Author's Note: TW for panic attack, references, and mentions of self-harm. I'm still on vacation (skipped a beach walk to upload this:)), but here is my pre-written chapter. The next one will take longer since it's not all written, but I didn't want to make any of you wait longer for it. I hope you enjoy! All my love!
REVIEWS:
If you are not a guest I promise I am going to respond to your review! I haven't had the time but please know I read them right away and they truly make my day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart: Rensk3N, LunePrimus, and .321
Urgwaew: YOU WERE MY 100TH REVIEW! THANK YOU! I'll contact you more about the perks of that! Thank you for your long, detailed review! Neville is so sweet and Sirius is amazing, I agree! Sirius pulled out alllll the stops for Harry and really went back to what he did for Remus. That is a good idea to write a one shot about it, I'll have to think more about that. Sometimes I reference things that happened and I don't even have a fully formed idea lol! But I love it! And I know, what Harry told Remus is heartbreaking. I have had that thought many a time so I know how truly hopeless it feels. You're like in limbo and it is horrible. I, of course, have not had an evil wizard after but still. I am so glad you like the song! I grew up with Billy Joel but one time in high school I was trying to find songs that were about depression/ gave me hope and I was shocked to see that Billy Joel wrote one! I've been wanting to include it for a while. Again, sp glad you like it! Your kind words at the end always, always make me smile. You are a wonderful friend and I appreciate you! No cliffhanger here so please enjoy! You are so valued!
Previous Chapter Summary: Harry has some trouble and goes looking for Sirius. Harry relapses and desperately wants to be in control, which Sirius gives him. Once Harry calmed down, Sirius brought Remus there. More important conversations are had and they decide to get away for the evening. Harry admits that it wouldn't have been so bad if he had died.
This Chapter Summary: Harry, Remus, and Sirius go away for the evening. Sirius and Harry have an adventure and Remus checks in with Harry.
Remus and Sirius decided to apparate to their location. It wasn't close enough to floo, but it wasn't too far to need a portkey. The walk to the apparition point was quiet and Harry was thankful they were able to dodge most of the students.
"Ready, Harry?" Remus asked when they had passed the wards.
"Ready," Harry replied, his voice a bit shaky.
"Hold on, Pup," Sirius said, tightening his grip on his son.
Remus quietly counted down and then Harry felt himself be compressed as if squeezing through a tube. He would have fallen to the ground if it weren't for Remus and Sirius holding him up.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Remus asked, seeing the pale face of his godson.
Harry shook his head. Remus had expected Harry to have a negative reaction due to the experience he had earlier today.
Harry tried to turn and hurry away, but Sirius and Remus kept their hands on him as Harry leaned over and threw up.
"You're alright, Cub. Let it out," Remus soothed, rubbing Harry's back.
Harry hadn't eaten too much that day so there wasn't a ton of vomit, but some dry heaving. When he was done, Remus led him to a shady spot under a tree.
"Can't do this," Harry said in between quick breaths as he shook his head. "Help," Harry pleaded as he felt himself begin to hyperventilate.
"I've got you, Harry. You are safe," Remus calmly said, getting on the ground and wrapping himself around Harry.
Remus' soothing voice and calming energy were reassuring to Harry and he started to take some deep breaths with the coaching of Remus.
"Deep breath, Love. Let's do it together. Inhale and exhale. Gooood. Let's do it again. In and out."
Harry was able to get his breathing under control and Sirius had popped into Padfoot and went on his lap, helping ground Harry.
A few minutes later, Harry was breathing regularly and relaxed onto Remus. "Sorry. It felt like a portkey," Harry mumbled, wishing it wasn't his reality.
"No need to apologize," Remus assured him. "We understand and I am so proud of you for asking for help."
Harry hummed, acknowledging Remus but not necessarily agreeing with him.
"We're going to stay here for another minute or two and then we're going to get up, alright?"
"Okay," Harry agreed. He made sure he took some deep breaths of the fresh air and looked around at the idyllic area they were in.
"I know this place," Harry said after a minute. "It has the movie basement, right?"
"That's right, Cub," Remus said, impressed Harry remembered.
"Cool," Harry said, still looking around.
After another minute or two, Remus asked, "Harry, how're you feeling? Both physically and mentally?"
"Physically I feel fine. I want to brush my teeth though," Harry's nose wrinkled and Remus suppressed a chuckle.
"That makes sense. We'll probably get you a stomach soother, too. What about mentally?"
"Okay. I feel a lot better now. More grounded, y'know? I still feel a little out of sorts after everything that's happened today, but I'm happy to be here."
"That's a lot of emotions, but it sounds like you're handling it okay. You let us know if you need anything, alright?"
"I will, Moony Da. I promise."
It was quiet again for a minute before Remus asked, "Are you ready to get up?"
"Yes, Sir," Harry replied.
Remus carefully got up and helped Harry up and made sure he was steady.
"I'm good, Moony Da, really," Harry protested.
"If you say so," Remus said, giving him a once over before slowly walking with him to the house.
"What first?" Harry asked his parents as they approached the house.
"You are first going to rest for a bit," Remus said firmly.
"Moony Da!" Harry whined, stomping.
"Hey, I'm serious. We have some fun ideas, but you have to rest your body first," Remus insisted.
Harry huffed but agreed. "Okay."
"Moony Da and I are going to set some things up while you rest. We'll get you when it's been enough time, okay?"
"Okay," Harry sighed.
Remus and Sirius rolled their eyes at Harry's antics but knew that James would've acted (and did act) the same way with his parents, so they'd seen this behavior before.
They got into the house and Remus said, "Harry before you go to your room, come with me. I'm going to give you a stomach soother."
Harry followed Remus to the medicine cabinet which had a variety of muggle and magical medicines. It was locked, of course, so Remus unlocked it and quickly grabbed a pink vial for Harry to take.
"All the way back," Remus reminded Harry after he uncorked it.
Harry took the bubblegum-flavored stomach soother and handed the vial back to Remus.
"Nice job, Cub. Go head to your room and we'll get you in a bit."
"Okay, thanks," Harrier replied before he headed to his room. Harry wanted to do something with his parents right now knowing they had limited time, but deep down he knew that a small rest would be nice after the apparating incident. Harry went to his bed and laid down and closed his eyes. He ended up dozing off for about 20 minutes before he woke up. He had a nightmare, but it wasn't a bad one. Although Remus said that he was going to get Harry, Harry knew that it would be okay to go downstairs.
"Hey, Cub. What're you doing up. I said we'd get you," Remus said, a tinge of concern in his voice.
"I know. I sorta dozed off but I had a nightmare so I thought it'd be okay if I came down."
"Of course, Love," Remus said, his brow wrinkled in concern as he walked over to Harry and led him to the couch. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Harry shrugged. "It wasn't that bad but I didn't want to stay up there alone."
"Of course. I totally understand," Remus murmured, moving a piece of hair from Harry's face and trying to push it behind his ear. "Why don't you sit here for a few minutes and wake up properly. I'll get you a glass of water."
Harry nodded and looked at Sirius as Remus walked away. "What were you talking about, Dadfoot?" Harry questioned with a mischievous smile.
"Nothing for you to worry about," Sirius shot back with a similar smile.
Harry groaned. "Dadfoot! Can't you tell me?"
"Nope!" Sirius said, shaking his head. "But nice try."
"I do what I can," Harry shrugged as Remus came back with a glass of water. "Thanks," Harry said as he took a sip.
"Slow sips. And you're finishing it all before you're going out," Remus told him.
Harry went to chug it, but Remus' hand stopped him. "Slow, Harry," Remus growled lightly.
"Yes, Sir," Harry grumbled as he took another small sip and set the glass down.
"While you're slowly drinking your water," Remus said, emphasizing certain words, "we can at least tell you a bit about what we're doing tonight."
Remus looked at Sirius who nodded and took over. "We're going to do something outside after this and we're going to have dinner here. We're probably going to pop back over there around 9 so we have enough time for bed," Sirius explained.
"Who needs sleep?" Harry scoffed. "What about that Marauders Weekend I've heard about?"
Sirius barked a laugh and Remus rolled his eyes and smiled wryly. "Pup, I promise you that we will have that for you. Now is not that time," Sirius told Harry honestly, giving him a smile.
"Oh, alright. But can we do one before I graduate?"
"Sure," Sirius agreed warmly, beaming when he saw Harry do a fist pump in the air.
"Take a sip of water," Remus chuckled.
"Spoilsport," Sirius said, sticking his tongue out.
"Be quiet or I'm going to make you drink water too," Remus threatened.
Sirius quieted down and became very interested in his thumbs, which was amusing to Harry.
Harry snorted and Sirius sent him a look, causing Harry to take another sip.
Remus smiled at it all. This was so normal and even though today has been anything but normal, this was. Their banter, teasing, and jokes were typical of them, and it was nice to see that continue even with all of the revelations, trauma, and events that have recently happened.
Harry drank the rest of his water with casual conversations with Remus and Sirius. When Harry was done he flaunted the empty cup in front of Remus and said, "all done!"
Remus smiled and took the cup. "Good. Now, follow Dadfoot."
Harry nodded and followed a smiling Sirius outside. They walked towards the shed where the motorcycle was out with two helmets.
"Dadfoot! No way!" Harry cried with excitement. There was a genuine smile on Harry's face and Sirius knew that that single moment made it all worth it.
"Hop on, Pup," Sirius beamed.
Harry got on and Sirius made sure he was safely on and was wearing his helmet correctly. Harry would've normally groaned about that, but he was so excited to have a bit of freedom and fun.
"Harry, before we begin I need to remind you to hold on to me tight, alright? Don't let go. Can you do that?" Sirius asked
Harry was taken aback by the level of seriousness in Sirius' voice. "Yeah, I can. I promise."
"Good," Sirius replied, smiling again. "Let me get on and we can go!"
Sirius got on and secured his helmet. He started his motorcycle and said, "Ready, Cub?"
"Yes, Dadfoot," Harry replied over the roar of the motorcycle.
Sirius revved his engine once more before taking off.
True to his word, Harry held on tightly to Sirius but also enjoyed leaning back with the wind in his face. It was a bit like riding a broom, but Harry didn't have to think, which he was immensely grateful for.
Harry didn't have any energy left which is why this was perfect. He felt a bit of freedom and had a rush of adrenaline and exhilaration without having to exert too much energy.
Harry loved the motorcycle ride and was positively thrilled when Sirius would go faster (much too fast for Remus' liking, mind you) and let out a few excited shouts which, not that he could see it, caused Sirius to beam.
Sirius drove Harry for about half an hour before he stopped near the base of a grassy hill. He shut his motorcycle off and took off his helmet and shook his head.
"Come on off, Pup."
Harry did as he said and fumbled with his helmet as Sirius came over and gently unhooked him. "There you go, Love," Sirius softly said as he took the helmet off.
Harry mumbled a thank you as he blushed. "Now what?" Harry asked.
Sirius sat down and patted the spot next to him. Harry joined him and then Sirius said, "Lean back."
Harry did as he said and looked up into the sky.
"We are going to look at clouds."
Harry chuckled and said, "We haven't done that in years, Dadfoot."
"All the more reason to do it," Sirius pointed out.
They both looked at the clouds and spoke up and pointed when they found one that looked like something. Some of the shapers were: a bunny, a cauldron, a pointy hat, a bezoar, a textbook, an every flavor bean, Snape's nose, a goblin, Dobby's left eye, a pool, a cookie, Padfoot, and Hogwarts.
After a bit of that and noticing the temperature was getting cooler, Sirius said, "Okay, Pup. Time to head back."
Sirius helped Harry up and got him back on the bike with his helmet before Sirius sped home.
Harry felt more glee in that ride than he did in the past few months. He was so excited as he ran into the house when they returned. "Moony Da! That was amazing!" Harry said.
Remus was putting something in the oven. He took off the oven mitts and walked over to Harry with a smile. That is so wonderful to hear, Harry! Did Dadfoot drive fast?"
Harry was happy, but he still had a brain. "He drove fast enough for it to be fun, but slow enough for it to be safe," Harry replied.
"That's my boy!" Sirius cried from down the hallway as he was shutting the door.
Remus shook his head and said, "Oh, Merlin what am I going to do?"
"You loveee usss," Sirius said in a sing-song voice, going behind Remus and kissing him on the neck.
Remus turned around and kissed Sirius for longer than a second, causing Harry to roll his eyes and turn around.
"I guess this is my cue to go upstairs," Harry said loudly, starting to walk to the stairs.
Remus and Sirius pulled apart from each other and chuckled. Remus walked toward Harry and said, "Hold up, Harry. I'm going to go upstairs with you."
Harry paused and nodded and waited for Remus before he started up the stairs.
"Follow me, Love," Remus said softly as he led Harry to the library/ study area.
Harry had been in here only a handful of times, but it was a cozy room that was perfect for reading, studying, and… therapy, Harry realized as he took a seat.
"We're talking aren't we?" Harry grumbled, pulling his legs up to sit criss cross and putting his palm up to his cheek.
Remus had to chuckle at the sight. "Don't look so glum about it."
"I just had so much fun though!"
"I know, and I'm glad. I wanted you to. I also wanted to talk to you. Do you think we can chat for a bit?"
Harry nodded. He wasn't really that upset about it. He sat up straighter to show Moony that he was listening and taking it seriously.
Remus saw this and appreciated it, giving him a warm smile. "Thank you. Now, as always, if you're not ready to talk about something just tell me, alright? I'm also going to tell you that Sirius can not hear us. He is probably going to be working on the motorcycle or chopping some wood outside. He respects that this is private and I want you to know that."
Harry nodded. "Thanks for telling me that. I appreciate it."
"Of course. Now, tell me more about this motorcycle ride."
Harry smiled and told Remus the details. Including looking at the clouds. Harry did, however, leave out parts about how fast Sirius went.
"That sounds lovely, Harry. Thanks for sharing that with me."
"Course," Harry shrugged with a smile.
Remus returned the smile and crossed his legs. "Harry, you know we're here to give you a bit of a break, right?"
"Yes, and I'm so thankful for it," Harry quickly said.
"Well, you're welcome, Cub, but that's not the reason I brought it up. And remember, I'm Moony Da. I'm supposed to do what's best for you. I am supposed to take care of you. That's my job and I love it. You are allowed, and should, feel thankful for things, but also know that they're not privileges. They are rights. You have a right to feel safe and be taken care of, okay?" Remus reminded him, catching the tiniest spark of fear in Harry's voice. Dang Dursleys.
"Okay, thanks Moony Da," Harry replied a bit sheepishly, knowing Moony caught him.
Remus made a mental note to revisit that topic later, but also knew that it's a slow process and takes time. Harry's grown leaps and bounds over the years. What Remus really wanted to touch on was something else.
"Harry," Remus began softly, "You've relapsed twice now in the past few weeks. I wanted to check in with you about it."
Harry dropped his head, ashamed.
Remus didn't say anything at first. He got up and gave Harry a blanket that was in a basket and put fidgets on the table next to him.
Remus watched as Harry felt the blanket and then grabbed a fidget.
"Remember, I am not angry or disappointed. I just want to see what's going on."
Harry nodded and raised his head. "I know. I don't really know the right words to say."
Remus nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I totally understand that. Start talking and it's okay if they're not perfect. Let me see if I can help."
Harry nodded and thought for a moment longer before beginning to speak. "I mean yeah, I'm struggling a lot. It's just so hard. I can't think of why not to do it. I just need the release. The strategies aren't working as well."
Remus nodded, listening closely.
"I mean, I told you what I said," Harry blushed as he said this, but kept talking. "I just can't seem to think straight. I know I was hopeless before but I didn't realize how much more I could even be."
Remus' heart broke for him. He stayed quiet in case Harry wanted to say anything else, but he didn't. "Harry, love, I am so sorry to hear that. That's such an uncomfortable and difficult feeling to have. There is hope and I know we're working on finding it. It's a journey"
Harry nodded in response to that which made Remus feel better.
"Next time you want to hurt yourself, please, please come see me. There are some more coping skills I want to work on with you. And if you don't, then come see me after. Harry, I am always, always here for you."
"I know. But in the moment it doesn't feel like it," Harry tried to explain.
Remus pondered that and hummed. "We're going to come back to that."
Harry nodded. Remus said that in session quite a lot so he was used to it.
"I want to bring up something you said earlier- if that's alright."
Harry nodded again.
"You said that you can't think of a reason not to hurt yourself, right?"
Harry gave a small nod but looked away.
"I want to gently remind you of reasons why not to. Do you remember any before I do?"
Harry thought for a minute before his face flushed with his memory. "I forgot about that. It can hurt my magic."
"That's right," Remus affirmed softly, giving a nod. "It can also lead to physical infections and illnesses and other issues. As we've talked about before with your brain, it sends mixed up signals which don't help your mental health, either."
"Ugh," Harry groaned, throwing his head back. "I wish it wasn't so complicated!"
"I know, Cub," Remus replied, giving him a small smile.
"I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me," Harry admitted quietly.
"It's my job," Remus winked.
Harry rolled his eyes but still smiled at him.
"Now, what I wanted to come back to," Remus said, once again getting Harry's attention. "You said how in the moment it's hard to remember to come to me or someone else you trust."
Harry nodded. That was an understatement.
"I am going to give you a small slip of parchment." Remus got up and went to the desk and rummaged through the drawers before pulling a few out and walking back over to Harry. He knelt in front of them and held two out as he explained further. "On this, I want you to write people that can help you when you're struggling and a quote or saying that helps you. I'm going to give you special ink, so no one can see it except you, and you're going to put it in a place you always look."
"Like where?"
"Your planner? Notebook? A textbook? Quidditch Through the Ages?" Remus teased, causing a smile from Harry. "Just something you keep with you and can remember it. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes a visual reminder is what's needed to help ground us enough to get to someone that can help."
Harry nodded. It made sense. "And you promise that the ink you gave me no one else can see?"
"I promise. I do have to say, though, that while you write it, it looks like normal ink. I'll cast a spell on it that makes it disappears, so I will see it. If anyone else looks at it, even me after the spell, all we will see is a note about returning a library book.
Harry shrugged. Seems harmless enough. "Okay. Do I need to do it now?"
Remus shook his head. "No. You have time to do it. If possible I'd like you to do it within the next week. If you're having trouble coming up with names then I want to talk about it."
Harry nodded and took the items. He wrote down a few names before putting the cap tightly on the ink and putting that and the parchment in his pocket.
Remus smiled at him. "I'm proud of you, Cub."
Harry blushed. "Thanks, Moony Da."
"I want you to keep fighting, Harry. I know it is so hard, but I'm here to support you in any way I can."
Harry nodded and dropped his eyes to the ground. "I know. I'm trying, really."
Remus gave him a warm smile and gently cupped his face. "I know, Love. I know."
Remus talked with Harry for a while longer before he allowed Harry to go be on his own to collect his thoughts.
Sirius came back about half an hour after Remus ended the session with Harry. He and Remus made dinner in the kitchen as they half watched Harry out of the corner of their eyes as Harry was in the sitting room, journaling and reading.
Dinner was a light affair, much to Harry's relief. It was filled with funny stories of the past, including the time 5 year old Harry ran into the Great Hall in a towel.
"Merlin, I can't believe I did that," Harry groaned, blushing.
Sirius barked another laugh and Remus chuckled but said, "You were only a young child. Besides, no one saw anything. You had this towel-poncho on."
"It was so cute!" Sirius added. "You had a hood and everything. It was this lion towel with the hood as a lion's mane. You loved this towel and were so proud of it."
"I'm a lion, roar!" 5-year-old Harry cried as Sirius pulled the towel over Harry's head. He put the hood up and rubbed him some before Harry growled again.
"Oh, my! A lion!" Sirius cried, faux-scared. "Whatever will I do!"
Harry giggled and said, "'S jus' me, Dadfoot."
"Phew, I was worried there," Sirius said, wiping his brow.
Harry giggled again and then his face lit up. "Dadfoot! I don't think Tonks has seen my towel!" Harry gasped.
Sirius smiled and rubbed him once more. "I think you're right. I'm sure she'd love to see it next time she's over."
"I can show her now!" Harry cried, zooming out of the bathroom before Sirius could even comprehend what was happening.
"Harry, wait!" Sirius cried, quickly getting up and trying to follow Harry.
However, Sirius stood up so fast that he slipped on a wet patch and fell to the ground. He didn't hit his head, but he would definitely have a sore bum.
"Ow!" Sirius cried as he fell. The shock didn't even last a second before Sirius was up and running after his basically-naked child. "Harry! Harry! Come back!"
Harry, meanwhile, was scurrying through the hallways, thinking about how scared Tonks would be when she saw a real lion come up to her.
Harry made his way through the hallways, not even hearing Sirius because of how excited he was. He made his way to the Great Hall, knowing that everyone was at supper, and burst through the doors.
"ROAR!" Harry cried, making his hands like claws.
The Great Hall became silent and everyone turned to look at Harry.
'Maybe they didn't hear me', Harry thought. "ROAR!" He exclaimed again, this time louder.
No one said anything. A few Slytherins were laughing.
At the head table, Dumbledore's mouth was twitching, Minerva was caught between being horrified and amused, and Remus had frozen with his spoon halfway up. At the second cry, he started to get up to go to Harry.
Harry was confused. He furrowed his small brows and padded over to Tonks, who was at the Hufflepuff table.
"Tonksy," Harry whispered, "It's me, Harry. Why is no one scared? I's a real lion."
"Well, Har-er, Lion, we were so scared that we were frozen. Isn't that right?" Tonks said loudly with a pointed glance around the Great Hall. "Try again."
"Roar!" Harry said, but with not as much energy.
The Hufflepuffs, bless their hearts, gasped and looked scared, causing Harry to giggle and do it again.
"Roar! Roar! ROAR!" Harry said, jumping up and down.
"C'mere you little lion," Remus said, scooping the child up in his arms.
"Moony Da! Did I scare you?" Harry asked, his green eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.
"You certainly surprised me," Remus answered truthfully.
"Harry!" A ragged Sirius ran through the doors now. He saw Harry in Remus' arms and stopped running. He put his hands on his knees and panted.
The entire Great Hall now erupted into laughter.
Sirius was wearing a baggy t-shirt and shorts and he was wet from the water and had soap on him. Not to mention that Harry had so generously styled Sirius' hair into a mohawk when he was giving him a bath. Sirius had a rubber duck (much to the delight of Arthur Weasley when he heard this story) sticking out of his pocket and it fell to the floor with a quack.
Remus chuckled and walked over to Sirius, still carrying Harry. "Sirius, what happened?"
"Harry," Sirius panted. "Wanted to scare Tonks. I slipped. He got away from me." Sirius took a few more deep breaths before standing up.
"'M a lion!" Harry helpfully interjected.
"You're something alright," Remus said, tickling Harry and causing him to giggle.
"Come on, let's get you to bed," Remus said to Harry.
Poppy, Minerva, and Dumbledore were by them now.
"Are you alright?" Poppy asked, giving Sirius the once over.
"I'll be fine," Sirius protested, waving his arm.
Poppy just narrowed her eyes and waved her wand. A moment later she smirked and waved her wand, summoning salve.
"Mr. Black, it seems you have a rather large bruise."
Sirius turned red and said, "Thanks, Poppy, we're leaving."
"Wait," Remus said, genuinely concerned for his husband. "Is he okay? Where is it?"
The bruise salve that the matron had summoned appeared in her hand. "Mr. Black, I can apply this for you and make sure that nothing is broken."
Sirius became redder, if possible. "Remus will do it. He's trained," Sirius said, trying to yank Remus' arm.
Minerva took Harry out of Remus' arms and Remus asked Poppy, "Where is it?"
Poppy's smirk became wider and she whispered in Remus' ear. Remus burst out laughing and wouldn't stop.
"Remus," Sirius hissed. "It's not funny."
"It's not funny, you're right," Remus replied, trying to sober up. "It's hilarious!" Remus cried, continuing to laugh.
Sirius rolled his eyes and stomped his foot.
"Boys," Dumbledore said, getting their attention. "While I do love your banter, there is an entire hall of students who should get back to their dinner."
Sirius was horrified now and even Remus felt a bit bad for Sirius.
"Come on, Harry, let's go," Remus said, taking Harry back from Minerva.
"Oh, I'll put him down. I think you have some salve to apply," Minerva smirked.
"Mum," Sirius hissed, blushing again.
They started to turn around to leave the Great Hall, but Harry spoke one last time, "Grandda! Did I scare you?"
"Oh, very much so. I had no idea how a lion got into the castle!"
Harry giggled and waved. "Bye, Grandda! Love you!"
"I love you too, Harry," Albus replied, giving Harry a warm smile.
Minerva put Harry to bed as Remus tended to Sirius. She had to end up putting up a silencing charm to stop Harry from hearing the shouts from Sirius and the occasional muffled laughter from Remus.
The next day, Remus and Sirius had to have an important talk with Harry about not running away, especially in a towel because when something is wet, someone could trip and fall.
Harry became teary when he found out Sirius was hurt, but was reassured that he was doing much better.
Remus did tell Sirius that while the situation was not ideal, he knew that this showed how much trust Harry had in them and in the castle and the therapist inside Remus was jumping for joy.
"Tonks still teases me about it," Harry grumbled.
"It was rather funny," Remus said, chuckling.
"But so embarrassing!" Harry protested, blushing.
"Truthfully, Tonks saved you from anything worse. You would've likely had a meltdown or panic attack if had stayed quiet. I was rather impressed with her tenacity as a second year."
"That's us Blacks," Sirius said, puffing out his chest. "Tenacious."
"Prat," Remus said, lightly cuffing him on the shoulder.
"It is funny now, but it wasn't then. My arse was bruised for over a week!" Sirius cried.
"I remember that," Remus replied, chuckling.
Harry laughed and then said, "Sorry, Dadfoot."
"Ah, it's all good, Pup. I'm just teasing you. All is well." Then, with a smirk, Sirius added, "Remus would also agree that it's in peak condition!"
Harry immediately plugged his ears and said, "La, la, la! I can't hear you!"
Sirius and Remus chuckled and then Remus said, "Why don't you go downstairs and pick a movie? We'll be there after we clean up."
Harry, with his ears still plugged, walked to the basement as the men shook their heads.
"Even with everything going on, we raised a mighty fine boy," Sirius commented, looking where Harry walked.
"That we did, Sirius; that we did."
The boys watched a movie and returned to Hogwarts later that evening exhausted, but with much more serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins than they began with. It's still a journey, but wow, they raised a good kid.
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)
14. Listen to music