Author's Note: TW: Trauma, self-deprecating thoughts, panic attack, references to self-harm, descriptions of unsafe behavior due to anger
Hi, my lovelies! Did anyone call for some wolfstar? Let me know what you think of this chapter. I'm so glad you're here. You make my life a gazillion times better. You matter. You are brave. You are fierce. You are a fighter. You are loved.
Previous Chapter Summary: Harry and Draco spend time with each other and it doesn't go as planned due to Bellatrix and Lucius going into the Slytherin Common Room. Remus and Sirius help Draco through the trigger of seeing his "family".
Chapter Summary: Sirius and Dumbledore head to Gringotts to destroy one of the Horcruxes, leaving Harry very worried. Something unexpected happens to Harry (shocker). The Horcrux affects Sirius.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Harry asked, hugging Sirius.
"I will be perfectly safe, Harry. I'm just going to Gringotts," Sirius promised him.
Sirius and Albus were going to get the suspected Horcrux from Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. Sirius had access as head of the Black family since Bella was an escaped convict and couldn't walk around Diagon Alley in the daylight.
Harry squeezed Sirius tightly, not wanting to let go. Sirius squeezed back and held his son close.
The last time Harry destroyed a Horcrux, he almost died and only didn't because of Fawkes.
"I need you," Harry whispered
While holding Harry tight, Sirius bent down and looked Harry in the eyes. "I will come back safe and sound. It's going to be okay."
Harry wanted to believe that, he really did, but he didn't want to lose his dad.
"I love you, Son," Sirius said, stroking Harry's hair back.
Harry threw himself forward again and hugged Sirius once again.
Eventually, Harry felt Remus gently untangling him from Sirius.
"He'll be back, Cub," Remus assured him.
Harry sniffed. He was used to going into danger, not watching the people he loved to do it.
Sirius kissed Remus and whispered something in his ear, causing Remus to smile.
"I'll see you in a few hours, yes?"
"Of course," Sirius assured him.
Sirius kissed Harry's head and wiped away a stray tear off Harry's cheek. "Dry those tears for me. We'll go flying later today or tomorrow, yeah?"
"Okay, Dadfoot," Harry whispered.
"Be good for Moony Da? No pranks."
Remus and Harry raised their eyebrow.
"I mean without me! Goodness, I don't want to miss that!"
Remus chuckled and even Harry managed to smile.
"I love you," Sirius said warmly to his boys.
"I love you," Remus said.
"I love you too, Dad," Harry replied as Sirius gave them another smile before flooing to Albus' office.
Harry buried his face into Remus, squeezing tight to his other father. "I'm worried about him, Da," Harry admitted.
"I am too, Harry."
"Really?" Harry asked, pulling his head away to look at Remus' face.
"Absolutely! I also know that he's with Albus and both are very talented wizards. I know they're going to be okay."
"Granddad will take care of him, won't he?"
"Of course, he will. It doesn't matter how old you get, if you're Albus' student at any point, you're always Albus' student. He protects his students with everything he has."
"You're right," Harry nodded. "What am I supposed to do while he's gone? Waiting is terrible!"
Remus chuckled lightly. "It is, isn't it? Well, why don't we play a game? Checkers?"
Harry nodded. He didn't have the mental capacity for chess right now.
Harry and Remus got it set up and played a few games before they had some lunch.
Harry was much more calmed down now. Once he physically calmed down, he was able to think more relationally. He knew how powerful his grandad and Dadfoot are and knew that they had it under control.
"I feel better, but still want to be distracted, y'know?"
"Of course I do," Remus said as he cleared their plates. "Do you want to brew with Draco? They'll be leaving next week for Prince Manor."
"Prince?" Harry asked
"It was Severus' mother's maiden name. She came from a pureblood family."
Harry nodded, pretending he understood. He had never heard that name before and it caught him off guard.
"Harry?" Remus asked.
"Hm?" Harry murmured, snapping his head up.
Remus chuckled. "Do you want to go brew with Draco?"
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I do!"
"Alright then. Don't be too long," Remus smiled and ruffled Harry's hair.
"Thanks, Moony Da!" Harry called out as he headed to the door.
"Wait," Harry stopped walking. "Moony Da?" Harry turned around. "Are you going to be okay?"
Remus walked toward Harry and put a loving hand on his shoulder. "I am. I have some lesson plans to tweak and some plans to write for students. I know Dadfoot and Albus are going to be okay. Thank you for checking on me."
"Love you, Moony Da," Harry said, giving him a hug.
"Love you too, Cub." Remus kissed the top of Harry's head.
Harry smiled warmly at Remus before heading out of the Marauder Quarters and down to the lab.
Draco was already in there which was perfect for Harry.
"Hey, Harry. What're you doing here?" Draco asked before adding an ingredient to his cauldron.
"Just wanted a distraction," Harry replied honestly.
Draco's head snapped back to Harry. "Are you okay?" he asked seriously, worried for his friend.
Harry gave Draco a reassuring smile. "I'm okay, Dray, really. Dadfoot and Grandad went to, uh, take care of something."
"It's okay, Harry. I know where they're at."
"You do?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Yes, Uncle Sev told me. I'm sure you're worried for him. I'm sorry."
"S'okay. Can I help?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Draco said. "Start chopping up these mint leaves."
Harry nodded and walked next to Draco to start on the leaves.
They worked in silence until Harry winced about 20 minutes later.
"You good?" Draco asked Harry. His eyes were immediately on Harry's hands and arms to make sure he hadn't accidentally cut himself.
"Yeah, just my head," Harry mumbled.
"Oh," Draco said, his brow creasing. He wasn't expecting that answer. "Do you want a headache potion?"
"Won't help," Harry muttered, setting down the knife. "It comes from my scar."
"Oh. That. Hmm," Draco thought.
"Just give me a second. I'll be fine," Harry tried to convince him. "It happens sometimes."
"Harry," Draco began before a sharp inhale came from Harry.
"Harry, should we get someone? I think you should go lay down."
"It's fine," Harry gritted out between his teeth.
"Harry," Draco began sharper, noticing Harry's use of the word "fine" twice now.
Harry half knew he said that word, but he was in too much pain to think of another one or even care. He wasn't used to this much pain in his scar coming on randomly.
Before Draco could say anything else, Harry shouted out and fell to his knees.
"Harry!" Draco said, waving his wand to put a statis on the potion and going to Harry's side.
"Uncle Sev!" Draco yelled out, hoping for someone to hear him.
"Not normal," Harry managed to grit out before he moaned with pain and passed out.
"Harry? HARRY!" Draco screamed. Draco checked Harry's pulse and saw that he was still breathing and let out a sigh of relief.
Draco tried to revive Harry with no such luck so he quickly ran to get Severus.
"Uncle Sev! Uncle Sev!" Draco cried, running and throwing open the door to Severus' private quarters.
"Draco, what is it?" Severus asked, never seeing his godson so frantic.
"It's Harry! He passed out! You gotta help him!"
Draco turned around and started running back to Harry and Severus followed him. "What happened?"
"We were brewing and then his head started to hurt. He said it was his scar. It got worse and he eventually fell to his knees and passed out. I think it was because of the pain. I checked his pulse and he's still breathing."
Severus and Draco were going into the lab now. "You did the right thing, Draco."
Severus cast some quick spells to check Harry's vitals and do a diagnostic.
"You're right. He is in a lot of pain. He did hit his head so we should get him to the hospital wing."
"Are we going to levitate him?" Draco asked, standing up with Snape.
"Yes. I will take him to the hospital wing and you will go get Lupin."
Draco nodded as Severus carefully levitated Harry and then he sped off to the Marauder Quarters.
Draco pounded on the door. "Professor! Professor Lupin!"
Remus was in the sitting room and quickly got up when he heard the pounding.
"Draco? What's going on? Is everyone okay?" Remus asked.
Draco shook his head. "It's Harry! He said his head hurt and it was his scar and then he passed out! Uncle Sev is taking him to the hospital wing!"
"Come in, let's floo there," Remus said, just wanting to get to his cub.
Remus side-along flooed with Draco and when they flooed in there they saw Madame Pomfrey leaning over a bed that had a very still Harry on it.
"Poppy! How is he?" Remus asked as he hurried toward his son.
"He's okay, Remus," Severus said, also standing by Harry's bedside.
"Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape tells me you were with Mr. Potter when he passed out. What happened?"
Draco once again told the story of what happened.
Madame Pomfrey nodded as he talked, casting some more spells. "Yes, I agree. It does seem that Mr. Potter passed out because of the pain. Mr. Malfoy if you could get a pain-relieving potion?"
Draco nodded and went to get it.
"Is he okay?" Remus asked.
Poppy gave Remus an encouraging smile, looking up from her patient. "Yes, Remus. While I know the pain-relieving potion doesn't work on his scar, he did hit his head when he fell and it looks like a bump is beginning to form."
"Does he have a concussion?" Remus asked, worried.
"No. Mr. Malfoy said that he was on his knees before he passed out and it seemed that helped. He has a bump but no concussion."
Remus nodded and grabbed Harry's limp hand.
"Remus, he is okay. I'm sure he'll wake up in the next few hours. His body needs the rest, too," Madame Pomfrey said with a raised eyebrow.
Remus sighed. "Yes. We've been working on his sleep. Sirius has some ideas for his occlumency lessons and how to help him. His nightmares are still pretty common."
"He is working hard," Severus affirmed.
"What can I do to help, Madame Pomfrey?" Draco asked.
"Can you get a magical ice pack for Harry?" Madame Pomfrey asked with a small smile.
"Yes, ma'am!" Draco said, hurrying away.
"Sweet child," Poppy murmured, watching after Draco.
"I'm going to spell this in his stomach now. He can have another when he wakes up," Poppy said, gesturing to Harry.
Remus nodded
The potion disappeared from the vial and Harry seemed to relax a bit, even while he was unconscious.
"It did seem too quiet around here," Madame Pomfrey smiled. "Trust the Marauders to keep me busy."
Remus smiled and chuckled. "You're welcome."
Now Poppy chuckled and kissed the top of Remus' head. "He'll be just fine," she reassured him.
"I'm hoping better than fine," Remus replied.
"He'll be good," she clarified.
Draco came back with a magical ice pack and gently placed it where Harry had a small bump.
"Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," Madame Pomfrey smiled. "There's not much you can do now. I believe you said you had a potion you were making?"
Draco nodded but quickly said, "But Harry!"
"Mr. Malfoy, you know that he will be fine. He hit his head. He is going to be okay. There's nothing you can do right now. Why don't you go distract yourself, hm? We will let you know when he wakes up," Madame Pomfrey suggested.
Severus put a hand on Draco's shoulder and nodded, causing Draco to sigh. "I know you're right. Okay, thanks, Madame Pomfrey."
Severus and Draco left and Madame Pomfrey went back to her office, leaving Remus alone with Harry.
Remus sat by Harry for a while and not much had changed. Harry had stirred in his sleep a few times but was still unconscious with a very red scar.
However, after an hour, Sirius came bolting through the door (as Padfoot). He transformed into Sirius and said, "What happened?! All I heard was that Harry is in the hospital wing?! I got here as fast as I could!"
Remus stood up and went over to his husband, urging him to sit down. "Sirius, Harry is okay. He's going to be okay. He just passed out because of the pain."
"What pain?" Sirius asked, still hysterical.
"His scar hurt. He was brewing with Draco when he passed out. He doesn't have a concussion, just a small bump. He's okay, truly."
Sirius let out a relieved sigh. "Thank Merlin."
"How did it go?" Remus asked.
Sirius' face darkened. "It's done."
Remus wasn't expecting that short of a reply. "What happened?"
Sirius sighed and shook his head. "Not now. I want to focus on Harry."
Remus was quiet for a moment as he thought out his response. When he spoke up, he said, "Sirius, if you want a distraction or want to talk about it later, I respect that. I also want you to know that Harry is okay. I can see that something is upsetting you and I want to talk to you about it."
Sirius abruptly stood up. He paced back and forth before sitting back down again. He didn't make eye contact with Remus and looked to his side, trying to hold back tears.
"Destroying the Horcrux isn't easy. It knows when it is going to be destroyed."
Remus nodded, listening closely.
"It tries to dissuade you from destroying it. It-" Sirius sighed. "It talks to you and shows you things. Things that never happened and things that aren't true. It shows you your worst fears. It's terrible."
"What happened?" Remus asked softly.
"I saw people. James and Lily came first. I mean, it wasn't really them, but what they looked like."
Sirius' eyes were glossed over and one look at his face showed how much mental agony he was in.
"They told me they were disappointed in me and it was all my fault. They blamed the whole secret keeper switch on me and then said I was a terrible dad to Harry. Reggie came next and said how horrible I was to him and how he wished he had a better brother. He said I abandoned him."
Remus got up now and moved to Sirius, holding his hands.
"You were last. You told me you didn't love me and you were better off without me and that you were talking Harry. That's when I finally destroyed it."
"Sirius, Love," Remus said, gently running his thumb over Sirius' cheek. "None of it is true. None of it."
Tears fell down Sirius' cheeks now, no longer able to be held back. "It was everything I've ever feared, all at once," Sirius whispered.
"My love," Remus breathed, kissing Sirius' neck and earlobe. "I am so in love with you. Every second of every day."
"Sometimes I fear you deserve better," Sirius admitted quietly.
"You are too good for me. You are the one I want. You are the one I've always wanted."
Sirius didn't respond.
"Do you remember after the incident I dated David Blaine for a few weeks?" Remus whispered in Sirius' ear.
"3 weeks, 5 days, and 11 hours? Yes."
Remus chuckled. "We never did anything except hold hands. I did it just to make you jealous."
"Remus Lupin! You didn't!" Sirius gasped, turning his head.
"I loved you then. I wanted you then. I love you now and I want you now," Remus said, continuing to whisper in Sirius' ear.
"Merlin, I love you," Sirius breathed, turning to kiss Remus.
After a kiss that lasted much longer than a moment, Remus and Sirius eventually tore about to catch their breath.
"And Sirius, please know that Lilly and James love you. They are happy with the way we have raised Harry. And they don't blame you. Do you remember what Harry said after the graveyard in his fourth year?"
Sirius smiled. "He told us he saw James and Lils. He said that they wanted him to tell us that they were proud of all of us and that we are doing a good job."
"Yes! You and I both know that Lilly would praise just anyone with Harry."
Sirius let out a watery chuckle, knowing how very true that was.
"And Reggie," Remus said gently.
Sirius' smile vanished.
"He loved you so much. You were his big brother. He looked up to you. You were there for them in the end and he forgave you. Remember? We've read that page in his journal. The one he wanted you to read."
"I still feel like I let him down."
"Sirius. We were children. We can't be perfect. Reg is finally at peace. He's good. Sirius, he's proud of you. I'm proud of you. You are loved."
Sirius leaned into Remus and laid his head on his shoulder. "I love you so much, Rem."
"I love you too," Remus replied, kissing his head.
The two men stayed there for a long while until Dumbledore came into the hospital wing. Sirius moved, but Remus stayed near him, holding his hand.
"Remus, how is Harry?" Albus asked, concerned.
"He's alright, Albus. He passed out from the pain in his scar. What happened?"
"I believe it was due to destroying the Horcrux. There must be a connection. I plan to do some research and see if I can find anything on the connection between Horcruxes."
Remus nodded, acknowledging the professor.
"And how are you doing?" Albus asked Sirius, his eyes softening.
Sirius opened his mouth to reply and thought of a few responses.
'Like a piece of shit'
'Like I just got reamed out by a piece of dark magic. Oh, wait? I did!'
'Never better!'
'As Harry would say, I'm fine.'
Sirius opened his mouth to say all four of them, but none came out. Eventually, he just sighed.
"Sirius, none of that was true. You are a remarkable man, friend, brother, husband, and father. You are a gift to us all."
Sirius smiled weakly at the headmaster. "Thank you, Albus."
It was quiet for a moment before Remus spoke up. "Albus, can you sit with Harry for a bit? I would like to talk to Sirius privately."
"Of course," Albus replied. "I would love to."
"Rem?" Sirius asked weakly, not understanding.
"It'll be a while before Harry wakes up. Come with me."
Sirius stood up and Remus gently took his husband's hand in his own. They walked quietly to the marauder Quarters. Remus sat his shaky husband down on the couch before retreating to the kitchen.
Remus made some hot chocolate and gave Sirius some space until he came back with two piping hot mugs of hot chocolate.
"Here, Love," Remus said gently, handing Sirius a mug.
Sirius took it with a murmur of thanks. He sipped on the mug slowly. Remus gave him time and waited for Sirius to speak first.
It was when Sirius was about halfway through the hot chocolate he finally spoke. "I have grown a lot over the years, but this brought so many of the worries back."
Remus hummed and nodded, taking a sip of hot chocolate.
"I know it's not true. I mean, I think so. I just feel guilty and wrong," Sirius admitted.
"Your feelings are valid," Remus affirmed. "I understand them, even if I disagree with them."
"I don't know what to do," Sirius admitted.
"Therapy helps," Remus suggested.
"I don't want to take advantage of you, Remus. I can't very well go to another therapist! Sorry, I was traumatized by destroying one of Voldemort's Horcruxes!" Sirius cried.
"You're right that you can't tell another therapist. You could say how it was a nightmare or concerns that you have buried down, but therapy doesn't usually work well when based on a lie. In regards to your other statement, you're right in that they don't love when you have your partner as a patient. However, this is a special case. In addition, it's my decision, as well as yours. Sirius, you're the love of my life. I would listen to you and help you each and every day. You are not a patient for me. You are my husband. We help each other. Part of 'for better or for worse' is our mental health. You are everything to me. You are simply amazing. I will work my whole life for you to see it."
"Remus," Sirius breathed, his eyes full of tears.
Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus and laid his head on his shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I don't know what I'd do without you," Remus echoed.
They stayed there for a long time. Neither was sure exactly how long, but by the time they were done, new hot chocolate was needed.
Sirius had felt better by the end of his second cup and through Remus' prompts and affirmations.
Eventually, a phoenix Patronus came flying into the room. "Harry is okay. He is beginning to stir and I thought you'd like to know."
Remus and Sirius hurried to the floo and went to the hospital wing and rushed over to Harry's bed.
Harry wasn't awake but did seem to be starting to wake up.
"Thank you, Albus," Remus said as he took a spot by Harry's side, slipping his hand into his son's.
"Of course. I will be back later if that's alright?"
"Certainly," Remus affirmed.
Remus and Sirius stayed by Harry's bed and Poppy came over as Harry started to wake up.
Harry moaned and squeezed the hands he was holding.
"You're safe, Harry. You hit your head and you're in the hospital wing," Remus said gently.
Harry moaned again before fluttering his eyelids and opening them.
"Moony Da?" Harry croaked.
"I'm here. So is Madame Pomfrey and Dadfoot."
Harry moaned again before realizing who was there. "Dadfoot? You're here?"
"I'm right here, Pup," Sirius confirmed.
"Did you go?" Harry asked.
Sirius glanced up at Madame Pomfrey. "Yeah, I did. It's taken care of."
"Oh," Harry said. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was so worried."
"We're more worried about you right now," Sirius said.
"Harry, how're you feeling?" Poppy asked, giving her pseudo-nephew a warm smile.
"My head hurts," Harry mumbled, wincing.
"Yes, you bumped it. We have a magical ice pack for it."
Harry gave a small nod and immediately winced, earning a tut from Poppy. "And try to stay still," she added. "Are you dizzy or confused at all?"
"Maybe a little dizzy, but not really."
She nodded and wrote something down. "What's the last thing you remember?"
"I remember talking to Dadfoot and being scared for him to go," Harry said slowly. He creased his brow. "The rest is a little fuzzy. I don't really remember."
Sirius' head whipped around to Remus', very concerned.
"That's alright. It might come back to you," Poppy tried to reassure him.
"What am I missing?" Harry asked, looking at Remus and Sirius.
"Nothing important, Love, Only a bit. We'll tell you in a few days and see if you can remember."
Harry nodded but didn't love having gaps in his memory.
"How's your scar?" Remus asked.
"It hurts, too. Is that why I passed out? I kind of remember a lot of pain in my scar. It was cold."
Remus nodded with a sympathetic smile. "Is it feeling better now?"
"Yeah, for sure. I'm just glad Dadfoot is safe," Harry smiled, turning his head to Sirius.
"I'm glad you're safe," Sirius said warmly.
"I'm glad you're all safe," Poppy said pointedly, clearly remembering times when none of them were. "Now, Harry, it's still time for your to rest."
Harry was still tired and closed his eyes, much to the please of Madame Pomfrey.
Harry waited until she shuffled away and he opened his eyes again. "Dadfoot," Harry whispered.
"Yes, Cub?"
"I'm so glad you're back safe."
"I love you, Pup," Sirius smiled, kissing Harry on his forehead.
"I love you, too," Harry said before shutting his eyes again.
"Just rest. We're right here," Remus reassured him.
Harry took another nap and Remus and Sirius stayed by his side. Harry was released that night with instructions to stay in bed and for Remus to keep an eye on him.
Harry did not remember the conversation he had with Remus or heading to the dungeons to see Draco. He remembered talking to Sirius and then the pain of the Horcrux being destroyed.
Madame Pomfrey wasn't worried. She said that his memory might return, but minor amnesia after a head injury wasn't uncommon.
Harry was allowed out of bed the next day and back to regular activity the day after that, which lead to a conversation in Dumbledore's office with Remus, Sirius, Severus, and Minerva.
"Thank you all for joining me today," Dumbledore said, opening the meeting.
"What do you want to tell us, Albus?" Severus drawled, getting straight to the point.
"I wanted to talk about what happened the other day."
Remus slipped his hand into Harry's and squeezed it reassuringly. He knew this wasn't easy for Harry.
Harry squeezed it back, thankful for the support.
"As you know, Sirius and I were able to locate and destroy a Horcrux," Albus said. "This is an important step in defeating Tom."
"Can you tell us more about what happened with Harry?" Minerva asked. Her grandson was her first priority.
Albus glanced at Harry over his spectacles and then nodded.
"It appears as though our original suspicions were correct. The Horcrux in Harry was affected by the other Horcrux being destroyed. Harry has a natural connection with the other Horcruxes."
"So will it hurt each time?" Harry asked.
Albus gave Harry a sympathetic smile. "I'm afraid so, Harry."
"Figures," Harry muttered under his breath, looking at his feet.
Remus once again squeezed Harry's hand.
"We will take precautions, of course, to minimize any pain Harry may have." Albus paused and took a breath before cautiously saying the next sentence. "We can also use Harry's unexpected connection to our ability."
It only took a second for Remus, Sirius, and Minerva to stand up.
"Albus, no!"
"He's a child!"
"The poor boy has been through enough!"
Harry took longer than a second to process what Dumbledore said, but when he did, he put his hand up.
"Stop! It's my decision, isn't it?"
Sirius opened his mouth to tell Harry that it wasn't, but Remus had anticipated this and put a silencing hand on Sirius' arm.
"I'm old enough to make my own decisions and I want to help!"
"Harry," Remus began slowly.
"Don't try to stop me!" Harry spat, his head spinning to look at Remus.
"I'm not going to. I want to talk to you. I can tell you're overwhelmed with feelings right now. Nothing anyone says is going to matter. Take a breath," Remus instructed calmly.
Harry didn't do that. Instead, he stood up and paced in the office before going over to the fireplace and kicking it-hard.
Sirius' face became worried and he looked at Remus.
"This is shite!" Harry shouted, kicking the fireplace again. His toes ached, but it gave him something to focus on.
He kicked it for the third time and that is when Remus got up out of his seat and wrapped himself around Harry, wanting to keep him safe and keep his magic contained.
"Let go!" Harry shouted, throwing his shoulders back and fighting against Remus.
"I will when you take a deep breath."
"It's fine!" Harry insisted, still fighting against the hold.
Minerva's face was tight with worry and she couldn't sit back any longer. She stood up and popped into her animagus. She went to Harry's ankles and started rubbing up against them purring. She then hopped up on Harry's shoulders, causing him to stop fighting because he didn't want to hurt his grandmother. She nuzzled his face and laid down on his shoulder.
"Take some deep breaths, Harry," Remus encouraged softly.
Harry finally processed the request and did what was asked of him.
After several deep breaths, Remus loosened his hold on Harry and released him. Harry sat on the ground where he was standing and Minerva stayed in her cat form and laid on Harry's lap and he petted her.
Remus sat down across from Harry, giving him space.
"What're you thinking, Cub?" Remus asked gently.
"It's a lot. I mean, it is my decision. I don't like that people want to make that decision for me. But it's also frustrating that I have to make that decision in the first place. I shouldn't have to, y'know?"
Remus nodded. "Absolutely."
Harry was quiet for several minutes as he reflected and took some deep breaths. Eventually, he looked up at Albus and said, "I want to help, I do. But can we wait to talk about this more as we get closer to getting the next Horcrux? I think I need some time."
Remus was so proud of his son for verbalizing his needs.
"Of course, Harry. I want what's best for you," Albus said warmly.
Harry smiled and nodded and went back to petting the cat that was on his lap.
"Severus, you may go now," Albus said quietly, dismissing the other man.
Severus nodded and nodded his goodbye to the other adults in the room before sweeping away.
Albus went over to where Harry was sitting and bent down. "Harry, is there anything else you need right now?"
"No," Harry replied in a young voice.
"Alright. I love you," Albus said, trying to catch Harry's eyes.
"Love you, Granddad."
Albus smiled and exchanged a glance with Sirius. He walked away and went to his quarters and Sirius walked over to Remus, Minerva, and Harry.
"Should we bring him back?" Sirius whispered to Remus.
Remus shook his head, smiling. "No. He's content and safe here. We have space. He'll fall asleep eventually. He's good, Siri."
Sirius nodded and sat down next to his husband, wrapping his arm around him.
Harry was content there. Minerva stayed in her cat animagus form until Harry fell asleep. Even then she stayed there for a long time before slowly climbing off his lap and popping into herself.
"Thank you," Remus whispered.
"It was my pleasure. I'm glad I could help," she replied, smiling fondly at the sleeping teenager.
"You have done it more than once," Remus said, smiling.
"Yes, I have, for another boy I love dearly."
Remus smiled and kissed Minerva on the cheek. "Thanks, Mum. We love you."
"And I love you," she said. She gave them all another loving glance before going to find Albus and give him a piece of her mind (not that she was telling Remus or Sirius that).
Sirius had picked Harry up and all three of them flooed back to the Marauder Quarters where Harry took a nap.
There was more to talk about when Harry woke up and more to work through, but for now, everyone 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)
Suicide Hotlines:
USA: 988 (press 1 for veterans)
Canada: 1 (833) 456 4566
France: 0145394000
Italy: 800860022
UK: 0800 689 5652
Brazil: 188
India: 9999 666 555