Author's Note: TW: References to past trauma, panic attack, references to passive suicidal ideation

Hi, loves! Thanks for reading! And thank you to all who comment. They make my day! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Happy St. Patrick's Day to those who celebrate! I have Irish blood in me so I'm happily wearing green today. Always remember, you are loved!

The schedule that is in this chapter is referencing a tik tok/ spreadsheet. All rights belong to goblinqueen (that's their tiktok username). They created a spreadsheet with accurate schedules for every year at Hogwarts. It's amazing.

Previous Chapter Summary: Harry finds out what happened the first time he met Professor Slughorn when he was six. Harry learns more about Professor Snape and the upcoming school year. Harry sneaks out to talk to Albus.

Chapter Summary: It's September 1st! Harry gets his schedule. There's a flashback to when Harry received his OWL results. He sees his friends again. There's the welcoming feast and new professors arrive.

When Harry awoke the next morning, he groaned and rolled over. His body was so stiff. He realized his fists were clenched and his jaw was set. He took a deep breath and tried to release some of the tension he was holding. Eventually, Harry made his way out of bed. On the kitchen table, there was a note for Harry.

Harry- we are at some meetings. We'll be back around lunchtime. Have some breakfast and enjoy your last morning before school starts up again. We love you!

Moony Da and Dadfoot

Harry smiled at the note. He made his way to breakfast and made himself some Moony Toast before packing up his trunk that was going to go to his dorm room.

He and his parents decided that he would spend most nights in his dorm room, with the exception of Sunday nights, since that is when he will practice some Occlumency with Sirius, who has taken it over from Severus.

Harry was taking a break from packing and was reading a new Quidditch magazine when he heard the door open.

"We're home, Pup!" Sirius called as he walked in with Remus right behind him.

Harry shut the magazine and rolled off of his bed.

"Hi, Dadfoot. Hi Moony Da," Harry said as he gave them hugs.

"Hey, Cub. How was your morning?" Remus asked.

"Okay," Harry shrugged. "I did some packing and I was looking at the new Quidditch magazine Hedwig brought me the other day."

"Did you see the new Cleensweap? I heard it was wonderful for Chasers," Sirius commented, clearly excited.

"Oh, yeah! I heard the Harpies already bought some for their chasers!" Harry said.

Remus smiled at the banter between Sirius and Harry which sounded typical. He was relieved and happy to see a sliver of normalcy.

"We are just putting the finishing touches on. McGonagall is trying to make sure everyone is all set. She is rotating between running around like a chicken with its head cut off and being thoroughly annoyed. She'll settle into being thoroughly annoyed within a few hours," Sirius said.

Harry looked to Remus who nodded. "It's true. She gets nerves and butterflies just like the rest of us," Remus confirmed.

"She won't admit that, though," Sirius said, winking.

Remus just shook his head and it was quiet for a moment before he clapped his hands together. "So, let's have some lunch, yeah?"

Remus, Sirius, and Harry all had lunch together before they sat down in the sitting room.

"Harry, are you ready for your sixth year to start?" Remus asked.

Harry shrugged. He was in the armchair this time and his parents were on the couch. "I guess. There is just more important things to worry about."

Sirius looked at Remus and the werewolf nodded. "I hear you. There are other things you're thinking about. Those are valid, too. As a reminder, so is your sixth year."

"Yeah," Harry agreed half-heartedly.

"What can we do for you, Cub?" Remus asked, seeing Harry clearly not excited about the school year.

"Let me go and hunt the Horcruxes," Harry said, both dryly and hopefully.

Remus took a deep breath and Sirius swallowed before taking a breath of his own.

"These are really on your mind, aren't they, Cub?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded, biting his lip and looking away.

"While leaving school to hunt Horcruxes is not a safe choice, we want to support you in any way we can. We know Horcruxes are a central focus for you right now and we want to help," Remus said.

Harry knew they would shoot down the idea of hunting the Horcruxes because Remus has talked about how no one under the age of thirty should be hunting Horcruxes anyway. However, he wasn't expecting the kind words and offer Remus had to go with it. It wasn't surprising per se, but it wasn't expected.

Harry thought about how to reply before speaking. "I want to make a plan of when we can destroy the next Horcrux, or at least go hunting for it. And when I have my training and private lessons I want to focus on things that can be used when I fight Voldemort."

It was quiet for a beat and Harry's anxiety didn't let it be quiet for another moment because he quickly spoke up.

"We know the battle will come. I want to be ready."

Remus took another deep breath and Sirius nodded. "Okay, Pup. We can work on that for sure. As for the Horcruxes, we can start to talk about it. Albus needs to be in the conversation, too, as he has so much information."

Harry thought back to the conversation he had with his grandfather not even twelve hours ago. "I've talked to him about it some. He thinks there is one at Hogwarts. We can look for that anytime," Harry pointed out.

"When did you have this conversation?" Remus asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Not too long ago," Harry said, not exactly lying.

"He was raised by the Marauders, Rem," Sirius pointed out, smiling at Harry's evasive answer.

Remus just smiled and shook his head. "I have to say, Harry, that I don't think we should be Horcrux hunting the first few weeks of school. I'm willing to help you and work with you on it, but we all have to focus these first couple of weeks."

Harry sighed and put his cheek in his hand. "Yeah, I know," he replied glumly.

"You have Quidditch to think about too, Mr. Captain," Sirius smiled.

A small smile appeared on Harry's face. "Oh, yeah, I almost forgot."

"After the celebration you had when Minerva Mum gave you the badge, I didn't think it was possible," Sirius teased his godson.

Harry blushed but wasn't ashamed. He was excited when he got the badge and owled Oliver right away when he found out.

"I promise, Harry, we want to help you. Let's make it through the first two or three weeks, yeah? And then we can revisit this. Is that fair?" Remus asked, catching Harry's eye.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, thanks Moony Da. That's fair."

"Good. Now, finish packing up! You have a dorm room to move into, don't you?" Remus asked, smiling.

"Yes, Sir," Harry replied, rolling his eyes and smiling. His parents were still annoying, even if they were the best.

Remus and Sirius had to leave when their lunch hour was up but returned a few hours later. Harry was all packed up and just waiting on them.

"Are you all set, Pup?" Sirius asked, walking in with Remus.

"Yeah. Everything's ready to be sent to my room. I still have stuff here, but all of my main stuff is gone."

"We're going to miss you!" Sirius cried, going over to his son and enveloping him in a hug.

"Dadfoot!" Harry said, rolling his eyes. "You're going to see me every day. You'll see me in the Great Hall and in class. Besides, I'm spening Sunday nights here. And if I get in trouble, probably more than that," Harry pointed out knowingly.

"Our son? In trouble? Never!" Sirius gasped dramatically.

Remus chuckled and rolled his eyes at Sirius' flair for the dramatic and shook his head. "We all know that it's different when school starts. It's okay. We are going to miss having you here," Remus said.

"You're going to miss having a moody teenager around?" Harry asked incredulously.

"But you're my favorite moody teenager!" Sirius cried, once again going for another hug.

"Dadfoot!" Harry cried now.

"Sirius, you've got to let him breathe. We know where he is. We can get him at any time," Remus tried to reassure his husband.

"But I love him so much!"

"The necklace works both ways, yeah? Just hold it if you want to see me. And I have the other half of the mirror in my trunk."

"I know you'll be close and we'll see you. I just love you and want you to know how much I love you."

"I love you too, Dadfoot," Harry said sincerely.

"Now, are you ready to send your stuff up?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded.

"I'll do it!" Sirius offered, loving that spell.

"Go for it, Padfoot," Remus said smiling.

Sirius gleefully went into Harry's room and Remus took a few steps over to Harry. "You know you're always welcome here, right?"

Harry nodded. "This is my sixth year, not my first," Harry reminded him.

"I know. I also know how much you've gone through in the past year. You can be here anytime. We are always here for you. I don't care if it's past curfew, you're always welcome here. It's your home."

"You and Dadfoot are my home," Harry pointed out.

Remus hugged Harry now. "We love you, Cub. So, so much."

"I love you, too," Harry replied, squeezing Remus tightly.

"And we will still have weekly therapy," Remus reminded him as he pulled away.

"Every week?" Harry groaned.

"Every week. When you get your schedule tomorrow we can plan it out."

"Moony Da! Can't you just give me my schedule now?" Harry whined, stomping his foot.

"Special treatment? For a professor's child? Harry, you're not asking me to bend the rules, are you?" Remus asked, faux-gasping.

"Moony Da, I know you have done much more. C'mon! I want to see my schedule! You've shown it to me early every other year!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Remus said airly, turning his nose up.

"Moony Da!" Harry stomped again.

Remus finally broke and handed Harry the schedule, smiling.

Harry hastily opened it as his eyes ran across the page.

Monday:

DADA: 9:00-12:00

Alchemy: 1:00-4:00

Tuesday

Potions: 1:00-4:00

Wednesday

Charms: 9:00-10:20

History of Magic: 10:40-12:00

Thursday

Ancient Studies: 1:00-2:20

Charms: 2:30-4:00

Friday

Transfiguration: 9:00-12:00

Ancient Runes: 1:00-2:20

History of Magic: 2:40-4:00

"Now remember, everyone else has to meet with Minerva, Sirius, or myself to set their schedule up in your year. They have to go over their OWL scores and talk about what they want to do. You just happen to have some connections," Remus winked.

"Thanks, Moony Da," Harry said, pocketing his schedule. He remembered what happened with Remus and Sirius a few weeks prior.

"Harry, I have your OWl results," Remus announced, getting straight to the point.

Harry was in the sitting room with Sirius, playing cards. He leapt up and said, "How long have you had them?!"

Harry's cards were tossed to the ground

"I just got them less than an hour ago. Would you like to open them together?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded.

Harry opened his letter with shaky hands

Potions: EE

Charms: EE

Transfiguration: O

Herbology: EE

Care of Magical Creatures: O

History of Magic: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts: OO

Ancient Runes: EE

"M-Moony Da. Dadfoot," Harry stuttered, not knowing what to say. He held out the paper.

"What is it?" Remus asked, taking the paper from Harry's hand.

"Merlin! Harry! You did amazing! Oh my goodness! Harry!" Remus cried, bursting with pride.

"I can't believe it," Harry said, shocked.

"This is wonderful! You worked so hard! I am so proud of you!" Remus cried.

"MY SON IS A GENIUS!" Sirius shouted, picking up Harry and spinning him around.

Harry fell to the couch, a silly smile on his face.

"How does it feel?" Remus asked, sitting next to Harry as Sirius skipped around their quarters, chanting happily.

"Good. I mean I thought I did well, but this is better than I could've thought. A double O? That's like unheard of."

"You must've really impressed them," Remus pointed out.

"Wow," Harry said, still shocked.

A few minutes later, Sirius was back from skipping gleefully. "So, Harry! What're you going to do now?"

"Huh?" Harry asked, snapping out of his shock.

"You can basically take any class you want. You can get into any NEWT class with those grades. You get to make the choice now. It's the fun part of sixth year," Sirius reminded him.

Harry's smile slowly fell off his face.

"Harry?" Sirius asked, sensing the shift in his godson.

"I gotta go," Harry mumbled, heading to his room.

"Harry, wait!" Sirius said, but Harry didn't stop.

"Moony, what did I say wrong?" Sirius asked. He wasn't mad at Harry at all, just disappointed that he upset his son.

"Harry's still figuring out his goals for his future. While you and James both knew you wanted to be Aurors and it was exciting, for Harry, it's a rather daunting decision. He doesn't know how to make decisions about a future he doesn't picture," Remus explained.

"Poor Puppy," Sirius said sadly.

"I'll give him some time and then I'll talk to him," Remus said. "You did nothing wrong, Siri. It's just a lot for Harry to think about," Remus reassured him.

Sirius nodded sadly. He was still upset that Harry wasn't happy. He wished his godson didn't have to deal with it.

"Why don't you go for a fly, hmm? I'll talk to Harry while you're gone."

"Okay," Sirius agreed. He kissed Remus before slowly heading out the door.

Remus gave Harry about fifteen minutes before he knocked on the door of Harry's bedroom.

"Come in," a muffled voice replied.

Remus quietly slipped in. "Hey, Cub. How're you doing?"
Harry shrugged.

"I know. Your future isn't a fun thing to think about," Remus validated.

Harry wasn't surprised that Remus knew what he was thinking about. "I just don't see it, Moony Da. And even if I did, I don't know what I'd want to do. I just don't know."

"That's okay, Harry. That's okay. We don't have to go there right now if it's too much. I know it's an overwhelming topic for you."

"But I have to figure out my classes for next year! And that determines my future!" Harry cried.

Remus was quiet before saying, "Harry, I really don't like to bring this up, but I'm going to for this. You're Harry Potter. You are going to be able to get a job doing whatever you want to do, qualifications be darned. I know that's not always what you want to hear, but you don't need to worry about a future you're having trouble picturing right now. Keep working hard and we will make sure everything works out, yeah?"

Remus was right. Harry didn't like using his name to his advantage. However, Remus was also right that it was nice to have that in the back of his mind so he wouldn't have to think about it as much.

"You're right. I don't love that fact, but you're right. So you think that whatever I take, as long as I do well, people will accept it?" Harry asked hopefully.

"I know it," Remus assured lovingly.

"Good," Harry said. A smile almost appeared on his face before another thought popped up. "Moony Da, what about my classes? I-I can't decide. I-I can't. I can't!" Harry started to breathe quickly, not being able to process this decision.

"Okay, okay," Remus soothed. He wrapped his arms around Harry. "Take some breaths with me, Harry,"

Harry took slow breaths with Remus and once he was sufficiently calmed down, Remus began to speak. "We have a few choices, okay?"

Harry nodded into Remus' chest, savoring the warmth in his voice.

"We can decide now. We can decide later. I can make the choices for you and go over my ideas with you." Remus was quiet and allowed those to sink in. "How do you feel about those options, Cub?"

"The last one," Harry said.

"Okay," Remus nodded. "I'll plan out some ideas and go over them with you in a session, okay? Right now, let's work on breathing still, yeah?"
Harry nodded and gratefully listened to Remus' soothing voice.

Sirius returned to the Marauder Quarters about an hour later and saw Remus and Harry quietly reading in the sitting room.

Remus and Harry later did talk about classes in a session and Harry was thankful for Remus' thoughtfulness with the class he picked out. They interested him and he had a lot of different careers to choose from (should he get to that point, Harry added in his own mind).

Harry thought back on the memory, but Remus' voice brought him back to the present.

"Now, people are going to be talking about what they want to do in the future because of this," Remus reminded him.

Harry nodded, looking down.

'If it becomes too much, please come and get me. I'm here for you. No matter what's going on. Whether I'm napping or reading or with a student or professor. You can come and get me, okay?"

Harry nodded, looking up once again. "Thanks, Moony Da. I'll try."

"That's all I can ask," Remus said, hugging Harry once again.

"All done! You're all moved in!" Sirius announced, wiping his hands together to signify that he was all done with the task.

"Thanks, Dadfoot," Harry said, smiling.

"Easy peasy. Your bed here will always be waiting for you," Sirius pointed out.

"I know. Thank you. I love you both so much."

"And we love you," Sirius confirmed.

All three hugged before Remus said, "We have to get back soon, but can we walk you to your quarters? You'll have time to settle in."

"That'd be great, thanks."

Remus, Sirius, and Harry all walked to the Gryffindor tower.

"Oh, the Marauders," The fat lady said as they arrived.

"Harry Potter is the best," Sirius said confidently.

With a huff, the portrait opened.

"Dadfoot. That is not going to be the password," Harry laughed.

"Ah, Mum will change it in a few hours but I thought it was a good first password for the year."

Sirius and Remus smiled as they saw the warm and inviting common room. They smiled even bigger seeing Harry's bedroom (and their old bedroom).

"I still can't believe you ended up in the same room we had," Remus said, sitting on his old bed (Neville's).

"Bed still feels the same," Sirius commented, flopping on his old bed (Ron's).

"Home again, home again," Harry commented. He had unknowingly picked his dad, James' bed, in his first year. When he found out, it made him feel closer to his dad, as if he was still with him.

"We're only a call away. And we will see you at the feast?" Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Dadfoot. I promise," Harry said.

They all hugged again before Remus and Sirius left, with strict instructions to relax before the term starts.

Merlin, Harry loved his dads.

Harry was waiting in his dorm room when his roommates arrived. Dean came in first. "Harry!" Dean cried setting his stuff down and giving him a hug. "How was your summer?" Dean asked.

Harry shrugged "It was alright. How was yours?" Harry asked, trying to take the spotlight off of him.

"His summer was great because he got to spend time with me," Seamus said, coming in now. Harry smiled at Dean and Seamus as they embraced each other. He was glad that his friends were happy.

"Well they actually got to see each other," Another voice pointed out.

"Ron! It's good to see you, Mate." Harry said, going towards his friend.

"I know stuff happen this summer, but it's good to see you now, even if I couldn't see you earlier," Ron said.

"What happened?" Seamus asked with his arm still wrapped around Dean.

"He can tell us later, Seamus. I wanna unpack in peace. I have to listen to you all the time for the next nine or ten months. Please, for the love of Merlin, give me some peace."

"Sod off, Longbottom," Seamus said, rolling his eyes. However, Seamus didn't say anything else and instead went to snog his boyfriend.

Harry made eye contact with Neville. 'Thank you', Harry mouthed to his friend.

Neville waved it off. He was happy to help his friend.

The boys happily unpacked and joked around until it was time to go down to the Great Hall. They put on their robes and went down. When the first years came in, Ron leaned in to whisper to Harry.

"It's like they're getting smaller every year."

Harry chuckled. He vividly remembered being that small. "You're just getting bigger," Harry whispered back.

There were a small number of first years and with a sinking feeling in his stomach, Harry quickly figured out it was because of the war.

Hermione had the same thought. "It's the war. People don't want to send their children away when they don't know if they're going to come back alive. Now that they know Voldemort really is back," Hermione glanced at Harry's face, "Sorry, Harry," "They want to keep them safe."

"I don't blame them," Harry whispered back.

It didn't take long for Albus to stand up and say, "Welcome to Hogwarts. To those returning, welcome back. It is such a joy to see your faces once again. While there are some unknowns outside of these castle walls, please know that inside the walls of Hogwarts, you are safe and cared for. Speaking of being safe, may I introduce to you your new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor McKinnon."

Harry immediately stood up and clapped (as well as cheered).

"Alright, alright," Albus eventually said, making eye contact with Harry who was enthusiastic about his aunt's role this year.

"Professor McKinnon is a trained auror and has spent many years in the field. We are glad to have her. She is here with her wife who will be doing some art and art therapy. Please say hello to Professor Meadowes."

Harry once again stood up, clapping and cheering loudly.

Albus once again quieted down the polite clapping and Harry's loud cheering.

"Her office will be next to Professor Lupin's. You can make an appointment with her there. More information will be coming later about an art club."

Dumbledore looked around and smiled. "Now, just a reminder that…"

Harry tuned out the usual reminders of not going into the Forbidden Forest and other reminders.

Eventually, Dumbledore must've started the feast because food appeared and Harry came back to the present.

"Isn't that your Aunt Marlene and Aunt Dorcas?" Ron asked, already putting food in his mouth.

Harry nodded, grinning. "Yeah. It was hard to keep a secret. I'm really excited for them."

"It sounds like Professor McKinnon has a lot of experience with defense," Hermione said as she grabbed a roll. "We should learn a lot from her."

"Yeah, Auntie Mar- er, Professor McKinnon is fantastic. So is Professor Meadowes. They're both great."

"While I'm glad we have a competent professor, you're still going to run the DA, right?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I guess," Harry agreed, remembering his promise to her at the end of the year. "Maybe we can get Professor McKinnon involved? I'm sure she'd love it," Harry said.

"That sounds fantastic!" Hermione said, her eyes sparkling with possibilities.

Ron waved his hand. "Give me one last meal, Hermione. I want to enjoy this feast without homework."

"We had summer homework, Ronald," Hermione pointed out.

Ron waved his hand again and Hermione huffed, going back to her food.

Harry smiled. This was normal and it was so nice to see.

Harry looked toward the head table and saw Remus and Sirius smiling and laughing. He saw Sirius look at him and wink and Harry grinned.

Sirius nudged Remus and whispered to him, who in turn nudged Marlene who nudged Dorcas. Eventually, Harry felt like he had half the Head Table looking at him.

Harry blushed and waved. Marlene and Dorcas smile gratefully at Harry as they appreciated his warm welcome when Dumbledore introduced him.

Remus nodded toward his plate and Harry nodded and rolled his eyes.

'Yes, Moony Da, I'm eating', Harry thought. He turned back to his plate and ate some food before looking back at his family (both at the head table and at the people surrounding him at the Gryffindor table). Sixth year had a lot of baggage, but Harry felt good knowing he was surrounded by such fantastic people. Maybe, just maybe, he could actually do this.

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)

16. Puzzles (jigsaw, Sudoku)

Suicide Hotlines:

USA: 988 (press 1 for veterans)

Canada: 1 (833) 456 4566

France: 0145394000

Italy: 800860022

UK: 0800 689 5652 OR 116 123

Brazil: 188

India: 9999 666 555

Mexico: 5255102550

Romania: 0800 801 200