Warning: There is dialogue from the non-con chapter in the beginning section of this chapter - it's italicized and pretty gross. Sorry.
Once the Wizengamot filed back in, the Chief Warlock asked Theo to proceed. He called Harry to the stand to speak on behalf of the DMLE.
"Auror Potter, everyone in this room knows you need no introduction. Your credentials are well-known. At this point in time, you're considered somewhat of an expert within the DMLE," Theo stated. "Please tell us about the events of June fifth this year."
Harry retold the story of her attack, talked about the memories provided and all of the foul things Cormac had said to her, focusing on the Omega-specific comments.
"Alphas aren't supposed to wait for permission. We're here to take what your body is so willing and able to give us — slick quims, huge tits, and wide hips. Flexible legs so you can spread them wide to take our cocks.
There you are, you little Omega slag. I see you salivating over my chest and abs. Why don't you get on your knees for me.
I told you when I saw you last, I would have my turn with you since you reeked of Alpha, and I know your loser of a husband isn't one. So who have you been spreading these sexy little thighs for, Granger? Whose knot is being jammed up your twat? Is there more than one of them?"
Hermione heard Cormac's voice in her head, saw him sitting with the other Alphas across the courtroom. Feeling sick to her stomach, she tried to block it all out.
"If I claim you, I'm sure Zacharias and Anthony would like to have a go.
Though maybe, if your pussy is as good as it's supposed to be, I'll just keep it for myself. I'll fuck all your holes at least twice a day. I wonder what it would be like to knot in a virgin arse. I bet you'd love it, filthy little Omega slag."
And then Draco's voice broke through.
Hermione, are you okay? Answer me. I can feel you panicking.
I'm… not okay. I just keep hearing Cormac over and over again. Worse than before.
His arm wrapped around her waist and he pulled her closer, his scent as minty and cool as always. Breathing him in, she exhaled her sadness and panic. She felt herself starting to calm.
Potter and Theo are handling it. There will be serious consequences for anyone who touches an unwilling Omega in the future. Focus on that, lioness.
The room started to come back into focus, and she heard Theo ask, "And what would the consequences have been if Hermione Granger was not an Omega?"
"He would've been arrested and detained for sexual assault," Harry explained. "I can't say for certain what the punishment would've been, but he would have faced prison time. Especially since there was some degree of premeditation."
"So the DMLE also thought there was premeditation? Why do you say that?" the Chief Warlock questioned.
"Earlier in the week, Cormac discovered Hermione's Omega status in a lift. I think he planned to get her alone eventually. He saw an opportunity and took it since there was no one around," Harry said.
Hermione watched as most of the Wizengamot members shook their heads, looking angry that Cormac would behave in such a way. The small bit of hope she had within her grew, bloomed into something larger.
"So, as a representative of the DMLE, do you believe that the resources are in place to deal with Alphas?" Theo asked.
Harry let out an exasperated sigh. "Alphas may be a bit more aggressive than the average wizard, but there is no reason why they cannot be subdued in the same way as any other person. Stunners, hexes, jinxes — they'll all work. We may need to work on a stronger version of Incarcerous, but when cast competently, it shouldn't be an issue. They should be governed by the same laws that pertain to the rest of us."
Playing it up, Theo walked back and forth across the courtroom floor. "But can they really? Can you smell anything different about Hermione? You've spent more time around her than most."
"I obviously can't since I'm not an Alpha," Harry said. "But that's not what I'm meant to speak on. I don't believe any witch should be stopped from working where she wants or going out in public on her own without fear. Men — wizards — should be able to control themselves regardless."
The Chief Warlock looked around. "Other than Mr. Malfoy and Mr. McLaggen, are any Alphas willing to weigh in on this subject? I want to make sure we hear the two perspectives."
Someone rose in the gallery, a shadowed figure, and stepped forward. Hermione's stomach sank when she saw Marcus Flint. Her brain quickly relayed what she knew of him. Pureblood. Alpha. Slytherin with questionable loyalty during the war, though his mother had been killed for some reason. Pansy bloody Parkinson's husband. He was tall and broad, muscled, but his face wasn't as gorgeous as Draco's.
The Chief Warlock gestured for him to speak. "As an Alpha, I would find it appalling to harm a witch in any way. Regardless of her designation, I would want to care for her, to make sure she's enjoying the experience. I don't want anyone, least of all an Omega, to fight off my advances. The main drive for most of us is to protect and cherish an Omega." Hermione saw Flint look to Draco and nod in approval. "I've not spent time around Ms. Granger, but just seeing her now, I can't imagine forcing myself on her. My father always said that if I was fortunate enough to find an Omega, I should be a gentleman and woo her properly before starting to bond physically."
Hermione's jaw nearly dropped. This man, who she had been sure was going to say that an Omega's place was on her back or knees or something equally vulgar, had just spoken in favour of abolishing the Alpha laws. And she also realised that, somehow, the Flints had the right idea in mind when they spoke to Marcus about his designation. Things had been so bloody complicated as soon as she'd had sex with Draco the very first time. Even without the war, they would've been walking through a veritable minefield of problems after then — Harry, Ron, Lucius, Narcissa — it would've all been a struggle. It had been uncharacteristically responsible of them, of an old pureblood family, to raise their son to be respectful of all women.
Didn't see that one coming. He's just basically sold it through the Flint line, so now we've got Malfoy, Black, Flint, Potter, Weasley, and Nott. Those are some old names.
While Hermione resented the list of old wizarding names holding so much power, she knew Draco was right. Those names were familiar and could really influence the older members of the Wizengamot, even if some of them were tainted with scandal after the war. It was just the way of things and, like the Alpha laws, it would take time to change.
I bet your mother managed to get him alone at one point or another since she sees Pansy and her mother so often.
It's possible, but the older Flints were always a bit different.
When Marcus retook his seat, Zacharias Smith rose, and Hermione stiffened. She knew all too well what kind of person he was. For an Alpha, he was cowardly — he'd run away from the Battle of Hogwarts rather than fight in it. He'd constantly questioned whether Harry was telling the truth or not.
"I'd like to refute what the others have said. I agree with Cormac whole-heartedly. The other Alphas that have spoken are not normal. Controlling the urges is not an easy task," he began. "Being near an Omega is intoxicating, like drinking firewhisky or smelling Amortentia. Try to imagine what it would be like to walk around with a vial of love potion under your nose. You'd be infatuated, unable to think about anything but getting to that witch and having your way with her."
Draco's anger was flaring beside her, his scent shifting towards minty, and he was glaring at Smith.
Theo spoke up. "And how do you know that you and McLaggen are not the anomalies, Mr. Smith? Maybe most Alphas know how to behave, and for whatever reason, you two just can't?"
Fair point. See, Theo's handing it.
"These laws wouldn't be in place if that were the case!" Smith snapped. "Omegas cause Alphas to go mad, especially when they're walking around dressed like—"
"What a woman wears is never relevant," the Chief Warlock said, interrupting Zacharias. "It has no bearing on her Omega status or these laws."
"Of course, sir. I apologise," he said. "My point is that we cannot simply change the laws on the word of two or three Alphas. Things have not changed that much!"
Theo looked to the Chief Warlock. "Can I have a little leeway here?" He nodded. "So you don't think suppressants have changed anything?"
Hermione watched as Zacharias fidgeted with something in his hands. "I've not been around any Omegas, so I wouldn't know."
Theo smiled before retorting, "That you know of, you mean."
"No, I haven't at all," he answered.
"How can you be sure?" Theo asked.
"I've never been hit with pheromones," Zacharias answered.
Theo looked at him for a moment. "Do you think that could be because the Omegas are using the suppressants?"
"Definitely not. Omegas are rare. How many suppressants are sold?"
Hermione rose and the Chief Warlock looked at her. "How many suppressants does your apothecary sell, Ms. Granger?"
"I have at least ten customers in England. I will not divulge any more than that," she answered before sitting down again.
Theo looked to Zacharias. "With the size of the magical community in England, do you think you've honestly never encountered an Omega? While shopping in Diagon Alley? Or in the Ministry? Or at some sort of function?"
"It's possible I did."
"And, on top of that, there have been major societal changes since the Middle Ages, too, have there not?" Theo continued when Zacharias nodded in agreement. "Witches have entered the workplace. They're no longer expected to stay at home and just bear heirs. They're no longer viewed as their father's and then their husband's property. Witches are involved in every aspect of society now, from making laws to teaching to brewing potions."
Theo looked up to the Wizengamot, smiling at the witches who held positions there, his charisma shining through. He then looked to Hermione and winked.
"Our society, as a whole has progressed, but we've left one group firmly unchanged, unprotected, and that's not okay. We cannot leave Omegas hundreds of years in the past while we continue to move forward," he concluded.
Zacharias stared at Theo, a dumbfounded expression on his face, likely unable to understand what had just happened.
What a fucking idiot. He really put Theo on a roll.
No kidding. He really messed up there — he talked himself into a corner.
Hermione watched at Zacharias moved back towards Cormac, and she noticed that Cormac's face wore a look of disgust. Glaring at the pair of them, she got lost in her own thoughts.
How could two men with the same upbringing, or even a better upbringing, than Draco and Theo had experienced feel that way about sexual assault? How could they just condone the use of witches for their own pleasure? For all his faults, not even Lucius Malfoy had behaved that way.
Draco squeezed her thigh, pulling her attention to him.
Are you okay? Why are you staring at them?
I'm so angry. So fucking angry at them. How are they like this?
Draco just pulled her into his side, trying to comfort her by holding her close. Again, she breathed in his scent, trying to hold her anger at bay.
When she refocused on the proceedings, Harry was speaking again. "—and while I had a personal interest in this case because Hermione was the victim, I wouldn't want any female to suffer what she did. It was wrong that she had to endure the attack, and it was even more disgusting to me that we couldn't bring her assailant to justice."
"Right. What were the final charges against the Alpha who attacked her?"
"Simple assault since he struck her in the face. We couldn't charge him with sexual assault, or kidnapping, or anything involving detainment or restraint because of the laws that are in place," Harry answered. "If he hadn't struck her, he wouldn't have been charged with anything."
Theo continued moving around, subtly watching the reactions of people within the courtroom. "And what was the punishment for that charge?"
"He was given community service, a fine, and had to take anger management classes."
"And how did you feel about that?" Theo asked.
"The whole situation just sickens me. He nearly raped my best friend, and there was nothing I could do to help her. If she had been nearly any other witch, he would've been charged with something far more serious, and I couldn't give her the same courtesy."
Hermione felt Harry's distress and could see it on his face. They knew each other so well. After nearly fifteen years of friendship, she could tell his pain and anxiety was real, that it had genuinely hurt him to not be able to help her or punish Cormac in any other way. She squeezed Draco's hand and his thumb stroked her skin softly, trying to reassure her.
There were murmurs in the gallery, likely discussing their opinions of Cormac's punishment and the Chosen One's anguish. Meanwhile, Cormac glared at those around him, looking incredibly uncomfortable at being painted in a negative light. Hermione wasn't really surprised that he still didn't get it — his Alpha entitlement was so deeply rooted that he probably never would. The Chief Warlock quickly brought an end to the crowd's chatter, and Theo quickly moved onto another subject. He'd already gotten the reaction he'd wanted from Cormac's "punishment".
"And Auror Potter, what of the other laws we're looking at? Do you think that Omegas should be barred from working in the Ministry? Or St. Mungo's and Hogwarts?" Theo asked.
Harry made a face of disgust. "No. That's completely sexist and unreasonable. Heats come on every few months. There is absolutely no reason why they should be barred from seeking employment just like everyone else in the wizarding world."
Theo nodded. "As you likely know, legislation was passed barring discrimination due to lycanthropy at the end of the Second Wizarding War. Do you think this should be handled the same way?"
"As far as leave for a medical condition goes, yes. A heat is even less frequent than the full moon and bonded Alphas are already granted that protection. It should be handled the same way across the board," Harry stated.
The court scribe was quickly making notes, writing down everything that was said. Why they didn't just use a charmed quill, Hermione didn't know.
The Chief Warlock said, "Any commentary from the Gallery? Or questions for Auror Potter?"
Andromeda stood, her posture and poise drawing every bit of attention in the room in her direction. "These laws, especially those protecting Alphas from sexual assault charges and forbidding Omegas from working at the Ministry and in other positions, do need to be altered at the very least. While the submissive nature of an Omega may make them a less favourable choice for a position like an Auror, there is no reason why they cannot work at the Ministry as a whole."
Hermione's stomach sank at her words; the last thing Theo needed was doubt that Omegas could perform any job function.
"You raise an interesting point, Mrs. Tonks," Theo began, obviously trying to redirect the focus. "There may be certain positions that would need to be examined more closely due to the nature of the work. However, today is about agreeing if there should be a change or overall abolishment of these laws."
"Of course, Solicitor Nott. I am in favour of abolishing the laws," Andromeda replied, realising her earlier mistake and recovering. "No woman should live in fear of being sexually assaulted when she simply needs to go to the Ministry or Diagon Alley on her own. That's completely revolting."
Andromeda moved back to her seat and then McLaggen stood again, making his way down to the floor. Hermione felt Draco tense.
I'll handle him again. Don't worry, Draco.
"So you're in favour of abolishing all of these laws, Potter?" McLaggen asked, his tone condescending.
"I am," Harry replied. "What you did to Hermione was wrong, Cormac. I don't care what you say—"
The Chief Warlock glared at both Harry and Cormac, halting the conversation. "Is there a point to this conversation?"
"Yes," Cormac replied. "I don't know how we can take the opinion of a non-Alpha into consideration. It's completely preposterous. He doesn't understand how it feels to be an Alpha, to be so enamoured by a scent alone that you're willing to do whatever it takes to have a certain witch—"
"This is similar to what you interrupted my opening statement with, McLaggen. We get it. Alpha impulses are there — they're real. We're not denying that," Theo answered. "But we think you, as human beings, need to be able to control them. You shouldn't want to harm Omegas, especially when there are suppressants and the like available to you at this point in time."
Cormac scoffed. "I don't want to suppress my Alpha side. It's not only beneficial for the bedroom side of things."
Hermione moved to stand and Draco held onto her.
Theo is handling him. Stay here for now.
Let go. He's a wanker and needs to be knocked down a peg by an actual Omega.
Draco didn't let go.
Theo narrowed his eyes at McLaggen. "Do you have any suggestions then, McLaggen? Because these females aren't going to continue being subservient forever. Look at Muggle history."
"Well, for starters, they should just pick a fucking mate before they present," Cormac spat. "Or, if they don't, they should be prepared to get fucked by the first Alpha who finds them unsuppressed. That's our right. We are dominant, and they're meant to just take whatever we give—"
The Chief Warlock rose to his feet. "That's enough, Mr. McLaggen. You are a toxic, horrid man. I don't know who raised you with this sense of entitlement, but none of the other Alphas in this room have displayed such behavior. Sit down."
"I won't! I won't let men who don't understand what it's like to be driven crazy by that sweet, ripe strawberry scent Granger's cunt gives off—"
Cormac was quickly silenced, and Hermione felt her fury building.
Let go. Now.
Hermione felt Draco's hand fall away and she marched down, her magic more uncontrolled than it had been since her heat had passed.
"Cormac, look at me," she said, commanding his attention. When his eyes fell on her, she glared. "I am not the only Omega in Britain. If you have a problem with me specifically, that's one thing. These laws apply to everyone."
Someone must have released the Silencing Charm, allowing him to speak again. "You're the only one I've ever encountered! How am I supposed to know—"
"I'm likely not. I'm sure you've passed others in the streets or abroad. Is this about your foolish teenage infatuation with me?" she asked, more calmly than she actually felt. She looked towards the Wizengamot. "Cormac McLaggen's opinions are more personal than most. He has harboured some kind of crush or something to that effect for a long time."
Cormac let out a snarl. "Granger, you're supposed to be mine. We're both Gryffindors, you were my date in sixth year. I wanted everything with you."
Before Hermione could react, Draco was standing in front of her. "She. Is. Mine. She's been mine since before your pathetic date to Slughorn's party. Don't be a total arsehole and wreck the lives of future Omegas because you feel jilted by Hermione."
Glaring, McLaggen said, "You should know better than anyone. Her scent drives a bloke mad. She's sweet and—"
Draco stepped toe to toe with Cormac, prompting some of the DMLE officers to step forward, ready to strike if the two Alphas started physically fighting. "It doesn't drive me mad to the point where I'd trap her in an enclosed space. It doesn't make me think she wants me when she's clearly with someone else. I let her go when I thought she didn't want me. You should've done the same rather than putting your filthy fucking hands on her."
Hermione grabbed Draco's robes and pulled him back towards her, wrapping her free arm around his waist. She was terrified that he'd hit Cormac in the middle of the courtroom and be Stunned and arrested, and that was the last thing they needed.
Draco, he's not worth fighting with. Please, let's just go back to our seats. He's just making himself look stupid at this point.
"Potter," the Chief Warlock said, "you can return to your seat. McLaggen, Malfoy, do the same. I'm going to issue a final warning to both of you. There will be no physical altercations permitted in my courtroom, Alpha pheromones and testosterone or not." He paused, waiting for both men to acknowledge what he'd said with a nod. "Ms. Granger, I'd like to hear from you next if you're up to it."
Hermione nodded and nudged Draco in the direction of their seats.
I'm fine, Draco. Go sit down.
Hermione let Theo lead her to the witness stand. "Ready?" he whispered.
She smiled and nodded. "Of course."
As soon as Hermione was seated, Draco felt his anxiety building. The confrontation with McLaggen hadn't been satisfying and his testosterone had likely spiked. He wanted to fight or take Hermione home to bed. Losing himself in her sounded like the best option at this point.
Theo started out slowly, asking Hermione to share her NEWT scores, asking her about her business, and showing that the Brightest Witch had been essentially left with no prospects because of her Omega status. While Hermione's heart would've been set on her apothecary no matter what, Theo was playing it up like she'd actually wanted to work at the Ministry or at St. Mungo's. They needed to prove a point.
"So, despite having several perfect NEWT scores, you were unable to find traditional employment within the wizarding world," Theo stated, driving home the point.
Hermione shook her head. "No, I was not. I had to disclose I was an Omega and would need time off for heats. For whatever reason, my heats weren't the normal severity or frequency at first, so I couldn't plan ahead of time. Even most Potions masters wouldn't take me on as an apprentice. Padma was able to earn her mastery, and then I learned from her."
"So how did you earn money after the war?" Theo asked.
"I didn't really. I had my inheritance from my parents and I depended on others," she answered, completely unashamed. "I began brewing potions and eventually had enough stockpiled to open the Apothecary. Padma and I had made the decision to start our own business, so I wanted to be prepared with the usual things we would need."
"No one was willing to make an exception for you?"
"No. It was the law. I wasn't going to ask anyone to risk their livelihood for me," Hermione responded. "I was also quite sure I wanted to open my own Apothecary after the war, anyway. I won't lie, though — I was disappointed that no one would allow me to apprentice because of my designation."
They went on to discuss Hermione's research into Alphas and Omegas, blood typing, suppressant potions, and the day she'd been attacked by Cormac.
"I will accept a portion of blame," she began. "I didn't take my suppressants that day. My scent was likely very strong. I'm not saying that should excuse his behavior, but I was also a bit careless that day. As an Omega, I do know better. That's why education will be crucial if these laws are changed, and I want to be involved."
Theo nodded. "If that's the case and you believe the use of suppressants would've stopped this attack, what about Omegas who cannot afford to purchase suppressant potions?"
"I'm in a financially stable position and own an Apothecary. I would feel comfortable providing free suppressant potions to any Omegas who need them. They're relatively simple to make and I don't want anyone to go through what I went through in June." After a pause, she added, "But ultimately, Cormac knew I was an Omega. I don't think all the suppressants in the world would've stopped him from doing what he did to me. Like I said earlier, during sixth year, he was rather… insistent with me."
Members of the Wizengamot asked Hermione in-depth questions about the brewing process for the suppressant potions for both Alphas and Omegas and whether she thought testing all Muggle-borns was feasible.
"Absolutely," she responded. "In the Muggle world, students are required to undergo physical exams and receive vaccinations in order to attend boarding schools. There is no reason why a similar procedure couldn't be developed for Hogwarts. Most parents wouldn't even question it, I'm sure."
The Chief Warlock looked at her with a small smile. "And what about education? What do you think younger Alphas and Omegas need to know before they get to Hogwarts?"
"I'm not sure knowing anything before is important. These designations won't really affect them in their early years. I think I'd recommend a class with a healer in third year when puberty is really hitting," she suggested. "I'm obviously not an expert, but that's my opinion. I think it's important for them to know about pheromones and hormones and their heightened senses. When I first smelled Draco in sixth year, I had no idea why he was so much different than before, why he smelled so much stronger and so… enticing."
A witch from the Wizengamot stepped forward. "And I'm going to assume you'd want them to learn about suppressants?"
Hermione nodded. "Of course. And I'd recommend that they start taking them in fifth or sixth year. It's the most responsible course of action, especially if there is an Omega present in the school."
Taking a deep breath, she continued. "And they need to know what can happen if they engage in sexual intercourse with each other. Draco and I ended up partially soul bonded without even knowing it. Our situation was, from what I understand, very unique, but it isn't unheard of. Having this bond is the most wonderful thing, but it can be overwhelming at times."
Draco's heart stopped as she talked about their experiences and glanced up at him from time to time. She was being completely honest, not holding anything back.
"Being able to hear another person's thoughts and feel their emotions, even when you're hundreds of miles apart, is hard to understand at first. Of course, it didn't start out this strong, but a choice we made in sixth year has essentially defined our life paths," Hermione explained. "Yes, we were separated during the war, and yes, we both married other people, but we were always going to find our way back to each other. Bonds like these cannot be ignored forever."
He noticed that she glanced at Weasley after saying this, but he couldn't fault her. Their history would always be there and, good or bad, she would always be upset that she'd hurt him when they had found each other again. While they weren't friends now, Draco was sure they'd eventually be civil at the very least, even if he despised the very idea of Hermione getting close to him again. He understood her well enough to know that she wouldn't hold a grudge against him forever.
Theo smiled at her. "And these bonds — they're unbreakable, right?"
"That's why the idea of forced claimings is absolutely sickening to me," Hermione answered. "A woman, an Omega, can be permanently tied to a man who violates her body over and over again, and there is nothing she can do to truly get away from him. He will always find her. He will always be able to feel her, and she him. There is no escaping it."
"And if McLaggen had bitten you, that's what would've happened?" Theo asked.
Hermione looked thoughtful. "You know, I actually can't be sure. Since Draco and I were already partially bonded, there is no way for me to know what would've happened if Cormac had bitten me. I don't know if it would've severed my tie to Draco or if I would've somehow been bound to both of them. It's a rather fascinating question, even if I'm happy that I don't have the answer for it."
Theo looked to Hermione and let out a short laugh. "I'm sure that's a first for you." She shot him a glare. "I don't think I have any further questions for you, Ms. Granger. Would you like to make a statement?"
"I think we've already covered most of what I would say," she replied. "Though please note that I am willing to come in for any future questions or hearings."
"Does anyone else have any questions for Ms. Granger?" When no one stepped forward, the Chief Warlock cleared his throat. "You may retake your seat, Ms. Granger. Solicitor Nott, do you have any further information you'd like to present? Or proposed changes you'd like to elaborate on?"
"No, I don't think so," Theo answered. "I can give a closing statement, and I think that will be sufficient."
"Proceed."
Theo walked through every bit of information and proposed change that had been presented over the course of the day, from Draco, Hermione, Flint, Potter and the DMLE, and the St. Mungo's healers. He knit the whole thing together cohesively, making sure to highlight the key differences between McLaggen's feelings and actions and Draco's. Everyone in the courtroom was listening intently, and Draco considered that to be a good sign.
"In light of the advancements that have been made over the past few centuries, both in potion making and overall understanding of Alpha/Omega biology, there is no reason to keep these despicable laws in place. They do nothing but set Omegas up to be attacked, and they also place all the blame on the victim of those attacks. Humans are humans, and they should all be held to the same standards," Theo said. "If Draco Malfoy managed to control himself while partially soul bonded to Hermione Granger, then anyone should be able to do it. The fact that he didn't know he was an Alpha also lends credence to a nature vs. nurture argument — other Alphas are raised and taught it's okay to attack Omegas, but Draco was able to control himself because he knew it was wrong to force himself on her, no matter what compulsions he had."
"Every witch and wizard within our society should receive the same protection from the law. Whether or not a witch emits extra pheromones or not, she should be able to go out without the fear of being attacked. And Alpha males should be held to the same standard as the everyday wizard. They are not entitled to anything more than we are, and as a society, we should not be condoning their behavior based on what was acceptable hundreds of years ago," Theo concluded.
With that, the observers in the courtroom were dismissed so the Wizengamot could deliberate, and all Hermione and Draco could do was wait for a decision.
On Thursday evening, they received an owl from the Ministry stating that they'd reached a decision and inviting them to the hearing in the morning. Hermione's stomach flipped at the thought. While Theo had done brilliantly, she was still anxious. These laws had never been fought before and she was accustomed to legislation taking years to change. She wouldn't allow herself to believe that this would be it, that every law regarding Omegas would just be gone.
That night, she barely slept a wink, which meant Draco was kept awake, too. She found herself kissing and stroking him til he woke, trying to keep her mind off of things by losing herself in her Alpha. He was more than happy to oblige, but they were exhausted the following morning.
"You're evil. I'm going to need about a hundred cups of coffee to get through the day, Hermione," Draco stated when he came down the stairs.
Hermione handed him his first cup, smiling over the rim of her own mug. "You enjoyed every second of it."
"Yes, but now we have to go to the Ministry and listen to someone drone on," he grumbled. "I know it's important and it's likely the outcome we wanted, but I really am knackered. You were absolutely insatiable. I don't think we've had that much sex in one night except for during your heat."
Sighing, she said, "I know. I just needed to turn my brain off."
"And the only way to do that was to turn your body on?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
Hermione nearly choked on a sip of coffee. "Don't make me laugh! I might die!"
Setting his coffee down on the counter, he wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her forehead. "You wouldn't die. I'd save you, love."
She hugged him around the waist, pulling him as close as possible. "I know," she said. "What would you do without me?"
"I'd definitely sleep more."
She smacked his arse and laughed, reveling in the simple banter and domesticity of the moment. Her life was definitely back on track; she was right where she was supposed to be.
When they entered the courtroom, Theo was already seated. There weren't many people there — a few reporters, Kingsley, Harry and all the Weasleys. Draco figured they'd limited who would be allowed in. The other Alphas were most notably absent.
The Wizengamot members trickled in one by one, their purple robes filling the gallery. Draco could feel Hermione's anxiety vibrating through their bond. She was currently engaged in a conversation with Molly Weasley, who looked a bit angry at whatever Hermione was saying. He kept his eyes on the two women, and he saw Molly's gaze narrow on Ron. Smirking to himself, Draco secretly hoped Hermione had just told her about the house — he could still remember the howlers the Weasley matriarch had sent to Hogwarts and knew she'd absolutely flatten her son, no matter that he was now an adult.
"What's up with Hermione this morning?" Potter asking, lowering himself into the seat beside Draco.
"She's just nervous," he responded. "She's been a wreck since the owl came last night and barely slept."
Harry nodded and followed Draco's gaze, watching Hermione embrace Mrs. Weasley before heading back their way. Her eyes looked watery, like she was going to start crying, and he wanted to sweep her up and comfort her. Sitting on his other side, she leaned into him and put her head on his shoulder.
"I wish they would just get this over with," she said. "I want to go home or get into the lab. I'd prefer to be anywhere but here."
What's going on? Is it more than the anxiety about the decision?
Someone told Molly about the house. It must have been Harry or Ginny. She wants me to sit down with the whole Weasley clan. I don't think I can do it, and I told her that. I want to leave it be.
Draco was firmly in agreement with Hermione; it should just be left in the past. It had been over a month since they'd settled it, and it didn't need to be rehashed over and over. It was done — Hermione had already confronted Ron about his actions, and there was no way for him to take them back.
If you wanted me to, I'd go with you. You know that, right?
Of course, but I don't want to talk about it. I want to move on with my life. Ron is my past and I want to focus on the future.
Deep inside, he was pleased she felt that way. He tried not to show it; he didn't like that she was hurting, and he didn't want to seem smug about the fact that he had her and Weasley didn't.
Potter's voice broke through their silent conversation. "I think they're going to get rid of the laws, Hermione. I don't think you have to worry like this."
"I think so, too. It's just hard for me to stay calm. You know that, Harry. I never believe my gut until a matter is actually settled," she answered.
Harry snickered. "She was certain she failed all of her exams every year until she got them back."
Laughing, Draco pulled her closer. "Granger, you've never failed an exam in your life. Why in the name of Merlin would you ever think that way?"
Before she had a chance to respond, the Chief Warlock entered.
"Before I announce our decision today, I just wanted to offer my own thoughts on this matter," he began. "It's hard to change the old ways, especially in a society like ours. There are so many secrets, so many things that are just passed down within families. It makes it very difficult to have all of the information on any topic at all. That being said, you put a fine case together, Solicitor Nott. Even if the bonded Alphas and Omegas present at the hearing didn't speak, your arguments were clear and well thought out. When the Alphas challenged you, you rose to it. You didn't back down in the way they expected you to, and that was refreshing."
Theo looked up at him and said, "Thank you, Sir."
"You're welcome. Bringing the healers in and talking about overall societal changes was also brilliant. It lent much needed support to everything you said. I'm proud to have been a part of both the werewolf legislation and this case," he continued.
If he's talking about the werewolf case, we've won. They're going to repeal the laws.
I know, love. I never had any doubts. Theo did a brilliant job.
Hermione shifted beside him, sitting up straighter and focusing on the Chief Warlock as he went on.
"I'm happy to say the Wizengamot has voted to abolish all the laws regarding Alphas and Omegas. We believe that no witch should have to be worried about being assaulted, regardless of pheromones or impulses. We will be working out the details in the coming months and will likely be looking to all of you for your support," he announced. "We will be working with healers and forming the educational program for Hogwarts-aged students. I want to commend you specifically, Mr. Malfoy. I know it likely wasn't easy to open up and relay your experiences in open court with other Alphas present."
"I don't want any witch to have to go through what Hermione did with McLaggen. My discomfort hardly matters in comparison, but thank you," Draco replied.
"You're welcome. We will be making an official announcement in the Sunday Prophet, but we wanted this group to know first. There isn't really much else for me to say, so you're all free to go."
With that, Hermione leapt up and hugged Theo, thanking him profusely.
With a wink to Draco, he said, "Anything for the Golden Girl."