TW: anxiety attack
Harry Potter was known as one of the bravest, strongest people in the entire universe, but behind closed doors, he was simply a child. A child forced through too much pressure to handle. He often had nightmares, almost every night. Throughout every night they only got worse. Draco had figured that out quickly, as they slept over in the other's room often.
Ever since they'd gotten together, Draco had started to learn how anxious and not-so-strong Harry was when he didn't have to be. He woke up to sobs and harsh breathing every night, and tonight wasn't any different.
Tonight's nightmare was the worst yet. Harry had awoken barely able to breathe at all. He'd sat up and held himself close in attempt to calm himself down without waking Draco. Luckily, the other boy did wake up and didn't take too long to catch on. He sat down beside Harry and took his hand gently.
"Shh. You're okay. I've got you. You're not breathing. Alright. Let's take a deep breath. Come on, look at me. Listen to my voice. Slow breath. In through your nose and out through your mouth." Draco had learned that babbling helped Harry tremendously. He demonstrated the breaths and listened as Harry attempted to copy him.
"I can't breathe," Harry gasped out.
"Look at me, in my eyes," he pulled the boy's chin up, "deep breath. In and out." Harry struggled, but finally took a good breath. Draco grinned and nodded furiously. "Good, good. You did it. Do it again for me. Come on, you can do it."
After a few minutes of encouragement, Harry could breathe again. Draco pulled him close, pushing the brown haired head down onto his shoulder and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Good. You did so good. You listen so well. You're wonderful." Praise and constant talking always did the trick.
Harry's breath had returned to normal and he relaxed into Draco.
"Good job. You did so good for me. You're so good," Draco murmured, placing gentle kisses on the top of his head. "Let's get back to sleep, alright?"
When Harry nodded, the blond laid down with him, holding him close until they were both fast asleep.
