Author's Note: TW for trauma.
I introduce a character in this chapter that is dead in canon and we don't know much about them. I made stuff up. I know JK killed them, but I think it's going to be fun:)
Thanks for reading! I wasn't going to upload this chapter today, but it's the 6 month anniversary of posting this fic! Hooray! I'd give you all cupcakes if I could!
Thanks for coming along this journey with me. You and your support are so appreciated. You are loved!
Guest Reviews:
Urgwaew: My friend! Thank you SO much! I literally squealed while reading your review and I kept grinning because of how wonderful it was! Thank you! Yeah, I wrote about Harry's response to Remus asking him about being 'fine' because I thought about when I say 'fine' sometimes I'm clearly not fine. Other times, I'm just too tired or don't have the time for a response, as I'm sure many understand/ feel the same way. Thanks for commenting on that! The fact that you read my chapters over and over again and not only notice the small details but actually comment on them? *chefs kiss* PRICELESS. Honestly, your reviews literally give me life. Umbridge is awful and so is Pettigrew. And yes! You were right! It was Pettigrew in the forest! I'll make that clearer in a future chapter in a therapy sesh with Remus, but you totally got that right! Also, thank you for nitpicking! I miss things and when you bring it up I try to fix the error! Thank you! It helps me so much! And yes, during the Christmas chapter when Sirius gave Harry the necklace he made a joke about not using it, which Harry thought of. I'm going to touch more on the necklace/portkey later in a therapy sesh, too. Thank YOU for all of your kind words. You are amazing! And thank you for saying you're proud of me! That warms my heart! (PS I'm typing this as I get a notification that you favorited my new one-shot- so thanks for that. You're the best. and so, so loved!)
Previous chapter summary: Remus talks to Harry about his increasing use of "I'm fine". Draco gets a letter from Lucius and is distraught over it, as Lucius wants Draco to lure Harry to Hogsmeade. Harry takes Draco to a spot where he can clear his mind. Harry and Draco are kidnapped and brought to Malfoy Manor. Harry is tortured by Umbridge and Voldemort. He has Dobby save Draco and uses his portkey necklace to get back to Hogwarts. Remus and Sirius are brought to his location and take Harry to the hospital wing where he is unconscious and is treated for his injuries.
This chapter summary: Harry wakes up. He is traumatized by what happened. He is still treated for his injuries but is allowed home. Remus and Sirius stay with him until they go back to work and bring a special family friend to help out.
Harry stayed unconscious through Friday and woke up around 11 on Saturday.
Harry moved and moaned in the bed. "Dad?" Harry managed to croak out, his eyes still closed.
A very concerned tabby was resting on Harry's bed. At the movement, she perked up and at the words, she jumped off the bed and slipped through the barrier before turning into Professor McGonagall. She hurried to where Lupin and Black were sleeping (because she forced them).
"Remus, Sirius, it's Harry," She whispered, gently shaking them.
Both men immediately woke up.
"He's waking up," Minerva said with a smile.
Remus and Sirius bolted out of the beds and ran to Harry's side as Minerva hurried to alert Poppy.
Harry's eyes were still closed as Sirius and Remus made their way to the teenager's side.
"Dad?" Harry mumbled again as Remus and Sirius slid their hands into Harry's.
"We're here, Pup," Sirius said gently.
"We've got you, Love," Remus reminded him as he stroked Harry's hand.
Harry tried to open his eyes and squinted and shut them at the bright light. Remus whipped out his hand and dimmed the lights considerably (he was taught that back when he was a student).
"It's a bit dimmer now, Love," Remus said, slipping Harry's glasses on.
Harry cautiously opened an eye. He still squinted, but relaxed and opened both of them.
"We are so glad you're okay, Harry. We were so worried," Sirius commented, his face still worried.
"We love you so much," Remus said.
Harry looked around. "'M in the hospital wing?"
"Yes, Love. Do you remember what happened?" Remus asked carefully.
"Yeah. I'm really sore. Everything burns," Harry commented, wincing.
"That's normal, Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey said, bustling in.
"Aunt Poppy?" Harry asked as his eyes were still adjusting.
Madame Pomfrey softened and sat down on the edge of his bed. She is so used to being Madame Pomfrey that it takes her a second to switch to being Aunt Poppy.
"Yes, it's me." Poppy gave Harry a warm smile. "Before I say anything else can I ask you some questions?"
"Sure," Harry agreed.
"What's your name?"
"Harry James Potter," Harry recited. He was used to these questions. Poppy may have asked him these a time or two (or several) before.
"When's your birthday?"
"July 31, 1980."
"Where are you?"
"At Hogwarts in the hospital wing."
"Do you remember what happened?"
"Yeah," Harry said, his eyes shifting down. He avoided the question before and he would try avoiding it again.
"Harry, I'm not going to make you go through it all right now. I do need to know some of what happened so I can treat you best," Poppy said softly.
Harry sighed. He clenched the blanket in his fists. It made his joints hurt even more, but he didn't care.
"Draco was upset. I took him a spot to clear his mind," Harry began quietly, his eyes still looking down. "We got there and I joined him in the spot. Then everything went dark. When I woke up I was in a cell. I am pretty sure it was Malfoy Manor. Umbridge was there. She used the cruciatus on me."
The adults held back gasps because they knew the information, but it didn't make it any easier to hear.
"She made me write a letter to Dadfoot and Moony? Did it help?" Harry asked, finally looking up.
"It did. We knew you weren't alright because you said that you were fine," Remus said, running a hand through Harry's hair.
"Oh, good," Harry said, smiling for the first time since Thursday afternoon. It was weak, but a smile nonetheless.
Sirius, Remus, and Poppy all returned the smile before Harry once again shifted his eyes down and continued to talk.
"Draco and Peter were there."
Remus and Sirius' faces darkened at Peter and Harry swore that his hands were being held tighter.
"Umbridge tried to Imperio me, but it didn't work."
"That's my boy," Sirius whispered proudly.
"Lucius Malfoy was there, too. I called Dobby and told him he had to get Draco out. I wasn't going to leave until Draco was safe. Mr. Malfoy came back with Voldemort. Snape was there. Voldemort crucioed me. Once Dobby came back I used my portkey."
Harry looked up again. "I know it's not everything, but is it enough? I really can't do more right now," Harry admitted, his eyes welling up with tears.
Remus held Harry's hand tighter and kissed his head.
"Of course, Harry. I'll give you a minute," Poppy said, slipping out.
Remus leaned over Harry and kissed his head. "I've got you, Love. I've got you. You're safe."
"I can't talk about it. Not yet," Harry choked out.
"That's okay. Take your time. You've done so well, Harry. So well," Remus assured him, still holding him close.
Sirius popped into Padfoot and curled up next to Harry to give him some comfort. Harry enjoyed the feeling of Padfoot near him. With a hand on both of his godparents, Harry fell back asleep feeling much safer than he had before.
When Harry woke up, he squinted again and closed his eyes.
"Dad?" Harry asked.
Sirius and Remus were by Harry's side. They were awake and Remus once again slid on Harry's glasses and dimmed the lights.
"Thanks," Harry said as he opened his eyes.
"Of course. How are you feeling, Cub?" Remus asked kindly.
"Everything hurts."
Remus gave Harry a sympathetic smile. "That's normal. You had repeated and long exposure to the Cruciatus Curse."
"A-am I going to be okay?" Harry asked in a small voice.
"Yes! You received treatment within 24 hours, which is critical. Your nerves are also regrowing which doesn't help the pain."
Harry nodded, relieved that he would heal.
"I'm going to get Aunt Poppy, alright?" Harry nodded again and turned to Sirius.
Once Remus was gone, Sirius leaned in to whisper in Harry's ear. "You want to break out of this joint?"
"Really?" Harry asked, his eyes lighting up.
"You can get treated at home, I think. It'll certainly be better than this place."
"How soon can you get me out of here?" Harry whispered hopefully.
"Soon, I think- Wait, shh," Sirius said, hearing footsteps come closer.
"Hello, Harry," Madame Pomfrey said as she slipped in.
"Hi, Aunt Poppy," Harry replied quietly.
"Remus tells me that you're in some pain?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"How bad is it on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the worst pain you've ever been in?"
"An 8," Harry replied, wincing as he moved.
Madame Pomfrey gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'll give you another nerve potion, anti cruciatus, and pain. It won't take away the pain, but it should help."
"Thank you," Harry replied.
She gave him a warm smile and got up to get the potions.
"Poppy?" Sirius asked when she stood up.
The matron turned and looked at Sirius. "Yes?"
"Do you know when we can take Harry back to our quarters?"
"He's still healing, Sirius," Madame Pomfrey said, putting her hands on her hips.
"I'm aware of that, really," Sirius reassured her, "I just wanted to bring him home where he is more comfortable. We have softer beds and can dim the lights. You're not far and Remus has healing training. You know I've done enough in the past to care for Harry, too."
Madame Pomfrey pursed her lips and thought before saying, "Alright. But I will be checking on you all. I'm going to get my potions and bring them back. I'll need to do another examination before I release you and I'll have Severus back down here as well. He's more familiar with the dark magic."
Harry and Sirius nodded and Poppy turned away to retrieve the potions.
Remus just shook his head at the boys. "You never did like the hospital wing."
"You didn't either! Besides, you know Harry would be more comfortable in his own bed."
"That's true," Remus agreed. "Thanks for thinking of that."
"Course," Sirius replied, puffing out his chest.
Within half an hour Severus, Draco, Remus, and Sirius were all around Harry's bed.
"This, uh, this feels like a lot of people," Harry said.
Remus immediately picked up what was going on, thank goodness. He could see that Harry was overwhelmed by the crowd.
"Okay, Harry. We can all take a step back," Remus said soothingly.
The adults picked up on Remus' voice and took a step back. Severus put his hand out and gently pressed Draco back so he was in line with the other adults.
"Harry," Remus began softly, "Dadfoot and I can step behind the curtain so you're not so crowded if you want."
"No!" Harry said quickly. "I mean I do feel kinda crowded but I uh don't want you to leave me," Harry admitted, blushing.
"That's alright. We're here. What about one of us at a time? And Professor Snape can be there when he needs to be and step back when he is through?"
"Okay," Harry agreed.
Sirius graciously allowed Remus to stay with Harry (partly because he is Harry's therapist and partly because he would understand all of the healer stuff). Severus started out behind the curtain and then went to Harry when he was called before returning to where Sirius was waiting.
"Remind me again how you were able to be there and come back so quickly?" Sirius asked softly as the two men waited.
Snape sighed impatiently but still replied. "I have been in contact with Lucius. I told him that Draco wasn't at Hogwarts after the staff met and he invited me over. I was allowed back once they realized Draco was gone. Lucius doesn't trust anyone at this castle," Snape admitted.
"I mean, some crazy things have happened the past few years so I can't blame him," Sirius shrugged.
Snape couldn't hold back a snort and Sirius looked at him in shock.
"Did Severus Snape laugh at a joke I made? You have a sense of humor?" Sirius teased.
Snape rolled his eyes. "Grow up, Black."
Sirius just chuckled and readjusted his eyes on the curtain where Harry was.
"Is he going to be okay?" Sirius asked softly after a moment of silence.
Snape was quiet for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes. He'll be alright. It'll take time and some dedicated and grueling physical therapy, but he'll be okay. He received treatment soon after he was exposed to the curse and my potions are top of the line."
"Thank you, for all you've done and continued to do," Sirius said, well, seriously. "Remus and I appreciate it. We can't thank you enough."
Snape waved it away. "Do not mention it. You'd do the same for Draco."
"Of course, we would," Sirius affirmed, somehow knowing how important it was for Snape to hear that.
Poppy and Draco came out a moment later and walked towards Sirius and Snape.
"Remus is still in there with Harry," Poppy said. "We're going to release him, Sirius, but he will be checked by myself at least every other day and Remus will be checking him every day. Snape will be delivering potions. I will probably send Draco for some things, too. He needs to rest and recover right now, does that make sense?"
"Absolutely, Poppy. I promise we'll take good care of him."
Poppy's face softened. "I know you will. I love you three, understand?"
"Yes ma'am," Sirius replied, giving her a warm smile.
Poppy led Draco and Severus away, probably to update them on some of Harry's numbers, but Sirius slipped back by Harry.
"How are you doing, Pup?" Sirius asked as he sat down and took one of Harry's hands.
"Peachy," Harry teased hoarsely.
"Splendid," Sirius replied, teasing as well. "Let's go flying and fight a troll."
Remus rolled his eyes at their antics and shook his head. "Honestly, Sirius."
"Harry started it!" Sirius protested, whining.
Remus nudged him and all three chuckled. This is what Remus and Sirius were going for and they savored the two seconds they heard Harry's chuckle. It gave them hope.
"Poppy said you're good to go home, right?" Sirius asked, bringing them back to reality.
Harry and Remus nodded and the werewolf elaborated. "Yes. We're given strict instructions, but I think we can handle them," Remus said with a smile.
Sirius grabbed the large parchment from Remus and squinted.
"Give lots of hugs. Spoil him. Smother with love. Never let him out of your sight. Buy out Honeydukes and bring items to Harry."
"Stop!" Harry laughed. "It doesn't say that!"
"Or does it?" Sirius said, bringing the list to where Harry couldn't reach it.
"Dadfoot!" Harry laughed, trying to reach it.
All three men were smiling, but as Harry reached further he winced and the smile fell off of all their faces.
"Oh, sorry, Harry," Sirius said, bringing his arm down and giving the list back to Remus.
"It's okay. I'm just really sore. I keep forgetting," Harry shrugged.
Sirius felt guilty, but a pat from Remus reminded him that it wasn't his fault. "We're here for you, Pup. We've got you."
Harry's pained expression slowly faded and a smile graced his face. "Thank you. So much."
"Always, Harry. Always," Remus and Sirius replied.
Sirius and Remus moved Harry to the Marauder Quarters a short while later. He fell asleep again and stayed asleep until dinner time when Sirius spoon-fed him.
"I hate this," Harry grumbled with a beet-red face.
"I don't," Sirius said, smiling. He just liked to help Harry.
"I can do it on my own!" Harry protested.
"Try it," Remus countered, crossing his arms.
Harry took a shaky hand and tried to move it. He made his way over to the bowl and went to pick up the spoon, but he wasn't able to grasp the spoon and his arms and fingers were screaming at him to stop.
"Argh!" Harry groaned, putting his arm down in defeat. "I want to do this!"
Remus gave Sirius a pointed look, who then mumbled an excuse and left the room.
"Harry, you are just starting to recover. It's going to take time, Cub," Remus gently reminded him.
"I feel like a baby!" Harry argued, an angry tear rolling down his face.
"You're not a baby. Nothing you did is like a baby. A baby could not outsmart Voldemort."
"Still haven't beat him," Harry grumbled, wiping a tear away.
Remus now levitated the tray off of Harry's bed and onto the floor. "Harry, you are allowed to be angry. You are allowed to be frustrated. You are allowed to feel all of your feelings."
Harry sniffed, listening.
"I want to remind you that you are not in any way responsible for what happened to you. Voldemort is responsible for that. The death eaters are responsible for that. You are not."
Harry shrugged.
"And you, Harry James Potter," Remus said, pointing at him, "Are going to recover. It's just going to take some time."
Harry sniffed again and gave a small nod. "It's just hard."
"I know. If you want, I can point out one thing that's good right now about this."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Dadfoot really loves helping you."
Harry let out a watery chuckle. "He does, doesn't he?"
"Merlin, Harry. I think he'd spoon-feed you in the Great Hall."
"Merlin, NO!" Harry cried, horrified.
Remus laughed. "He won't, I promise you. But he does love to help, as do I. Talk about your feelings, Cub. Also, know that you are not a burden or imposition. You are everything to us. We love you and helping you."
Harry took a deep breath, gathering himself.
"Thanks, Moony Da. I'll work on it."
"Of course. Do you want a moment or do you want me to call Dadfoot back in?" Remus asked.
"You can call Dadfoot back in," Harry replied, wiping his face again.
Remus went to the door and got Sirius who came bounding back in and fed Harry the rest of his dinner.
Minerva came by that night after Harry had gone to bed to check on her boys.
"How's Harry doing?" Minerva asked once all three of them were settled with tea.
Sirius and Remus glanced toward Harry's shut door.
"He's struggling. He hasn't talked a ton about what happened, but it was clearly traumatic. The cruciatus curse also left him physically weak and he doesn't like having to rely on someone so much," Remus said, sighing and taking a sip of his tea.
"When he found out someone had to help him go to the bathroom I thought someone was going to lose an eye," Sirius commented, eyes wide remembering the argument.
"Was he okay, though?"
"Yes," Remus nodded. "He understands he can't do it on his own, but it doesn't mean he likes it. He feels useless and frustrated."
"Poor Lion," Minerva said.
Remus and Sirius nodded in agreement. There was silence for a minute or two before Minerva broke it. "And how are you two doing?"
"Us?" Sirius asked, clarifying it.
Minerva shook her head at them. "Yes, Sirius. You two. You matter, too. How are you holding up?"
"I've vented to Remus about this. He needs to let it out more than me," Sirius commented.
"It's not a competition or comparison," Remus reminded Sirius softly. "Your feelings are just as valid."
"That's true, but so are yours, Mr. Lupin," Minerva said with a raised eyebrow. "How are you doing?"
Remus let out a breath. He sipped his tea and sighed. "It's rough, Mum. I love being there for Harry and I hate seeing him so upset. I hate that these things happen to him. He deserves so much better. And Merlin, we were so worried. You'd think after years of Harry's life being endangered it'd get easier, but it doesn't."
Minerva shook her head. "It doesn't. Now, it just becomes scarier."
"Exactly. I want to protect him, and I can't do that."
"But you love him," Minerva said, setting down her teacup and moving forward. She grabbed a hand of each man and looked them both in the eye. "You love him. He knows you love him and that's what matters. Your love gives him fuel. Keep loving him."
"That we can do," Sirius agreed after a moment of silence.
Minerva smiled at them both and patted Sirius' cheek. "You're quite good at it, too."
"Speaking of people who love Harry, how's Albus?" Remus asked.
Sirius' face darkened and Minerva sighed. (There was a lot of sighing tonight).
"He was rather worried. He is glad he's safe, but he cares deeply for Harry. I wish either of you would talk to him, or Harry, but I understand why not. I was rather mad myself. Harry is the one who convinced me to let up with it."
"Harry?" Sirius asked, surprised.
"We had a nice chat at one point a couple of weeks ago. Harry doesn't want me or either of you mad at Albus. Harry just needs space. He doesn't want to be hurt again."
"Albus makes it hard to forgive him when Harry's afraid of being hurt," Sirius grumbled, clenching his fists.
Remus put a calming hand on Sirius who eventually relaxed.
"You can talk to Harry later about this. Not tomorrow, by any means, but when he's recovered more. See where he is at with it all. Despite everything that's happened, you two know that Albus does love Harry deeply."
The two men reluctantly nodded.
"That's all I will say about that," Minerva said, not wanting to burden the men too much. She also wanted to make them smile.
"Now, someone managed to prank Professor Binns to glow pink and I was wondering if you two knew anything about that," Minerva asked with a smirk.
Sirius began to whistle and look around and Remus became engrossed in the ceiling paint.
"I see," Minerva chuckled into her tea. At least this would never change.
Remus and Sirius stayed by Harry's side through the weekend and all of Monday and Tuesday. Albus and other staff helped cover Sirius' classes and a mind healer from St. Mungo's covered Remus' office and any appointment (who wanted to meet with someone else or was okay with it). After Tuesday, however, they had to start going back to their classes, if Harry was okay with it.
"Harry, we have a question to ask you," Remus began on Tuesday after dinner.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"Dadfoot and I are expected to go back to work tomorrow, as you know because we've talked about it. How are you feeling about that?"
"Okay. Is anyone going to be with me?" Harry asked.
"Merlin, yes!" Sirius cried. "We're not leaving you alone!"
"Sirius," Remus hissed, lightly slapping his husband. "Sit down!"
Sirius sat down, abashed.
"We do have someone in mind to come and sit with you for the rest of the week. However, anything you need, you let us know. You're our priority."
"Then why do you have to go back?" Harry whispered, pulling at his blanket.
"We won't!" Sirius quickly said.
Remus glared at Sirius and then turned back to Harry. "We will happily stay here if you want us to, Cub. We also know that you probably want to go to the bathroom by yourself again at some point."
Harry chuckled and looked up at his two loving godparents. "You're right. I'm just worried, that's all."
"We really will stay here if you want, Love. I do have to say, though, we have someone pretty great for the rest of the week," Remus told him.
"Who?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"Someone who will kick arse without a second thought," Sirius said, punching the air.
"Sirius," Remus chuckled, rolling his eyes.
"Who?!" Harry asked again, his eyes brighter now.
Remus and Sirius smiled and Sirius whispered in Harry's ear.
"Auntie Marlene?!" Harry cried, a smile gracing his face. Those have been rather rare this week.
"If you want us to stay, we can still stay," Remus offered.
Harry shook his head. "Nah! I'm good with Auntie Marlene! If anyone comes near me she'll kick their arse, just like Dadfoot said!"
"Harry," Remus teasingly warned him, rolling his eyes.
"You know it's true!" Harry protested.
"I do," Remus chuckled.
"If you change your mind, you let us know, okay?" Remus asked seriously.
"I will, I promise."
"Good. Now, it's time for you to get some rest. You've got a big day tomorrow."
"Yes, Sir," Harry agreed.
It was Moony's turn to sleep with Harry tonight and he curled up next to Harry.
"Night Moony. I love you," Harry said after Sirius had kissed them both and left the room. Moony made a content noise and Harry soon fell asleep.
Only two nightmares and 10 hours later, Harry woke up for the day. Moony was gone, probably getting ready for work. Harry allowed himself to wake up before he called for his godparents. Sirius came in first.
"Good morning, Puppy!" Sirius said cheerfully.
"Dadfoot," Harry groaned. "Not 'puppy',"
"But you'll always be my puppy!" Sirius cried, giving him a kiss on the head.
Harry rolled his eyes but still smiled at him.
"Guess what you get to do today?" Sirius asked with a mischievous smile.
"What?"
"Moony Da said you can go to the bathroom by yourself."
"FINALLY!" Harry said, fist-pumping the air.
Harry lifted the covers off of him, but Sirius quickly grabbed his hand. "You've still got to have help getting there," Sirius reminded him gently.
"Fair enough," Harry grumbled. They slowly walked to the bathroom, but Sirius let Harry go in there alone. "You can't lock the door," Sirius warned.
"Fine," Harry agreed. He was just glad he could now shut the door and have some privacy.
It was harder than he thought to walk by himself, but he could now do it and wash his hands by himself. He gave Sirius a proud smile when he opened the door.
"All by myself!"
"Moony, you hear that? Our Harry is potty trained!" Sirius called out as he hugged Harry.
"Dadfoot!" Harry cried, blushing.
They heard Remus laugh across the room and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Are you giving my kit a hard time?" A voice called from the doorway.
"AUNTIE MARLENE!" Harry cried. He tried to hurry to the door (while heavily relying on Sirius).
"Kitten!" Marlene called out, wrapping Harry in a hug.
Sirius sniffed. "Just because you're a coyote doesn't mean you need to call Harry kitten!"
"Well, Remus calls him cub so, of course, I do! He's my kitten!" Marlene defended herself, wrapping her arms around the teenager.
"Is Sirius giving you a hard time?"
Harry made large, sad eyes and nodded, sticking his lip out.
"I'll protect you from the big, scary, grim. C'mon, Kit," Marlene said, helping Harry back to his bed.
"I'm not scary!" Sirius protested and stomped his foot.
Remus laughed and joined Sirius, wrapping his arm around him. "He'll be okay with her, Siri," Remus said softly.
"I know. Only she could be with him right now."
"They've both been through the wringer," Remus commented.
"Thank Merlin for family," Sirius said.
Remus and Sirius stood there for a moment before finishing getting their stuff together before they said goodbye to Harry.
They both went into Harry's room together and Marlene stepped out to give the boys some space.
"We're going to head out now, alright, Harry?" Remus said gently, giving Harry a love touch (face caress with two fingers).
Harry nodded.
"Are you going to be okay?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah. And I can' get you if I need you?" Harry asked.
"Of course. And we'll check back on our lunch, okay?" Remus reassured him.
This seemed to make Harry feel better. "Okay."
"We love you, Cub," Remus said.
Both men kissed Harry on the head. They whispered some reassurances to him before standing up and heading to the door.
"Harry and I will have a great time. Seriously, don't worry," Marlene said, giving them each a pointed look when they were by the front door.
"He's just so fragile," Remus said with a glance at Harry's door.
"I won't let anyone hurt Harry, okay? I promise."
"We know you won't," Sirius said, giving her a smile. "Thanks, again, Marls."
"Of course. Just floo if you need anything." Marlene gave them each a reassuring smile before heading back to Harry.
"It's been a while, Kit," Marlene commented, sitting down. "What's been going on?"
"You know," Harry shrugged weakly. "Normal teenage stuff. OWLS, friends, trying to be killed by a dark wizard. Casual stuff."
"Oh yeah, casual," Marlene said lightly.
They both played it cool before both collapsing into giggles.
"Thanks for being here, Aunt Mar. I-it's been hard to think of Moony Da and Dadfoot leaving me," Harry admitted. "But I know you won't let anyone through. Not even Mad Eye!"
"If anyone thinks they're going to hurt my kitten they've got another thing coming!" Marlene exclaimed.
Harry smiled and felt himself relax. This was going to be okay.
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)
14. Listen to music
15. Ice cubes (hold them, put them where you want to harm yourself)