestion. He hadn't spent much time with his friends and missed it.
"That's a good idea! Hey! Remember those animal beans from last year? Do you want to do those again?" Seamus suggested.
"Oh yeah! And I have some new things from my brothers. They're truth beans. You can ask each other questions and if you lie something might happen to you, like your hair changing color. Most of them have that, but not all, and that's how you don't know if people are telling the truth or not," Ron explained.
"That sounds wicked!" Seamus cried, smiling a bit evilly.
"You'll play nice, won't you, Seamus," Dean said with a knowing smile.
"Fine," Seamus grumbled.
"That'll be fun," Neville said with a smile, slinging his arm around Harry's shoulders.
"We have the feast!" Ron reminded them, holding his stomach.
The boys rolled their eyes, but they were all hungry themselves. "We're coming, mate," Harry said, shaking his head.
The boys made their way down to the feast which they all enjoyed tremendously. They loudly made their way back to their dorm. They started with the animal treats but all were a bit excited about the truth beans. Harry, however, was rather nervous.
"I'm ready for the truth game. Are ya?" Seamus asked them.
The boys all nodded and Ron got up to get them as Harry smiled feebly.
"Who's going first?" Neville asked.
"They're mine so I will," Ron said loudly.
The Gryffindors all nodded. That sounded fair.
"Okay. So, I have to ask someone something. Hmm. I know! Neville, take a bean!"
Neville nervously grabbed a bean and started to chew it.
"Did you kiss Ginny at the Yule Ball last year?"
"Not on the lips!" Neville cried, his cheeks bright red.
"Anywhere else?" Ron pressed.
"On her hand! And a really quick one on her cheek. But I only see her as a friend!" Neville cried.
Ron glowered for a minute before breaking out into a smile. "It's all good, mate. I knew all that. You're a good guy and I trust Ginny."
Neville chuckled nervously but was very relieved when he was able to ask the next question.
"Hmm. Dean! Take a bean," Neville said, rhyming.
Dean took one and Neville asked his question, "Was Seamus your first kiss?"
"Yes," Dean blushed deeply, nothing happened.
"Ron, your turn!" Dean said, tossing the beans.
Ron took one and Dean said, "Have you fancied Hermione since second year?"
"No!" Ron protested. Quickly, his red hair turned pink.
Neville, Harry, Dean, and Seamus all burst out laughing. Ron scrambled for a mirror and his cheeks became bright red. "Oh Merlin," he moaned.
"How long does it last?" Harry asked.
"Only an hour or two," Ron said, unhappy.
"We'll all probably get one, Ronk," Harry whispered, making his friend feel better.
The boys kept playing and true to form, all of them had something going on with them. Seamus had green speckles on his cheeks and his teeth turned to gold, Neville's ears became as big as an elephant's, Dean had one giant eyebrow and one missing eyebrow, Neville's hair went past his shoulders and had a beard, Ron had his pink hair and a large nose, and Harry's cheeks were tinged blue.
"Okay, last one," Ron said. "Whose turn is it?"
"Mine," Seamus said.
Seamus looked around before settling on Harry. "Your turn, Potter,"
Harry took the bean and chewed it. Seamus hadn't asked him a question yet and he was a bit nervous.
"Harry, what were you really doing when Neville and I found you in the bathroom that day?"
Harry became pale and he started to fidget nervously.
Neville saw the panicked look on Harry's face and said, "Seamus, I don't know about this."
"What does he have to hide?" Seamus teased.
"I had forgotten my razor so I had to grab it. I was late so I had to hurry out," Harry lied.
Somewhere in the universe, someone or something was looking out for him because, by the grace of Merlin, nothing happened to Harry. He managed to get a regular jellybean.
Neville, Harry, and Seamus all relaxed when nothing happened.
It was quiet before Neville said, "Well, that's all. We should get to bed."
"Good idea. I'm exhausted," Dean replied.
Harry felt himself shakily standing up. He went through the motions and changed before crawling into bed and drawing the curtains. He closed his eyes and tried to regain his breath like Remus had taught him.
A part of him desperately wanted to go to the Marauder Quarters and be comforted by his parents and curl up in his bed there. However, Harry wanted to be "normal". He wanted to be with his friends and convince his parents that he was doing better. Running back there on the first night wouldn't do anything to show them that he was ready for this.
"Breathe, Harry, breathe," Harry whispered to himself. Harry slowly regained his breathing and calmed down. Nothing happened. Harry felt his cheeks warm and then cool down and he knew that the enchantments were now gone. Harry sighed in relief and closed his eyes. He hoped the morning would come soon.
Unfortunately, it did not.
"Harry! Harry!" Ron shouted, shaking his friend.
Harry woke up with a start, drenched with sweat. He pulled his wand out and then lowered it seeing Ron.
"You okay, mate? You had a nightmare."
Harry looked around, panting. His curtains had been pushed away and everyone was staring at him.
"Er- yeah. Voldemort. Sorry guys," Harry mumbled apologetically.
"It's fine. We're glad you're okay," Neville reassured.
"I'm fine. I'm really sorry I woke you up. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
Seamus quickly fell back down in his bed, followed by Dean. Ron looked at him warily and climbed back into bed. Neville eyed him and said, "Harry, you seemed really upset. Is there anything I can do?"
"No, thanks, Nev. Go back to sleep. We do have potions first and we need our rest."
Neville nodded, though unconvinced, and laid his head back down.
Harry laid down and counted to 100 before he got up and shut his curtains. He put up a silencing charm and cursed. He had gotten so used to not setting a silencing charm around his bed and he would have to get back into the habit. Moony Da and Dadfoot would not be happy, but there wasn't any reason to let them know.
Harry gave a half-hearted effort to clear his mind before falling back into an uneasy sleep.
Draco was becoming impatient. He was the first one in the potions classroom and now class started in less than 10 minutes. He was anxiously tapping his foot and looking around the classroom. Suddenly, the door opened and a gaggle of Gryffindors came in. Draco scanned the crowd and huffed. Still no Potter. He walked over to Weasley who had taken a spot next to Hermione.
"Weasley."
"Malfoy? What is it?" Ron asked, confused and irritated at the same time.
Draco bit back about 6 snide remarks and instead said, "Where's Har-er, Potter?"
"Why do you care?" Ron asked.
"Just answer the question, Weasley," Draco replied.
"No. You probably want to kill him or something. I'm not telling you where he is."
"Listen, Weasel. I'm friends with him. Where is he?" Draco said, becoming dangerously irritated.
"I'm not-" Ron began before Neville interrupted from the table behind them, "He's still in our dorm."
"Oy! Neville!" Ron cried, turning around.
"He seems genuine! I don't know why he's not here, either," Neville commented.
"Did you see him wake up?" Draco asked.
"No. He normally wakes up with us. He, er, had some trouble last night so he's probably just sleeping," Ron explained quietly.
"Did he set up a silencing charm?" Draco asked knowingly.
"Not at the beginning, but- HEY! How do you know about that?" Ron asked.
Draco sighed, "I told you. We're friends. Now, did anyone see Harry get up?"
No one responded.
"Merlin, Weasley, this should be your job," Draco snapped before rushing out of the room. Draco hurried through the hallways and made his way to the Gryffindor tower. Luckily, a couple of tired seventh-years were leaving the common room and Draco was able to sneak in.
Draco made his way up the stairs and to Harry's room. He gently opened the curtains and muttered, "Finite Incanteum."
"Harry, Harry?" Draco said softly, putting his hand on Harry.
Harry jumped up and had his wand in his hand.
"Harry, relax. It's me," Draco replied with his hands up.
"Oh, sorry, Draco," Harry said sheepishly, putting his wand down. "Wait? What are you doing here?"
"We have potions in like 5 minutes! Let's go!" Draco replied, urging the half-asleep teen.
"Shit!" Harry replied, jumping up. He was throwing off his clothes and getting changed while Draco waved his wand and said, "At least put things where they belong. You don't want to live in a pigsty."
Harry didn't reply as he was pulling his robe and tie on.
"It's fine, Potter. Just get dressed. I wanted to hurry you but not cause a panic attack," Draco half teased.
Harry again didn't reply to that but threw his shoes on. "Let's go!"
"Harry! Harry, stop!" Draco called to Harry as he rushed down the stairs.
"I can't be late! It's my first day back and-" Harry spilled out.
"Harry! I know the floo password for the Slytherin Common Room. We'll do that."
"Oh," Harry says, finally stopping. "That's a good idea."
"Come on," Draco said, leading him to the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of Floo Powder before saying "Slytherin Common Room" and mumbled the password. Harry didn't have time to ponder it before he was whisked away. Harry stumbled out of the floo and Draco caught him making sure he wouldn't fall.
"Come on," Draco said again, dragging him and glaring at some Slytherin first-years who were looking at them with big eyes.
Draco pulled a disheveled Harry into the potions classroom and the door slammed behind them. Everyone turned to look and Snape narrowed his eyes. "5 points from Gryffindor for being late, Potter."
"Ignore him, he's just playing his part. C'mon," Draco uttered quietly to Harry.
Harry shuffled along and followed Draco. Everything was moving too fast for his brain and he felt overwhelmed.
"Move," Draco ordered coldly to Pansy who was in the other lab spot.
"Move? I've been your partner many times before," Pansy said, batting her eyelashes.
"Move or I will do it for you."
"Well, I never!" Pansy huffed. She gathered up her things and stomped over to a spare spot.
Draco set Harry's stuff down and glanced at Harry before starting to set up their stuff. Draco was able to do most of it before Snape started speaking.
"We are making the potion I lectured about last time. Ingredients are up here. The page number for your book is on the board. Begin."
Draco got the ingredients as Harry finished setting up their station. Draco set the things down and poured something into their cauldron before glancing at Harry again.
"Take some breaths, cousin. It's okay. It's just me and you. It's just like over break. Start prepping the ingredients." Draco muttered quietly after casting a muffliato.
"Dra-" Harry hissed and looked around.
Draco cut him off. "Silencing. It's okay. Snape won't do anything about it. You're okay. Just start prepping," Draco said.
Harry took a few breaths before getting to work. The muffliato helped dull the noise which helped Harry's anxiety immensely. Harry got into a routine and truly did pretend that it was over break. They switched off at a few points, but they finished with a nearly perfect potion.
"See, Potter. You did well," Draco said before canceling the spell.
"Thanks, Malfoy," Harry mumbled, grateful for his friend.
"Time is up. Please turn in your vials," Snape announced.
Draco turned in their vial and Harry started to pack up.
"Class is dismissed. Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter please stay behind," Snape said.
Harry felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. Was Snape going to chew him out? He wasn't even late, just on time.
Harry's mind started to run away from him, but a hand from Draco brought him back. "Take a breath, it's okay," Draco reminded Harry softly.
Harry snapped out of it and brought his attention back to reality. Everyone had left the classroom and Snape was walking up to him and Draco. The professor cast a silencing charm and then turned to the boys with a raised eyebrow. "Is everything alright?"
"Fine," Harry quickly said before either could say anything. Both Draco and Severus glared at Harry.
"Really?" Snape said dryly.
"I, er, just, uh-" Harry stammered until he realized he couldn't even think. He huffed and sat down on the stool.
Much to Harry's surprise, Severus' face softened. "Harry, you're okay. Take some deep breaths."
Harry felt his cheeks warm out of embarrassment but did as his professor instructed.
"Good. Now, what's going on?" Snape asked again.
"I just had a rough night is all," Harry said, not wanting to offer any more than he had to.
"Are you safe right now?" Severus asked, wanting to make sure Harry wasn't hurting himself.
"Yes! Just, uh, overwhelmed. It's my first night back in the dorms is all and I'm getting used to it again." Harry hung his head shamefully and his cheeks burned even more.
"Harry," Snape said firmly, but with care. "There's no reason to be ashamed. You and Mr. Malfoy did rather well on your potion today and you did just as much work as he did. You are doing a good job."
Harry blinked back tears before looking up. Merlin, did he need to hear that.
"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied genuinely.
"Now, do you have another class after this?"
Harry nodded.
"Draco will take you there and I'll write you both classes. Please get someone if you need them."
"I will. Thank you, Professor."
Severus nodded and handed them both passes. As they were walking out, Snape said, "A muffliato can't be cast every class!"
Draco just smirked and continued to lead Harry out and to his class.
"Charms, right?" Draco asked after they started walking.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
"And are you sure you're okay to go?"
"Yes, I'm fine! You're going to be as bad as the adults! When did this happen?" Harry asked.
Draco blushed and looked forward as he said, "I may have done some reading on mind healing over the rest of break."
"Really?" Harry asked.
Draco gave a small nod.
"Thanks, Draco. That's really kind," Harry told him, meaning it with his whole heart.
"Of course," Draco scoffed. "I've got to watch out for my little brother." Draco reached over and ruffled Harry's hair.
"Draco! Ugh!" Harry said, swatting the pale boy's hand away.
Draco just chuckled and shook his head as Harry tried to flatten it down.
They eventually reached the charms classroom and Draco patted Harry on the back before they went in. The class became silent as they walked in and Harry silently gulped.
If someone had told Harry that at the beginning of the year he was happy to have a class with Draco Malfoy he would have made sure they were checked into St. Mungos. However, here he was incredibly thankful for his cousin.
"Sorry, Professor Vector. We have a note," Draco said confidently, walking up and handing the passes to the professor.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. You boys may take your seats," Vector said, giving them a small smile.
Harry looked up and saw that all of the open seats were at different tables. Harry slid into a spot next to Hannah Abbott and Draco found a spot next to Padma Patil.
Harry half paid attention to the lecture and was incredibly grateful for Hannah Abbott and her kindness during the whole class. She shared her notes and made sure Harry was ready if Vector was going to call on him.
While he felt better than he did this morning, Harry just wasn't able to slide into his routine. He felt himself fumble with his sleeves and pull out a could of fidgets during class, trying to find a distraction and an outlet.
Draco noticed this from where he was sitting. Like all students, he was aware of fidgets being allowed and all of the different reasons why someone could use them. However, for Harry, he knew the main reason why he used them. Draco could also tell that Harry wasn't as overwhelmed as this morning, but was still rather worried about him.
When the class ended, the students filed out, heading for lunch or another class. Draco watched as Harry clumsily got ready and went to his side. "It's lunch for you, right?"
"Yeah," Harry replied, already tired.
"Come with me," Draco said, grabbing some of Harry's books and walking away.
Harry grabbed the rest of his stuff and hurried to catch up with Draco in the hallway. "Where are we going?"
"Professor Lupin."
"Draco, no!" Harry cried.
Draco was taken aback by the tone Harry used. He pulled him aside and said, "Why are you so against this? What's going on?"
"He's busy! It's the first day back! I don't need to seem weak! He's busy!" Harry insisted.
Draco could see that Harry was getting himself worked up. "Harry, Harry, take a breath. Please."
Harry was irritated, but followed the suggestion and then glared at Draco.
"Listen, how about we just see if his office is open. If he's not seeing anyone, you can have lunch with him. You won't seem weak, I promise. It's in every bloody healer book about how brave it is to seek help, either physical or mental. Trust me when I say it would impress him. Besides, you had a rough night and a hurried morning. It might help to just take a second."
"Only if he's available," Harry conceded. He knew that Draco had a point about the rough night and morning. He knew that he should get help right now, but he was too stubborn to do it on his own.
"Then let's keep going," Draco said, nodding with his head to gesture down the hallway.
Harry nodded in response and continued down the hallway, following Draco.
They were rather quickly at Remus' office. The door was half open and Draco knocked, waiting.
Remus was at his desk and wearing his reading glasses. He wore a fuzzy, warm maroon cardigan that was most definitely inspired by Gryffindor colors.
Remus looked up and beamed when he saw Harry and Draco. He took off his glasses and waved them in while saying, "Draco! Harry! I am so glad to see you! Come in!"
"A-are you busy, Professor?" Harry asked timidly.
Remus immediately picked up on Harry's stuttering and demeanor but kept his expression neutral and light. "Not at all! I was just going to have some lunch. Care to join me?"
"Sorry, Professor. I have to get to class. Harry, on the other hand, would love to," Draco said pointedly.
Remus hummed and nodded, understanding. "Well, Mr. Malfoy, let me write you a pass really quick. Harry, please sit down and make yourself comfortable."
Harry had half a mind to make a break for it, but Draco and Remus were by the door and Harry knew he wouldn't make it past them. Harry huffed and sat down on the couch, holding the pillow close to him.
While Harry was too busy trying to plan an escape, he missed the note Draco slipped Remus. Remus gratefully nodded at Draco and held onto the note as he handed over the pass. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Harry. See you," Draco waved as he left the room, shutting the door softly behind him.
"Harry, let me just order up some lunch for us, okay? I'll be right there," Remus said, still smiling. He went to his desk and set down the note, scanning it as he waved his wand and a house elf appeared.
"Hello, Twinkle. May we please have some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks for lunch? Maybe some crisps as well?"
"Of course, Master Moony! Right away!" Twinkle said before popping away.
"When we taught the house elves our names, we didn't think we'd be back here as Professors. Moony just stuck, I guess," Remus chuckled as he walked over to his armchair.
"The food should be here shortly. I'm glad to see you," Remus commented.
"'M not that hungry," Harry said, turning away.
Remus' brow crinkled with concern. "I didn't see you at breakfast. Did you end up having any?"
Harry wished he could lie, but he also knew that with his entire being he couldn't lie to Moony right now. Harry shook his head.
"What happened?" Remus asked.
"I overslept," Harry admitted.
"Sleep is really important. Did you sleep well last night?"
Harry started to nod, before changing it to no.
"I appreciate you being honest with me," Remus said kindly. "Did you have a nightmare last night?"
Harry huffed and held the pillow closer to him. "Why do I have to do this? I have to see you tomorrow and Thursday for a session and I sleep in our quarters tomorrow night. Why can't it wait until then?!"
Remus was quiet for a second before saying, "Harry, when something upsets me, I talk to Sirius about it. I don't wait until we're in bed or until the weekend. I talk to him about it. When something upsets you, you don't have to wait until you're with us. I've searched out Sirius and Minerva before during the school day because something upset me. If something is going on, talk about it. Putting it off won't help, I've learned that the hard way."
Twinkle popped back now with plates for Remus and Harry, as well as a tray before popping away.
Remus has a coffee table in his office and brought it in between them to set their stuff on. He pushed Harry a plate and said, "Eat, you'll feel better."
Harry sighed but took a bite of his sandwich. Turkey, his favorite.
"Just because you're older doesn't mean the house elves haven't forgotten what you like best, either," Remus commented practically reading his mind.
Harry smiled and sipped pumpkin juice. He stayed quiet, content with this for the moment. Remus allowed it to be quiet for a few minutes before he smiled wistfully and said, "I remember your first day in your dorms during your first year. Merlin, Sirius and I were so nervous. We barely slept that night because we had no idea how you were going to do. We just wanted to keep you here safe with us."
"I was completely fine- er, good," Harry insisted.
"Yes, you were, but that didn't stop us from worrying. We love you so much, Harry."
"I love you, too," Harry said before taking a long swig of pumpkin juice.
"I had a pretty good time last night," Harry finally said, staring at his plate.
"What did you do?" Remus asked.
A small smile appeared on Harry's face. "We used the animal beans and truth beans the twins created. It was nice to just be Harry for a little bit."
"What do the truth beans do?" Remus asked, smiling.
"So if you lie most of them change something about your appearance for a couple of hours. But there are a few normal ones that won't reveal if you're lying. We were all laughing and having fun and then Seamus had the last bean. He asked me a question. He asked what I was doing that one day in the bathroom, you know, the one when Neville got you?"
Remus nodded, listening closely.
"I froze for a moment before telling him I forgot my razor. Somehow, someway, I was lucky enough to get a normal bean and nothing happened so it looked like I told the truth."
Remus was rather relieved.
"I went into bed right after that and closed my curtains. I was so distraught I don't think I really cleared my mind really well. Either way, I had a nightmare and woke the whole dorm up. It was horrible. Then, I slept late this morning. Draco is the one who came and got me and helped me get to potions on time. Snape must've known something was up. He checked in with me and Draco after class. Then I had Arithmancy. Then Draco made me come here."
Remus nodded, thinking. He then asked, "What were some things that Draco saw that worried him?"
"You'd have to ask Draco!" Harry said loudly, frustrated.
Remus didn't reply but took a sip of his drink and Harry let out a breath, huffing. He then took a deeper breath and calmed down. "Sorry."
"You're allowed to be frustrated, it's okay. I'm glad you can calm yourself down," Remus commented.
Harry nodded and looked away.
"I'll rephrase what I said and maybe it'll be easier to answer," Remus offered. "Was there anything you were aware of saying or doing that could have worried Draco? It's okay if you don't know it if you make guesses."
Harry sighed and thought before saying, "I mean he's never had to get me for potions and I've never been like that before. I was nervous and overwhelmed and maybe he picked up on that? I was quieter than normal and I used my fidgets in Arithmancy. I, er, fidgeted with my sleeves first before grabbing one, but I did use it!"
Remus gave Harry a genuine smile and moved to sit next to him, putting a warm hand on his shoulder. "I am so proud of you, Cub. You are doing so well."
"Why does it feel like I'm messing everything up then?! Why can't it just go right? Why am I here then and not in the Great Hall with my friends?"
Remus was quiet for a moment as he rubbed calming circles on Harry's back. He eventually spoke saying, "Change and transitions are hard. They're even harder when you've encountered trauma, especially as much as you have. You also had some triggers, like that question. Then, you overslept and that threw your whole routine off. That's hard for anyone, especially your first day back."
"It doesn't feel like it," Harry grumbled.
"Harry, do you remember one time when you were ten, Dadfoot somehow overslept and I woke him up about 10 minutes before classes?"
Harry thought for a moment, scrunching up his nose, before nodding.
"Then you'll remember how he put on my pair of robes, your socks, a Gryffindor tie he had and brought the wrong lesson plans to class. He also forgot that he had a sleep mask on and showed up with cream all over his face."
Harry laughed, remembering that. It took years for it to die and even now some of the older years bring it up just to mess with Sirius.
"He is an adult and was thrown off his routine and schedule. It happens. It's not easy. You're allowed to struggle with that, everyone does. Heck, you and I have seen Professor Dumbledore when he's running behind and he puts together some rather, er, bold outfits."
Harry laughed again and leaned into Remus. "You're right, he does."
"You are not behind. You are doing a great job. We are so proud of you."
"It's hard," Harry admitted quietly, burying his face into the fuzzy cardigan as he blinked away tears.
Remus nodded and hummed before going back to rubbing Harry's back. "It can be, for sure. I a so sorry it feels hard right now. Please know that we are proud of you and we are here to help."
Remus knew that Harry didn't want a solution. Remus could easily offer or tell Harry to come back to the Marauder Quarters but that wasn't a solution Harry wanted, no would it be the best for him.
"Will it get easier?" Harry asked.
"Oh, Cub. Yes, it will. I promise you, it will get easier. And we are here for you for anything you need. It was so brave of you to come here, even if Draco pushed you to. I'm so impressed. It was the right thing for you to do and you did it. You are making it easier for yourself and you have many people who love and support you."
Harry nodded, still at Remus' side.
"And if you feel like it's not, then we switch something. No, I don't mean you moving back or anything like that, but maybe we change your schedule or you do spend a certain night with us or we have a friend check in with you. There are other things we can do to support you. Until then, you keep working hard and we are right here with you, cheering you on."
Harry sighed with contentment and wrapped his arms around Remus. "Merlin, I am so thankful for you. I love you so much, Moony Da."
Remus wrapped his arms around Harry and kissed the top of his head. "Oh, and I love you, Cub. To the moon and back."
"To Pigfarts and back," Harry replied, smiling, referencing a magical children's book that had to do with a magical school on the planet Pigfarts.
"Yes, Harry, to Pigfarts and back," Remus replied, kissing his head again.
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