Halloween Prompt - Mask

Warning - Possible warning for PTSD.

Flashback

Harry laughed as he watched the students gather in the hall, all dressed up in Halloween costumes, all having fun. He wished he'd had the opportunity to enjoy such festivities when he was still a student, but he was glad he helped to ensure his own students didn't have to live in fear like his own years.

Severus stood beside him, eyes roaming around the hall, looking for any sign of trouble. While he'd relaxed in the years they'd been together, Severus was still a hard ass when it came to bad behavior.

A stir was occurring by the doors opposite where they stood, and Harry glanced over, concerned when he heard a student scream. It took only seconds for Harry and Severus to see what it was that caused such a reaction and even as Severus swore softly, Harry could feel his lungs contracting painfully.

"It's not real, Harry, its just a costume," he heard Severus say, even as he felt hands try and move him. He lashed out at the touch, his wand in his hand, his mind supplying things he knew weren't real.

"Sev... Sev, I need to get out, I need out. Now, Sev, I need - "

Severus watched in horror as Harry immediately took up a defensive stance, his wand in his hand and unadulterated panic in his eyes. He was hyperventilating, and a few of the students noticed what was happening to the defense Professor, Severus knew he had to get Harry out of the room.

"Sev... Sev, I need to get out, I need out. Now, Sev, I need - "

"It's alright, Harry, I've got you."

Casting a quick sleeping charm on him, Severus caught Harry up in his arms and carried him from the room, aware in his periphery of Minerva capturing the student to blame and herding him through the opposite set of doors.

Finding an empty classroom, Severus carefully lay Harry on the floor and cast a protective bubble around himself. Taking a deep breath, he reversed the charm on Harry.

Everywhere. They were everywhere. Harry got up from the ground, shooting spell after spell from his wand. Death Eaters, everywhere. They should all be gone, but they weren't, they were here and Harry had to protect the students.

"Harry. It's not real, Harry. Come on, brat, fight it. It's not real."

"Not.. It's not real... It's not real."

All of a sudden, Harry's vision dimmed and he was in a dark, almost empty classroom. Furniture was destroyed, tables upended, chairs strewn around in pieces. In the corner, Severus stood watching him wearily, a protective bubble around him.

As what he'd done, what really happened, dawned on Harry, he dropped to the floor. "Oh my god, Severus. I'm sorry, Sev, so sorry. I'm sorry."

Arms surrounded him, and Harry leant into the embrace, allowing Severus to rock him slightly. "Ssh. You're okay, I'm fine."

"What happened?"

"A flashback. One of the older Ravenclaws decided to come to the party as a Death Eater, mask and all."

Harry groaned. "We told them. We warned them that to do something like that would be dangerous."

"I know. And believe me, I'll be having... strong words with the offender in question. Minerva has hold of him at the moment."

"I'm sorry, Severus."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You're fine. I love you."

"I love you too. Can I... Would you mind if I just go back to our quarters?"

"I wouldn't, but... a few of the students saw you panic. It might be a good idea to allow them to see you, even if only for ten minutes first? Then we'll both retire for the night."

Harry nodded tiredly. "You'll stay with me?"

"I will."