Author's Note: TW/CW: References to child abuse. You matter! Your feelings are valid! You are loved!
James Birdsong: Thank you for your review! I appreciate it!
Summary of the last chapter: Remus, Sirius, and Harry take a break. Rest and relaxation occur. Harry had a nightmare and goes to the waterfall without permission and Remus goes to get him.
Summary of this chapter: Remus finds Harry at the waterfall and has a conversation. Harry, Remus, and Sirius continue to take a break. A visitor comes and Harry makes exciting progress. Harry is safe and loved.
Remus walked the trail in his own thoughts. He took sips out of his tea mug, thinking about Harry. When he finally made it to the waterfall, he slowly approached Harry.
Harry was no longer writing in his journal but was still sitting on the ground. He turned when he heard a noise and saw Remus so he turned back around and closed his eyes.
"Hi, Cub," Remus said softly, taking a seat next to Harry.
"Hi Moony Da," Harry replied, his eyes still closed.
"It is quite peaceful," Remus said eventually, allowing them to sit in the silence. "I brought you some tea."
Harry opened his eyes now and saw the travel mug Remus was extending. "Thank you," Harry replied, taking it from him.
He took a sip and sighed in contentment.
"I'm glad you like it. I also brought you a sweater as it's a bit chilly in the mornings up here."
Harry blinked, thinking. "Huh, I guess it is. I didn't even notice."
Harry took the sweater from Remus who helped Harry slip it over his head and tug it on.
"Your head was going at it again, huh?" Remus asked, despite knowing the answer.
"Yeah. I just needed it to stop. I didn't know where else to go."
"Nightmare?" Remus asked.
Harry nodded, gripping his mug tightly.
"What was it?" Remus asked quietly.
"Voldemort. Then you and Dadfoot. You were, you know, saying things again."
"Ahh," Remus said, nodding. "How are you doing now?"
"Better. I journaled a little. You can look at it. I already went through it on paper and I don't really like going through it again," Harry said, handing him the journal.
"Thank you, Harry. That's really brave. Are you sure?" Remus asked, not wanting to invade Harry's privacy.
"Yeah, go ahead," Harry waved it off.
Remus opened the journal and went to today's entry. He read quietly. He sighed a few times, his heart going out to Harry, but Harry didn't hear it due to the roar of the waterfall. When Remus finished he shut it and handed it back to Harry. Remus held Harry close and whispered in his ear. "You are important. You are valuable. You are needed. You are loved."
Harry squeezed his eyes shut tighter, trying to keep himself together.
Remus released Harry after a moment and the two boys sat there for about another 15 minutes or so before Remus gestured to Harry to get up. Harry reluctantly did so and followed Remus out of the waterfall clearing and down the trail. Once they were far enough away to hear each other without too much strain.
"Still feeling alright?" Remus asked.
"Yeah, much better. Just tired," Harry replied honestly.
Remus hummed and nodded before putting his hands behind his back.
"Harry, do you remember what we were talking about yesterday?"
"Uh, yes? But what?" Harry asked.
"About the boundaries," Remus replied.
"Oh. Yeah."
"Indeed. Oh."
"I'm sorry, Moony Da," Harry replied, looking down at his shoes as he walked. "I didn't mean to disobey you. I just had to leave. I couldn't do it anymore."
"I understand. We were rather worried this morning. It takes a lot to get Sirius out of bed and that had him jumping."
"Oh boy," Harry sighed, realizing that he was in trouble.
"I'm truly curious about this. When this happens at Hogwarts, what will you do? You can't always go to the waterfall."
"I'd go to you, of course. Or fly or something calming."
"And why didn't you come to us this morning?" Remus asked gently, turning back to glance at Harry.
"I didn't want to disturb you. I bother you enough. Besides, I wanted the thoughts to stop. You help calm them down but the waterfall soothes them away. I wanted to take advantage of that while I could."
"That's smart. And you are not a bother, ever," Remus said, stopping and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry sighed and said, "I'm trying to remember that."
"You'll get there. Sirius and I are always there to remind you," Remus said sincerely.
"Thanks, Moony Da."
It was quiet for a few more minutes. The only sound was the both of them walking on the trail and the occasional bird song. "Moony Da?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes, Cub?"
"How much trouble am I in?"
"I don't think I can answer that alone," Remus replied honestly. Harry felt his heart skip a beat in panic, but thankfully Remus clarified. "This is up to both Dadfoot and myself. I can't make this decision alone. You're not in too much trouble, though. I know you didn't disobey with malicious intent and Dadfoot knows that, too. You know the intent is big with us."
"So I can stay?" Harry asked hopefully.
Remus stopped walking and turned around, bending down and putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Of course. You might have a punishment, but of course, you're staying. You're trying to recover and taking you away from here would only hurt you. Of course, we're still staying."
Harry felt himself sigh in relief and nod. "Okay, good. Thanks, Moony Da."
Remus kissed Harry's forehead and held his head in his hands before standing up and continuing to walk. It wasn't much longer until they had come out of the wooded area and onto the property.
The sun had risen by now but Sirius was still on the porch when Remus and Harry came into sight. Sirius felt himself breathe a sigh of relief seeing Harry safe and sound with Remus, but he knew he couldn't rush up to him now knowing that Harry needed to be talked to.
"Hi, Harry. I'm glad you're back safely. I was worried," Sirius said as Remus and Harry made their way onto the back porch. Remus was standing beside Harry and had a hand on Harry's back.
Harry looked down and twisted his toes against the wood. "Yeah. Uh, I'm sorry about that Dadfoot. I forgot."
"Mhmm," Sirius said, raising an eyebrow. Harry glanced up at Sirius' disappointed face before looking back down again.
Sirius sighed and softened his face a bit. "Pup, what happened?"
"I had a nightmare. My thoughts weren't stopping. I just wanted them to stop. I went to the waterfall. I didn't even think of the conversation I had with Moony Da until he found me. I wasn't trying to worry you, truly!" Harry protested, looking at Sirius earnestly.
"I know that Pup, I do," Sirius said, bringing Harry closer to him. "But you can't just go out on your own. You didn't even know where the wards were or are. You know that Voldemort is back. Remus told you that Peter had been here. We can't have anything happen to you by someone else or by yourself," Sirius told Harry softly.
"I wasn't hurting myself!" Harry protested, whipping around to once again look at Sirius.
"Shh, I know that, Pup. I trust you. We just worry. It's what we do," Sirius said, giving Harry a crooked smile.
Harry sighed. "I am sorry for worrying you. I didn't mean to."
"I know, Love," Sirius said, pulling Harry into a hug. Once they pulled apart, Sirius looked up at Remus. "So, Mr. Healer, what is the punishment? I don't want anything too harsh. I assume you've talked to him?"
Remus nodded. "I have. He's doing alright, right, Harry?"
"Yes, Sir," Harry replied, nodding.
Remus thought before opening his mouth and saying, "Harry,"
"Yes, Sir?" Harry replied meekly, but with his pride still intact.
Remus gave him a sympathetic smile as he continued. "You are to write two feet on how you could've handled the situation better and what you are going to do when you are at Hogwarts and this arises. We already talked about this some. I want you to think about it some more, alright?"
"Yes, Sir," Harry replied, glumly.
"Anything else you want to say?" Remus asked, giving Harry a chance.
"No. I really am sorry I worried you."
"We know, Love. We know." Remus gave Harry a tight hug and kissed him on the top of his head.
"Now get to it," Sirius said with a bit of a mischievous grin. He had a book in his hand and as Harry turned he ever-so-lightly tapped Harry's bottom with it as he walked away.
Harry froze and turned.
"Pup?" Sirius asked, confused.
Harry stayed quiet, his eyes downcast and far away before he looked up.
"Do you remember when I was little? You would always tell me that anytime I felt something come up about the Dursleys I could talk about it?"
Remus and Sirius were still a bit lost, but they nodded.
They could tell this wasn't Harry stalling from writing an essay. Harry, even now, wouldn't talk about the Dursleys just to get out of writing an essay. Harry would rather write essays with Snape in the dungeon for a month than talk about the trauma he faced.
"Of course, Cub. We still feel that way. I'm sorry we haven't said it in a while. What's going on?" Remus asked softly.
Harry sighed and squeezed his eyes shut, hating that this was even a thought.
"Come sit down," Remus said gently, leading Harry over to a spot.
Harry allowed Remus to lead him over and sit him down. He took a deep breath before he continued. "You know, on the way back from the waterfall when I asked about the punishment?"
Remus nodded and Sirius listened intently.
"A part of me still couldn't help but think that this is when I am going to be walloped. I mean, the Dursleys beat me for existing. so for sneaking out and not getting anyone? I just had this idea that this is when it was going to happen. And, I mean, even without them! So many Hogwarts kids get spanked when they misbehave. I mean, you both did! My dad, James, did! And we've talked about it before, but I just never got over it, you know? And no, Dadfoot," Harry said, already being able to read Sirius' mind as he turned towards him. "You didn't hit me hard. That was a tap and the wind blows harder than that. It just made me think about it all."
"Oh, Harry," Remus said, his heart breaking once again for his cub.
"It just never seems to end," Harry admitted softly.
"Trauma's a bitch," Sirius nodded.
"Sirius!" Remus hissed, his eyes shooting open as he was hugging Harry.
"What? It's true!" Sirius protested.
Remus just groaned and Harry let out a watery chuckle.
"I love you both so much."
"And we love you," Remus affirmed. "We will not hit you. It's not okay. I know spanking is a standard punishment and I think once or twice when you were younger you might have gotten a swat, but it was never hard and only one. It's not okay to hit kids often, even if they misbehave all the time. There's even research that shows that it doesn't have any beneficial results. And hitting a child that was abused is not okay. I don't care if the adult explains the difference between abuse and punishment, it's traumatic and not okay. Harry, we love you and want to help you."
"I know. And I'm okay, really! I just thought I should tell you, that's all."
"You're showing so much progress, Cub. And remember, it's progress that counts, not perfection. We're glad you told us," Remus said, squeezing his hand.
Harry gave him a warm smile before turning it into a cheeky one. "So does that mean my essay only has to be one foot?"
Sirius barked a laugh and Remus rolled his eyes. "Upstairs, young man! Two feet!"
Harry laughed and turned as he went upstairs to get started on his punishment, grabbing an apple on his way through the kitchen.
"The poor child's horrors never end, do they?" Sirius mused after Harry had gone upstairs.
"He's a walking miracle, that boy," Remua affirmed.
"I think we need more tea," Sirius said aloud.
"I agree," Remus said, letting out a breath.
Sirius turned to Remus, hoping he would get it.
"I walked the trail, you go get it this time!" Remus told his husband, standing his ground.
Sirius huffed and got up. "My husband just makes me do allllll the work!"
"Prat!" Remus called out, chuckling as Sirius walked inside to get more tea.
Between the three of them, they had enough trauma to last a lifetime, but together they can get through anything.
Harry came back down right before lunch, holding out two feet of parchment. He looked weary, but he had a proud smile on his face. "Done! I finished!" Harry called out.
"Out here, Love!" Remus called back.
Harry walked out of the house and found Sirius and Remus, back on the porch, playing a game of chess.
"Did you even move?" Harry asked them.
Both looked up from their game. "Ha ha," Sirius replied dryly, but with an affectionate wink.
"Although it might not look like it, we did. Now, let me see that essay," Remus said, holding his hands out.
Remus carefully scanned the essay, making sure it had substance before handing it back to Harry. "It looks good. Can you put it on my desk in the study so I can look at it more later?"
"Sure," Harry replied, taking it back and walking inside.
Sirius made a move while Harry was gone, but when Harry came back the two men knew their game would have to be postponed.
"What's for lunch?" Harry asked, dramatically draping himself over his godfather.
Sirius looked at Remus, amused.
Remus held his hands up. "He certainly didn't get the dramatics from me."
"Fair. That's certainly my bit, there," Sirius said.
"We're having pasta salad," Remus told Harry who was still on top of Sirius.
Harry got up now. "And what are we doing after?"
"Some meditation. It's a good place for it," Remus told him.
Harry nodded but bounced between both feet.
Remus and Sirius exchanged amused looks and Sirius said, "What is it, Cub?"
"I like the plan, I do. I just have some energy right now. I dunno," Harry replied honestly.
Sirius thought for a moment before saying, "I have an idea. Come."
Harry shrugged and followed his godfather to the shed at the back of the house. Sirius unlocked the padlock (or as Sirius called it, the Padfoot lock) and opened the doors. Harry coughed and waved away some dust before his eyes opened wide.
"Cool!" Harry exclaimed, taking a step forward. There were many items inside the shed including lawn games, bikes, rollerskates, and gardening equipment.
"Let's go on a bike ride before lunch. Let's use that energy for good," Sirius said, starting to pull out a bike.
Harry grabbed one as well. He hopped on the bike and followed Sirius until they got to another trail that was about half a mile away from their house. Sirius took him down a nice path and they ended up at the path that was near their backyard.
"That was perfect, Dadfoot," Harry said as he put the bike back in the shed.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm also glad that you remembered how to ride a bike," Sirius teased him.
"Course I remembered," Harry scoffed as they got closer to the house. "It wasn't that long ago that I rode one."
Sirius just chuckled and ruffled Harry's hair. "Go shower and then we'll have lunch."
"Okay!" Harry replied, jumping the porch steps.
"Hi, Moony Da!" Harry called as he hurried into the house.
"Hi, Harry," Remus called after the teenage boy, chuckling.
"He's showering and then we're going to have lunch," Sirius said as he walked in and kissed his husband.
"Sounds like a good plan," Remus replied, turning back to the pasta salad.
Sirius reached in and snuck a noodle and Remus lightly slapped his hand. "Ah, ah, ah- you have to wait a bit longer, Mr. Black. Hands off! Go wash your hands after being outside."
"Yes, Sir," Sirius grumbled, going over to the sink.
Remus chuckled and shook his head again and put the finishing touches on the salad before putting it in the fridge.
Sirius got cleaned up for lunch and when Harry was done showering he came down and they had a lovely lunch together. Remus and Sirius were thrilled to see Harry in such good spirits.
After lunch, Remus and Harry did some meditation together. It was going well and at the end, Harry's eyes shot open.
"Moony Da?" Harry asked, trying to keep the enthusiasm out of his voice.
Remus opened his eyes and smiled. He clearly heard the enthusiasm in Harry's voice and knew that the meditation time was over. Oh well, Harry did do rather well.
"Yes, Harry?"
"Can anyone else come here?"
Remus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"While we're here, can someone come over?"
"And who might that be?"
"Can Grandma Min come?"
Remus was expecting a variety of names, but that wasn't it. His surprise must've shown on his face because Harry further clarified. "We've been working together on something and I think this is a really great place to make some progress."
Remus nodded slowly. "I can ask if she'd be willing to come. She has been here before a couple of times."
"Really?! That would be great, Moony Da! Thank you so much!" Harry said, launching into Remus' arms.
"of course, Cub," Remus replied, returning the hug. "Now, meditation is clearly over. Why don't you go take a rest for now? I know you're excited, but go upstairs and write or lay in your bed. You've had a busy day and I want you rested if Minerva comes."
"Okay, Moony Da," Harry replied dutifully, getting up off the ground. "See you later!"
Harry wrote in his journal some before his aderniline wore off and his exhaustion hit him.
Maybe I'll just rest for 20 minutes, Harry thought as he went ot his bed before falling asleep for a 2 hour nap.
Minerva was surprised when she got the call but was happy to go. When she finished her classes she immediately portkeyed over.
Harry was awake by then and reading a book when he saw her walking over the hill.
"Gradnma Min is here!" Harry cried, dropping his book and running out to greet the older woman.
"Hi, Grandma Min!" Harry yelled, waving as he hurried towards her.
Minerva couldn't help but smile at the sight of her grandson beaming and running toward her.
"Why, hello there!" She replied, hugging him and kissing the top of his head when he made his way toward her.
"Grandma Min! I'm so glad you're here! I have some really good ideas," Harry said quickly as he helped his grandmother to the house.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. There's a really good spot to meditate and I can clear my mind there better than ever and I think it'd be really good for, well, you know."
Minerva gave a small nod. "Yes, I do know."
"I mean, you always say the first time you transform a body part is the hardest so I'm thinking if I can do it here maybe then I can keep doing it at Hogwarts," Harry babled.
"Harry, love," Minerva said, stopping and putting her hand on Harry's arms.
Harry looked at her a bit nervously. "Yes, ma'am?"
"I think it's a wonderful idea. Just remember that it's tricky and I don't want you to be hard on yourself if it doesn't work."
"I won't be," Harry promised.
"Good. Now, let's get inside. I could use a cup of tea."
"But Grandma Min!" Harry whined. "I want to go!"
"Harry James, there is no need to whine. An extra half an hour isn't going to change anything. Now, keep up."
Harry bit back a sigh, recognizing her stern tone. "Yes, ma'am," He grumbled.
When they got to the house, Minerva was greeted by Remus and Sirius,
"Thanks for coming, Mum," Sirius said, giving her a hug.
Minerva blushed at the endearing title but didn't say anything. She'd been called it before by him and this certainly wasn't going to be the last.
"Hello, dears," Minerva replied, hugging both men.
"Can we get you anything?" Remus asked.
"A cup of tea would be lovely," Minerva said.
"Of course, please, sit down," Remus said, leading her to the sitting room before he got her some tea.
"How has everything been since you've been here?" Minerva asked once they were situated.
"It's been nice," Sirius commented. "I'm really glad we are able to do it. Thank you so much."
Minerva waved off his gratitude. "It is of no concern or worry. Everything is just going just fine at Hogwarts."
"How's Albus?" Remus called from the kitchen.
"He's doing well, too. He's very happy you three are here and taking the time you need. I daresay he was rather jealous I got to come. He's up to his neck with work and is rather done with it all."
"I understand that completely," Remus said as he brought Minerva some tea.
"Thank you. Yes, paperwork is rather dreadful," Minerva agreed.
Harry had to restrain himself from throwing himself on the floor in boredom. He'd rather be in potions class than listen to this.
All three adults looked at the teenager and had to stifle their chuckles. Any teenager would be bored with this conversation.
"Harry," Remus said lightly, trying to snap Harry out of his daze.
"Uh, yes, Sir?" Harry asked, coming back to the present.
"Why don't you go in the kitchen and prep the potatoes for dinner, hm?"
"Alright," Harry said as he walked off. He didn't really want to do it, but it was better than sitting there.
Remus, Sirius, and Minerva had a hushed conversation in the sitting room while Harry slowly took care of the potatoes. When he was done he cleaned some dishes and by the time he made it back, Minerva was taking her last sip of tea.
"Thank you for being patient, Harry. Do you think you're ready to go now?"
"Yes!" Harry said, leaping for joy.
Sirius chuckled and said, "Grab a jacket in case you get chilly."
Harry huffed but rushed upstairs to grab one before coming back down. "Ready!"
"Lead the way," Minerva said, extending her hand.
Harry lead her down the trail once they were outside. Harry talked some but got quieter the closer they approached the waterfall.
"Have you been here before?"
"I have. It's quite a spectacular place. I do know it gets rather loud. I assume you'll know what to do once we get there?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry confirmed.
When they got to the waterfall, Harry took a few deep breaths, smiling at the sight and peace it brought him before making his way back to his usual "spot". Harry sat down and worked on clearing his mind. Minerva, to her credit, was also able to join Harry on the floor and practice her own mindfulness.
Once Harry had cleared his mind, he began to work on the animagus transformation. He pictured the stag and focused on the front right leg and hoof. Harry wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he felt his magic surging and when he opened his eyes, his whole right arm was a stag leg.
Harry's eyes became wide and he started to shake it around. "GRANDMA MIN! GRANDMA MIN!" Harry shouted.
The sight was rather hilarious, but Minerva was too overcome with pride to see the absurdity in the view.
"I DID IT! I DID IT!"
Minerva clapped and beamed before coming over to Harry. She carefully examined his leg and nodded approvingly. Harry waved it around more, admiring it.
After a moment, Minerva got close to Harry's ear and said, "Now you need to work on changing it back. Think about your human arm and what it looks like."
Minerva pulled away and Harry nodded. He focused hard on his arm and pushed his magic towards his arm. He squeezed his eyes shut, focused, and then opened them.
Still a stag.
Harry sighed and tried again. He kept working at it. He felt himself becoming frustrated for a moment before calming down. Getting all flustered wasn't going to help anything. He calmed himself down and tried again. This time when he opened his eyes he was human again.
He looked at Minerva and grinned, waving his hand.
She smiled and clapped her hands together. Harry continued to smile at her and then she gestured for him to follow her. Harry got up and followed her. She lead him down the trail until it was quiet enough to talk.
"I am so proud of you, Harry! You did so well!"
"I did it! I made my first transformation!"
"That you did. And it took a lot of energy. Tonight you're going to eat a big dinner and rest up," Minerva said pointedly.
"Grandma Min," Harry groaned, dragging his feet.
"Don't 'Grandma Min' me. I know what I'm talking about. We can't do this unless you follow my rules."
"Yes Ma'am," Harry said resigned.
"Come on. There's a snack waiting for you at home," Minerva replied, smiling at his antics.
Once they got home, there was indeed a snack waiting for him. Minerva was thankful for another cup of tea and Harry munched on the snacks.
"How did your lesson go?" Remus asked, intrigued.
"Really, really well. Didn't it, Grandma Min?"
"He did," Minerva confirmed with a proud nod before sipping her tea. "He's made wonderful progress. He's going to eat a good dinner and take it easy tonight. He worked hard."
Harry sighed and gave his grandmother a half-glare, but had to admit that he felt tired.
"We'll make sure he does that," Remus confirmed.
They chatted for another 45 minutes before Minerva sighed and said, "This had been lovely, but I must get back to Hogwarts before Albus adds another slide to the castle."
"ANOTHER slide?!" Harry asked.
"That's a story for another day," Minerva winked.
Harry sighed but gave her a hug and thanked her.
"I'll see you later, then. Remember, Harry, progress, not perfection." Minerva said, grabbing a portkey after saying goodbye.
Harry nodded at her. "Yes, ma'am."
She gave him a quick peck on the head and then stood up straight.
"I'll walk you there, Mum," Sirius said, getting up.
"Thank you, Mr. Black," Minerva said gratefully.
That left Remus and Harry alone.
"How're you feeling, Cub?" Remus asked as he cleared the dishes.
"Alright. Tired, but alright."
"Do you want to go rest?" Remus offered, looking over his shoulder.
"Yeah, maybe," Harry said, yawning.
"You go upstairs. I'll take care of this," Remus said, nodding his head.
Harry knew that he would normally never take another nap, but that transformation took a lot out of him and he needed to regain his strength.
When Harry awoke, he woke up just in time for dinner. They had some meatloaf and potatoes before retiring to the sitting room.
"We talked about bringing you for a Good Ol Fashioned Marauder Weekend," Sirius said after they had been sitting there for a while.
"Really?"
"Yes, but with less booze," Sirius added.
Harry snickered.
"We have still done some of those things, but this seemed much more needed than that chaos," Remus said.
"What are some of those things?" Harry asked.
"The scary stories for one. We also watched movies together. Sometime we'll have a fun weekend together. This was what was needed this time."
"Can we watch a movie tonight?" Harry asked.
Sirius and Remus exchanged glances. "I don't see why not. Want to pick one?" Remus asked.
Harry nodded and got up to look through the movies. He ended up picking The Wizard of Oz.
"Ah, good choice," Remus said when Harry had put it in.
"I haven't seen it in forever," Harry commented, getting comfortable again.
"Yeah, when you were younger you were scared of the flying monkeys," Sirius snickered.
"Hey! They were scary!" Harry protested.
Sirius just ruffled Harry's hair.
By the time the movie was over, Harry was basically asleep on Remus and Padfoot was curled up by Harry's feet, asleep.
"Harry? It's time to go upstairs," Remus whispered, running his fingers through Harry's hair.
Harry groaned and snuggled further into Remus.
"Harry, love. Let's get you to bed," Remus tried again.
Harry didn't respond.
Remus shook his head and carefully picked up the teenage boy, carrying him up the stairs.
Remus gently set Harry down on the bed and kissed his forehead. "Sweet dreams, Cubby. I love you. See you in the morning,"
A small smile appeared on Harry's face and he curled up in bed.
Safe and loved are the two best feelings.
Harry stayed asleep that night with no nightmares. The power of love knows no bounds.
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
13. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation (variety of strategies including naming something of each color of the rainbow, 5, 4, 3, 2,1 with your senses, box breathing, rainbow breathing, 5 finger breathing, etc)