Author's Note: TW/CW: references to self-harm, alcohol abuse, references to past trauma, and memory loss due to trauma.
Hi, loves! Thanks for being patient with this chapter. There's a lot that happens and I hope you like it! My birthday is on Monday, so I won't have the chapter out for another week or so.
leanbh: Scottish Gaelic for 'child' or 'baby'.
Thanks for being here. You matter. You're important. Your feelings are valid. You deserve good things. You're special. You're a gift. YOU ARE LOVED! Do you hear me? If you're still having trouble, that's okay. I'm here for you. Because you're worth it.
Previous Chapter Summary: Remus has a therapy session with Harry. Severus and Albus destroy a Horcrux and Harry has to endure the pain once again. Remus and Sirius confront Severus about what happened with the Horcrux. Minerva talks to Harry about the full transformation. Harry has an Occlumency lesson.
Chapter Summary: Harry's Occlumency lesson doesn't go as planned. Harry tries to get away. Something really big happens. Minerva finds Harry. Adults work with Harry.
Severus was drunk.
"Uh, Professor, I d-don't think this is a good idea," Harry stuttered, sitting in the chair Severus told him to.
"And why is that?" Severus drawled.
"Uh, I'm not feeling well," Harry quickly lied.
Severus, while drunk, was still sober enough to look Harry over and sneer. "You're certainly well enough for this."
Harry could feel the panic rising in him as Severus sat down in a chair near him.
Harry's eyes darted to any possible exits he could see. Before Harry could even decide to escape, Severus said, "Legilimens!"
Harry smelled the alcohol on his breath and froze as he was thrown back into the past.
Severus, in his impaired mind, was expecting Harry's (now rather strong) walls and shields to be up. Unfortunately, Harry was in a state of panic and mentally in a memory. He wasn't ready for Severus to enter his mind.
Severus ripped through Harry's mind and was thrown into the memory that Harry was reliving.
"BOY! DO YOU HEAR ME?' Vernon shook 3-year-old Harry.
Little Harry had silent tears running down his face. He nodded.
"SAY IT!" Vernon shook Harry again and Harry managed not to flinch as the smell of alcohol (he'd come to know it rather well), went up his nose.
"Y-yes Uncle Vernon."
"Apparently I need to teach you to not be such a freak!" Vernon started to unbuckle his belt and the small three-year-old could only whimper. He looked around, but he was trapped.
Vernon, with a cruel smile on his face, raised the belt and hit Harry with it.
As Vernon hit Harry, Severus was forcibly thrown from Harry's mind, but it wasn't due to Harry trying to block the professor. Harry's magic was lashing out. Severus paused after realizing what happened.
Harry was on the floor. He blinked, coming to terms with what just happened and where he currently was before he bolted up and ran out of the room.
"Potter!" Severus yelled. He grumbled and got up after him. "Potter! Get back here!"
Harry ran down the halls. He only had one thought going through his mind.
Get away.
All Harry knew was that he needed to get away so he wouldn't be any more hurt than he already was.
Harry ran as fast as he could, but Severus had longer legs and while he was drunk, was able to get rather close to Harry.
Harry looked back and saw Severus was still chasing him. Something primal in Harry was unleashed. He looked forward and only focused on his inner voice, which was to run and do anything he could to get away.
All of a sudden, Harry was in intense pain. All of his bones, muscles, and joints hurt, but he didn't dare stop.
After the blinding pain, Harry felt himself moving faster. He looked down and saw hooves instead of feet. He turned and saw part of his reflection in the window.
He did it. He transformed.
However, there was no celebratory joy for the young wizard. He just wanted to get away.
Meanwhile, Severus did stop in shock when the raven-haired teen became a stag. Severus blinked, not thinking he was that drunk, and then he kept running after him, now more determined for answers.
Harry the stag was running along, collecting speed before he skidded around a corner and there was Professor McGonagall.
"Wha? Harry?" Minerva breathed, not sure what was going on.
The stag ran into the wall behind Minerva and fell to the ground.
"Harry, is that you?" Minerva asked. However, she saw the lightning bolt scar on the stag's forehead and knew it was him. "Oh, my leanbh," She said softly Her native tongue came out in the pride and concern she had for Harry.
The stag stayed on the ground and tried to make itself as small as possible, clearly attempting to hide behind Minerva.
The elder witch had no idea what was going on, but she knew that Harry was clearly not okay.
Severus came running around the corner now and the stag started to visibly shake.
"I've got you. You're safe," Minerva said calmly, running a hand over Harry's soft coat.
Severus got closer and the stag's eyes widened.
Minerva, with an annoyed sigh at her colleague, turned back and silently cast a spell, binding him up.
"I'll take care of him, okay, Harry? Take some deep breaths and relax to help change back. I'm here. Grandma's got you," Minerva soothed.
The stag closed his eyes and took a few breaths before excruciating pain took over once again, and then Harry was human.
"There's my love. I'm here," Minerva soothed, kissing Harry's head. "Stay right here, okay?"
Harry wordlessly nodded, not sure what just happened.
Minerva gave him a reassuring smile before standing up and turning to Severus.
Her face was stone cold and she took brisk steps toward him. "What is going on?" She asked.
Severus hadn't heard that voice from his ex-professor in a while. "Minerva-" Severus began.
Minerva shook her head. "Professor McGonagall. If you're acting like a student then I'm going to treat you like one."
Severus' face burned with shame, but he continued. "We were doing an Occlumency lesson. I saw a memory and Harry ran away."
"I have a feeling, Mr. Snape, that you're leaving several things out of that story. Why is my grandson terrified right now? And no, it's not the memory."
All Severus had to do was let out an annoyed breath.
Minerva's face hardened further, if possible. "Severus Snape, have you been drinking?!" She hissed.
Severus didn't respond.
Minerva hadn't felt this outraged since Albus wanted to place Harry with the Dursleys. She turned away and sent a Patronus to Poppy and Albus, telling them to come to her.
While she waited, Minerva stayed by Harry, who was still cowered in a corner, whimpering.
"What happened, leanbh?" Minerva asked, sitting on the ground and moving Harry's hair away from his face.
Harry calmed at the gaelic, but just shook his head.
Minerva hummed and went to stroke Harry's head and he flinched and whimpered.
"Are you hurt?" Minerva asked softly.
Harry didn't respond.
Minerva was even more thankful she called Poppy here.
Speaking of the mediwitch, she arrived first.
"Minerva? What is going on?" Poppy asked, seeing Severus tied up and Harry curled up.
"I'm not sure. Before you go to Severus, I need you to look at Harry. I think something happened in his mind with Severus."
A flash of rage went over Poppy's face before it became neutral as she leaned into her role as a healer.
Poppy carefully made her way over to Harry and Minerva. She knelt down and tried to make eye contact with Harry.
"Harry? Can you hear me?" Poppy asked gently.
Harry whimpered and nodded.
Poppy gave him a reassuring smile. "Can I examine you, Harry?"
Harry whimpered and shook his head.
Poppy looked at Minerva.
"You're safe, Harry. You're safe. Can she just look at the scrape on your arm really quick? She won't do anything else," Minerva soothed, narrowing it down for Harry so he wasn't overwhelmed.
Harry slowly nodded.
Poppy moved over to Harry's arm and gently took his arm in her hands. She let out a quiet tut. "Not too bad. I can clean this up right now, alright?"
Harry buried his head in Minerva.
"Go ahead, Poppy," Minerva said, consenting for Harry.
Poppy waved her wand and cleaned out Harry's cuts and scratches before sealing them up.
"There, all done."
Harry sniffed and pulled his head out of Minerva.
"Is there anything else that's bothering you?" Poppy asked softly.
Harry just whimpered.
"I think he hit his head. Something's going on with it," Minerva murmured.
"Harry, can I take a look?" Poppy asked.
Harry whimpered, frightened, and tried to back away.
"Shh, I've got you," Minerva reassured him, tightening her grip on him.
"Okay, Okay. I won't. Take a breath," Poppy reassured him calmly, not wanting to spook the poor boy any more than he already was.
Harry calmed down as he saw the mediwitch retreating.
"I'm going to go check on Severus now," Poppy told Minerva.
"Poppy?" Minerva said.
"Yes?" Poppy replied as she stood up.
"He's drunk."
Poppy pursed her lips and gave a tense nod before heading over to the incapacitated man.
Then, Albus came hurrying over. "Minerva? Harry? What's going on?"
"I'm not sure. I need you to take Severus away right now. He is drunk and was chasing Harry. I need to contact Remus and Sirius."
"You haven't already?" Albus asked, surprised.
Minerva gave him a sad smile. "If they saw Harry right now, Severus would be their dinner."
Albus let out a small sigh, knowing she was right. "I'll take him away."
Albus went over to Severus and Poppy. He talked to them quietly for a moment before standing up and all three of them started to walk away.
Minerva felt Harry relax once Severus was out of eyesight and she sent a Patronus message to Sirius and Remus, telling them to come to her,
It took less than two minutes for the two men to come running. Both were beyond shocked at seeing their son who was pale, shaking, and whimpering.
"Harry!" Sirius cried.
Remus immediately put his hand out and stopped Sirius from running to him.
Remus entered 'therapist mode'.
Remus took a few slow steps closer and sat down. "Hi, Harry."
Harry looked up, locking eyes with his father.
Remus gave Harry a comforting smile. "You're safe, Harry. I'm safe. Grandma Min is safe. Dadfoot is safe. I am here for you, Cub. Whenever you're ready. I am safe. I love you."
Harry looked away, processing that information. He eventually turned back and Remus was there, calm and warm.
Harry quickly scampered out of the corner he was in and into Remus' chest.
"I've got you, Cub. I've got you," Remus soothed, holding Harry tight.
"What happened?" Sirius asked as he went to Minerva.
Minerva shook her head sadly. "I don't know. Harry was running away from Severus. Severus was, well, intoxicated. I stopped him."
"Where is he?" Sirius growled.
"Sirius, he's with Albus and Poppy right now. And Sirius, don't you dare leave your son. He needs you."
Sirius let out a hot breath, calming down. "You're right."
Minerva kissed Sirius' temple and Sirius went over to Remus and Harry.
"Hi, love. How're you doing?" Sirius asked gently.
Harry further buried his head into Remus' cardigan.
They stayed exactly where they were for a while and comforted Harry until Minerva spoke up.
"I think something happened at Harry's Occlumency lesson. I had Poppy heal the scratches on his arm, but he bumped his head and I don't know about any neurological damage. His physical health has to be taken care of too, Remus. He didn't want Poppy to tend to him."
Remus nodded. He squeezed Harry and thought about what to say before starting to softly talk to his son. "Harry, I know that a lot is going on right now."
Harry nodded into Remus' cardigan.
"I want to make sure you feel as safe as you can right now."
Harry sniffed.
"I also want to make sure that you're physically safe, too."
Harry didn't reply.
"To do that, I'd want to cast a diagnostic on you. It won't hurt and I am right here for you. Can I do that?"
Harry once again nodded into Remus' chest.
"Lovely. I am so proud of you," Remus praised warmly, kissing the top of Harry's head.
Harry just nuzzled his head into his father's warm chest.
"I'm going to cast the diagnostic now, alright?"
Harry nodded.
Remus murmured the spell and Harry felt a bit tingly. He heard reassurances from Sirius coming near him and mentally clung to them.
A parchment appeared and Remus skimmed it over. "Alright," Remus began in the same warm, calm tone he had been using. "How's your ankle feel, Harry?"
Harry whimpered.
"I see. It looks like you twisted it. A sip or two of skelegro will heal that right up."
Remus' eyes kept traveling over the parchment. "Madame Pomfrey healed your arm, that's good. This indicates that your muscles and bones are quite sore. Is that true?"
Harry didn't say anything but gave a small nod.
"He was running rather hard and had quite a crash," Minerva said, trying to cover for Harry.
"Yes, I see," Remus murmured, looking at the parchment. "And how's your head, Harry?" Remus asked.
Harry whimpered.
"I'm sure it hurts," Remus added sympathetically. He looked away from the parchment and at Harry. "Did Professor Snape enter your mind?"
Harry squeezed his eyes shut and curled up tight again.
"Okay, okay. You're safe," Remus murmured.
Minerva and Sirius exchanged a concerned look.
Remus comforted Harry for a few more minutes before speaking again. "Harry, all you have to do is a nod for these questions, okay?"
Harry nodded.
"Did you get to Professor Snape's quarters for the lesson?"
Harry nodded.
"Good job, I'm proud of you for letting us know that. Here's my second question. Did something happen with Professor Snape in his quarters?"
Harry nodded again, holding tight to Remus.
"You're so brave, Cub. I know this is scary. You're doing so well. Did you want Professor Snape to enter your mind today?"
Harry shook his head.
"I hear you, Cub. Was there a reason why?"
Harry nodded, squeezing his eyes tight.
"You're doing so well, Harry. This next one might be a bit tricky. Was Severus in his right frame of mind when you saw him?"
Harry paused and then shook his head.
Remus paused questioning for a moment to continue to comfort Harry and give him the care he needed.
Eventually, Remus spoke again. "You're doing a great job answering my questions, Love. I have a few more. Is that okay?"
Harry nodded.
"Lovely. Let me know if you need to stop, okay?"
Harry nodded again.
"Alright. Now, I know you said that Professor Snape wasn't in his right mind when you entered his quarters and you didn't want him to enter your mind, correct?"
Harry nodded.
"Did Professor Snape enter your mind?" Remus tried again, making sure he held tight to his son.
Harry paused. He wanted to run away from the question again, but he felt Remus' hands grounding him and the comforting whispers from his loved ones. Slowly, Harry nodded.
"Thank you for telling us that, Harry. I know that was hard. You're being so brave," Remus continued to praise.
After a few more moments of quiet reassurances, Remus asked, "Did it hurt when he entered your mind?"
Harry nodded.
"Did it hurt when he left?"
Harry paused and then shrugged.
"That's okay, that is still helpful to know, thank you," Remus said. "When he entered your mind, was there a memory?"
Harry nodded.
"Were you young?"
Another nod came from Harry.
"Was it with Vernon?"
Harry started to shake and nodded.
"Okay, Cub. That's all. You did so, so well," Remus praised. He kissed the top of Harry's head. "You're my brave Cub."
Harry didn't necessarily believe those words, but he appreciated it nonetheless.
"We're going to stay right here for a bit, okay Love? You're safe."
Harry leaned into Remus and calmed himself with the thumping of his heart. Sirius turned into Padfoot and went onto Harry's lap. Minerva stayed there for a while, before leaving (presumably to find Albus and let him know what was going on).
When Minerva returned, she silently communicated with Remus and Sirius, not that Harry saw.
Harry was doing better than when Remus first found him, but he still wasn't anywhere near normal.
"Harry," Remus began quietly, "How're you doing?"
Harry made a noise in Remus' chest.
Remus hummed. "Okay, I hear you. I know you're not where you want to be, Harry, and that's okay. I want you to know that you're doing so well and we are all so proud of you."
Harry made another noise.
"Before I say anything else, I want to reassure you that I am not leaving you. I am staying right by your side, okay?"
Harry nodded.
"I want to get you some skelegrow for your ankle, get you some pain reliever, and make sure everything else is tended to. Can we go to the Hospital Wing together?"
Harry whimpered and held tightly onto Remus.
"I'm not leaving you, Love. I'm staying right with you. We're just moving locations. You are safe with us."
Harry's whimpers died down and he nodded.
"That's my boy," Remus praised. "We're going to get up in a moment and we're going to go together. I'm not leaving you and neither is Dadfoot."
Harry nodded.
Remus held Harry tight and whispered reassurances in Harry's ear before picking him up and starting to carry him to the hospital wing.
Harry made a noise of protest, but Remus said, "I'm a werewolf. I've got some extra strength."
Harry stopped arguing after that. Besides, Harry was not in his usual headspace right now. It was all fuzzy inside Harry's head and he wasn't sure what was going on.
When they made their way to the hospital wing, Remus set Harry down on his usual bed. Madame Pomfrey had gotten back to the hospital wing and got near the bed, but not too close as to not spook Harry.
"Harry, Love," Remus began, once again getting on eye level with Harry. "I want to talk to Madame Pomfrey for just a moment. Is it alright if I go and speak with her? I promise that you'll be able to see me the whole time."
Harry hesitated and Sirius spoke up. "I'll be here the whole time, Pup."
Harry slowly nodded at Remus after hearing Sirius' promise.
"I'll be right over there. If you need anything, just holler, yeah?"
Harry nodded again.
Remus kissed Harry's head and then walked over to Poppy and subtly cast a silencing charm.
"How's he doing?" Poppy asked.
"Okay. I cast a diagnostic on him. He needs a sip of skelegrow and some pain relief," Remus said, handing her the parchment from earlier.
Poppy nodded. "I see. I can get that. Remus, what about his neurological state? I don't know if Severus did any damage."
Remus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I am worried about that. He said it hurt when Severus entered his mind. I know I have to check him out, but he's hurting so much. I have to balance the psychological aspect of it as well."
"I know that's hard. I also know that if anyone can do it, you can," Poppy said, smiling.
"Thank you, Poppy," Remus said.
"Of course. I'm here for anything you need."
Remus thanked her again and she enveloped him in a warm hug. "You can do this, Remus," she whispered.
Remus hugged her tighter than he normally would before they pulled away while Poppy went to get the potions and Remus went back to Harry.
"Aunt Poppy is getting some potions for you right now, Love."
Harry nodded.
Remus looked at Sirius who gave him an encouraging nod.
"And Harry?" Remus began.
Harry looked at Remus expectantly.
"I'd like to give you a calming drought, but I can't until I know your neurological state."
Remus knew Harry wasn't in his usual almost 16-year-old headspace, so he immediately elaborated. "I have to see how your head is doing on the inside. When Professor Snape entered your mind, he might've done it with too much force. I have to repair any damage that might've been done."
Harry looked worryingly at Remus, knowing he wasn't done yet.
Remus slipped his hand into Harry's hand. "I must enter your mind to see what it looks like."
Harry immediately started to whimper again and began to curl up.
"Harry, I'm not doing it without your permission. Do you hear me? You are in control."
Harry relaxed a bit and quieted his whimpering, but didn't cease it.
"Harry, I'm not doing it without your consent. I am going to talk you through the whole thing if you allow me. It won't hurt. I've got you."
Harry turned his head to look at Sirius.
"I'll be here the whole time. I'm not leaving you alone and I'd get Remus to stop instantly if you wanted him to," Sirius assured the boy.
Harry bit his lip.
Remus understood and said, "I'll give you time to think about it. I just wanted to tell you what was going on."
Harry sniffed and gave a grateful smile.
Poppy came back now with the potions Harry needed to take.
Harry took his sip of skelegrow and then downed the pain reliever.
"Good work, lad," Poppy said, taking the vials from him.
Harry relaxed again, feeling more tension leave his body.
"I know that potion helped your aches, didn't it," Minerva said a bed away.
Harry nodded.
Remus and Sirius stayed by Harry and comforted Harry for another 15 minutes. They didn't always say much, but Harry felt so much better with their presence.
Eventually, Harry tugged on Remus' sleeve.
"Yes, Cub?" Remus asked gently, giving Harry a warm smile.
Harry nodded.
It took Remus a second, but then he understood. "Are you sure, Harry?"
Harry nodded again and squeezed Sirius' hand.
"You're so brave, Harry. I am so proud of you."
Harry blushed and looked down.
"Okay, Harry, I'm going to walk you through this, okay?"
Harry nodded.
Poppy knew what was happening and went closer to the bed in case she was needed.
"I'm going to enter your mind. But, I'm not trying to find memories or break down walls. I am just going to see the state of your mind, okay? I know it sounds confusing, but this is something that healers do and it isn't going to hurt."
Harry nodded. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he trusted Remus.
"Okay, Harry. I'm going to enter on three. 1, 2, 3."
Remus gently entered Harry's mind. He felt Harry flinch when he entered, but then he had to trust Sirius to take care of him. He knew Sirius would pull him out if it became too much for Harry.
Remus saw a huge broken spot in Harry's walls that Severus must've torn through. Remus, inside of Harry's mind, waved his hands and cleaned up the mess. He walked around the perimeter of Harry's mind and fixed a few things and muttered a few spells. He noticed a bit of neurological damage and quickly said some spells to fix that. As he was finishing up the perimeter, he saw something shaking in the corner.
Bingo.
Remus slowly went toward the shaking object.
"Harry? Harry? It's me, Moony Da."
The shaking slowed as inner-Harry looked up.
"Moony Da?" Harry croaked.
"It's me."
Harry was torn between running away and running toward Remus so he just stayed where he was.
"I know you're feeling scared right now. What happened was scary."
Harry sniffed and nodded.
"I am here to help you."
"So scary, Moony Da," inner-Harry said in a small voice.
"I know. You're so brave. I'm here to talk to you."
"Kay," Harry agreed.
Remus knew that inner Harry was also mentally younger than nearly 16 so he took this into account.
"What are you hiding from?" Remus asked as he sat down.
"'Fessor Snape."
"Ahh," Remus said, nodding. "I understand that."
"Is he 'ere?" Harry asked, looking around.
Remus shook his head. "He's not here, Harry. Moony Da and Dadfoot are here. We are here because we love you. We want to keep you safe."
"I love you, too."
Remus smiled at his son. "Do you think you'd be willing to come out with me? I know it's nice in here. We want to see you out there, too."
"So scary," Harry repeated.
"We are keeping you safe. We want to help calm you down but can't do that unless you come with me."
"Promise?"
"I promise," Remus said, extending his hand.
Harry slowly took Remus' hand and Remus helped Harry walk to the center of his mind before pulling out.
Remus came to before Harry and saw Sirius watching them with concern.
"Harry? Harry, can you hear me?" Remus asked gently.
Harry blinked and slowly became aware of his surroundings. "Moony Da?"
"I'm right here, Love," Remus smiled.
"Moony Da," Harry said again, this time his voice breaking.
"I'm right here, Cub. Let it out. You're safe," Remus assured him.
Harry threw himself into Remus' chest and sobbed before trying to say what happened, before crying again.
"I've got you. You're safe. I'm right here," Remus kept repeating.
After a while, Harry slowed his crying down and pulled away. "I don't really want to talk about it right now."
"That's okay," Remus quickly assured him. "You went through a lot. We're here for you whenever you're ready."
"But that's just it, Moony Da," Harry said. "I remember going for the lesson. I remember smelling al-alcohol on Snape's breath. And then I was running and I kind of remember the corridor and now I'm here."
Remus nodded. "When something traumatic happens, we sometimes don't remember everything around it. That's normal. I'm happy to fill you in on the gaps. I will tell you that I just pulled you out of your mind. You were hiding in there," Remus said with a smile.
"Didn't mean to. It's safe," Harry said quietly.
"Oh Cub, I'm not mad or anything like that! I was just telling you that it was probably part of why you don't remember too much. I know, it is safe. And I'm glad you're here with us because you're safe here, too."
Harry nodded. "I'sa lot, Moony Da. I-I'm overwhelmed."
Remus nodded. "Do you want a calming drought? It might calm you down enough for a rest?"
Harry nodded.
Poppy was already ready and gave Harry the potion.
"Thanks, Aunt Poppy," Harry said softly as he handed her back the vial.
She smiled at him and turned away quickly, blinking back her tears.
Remus gave Sirius a pointed look and he turned into Padfoot, going on top of Harry to provide pressure.
"We've got you, Harry. You are safe," Remus reminded him.
Remus was right, Harry did begin to feel more tired after the calming draught.
"Just rest. We will stay right here," Remus whispered, brushing Harry's hair away from his face.
Remus stayed by Harry until he was sure he was fast asleep. Even then, he lingered for a few minutes before quietly getting up and going to talk to Poppy and Minerva (but still where he could visibly see Harry).
After another silencing charm, Remus began to speak. "As you both know, I went into his mind. I repaired the damage, it was minor, and I brought him back to us. That's not to say that the psychological damage is minor. Good grief. What happened?"
Minerva and Poppy exchanged a look. "You heard what Harry said about Severus, correct?" Minerva asked.
Remus' face darkened. "Yes. He said he smelled alcohol."
Minerva and Poppy nodded and Poppy spoke up. "Albus and I took him to his quarters and Albus is still with him now. We're waiting for him to fully sober up before we ask him questions. He's coherent, but we want to know the truth and we know we can't extract memories from Harry right now."
"Goodness, no," Remus agreed.
"I know you're angry, Remus, and you have a right to be. What you need to do is be there for Harry while also taking care of yourself," Minerva reminded him. "This is a lot for you and Sirius and you can't be there for Harry if you burn yourself out."
Remus sighed. He went to kick a bedframe, but a soft hand from Minerva on his arm caused him to stop. He let out a hot breath and took a few steps away from the ladies.
Poppy and Minerva exchanged a look (and this was not the first time they'd done that in regards to Lupin angst). Minerva gave Remus a second before going over to him.
"Remus, Love."
"Hmm?" Remus hummed, turning around and giving her a small, forced, pained smile.
"Remus," Minerva said with a knowing look.
Remus' charade dropped and he sighed. "I'm so angry. And I'm so hurt for him. I know I need to take time for myself, but I can't leave his sight now. You know that."
"I do. I also know that he will get better in a day or two and allow myself, Albus, or Poppy to stay with him and you and Sirius can take care of yourself. And I fully expect seeing you in my office for a session within the next week, young man."
"Minerva," Remus tried to protest.
Minerva put her hands up. "You've talked to me about this before. It's too risky telling another therapist what is going on with Voldemort and I think I've done quite a decent job over the past couple decades or so, yes?"
"Yes, Mum," Remus smiled and kissed her head. "Thank you."
"Of course. Now get a drink a take a few deep breaths before you go back to Harry. He is still sleeping."
Remus nodded and with another look at Harry walked to get a drink of water and did a few breathing exercises before going back to his son.
Minerva and Poppy stood off to the side and watched them.
"Haven't they suffered enough?" Poppy commented.
"I thought that by the time all of the boys reached their sixth year. I thought that about Harry from the day he had to go into hiding. Our boys need us, Poppy. And I don't know about you, but I'm ready to remind them what the fierce matriarch of Gryffindor can do. Are you with me?"
"Was I ever not?" Poppy replied with a smile.
There was a lot to do and even more to talk about, but for now everyone was safe and had someone who cared about them. It's a starting place and enough to go off of.
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:
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