Author's Note: TW for references to self-harm and thoughts and discussions about self-harm. Thanks for being here! You are amazing! You are loved!
Guest Reviews:
Hi, friend! Thank you so much for your kind words! You are the best! I appreciate the apple pie:). Yeah, I totally see what you're saying. I wasn't trying to have it be a filler chapter, but it had to be there after everything that happened. This chapter is a bit of a filler, too, but there is some stuff in this chapter that is going to be brought into future chapters. It just felt right to me. BUT I promise that the next chapter will have some answers and stuff in it! Thank you for the reminder! I knew that and I just totally slipped- I appreciate you! You will see Draco talk about it in other chapters, I promise! There's an explanation in this chapter about the Malfoy and snape dynamic that I included so let me know if that helps! Yeah, they haven't talked to Albus in ages! That will be a whole other wild thing. Yes, the potty-trained line was one of my favorites! I am so glad you like the kit endearment, too! I just see her being so tough but loving on Harry. We find out more about her in this chapter and will in later chapters! I am so honored how much you like my story! You deserve the world! I am so thankful for you and your support and friendship! I am sending you hugs, too! All my love! You are loved!
Previous 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 Marlene to help out.
This chapter summary: Marlene finds out a big secret of Harry's and reveals a secret of hers. Harry battles nightmares. Harry is continued to be supported by Marlene, Sirius, and Remus. Severus and Draco stop by to see Harry and Harry explains some things to Marlene.
When Sirius and Remus returned that evening, Marlene had already put Harry down.
"He's asleep?" Sirius asked as the two men quietly tiptoed in.
"Yeah. He fell asleep not long after dinner. It's a good thing you said goodnight to him before you two went to the Great Hall or I think he'd still be fighting sleep."
"How was he today?" Remus asked as the three friends sat down in the sitting room.
"He did well. He mostly just chatted and hung out today. I told him some auror stories and stories from our time at Hogwarts. He didn't say much, but he seemed okay. He's definitely shaken, though."
Remus sighed and nodded. "He is. I've talked to him a bit about it. We'll talk more in a day or two. He needs time."
Marlene nodded, lost in her thoughts.
"What is it?" Remus asked knowingly.
Marlene bit her lip and looked up nervously.
"What is it, Marls?" Sirius asked, more on edge. Marlene was never nervous.
"Harry insisted on feeling himself part of the soup today."
"Typical," Sirius snorted. He knew how determined Harry could be.
Marlene continued, ignoring Sirius. " He spilled on himself so we had to change shirts. When I was helping him I noticed something."
"What?" Sirius asked, worried that something happened to his pup.
Marlene sighed and locked eyes with Remus. "Do you know about it?"
"About what?" Remus asked patiently.
Marlene huffed. "His arms, Remus," she hissed.
Remus' face morphed into an understanding one and Sirius' face just became sad.
"We do."
Marlene sighed in relief. "Thank Merlin I'm not telling you anything new."
"Were there any new marks?" Remus questioned, knowing he had to ask.
"No, nothing new. Just some scars. I am just glad he's getting help. He is, isn't he?"
"With Remus as his dad? Of course, he is," Sirius said.
Remus smiled at Marlene and gave her a nod. "Yes. Most don't know about this, so we'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone."
"Of course!" Marlene promised, horrified. "I would never!"
"Thank you," Remus and Sirius thanked her. It was quiet for a moment before Remus' kind eyes examined Marlene's face and body language.
"And how are you?" Remus asked softly.
Marlene blushed and gripped her teacup. "I'm okay, Rem, really. It's been years since I last harmed myself. I wasn't triggered, just worried."
"If that changes you let me know, okay? Harry matters and you do, too."
"Thank you, Healer Lupin. I promise I'm good. I was just worried about him. We both know how hard it is to feel that way."
Remus hummed and nodded. "We do. Harry's doing better. I can't say much more, but he's got people supporting him and we are aware of the situation."
"That's all I needed to know."
"And Harry was okay after you switched his shirt?" Sirius asked, going back to the previous conversation.
Marlene nodded. "Yes. He was embarrassed, but we talked about not pushing ourselves too hard. I told him of that one mission with the Aurors when I pushed myself too hard and instead of three weeks recovery it went to seven."
"I remember that," Remus said wryly.
"Ugh, you were the worst with your therapist stuff," Marlene said. "I needed to hear it and it helped, but ugh!"
Remus chuckled and shook his head while Sirius nodded dramatically. "He is rather annoying, isn't he?"
"He is right here!" Remus pointed out.
The three laughed and continued to talk for another half an hour before Remus sent Marlene to bed. "You've got the guest room this week. Please, make yourself at home. You've got to rest, okay?"
"Yes, Healer Lupin."
Remus shook his head (Again).
"G'night, Remus. G'night, Sirius," Marlene said with a warm smile, making her way to the guest bedroom.
Marlene was woken up in the middle of the night. Her auror instincts kicked in and she was out of bed with her wand in hand. She lept out and ran to Harry's room, where she heard cries, but found Sirius and Remus already by Harry's side.
"You're safe, Harry. Moony Da and Dadfoot are here. You are at Hogwarts. You are safe," Remus said softly, wrapping himself behind Harry.
"You're safe, Puppy. We're here," Sirius crooned, rubbing Harry's arm.
Harry's shouts began to quiet and he eventually started to cry quietly.
"We've got you, Pup. We've got you," Sirius continued to say, soothing Harry.
Harry's cries stopped now and he sniffed. "S-s-sorry," he hiccuped.
"No need to apologize, we've got you, Love," Remus reassured warmly.
"C-can you stay here? Please?" Harry asked weakly.
"Of course, Pup. Of course." Sirius fiercely reassured him.
"We've got you," Remus reminded the scared teenager.
Marlene now felt like she was intruding on a moment. She quietly walked away and back into bed. Despite being tired, she had far too many thoughts on her mind and her head was still spinning as she fell asleep.
Marlene woke up to a dog barking and Remus' reprimands.
"Padfoot, NO!"
"Merlin, I'm back in the dorms," Marlene moaned as she pulled the pillow over her head. However, it was no such luck.
"Padfoot! STOP!"
Marlene groaned and threw herself out of bed. She stumbled into the sitting room and saw Padfoot running around with a slipper in his mouth and Remus trying to get him.
"You bloody annoying boys," Marlene spat.
However, Padfoot was too interested in annoying Remus, and Remus couldn't hear her over Padfoot's gleeful barks.
"Padfoot! Sit!" Marlene said, yanking the slipper from the dog's mouth and tossing it at Remus "Here."
"Thank you," Remus said, putting the slobbery slipper on his foot.
"Aw, Marlene, it was fun!" Sirius whined as he popped into himself.
"Some people like to sleep, you know?" Marlene grouched as Sirius went to grab her a cup of coffee. "I'm sure you woke up Harry."
"He's still sleeping. We put up a silencing charm. Sorry, we must've forgotten the guest bedroom." Sirius explained as he brought her a cup of joe.
Marlene inhaled the coffee (she had relatives in America who hooked her on it). "About that. I heard last night. Is Harry okay?"
"He is. I'm sorry we didn't put up a silencing charm for that, too. He has nightmares most nights. We're used to it," Sirius said.
"Oh, don't apologize! It's no trouble or bother! You both must be exhausted!" Marlene exclaimed.
The men shrugged. "We're used to it. It's like having a newborn. Your body just adjusts," Sirius explained.
"Is there anything I can do?" Marlene asked.
Remus and Sirius looked at each other and shook their heads.
"You can open up to him about some things. Anyone can feel alone with these things. Remind him he isn't, if you feel comfortable, of course," Remus suggested.
"That's a great idea, thank you," Marlene said, giving him a warm smile. "Now, you both have to get ready for work! I can make breakfast!"
"Merlin, NO!" Sirius cried as he got up. "Marlene, you can't cook!"
"Ha ha. I can make french toast. Dorcas taught me," Marlene said, giving Sirius a dirty look.
"Fine, but McGonagall can't blame us if you set our quarters on fire," Sirius said with his arms raised as he retreated to his bedroom.
"I'll set you on fire, Sirius Black!" Marlene threatened.
Marlene managed not to burn down the kitchen as she made french toast. Remus, Sirius, and Marlene were all eating when they heard Harry's 'I'm awake' shout.
"I've got him," Remus said, getting up and wiping his face.
"Good morning, Cub," Remus said warmly as he walked over to his son. "Aunt Marls made french toast. Do you want some?"
"Is it edible?" Harry asked with a wrinkled nose.
Remus chuckled and nodded as he helped Harry up. "Yes, Aunt Dorcas taught her."
"Oh, okay. Then yes, sure."
Not long later, they all finished eating a (surprisingly) delicious breakfast before Sirius and Remus left for the day and Harry was ushered back to bed.
Later that day, Harry was reading a book before he threw it down and said, "Aunt Marlene, how did you get really close with the Marauders? I know you were their year and stuff, but how did you become good friends with them? I mean, you're family."
Marlene set down the papers she was reading and gave Harry a sad smile. "You really want to know?"
"Yeah."
"Well, we were friends since first year. I was close with your mum since we shared a room. Sirius and I immediately clicked through our love of leather jackets."
Harry chuckled and Marlene winked at him.
"I was able to hang out with the girls and then switch to the boys no problem. Actually, it was Remus, Sirius, and James, who helped me figure out I was gay."
"Really?"
"Mmhmm." Marlene nodded. "They helped Dorcas and I get together fifh year."
"So that's why you're so close?"
Marlene sighed. "We were always friends, but it was later in my fourth year that solidified our friendship. I was stressed about my sexuality since no one in my family had come out yet. I was overwhelmed and I didn't know what to do. I developed a rather unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with it all. Remus found out. He confronted me about it and helped me quit."
"What was it, if you don't mind me asking, of course?" Harry asked.
"Not at all." Marlene gave Harry a sad smile. "I hurt myself, Harry. It gave me relief and numbed me from all of the confusing things I was feeling."
Harry's face paled a bit.
"Remus helped me quit and always kept an eye on me. We still check on each other to this day."
"You saw my scars yesterday, didn't you?" Harry asked with his head downcast.
Marlene paused and then slowly nodded. "I did, yeah."
Harry sighed.
"But there's nothing to be ashamed about! I understand it. You are not alone."
"Did you talk to Moony Da and Dadfoot?"
"They didn't tell me much," Marlene promised. "They confirmed that they knew about it and told me that you were doing better. They asked if you had any new marks and I told them you didn't. Remus then told me that he couldn't say much else. He made sure I was okay, then."
Harry gave her a small smile. "Sounds like Remus."
"I'm here for you if you need anything. I'm not going to tell anyone. I just wanted you to know that you're not alone."
"Thanks, Auntie Marls. I don't want to talk about it right now, but I appreciate it."
"Of course." Marlene noticed Harry's hands fidgeting, and it wasn't because of the cruciatus curse. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah. I, uh- um, can you go into that drawer and pull out a fidget?" Harry asked, gesturing to his nightstand.
"Of course," Marlene said. She opened the drawer and handed Harry a few items from it.
"Do these work?"
"Yeah," Harry said, pulling on a rubber quill. "Thanks."
"Of course. Can I get you anything else?"
Harry shook his head. "Nah, it'll go away soon, and then I'll get back to my book."
"Okay, Kit," Marlene said. "I love you."
"I love you too, Auntie Marlene."
About an hour later, there was a knock at the door and Remus poked his head in.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
Harry glared at Marlene who suddenly found the corner of his bedroom rather interesting.
"Aunt Marlene," Harry said through gritted teeth.
Even Marlene knew he was ticked off because he didn't call her auntie.
"Harry, just let us talk first, okay," Remus said, taking some steps into the room.
"Fine," Harry rolled his eyes as Marlene got up and Remus sat down.
"I can't believe that she ratted me out," Harry grumbled.
"If you mean she contacted your father and therapist because she saw signs of potentially harmful behavior, then yeah, she ratted you out."
Harry wasn't used to the tough love technique from Remus. He debated fighting with him but didn't have the energy for it. Besides, he had a point. Instead, he rolled his eyes and nervously pulled at his hands and fingers.
Remus watched Harry and after a moment he reached over and gently grabbed Harry's hands. "Hey," he said softly.
Harry looked up and saw Remus' kind brown eyes looking at him. "You're safe," Remus reminded him softly.
Harry took a deep breath and allowed Remus to take his shaky fingers and envelop them in his hands.
"I was coping, Moony Da. I promise," Harry whispered after the lump in his throat disappeared.
"I believe you, Cub. What were you doing?"
"I had the fidgets," Harry replied.
"Ah, good choice." Remus' praise filled Harry up with warmth. "How're you doing now?"
"A lot better. I was just doing some homework when you came in."
Remus looked to Harry's nightstand where there was some parchment, a quill, and a book.
"I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, but it's not a big deal," Harry shrugged.
"Anything you do is a big deal to me," Remus said, brushing a piece of hair behind Harry's ear. "And it's a big deal to Auntie Marlene, too. She was just worried."
Harry sighed. "I get it, but I'm being watched all the time. It's not like I can do anything anyways. Not that I want to," Harry quickly added.
"Do you want to be alone?" Remus patiently.
Harry shook his head. "No. Not yet."
"She does love you, Harry. Her exterior is tough, but you found a soft spot in her that none of us knew existed, not even Dorcas. She wants the best for you, Love."
Harry nodded. "Thanks, Moony Da. I know, I just wish I had some privacy, y'know?"
"Hey, you're going to the bathroom by yourself again," Remus teased him.
"Ugh! Moony Da!" Harry cried rolling his eyes.
Remus just chuckled and scootched further on the bed so he was lying next to Harry.
"I have a bit of time. Can I lay here with you?"
"Yeah."
Harry snuggled into Remus and enjoyed listening to the steady thumping of his heart.
"Moony Da?" Harry said after several minutes of silence.
"Hmm?" Remus replied, running his fingers through Harry's hair.
"Auntie Marls saw my scars. She told me she talked to you guys."
"She did. I didn't tell her anything except that you were doing better and we were aware of it."
"That's what she said. I trust you. She was really nice about it. I guess I was just shaken up."
"That's totally understandable. It's a lot to talk to someone about it. I'm proud of you. Are you okay with her knowing?"
Harry was quiet for a minute and then said, "Yeah. I kinda wish I was able to tell her and I wish she didn't know right now, but it doesn't bother me that much. She said she struggled with it, too. She said that's how you got close."
Remus smiled. "Ah, she revealed that to you, huh? She doesn't tell most people that. I don't know if Peter ever found out. James knew because he was with Lily in later years and Sirius knew because he was with me. I guess we were able to keep it from him. Huh," Remus thought.
"Wow. I didn't know it was so secretive for her."
"It was. It is. She loves you, Cub. So much."
"I love her, too."
It was quiet again for a long time. Harry actually ended up dozing off. Remus stayed with Harry sleeping on him for quite a while, enjoying being near his son. However, he knew he couldn't stay there forever. He eventually reluctantly got up and settled Harry before going out into the sitting room to where Marlene was sitting.
"Is he okay?" Marlene asked, immediately jumping up.
"He's good, Marls. Don't worry. He's good," Remus said, trying to soothe the clearly worried woman.
"Is he upset?"
Remus shook his head. "He was a bit peeved, but he is at most things Sirius and I do, so don't take it personally. He loves you and told me that. He fell asleep on me and he's resting now."
"Poor Kitten. He probably needed it."
Remus nodded. He was reluctant about this next bit but knew it needed to be said. "He often has nightmares, as you found out last night. He needs sleep, yes, but the nightmares are brutal. We're working on them and they don't happen as often when he's taking a nap. If he's struggling, please get us. We're happy to help. It's not about you, they're just terrible."
Marlene nodded. "Of course, I understand."
Remus' face morphed into understanding. She's had some tough times in her life and that was before the trauma she's faced as an auror.
"You would know."
"Dorcas can calm me down from a nightmare like no other," she affirmed.
"Please get either of us if you need to. Thank you again for being here."
"Of course," Marlene gave Remus a rare warm smile. "Now, you get back to work and I'll get back to Harry."
Remus smiled and kissed her cheek before heading out.
When Harry woke up, he only had a small nightmare that jolted him awake. Marlene was in his room reading but immediately had her eyes on him.
"You alright, Kit?"
"Yeah, I'm okay," Harry said, looking around.
"You sure?"
"'M sure," Harry nodded, reaching for a glass of water.
Marlene nodded and went back to her book.
"Auntie Marlene?" Harry asked.
Marlene couldn't help the smile that crept on her face as Harry said her name. "Yes, Kit?"
"Sorry I was snippy with you earlier. I get why things need to be told and stuff but it doesn't give me a lot of privacy. I really love you, ya know."
"Oh, Kit!" Marlene said, getting on the bed to hug him. "I love you, too. And I'll kick the living daylights out of anyone who says differently."
Harry laughed a real laugh and said, "I know you would, Auntie Marls."
Marlene kissed his head and then went back to her seat. Gosh, she loved her kitten.
The next day Harry and Marlene were having an average day when there was a knock at the door.
"I'll go check on it, be right back," Marlene said, getting up from her spot.
Harry nodded and didn't think much of it until she came back with a sour expression on her face. "Harry, there's a greasy bat and a Malfoy here to see you. I can tell them to go suck on Dumbledore's-"
Harry quickly cut Marlene off. "Auntie Mar! It's okay! They can come in."
"Are you sure?" Marlene raised an eyebrow. "You want them in here, willingly?"
"Snape has brewed me potions I need and Draco's my friend. It's okay."
Marlene still wasn't convinced. Harry sighed and said, "If Snape is a git you can kick his arse, okay?"
Marlene smiled devilishly and nodded. "I'll agree to that."
Harry just shook her head as she went to get the door.
"Harry's in his room," Harry heard Marlene say cooly.
Marlene led Draco and Severus into Harry's room and smirked, "Harry, your guests are here."
Snape looked like he'd rather be at a Death Eater slumber party complete with facials and pedicures than be in the company of Marlene right now, but Draco was just excited to see Harry."Harry! How're you, mate?"
"Hey, Dray! How are you?"
"Better now that I see you! Uncle Sev wouldn't tell me anything!"
"I'm getting better. It just is taking a while. Moony Da and Dadfoot and now Auntie Marlene aren't letting me do much."
"Because you need to rest," Snape cut in, walking toward Harry.
Marlene took a step forward as Snape approached her kitten, but Harry gave her a reassuring smile.
"I won't hurt your precious Harry," Snape said snidely.
"You better not," Marlene growled.
Draco and Harry just looked at each other and shook their heads. Sometimes the adults were the ones to act childish.
"Uncle Sev, didn't you want to see how Harry's doing with the potion?" Draco suggested, trying to get Marlene and Severus away from each other.
Snape just pursed his lips and walked over to Harry. "How are the tremors?"
"Okay," Harry shrugged, looking away as Severus felt his pulse and watched his arm and hand. "They're still there, but they're better."
"And the pain?" Severus asked, waving his wand.
"Nearly gone, unless I do something."
Severus had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the answer. "It will improve soon. The pain should be fully gone in a week. The shaking may take longer, but it will diminish."
"How long?" Harry asked.
"It depends. A few weeks to a month."
"Can I still play Quidditch this season?" Harry asked. Clearly, this question has been on his mind for a while.
Severus pursed his lips. "I cannot tell you that. Madame Pomfrey would be able to answer that question better."
"Professor, I know you know!" Harry pushed.
"It all depends on your recovery," Severus said through gritted teeth, trying not to blow up.
Harry huffed and crossed his arms and Draco stepped in and tried to change the topic.
"You've talked about your Aunt Marlene before. Has she beaten you in chess yet?"
Harry let out a breath and smirked at Draco. "Not yet."
Draco looked to Marlene in shock and she just shrugged.
Draco looked back at Harry and studied his face before smirking. "You haven't even played yet, have you?"
Harry averted his eyes to the ceiling and whistled.
"Prat!" Draco chuckled.
Harry let out a chuckle, too. "You can come to play me some time. I don't have much to do right now."
"I have several essays for you to write," Severus butted in.
Marlene rolled her eyes and said, "Ignore the homework, Harry. You're recovering."
Snape growled, but that didn't bother Marlene at all.
Draco and Harry just ignored their bickering. "I'll do that, Harry. It's fun beating you."
It was quiet for a moment before Harry nervously looked up at the adults. "Uhm, can Draco and I have like one moment along? It'll be really quick, I promise."
Marlene was quiet, thinking, before she said, "You have 1 minute, tops."
Harry nodded and watched as the adults stiffly walked out the door.
Draco waved his wand to put up a silencing charm and said, "How much do you want to bet they're trying not to kill each other right now."
"Oh for sure," Harry laughed.
It was quiet again and Harry asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. Nothing happened to me, physically of course. I've talked to Uncle Sev about it some."
"Good. I, uh, know we need to talk more about what happened and I want to know more, but I don't think I should figure it out right now."
"Yeah, no. I'll wait until you're a bit more healed. I'm not trying to hurt you any more than you already are."
"Git," Harry teased, sticking his tongue out.
Draco rolled his eyes and then asked, "Are you doing okay? Like really?"
Harry shrugged. "I'm doing better as I said. I haven't talked to Moony Da a ton yet. Just the basics and some stuff that's come up. I think I can only handle one thing at a time."
"No, that makes sense. I get it. Thanks for everything. Uh, especially Dobby. I'm glad you're here, Potter."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad you're here, Malfoy."
"THAT'S IT! It has to have been a minute," Marlene said loudly, coming into the room.
Draco quickly took down the silencing charm as the adults came back in.
"Harry, you've got to rest. Snape and Mal-er, Draco can come back later."
Harry had to smile at Marlene's attempt to say Draco's first name. She deserved credit for that and he wouldn't give her a hard time for kicking his friend out for it.
"Bye, Draco. Bye, Professor. Thanks for coming," Harry said, giving them a wave.
Snape gave Harry a formal nod and walked passed Marlene with his black cape flowing behind him.
"Drama queen," Marlene muttered, rolling her eyes.
Draco said goodbye to Harry and Marlene before following his godfather.
"Harry," Marlene said once the guests had left the quarters, "The only reason I'm not hexing you is that you're hurt right now. But if you make me stand in a room alone with Severus Snape again, there are no promises."
Harry shook his head. "Auntie Marlene, you're both adults. If Dadfoot can move on, so can you!"
Marlene just shuddered and Harry had to give up. It wasn't his responsibility to change people. He can support, but it is not up to him to control the emotions and actions of others. (Thank you, therapist Remus, for that one).
"Are you all good with Draco?" Marlene asked as she sat back down.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I hope he's alright. He went through a lot, too."
Marlene nodded. "He seems to be doing alright. I don't think Snape would've brought him here if he wasn't able to handle it."
Harry nodded at that logic. "That's true. Snape can be a git at times but he cares about Draco."
"Yeah, can you please explain that whole thing to me? I'm confused."
Harry chuckled and gave her a small smile. "Sure. I can't tell you what Draco's told me in confidence, but I can tell you what's public knowledge."
"Of course. Anything will help."
"Sure. So, Snape was named Draco's godfather when he was born and has always been in his life."
"I'm with you so far," Marlene said, nodding her head.
"Snape is a spy, you know that from the Order."
Marlene nodded.
"So earlier this year Draco had enough with his family. He was basically thrown out and he lives with Snape now. Snape is trusted and allowed to be with Draco because he's "luring Draco back in"."
Marlene's mouth made an 'o' shape. "He's not really luring him in, is he?" She said knowingly.
"Of course not! Draco really does love Snape and I've seen a whole other side of Snape with Draco."
"So Draco didn't betray you or anything like that when you were taken?"
"No, not at all. His dad wanted him to, but Draco refused. However, someone got close enough to still take us. I don't really understand fully. I'm sure Draco knows more than I do, but I'm not ready to hear it all yet."
While Marlene wanted to know what happened as Harry's pseudo aunt and as an auror, she wasn't going to push for more information or leave Harry. She nodded and said, "That's understandable and totally fine. You should take your time and do what you need to do."
"Thanks, Auntie," Harry said, giving her a bit of a weak smile.
"You alright, Love?" Marlene asked, her eyebrows knitting together.
"I'm fi-" Harry started to say, but he stopped himself. He thought about what Remus had said about thinking about how he was feeling. (Besides, Marlene had most definitely used that excuse and would never let it fly)
"A-actually, I'm just overwhelmed with it all. I just need a minute."
"Do you want me to get Sirius or Remus?" Marlene asked, concerned, as she stood up.
"Not yet."
"How can I help?" She asked warmly.
"Can you just be here with me?" Harry asked. He had a feeling that if he was grounded it would help his panic go away.
"Of course," Marlene said. "Scootch over."
Harry moved over and Marlene laid down next to him. She wrapped her arm around him and Harry nestled in the crook of her arm.
"I've got you, Kit. You're safe," Marlene softly reminded him.
Harry hummed, listening to her reassuring words.
"I love you, Auntie Marlene."
"I love you, too, Kit."
Both Harry and Marlene knew that there was a rocky road to recovery both physically and mentally, but for now, Harry was safe and that's all that mattered.
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)