Chapter 13

An Attempt at Normalcy

"Did you hear? Longbottom's an Alpha!"

"Longbottom? Really? But he's so quiet!"

"Yeah, he is! Hey—did you hear about Potter as well?"

"Who hasn't? He's a cheap Omega."

"No, no I mean did you hear what he did to Longbottom!"

"No? What did he do?"

"I heard that he faked being an Alpha and stole everything that Longbottom was supposed to get."

"Really? How awful—I can't believe I actually rooted for him!"

"Hang on, does that mean that the prophecy the Daily Prophet was talking about was true? And that it was actually talking about Longbottom instead of Potter?"

"Oh my god, it does! Why is no one talking about this?"

"I have an aunt who works on the Prophet! I bet if I tell her now she'll have a story for the evening article! This is big news!"

"Yes! Do it! I can't wait until Potter finds out about this!"

"Serves him right for fooling us like he has, I bet he had Alphas help him with everything—even back when he was in the Tournament."

"Yeah! And now he has Weasley and Malfoy under his thumb."

"Wait, Weasley's an Alpha?"

"Yeah! Where have you been living?"

"Sorry, I was just so caught up on Potter—oh shit I see him and Weasley walking down. Think they just fucked?"

"Most likely, go and write your aunt! This is going to be so good!"

Harry frowned as he took a step unconsciously closer to Ron. It felt cold, having the entire House against him. He could hear their whispers, feel their stares crawling off the skin of his back. He moved quickly through the common room with Ron and made a straight line for the Great Hall. All he wanted was to eat, get his schedule, and go to class. He did not want to deal with anyone.

They found Hermione near the Great Hall and the three felt extremely awkward. Harry and Ron stopped to stare at Hermione, who shuffled from foot to foot. "Uh, good morning," Harry said cautiously.

"Good morning Harry… Ron," Hermione said.

"Listen about last night—"

"I'm still thinking about it Harry," Hermione interrupted. "Can we please not bring it up?"

"Okay," Harry nodded, feeling a little relieved. The three went in and with his two best friends with him, Harry found that it was a little easier to forget about rumors and whisperings around him. They sat down in their usual spot, only for Neville to approach them cautiously, rubbing the back of his head. "Hello, uhm Harry, is it alright if we talk?" he asked.

"Yeah, of course," Harry nodded. He unconsciously fiddled with his bonding necklace, pulling it out of his shirt so that it rested against his clothes and he could get the full scent of Draco. He was already used to Ron's and Hermione's scents from spending time with them, his brain was able to filter the Alphas out, however with Neville, it struck him like a surprising force out of nowhere. Neville smiled and sat across of Harry. "Thanks," he said.

"No problem, what is it you want to talk about?" Harry asked.

"Umm about the rumors and stuff—I want you to know that I don't believe them at all," Neville said. "I know that you wouldn't do anything that they described, or that you were an Omega actually, until on the train. In fact, I can't believe I'm an Alpha at times. Between the two of us, I was certain that you would be it."

"We can't change who we are, you were born an Alpha and I was born an Omega. We can't change our second gender," Harry said, remembering his father's words.

"It must have been a shock though, right?" Neville asked.

"Not really," Harry admitted. "I've known I was an Omega for a couple of years since our Fourth Year actually. The paper was right about only one thing: I did have a relationship with a Durmstrang student. It was actually Viktor Krum. We dated and I came into my heats early because of him. After he left, however, my heats just stopped until Draco."

"So it's true? You're uh dating Malfoy?" Neville asked, "you smell like him."

"Yes I am," Harry said. "And don't worry—I'll make sure to get Draco to stop bullying, you actually think I would date a bully or a monster?"

"No!" Neville said a little too quickly. "I mean—uhm, I don't think you would."

"Thank you," Harry smiled, and glanced subtly towards Hermione.

"I just uhh wanted to tell you that," Neville continued awkwardly. "And uh that I won't try to do things to you—because of your necklace and uh that I don't really like boys—in that way—I mean you are really nice and all but—"

Harry laughed. It was loud and light, jiggling the deepest of his core. He smiled brightly as Neville blushed and sort of shrank into himself. "It's okay Neville," Harry said, "you don't need to explain yourself. I get that."

"You mean, it's not weird?" Neville asked. "I uh don't know anything about this—I'm the first Alpha in my family at all!"

"No, it's not," Harry said, shaking his head. "From what I understand, just because you're an Alpha or Omega doesn't mean that your second gender overrides your sexuality. I'm gay, always have been, so it's obvious that my Alpha will be a male Alpha who is attracted to guys."

"Yeah, I'm bisexual so it's really open season for me," Ron shrugged, "Same with Hermione."

"RON! You can't just tell other people about me like that!" Hermione said, shocked as her cheeks tinted with pink. "You're no worse than those writers saying awful things about Harry!"

"What? We're just trying to prove a point," Ron said defensively.

"That still does not mean you can just say stuff like that out loud," Hermione said. "I told you guys last year, but I haven't even told my parents yet and they barely understood my second gender!"

Harry sighed and shook his head, "Anyway," he said, "you're straight. Always liked girls and never thought of guys in that way, right?"

"Yeah," Neville nodded.

"Then you don't need to worry about anything in my opinion," Harry shrugged. "Just go about life and you'll find a cute girl."

Neville seemed very relieved by that. He relaxed and smiled at Harry. "Thanks—are all Omegas like you by the way? I hope they are."

"According to the Alphas I've talked to, no," Harry said. "They're a lot more submissive and meek apparently, I'm unique in that I have a backbone."

"It's not that," Hermione said, momentarily taking over. "It is just that due to our second genders, when in an argument or presenting facts, the Omega would normally step down to try and calm the Alpha down, or that they would allow the Alpha to be right—"

"Even if they're wrong," Harry muttered. "I'm unique in that apparently I know how to yell at Alphas."

"Oh, okay," Neville nodded, looking totally grateful for the information. Food appeared and they all filled their plates, Ron and Harry switching automatically. Ron pulled his plate closely and took a long sniff, growling at the back of his throat. "More of the potion," he muttered.

"Um, Harry?" Neville said.

"Honestly, Ron," Hermione sighed.

Harry took the plate and shoved it under Hermione, "Smell it—in fact taste it," he demanded.

Hermione took a bite and frowned. "It still doesn't mean that Dumbledore was the one who did it," she whispered.

"Hermione! No student has any easy access to the kitchens," Harry countered.

"Uhh," Neville said, looking completely lost.

"That still does not mean it's Dumbledore," Hermione said.

"Look, we have our food let's just eat, okay?" Ron grumbled. "Neville, you want bacon?"

Breakfast went on in a normal fashion afterward, no talk of Dumbledore or Voldemort was brought up and before Harry knew it, almost an hour passed, and Professor McGonagall was near them with their schedules. It took longer than usual this year for Professor McGonagall needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s.

Hermione was immediately cleared to continue all of her classes and shot off to a first-period Ancient Runes class without further ado. Harry couldn't help but notice the glare she gave Draco when he and Theo left as well, presumably for the same class. Neville took a little longer to sort out; his round face was anxious as Professor McGonagall looked down his application and then consulted his O.W.L. results. He wanted to continue Transfiguration, which he only got an 'Acceptable' in, because of his grandmother. In the end, he was not allowed and has chosen Charms instead.

Professor McGonagall looked at Harry next, "Potter… Potter… Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transfiguration… all fine. I must say, I was pleased with your Transfiguration mark, Potter, very pleased. Now, why haven't you applied to continue with Potions? I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror?"

"I was told I had to get an 'Outstanding' in my O.W.L. Professor," Harry said.

"And so you did when Professor Snape was teaching the subject. Professor Slughorn, however, is perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T. students with 'Exceeds Expectations' at O.W.L. Do you wish to proceed with Potions?"

"Yes," Harry said, 'but I didn't buy the books or any ingredients or anything."

"I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be able to lend you some," Professor McGonagall said. "Very well, Potter here is your schedule."

"One more thing, Professor," Harry said, "is it possible to change career paths?"

"Career paths?" Professor McGonagall asked, "Potter, you are not on any path, the subjects you are taking do not specialize in Auror training, they are just prerequisites, however, if you wish to further speak with me about career opportunities, you know my office hours."

"Thank you, professor," Harry said.

Ron was soon cleared for the same classes and the two left the table together. "Look," Ron said delightedly, "we've got a free period now … and a free period after break … and after lunch… excellent!"

"Hey Harry," a friendly voice said behind them. They turned to see Blaise Zabini walk towards them, smiling. "You got a break too this period?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Oh! Blaise, this is my best friend Ron. Ron, this is Draco's friend."

Ron stared down at Blaise, although they were the same height, and his chest puffed out as he mechanically stuck out his hand. "Hello," he said, deepening his voice several octaves.

Blaise snickered and took the hand, "Hello Weasley," he said. "Harry, Draco went with my Omega to Ancient Runes."

"I know," Harry said, Ron, blinking before a small realization came to him. He stepped back a little sheepishly.

"Was just told to tell you," Blaise shrugged. "Anyway, how are you holding up? I hope the lions are treating you good."

"Hey!"

"They're… acting like I expected," Harry sighed, "However I'm hoping that it gets better soon." He looked at Ron before looking back at Blaise, "You know that my father told me to get the students on my side? I'm planning on trying to start it soon, but it'll be hard. At this point all I have are my friends so far, however, Hermione's on the fence."

"Like I said, start with us Slytherins," Blaise shrugged. "You'll have us all wrapped around your finger in a month."

Harry frowned and looked at Ron. "I don't know, I'm hoping to get my dormmates first, I feel that I can do this if I get to convince them."

"Well you got me on your side," Ron shrugged. "And Neville mostly."

"You already convinced Longbottom?" Blaise asked, "Look at you Harry, you sly puppy!" he chuckled and groaned as he stretched. "Well, I'm going to lounge lonely, waiting for my sweet innocent Omega to come back from his boring subject. See you, boys." He winked at both of them and patted Ron's shoulder as he passed them.

Ron looked at Harry, confused, but the Omega just shrugged. "He's a good one," Harry said. "Come on, let's get to the common room."

Ron agreed and they returned to the common room, which was empty apart from a half dozen seventh years, including Katie Bell, the only remaining member of the original Gryffindor Quidditch team that Harry had joined in his first year. Harry went up to her and smiled, "Hi Katie, do you have a date for the trials?" Harry asked.

Katie looked at him, "Oh… Harry," she said awkwardly. "Look uh I know that you've been our Seeker for the last five years or so but—I think it's time for new blood, you know, as a Seeker."

Harry frowned, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked. "You said it yourself, I'm the best Seeker we had since Charlie Weasley!"

"Yeah, I know but…" Katie Bell said, looking extremely awkward. She looked at her Captain's Badge and frowned. "I don't think it would be best for us, you know, having someone like you on the team. I mean nothing against Omegas but—you have a lot of drama and I don't want any Alphas… distracted."

Harry frowned. "Oh, I see," he said shortly. He felt a new wave of anger and betrayal. It fell upon him all at once and Harry stepped back, turning quickly so that Katie couldn't see his face. He grabbed Ron by the arm and dragged him out, he didn't want to be alone. He didn't want anyone to find him, but all he needed at that moment was his Alpha.

"Harry? What happened?" Ron asked, noting the tears that ran down Harry's face.

"Draco, I need my Alpha," Harry whispered.

"Okay, I know where the Ancient Runes classroom is, come on," Ron nodded. He took control, switching so that he was pulling Harry's arm gently. They walked to Ancient Runes' corridor, which was empty of students, and walked quietly until they heard voices. There they stopped and waited, Harry, taking the time to silently cry out his tears until nothing was left but an empty, wet feeling of betrayal and heartbreak.

Time did not exist to Harry as he steeled himself. He just stood there, leaning against the wall with Ron as he cried, Ron rubbing Harry's back and shoulders in an attempt to comfort him.

Finally, the door opened, and Harry moved to latch onto Draco. "Harry—easy pet, what's going on?" Draco asked, smiling at his Omega. His smile quickly went away when he saw Harry's face. "What happened?" he demanded.

Harry shook his head and pointed to lead the two Alphas away from the group before Hermione could see them. They turned the corner and stopped. "I was kicked off the Quidditch team because of what the paper wrote about me," Harry said.

"That's horrible!" Ron said.

"Disgusting—how dare that lowly amateur Beta do that!" Draco raved, "you are the best member on that team, and everybody knows it—it is a wonder that you are not the captain!"

"Yeah! You're right," Harry said, getting angry.

"I assumed you were going to be, I was getting excited by the thought of beating you but now it seems pointless," Draco said. "They going to just kick my Omega off like that? Then I'll won't play. They lose the best damn entertaining rivalry they could have gotten!"

"Draco, you don't need to do that," Harry said.0

"You were the only fun part of Quidditch," Draco shrugged. "Without you, pet, the game's pointless."

Harry blushed and hugged Draco, kissing his cheek. He turned to Ron, who looked sheepishly.

"Guess I'll uh never get on the team, huh," he said. "First in my family to not get on. Aside from, well you know but we don't talk about him because of everything that happened."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

Ron's cheeks grew pink. "I was thinking of trying out for the team," he admitted. "But because you got kicked off, it doesn't feel right."

"Are you sure about this?" Harry asked, feeling guilty. "I don't want you to stop doing something because of me."

Ron shrugged, "What's the fun if I can't play with my best friend," he said simply.

Harry still felt guilty but gave Ron a smile, "Thanks," he said.

"Well, with that settled, I have a question for you Weasley," Draco said, changing the subject. "Is there a particular Omega you have your eyes on or sense?" Ron blushed, and tried to answer the question but only blathered nonsense.

"Let's just go to class," he squeaked out and walked away.

It was almost midnight and Voldemort was still up in his personal study in his manor. His thoughts kept running around the Weasley situation and how he should deal with Mrs. Weasley's actions against his son. I should just kill her, he thought bitterly. Kill her and her husband, that is what I normally would do. But Harrison… Voldemort groaned and walked to the window to see the cloudy night sky. "To think the Dark Lord would not kill because his son asked of it," he muttered.

"My little snake is very influential," Nagini hissed, moving towards her master. She lifted herself up to the windowsill and coiled until she was comfortable in the little bay window.

"Indeed, he is," Voldemort said, petting Nagini affectionately. "I'm surprised you are not with him tonight like you have last night."

"Master needs me, Nagini senses it," Nagini answered. Voldemort chuckled. He shook his head.

"What to do with this Weasley?" he muttered. "I need to know more about them." He looked down at Nagini, "Stay, you can have your fun intimidating one of my followers."

Nagini gave a pleased hiss and Voldemort thought of Snape and pressed his wand against his clear inner forearm. His followers have his mark, but he had no need of it himself. All he needed was his thoughts and to press his wand where his mark would be on his follower. Voldemort applied his glamour, his handsomeness quickly hidden by the serpent-like face that the world knew and feared. He waited and a moment later Severus Snape appeared in front of him.

"My lord," he said, kneeling.

"Rise Snape, I require information," Voldemort said. "Tell me all you know about the Weasleys."

"The Weasleys, my lord? What for?" Snape asked. Voldemort stared at Snape directly, their eyes meeting, and he subtly broke the pathetic wall around his mind.

"You do not need to know of my intentions, just tell me all you know," Voldemort said, shifting through Snape's memory to see how his son did in his class. He saw Harrison's little outburst, and that Snape gave him detention and frowned mentally.

"They are Beta blood traitors," Snape said, as though he was practicing from a script. "They do not care for your ideals and are considered enemies."

"Is that true? I wonder," Voldemort hummed. "Who here would claim to know my ideals, truly?" He turned away from Snape and stared out of the window for a moment. "Still, you did not answer my question, Severus. Tell me all you know about the Weasleys. Let us start with the parents, shall we? I believe their names are Molly and Arthur?"

Voldemort smirked as the man behind him flinched, the Omega tensing up. Voldemort could practically smell his fear and chuckled to himself softly as Nagini hissed angrily at Snape. "Arthur Weasley is nothing but a muggle-loving fool who spends most of his time tinkering with muggle objects," Snape said.

"Sounds completely harmless, but we both know that is not the case, anyone against me is far from harmless," Voldemort mused. "And Molly?"

"A housewife."

Voldemort frowned. He turned around and showed Snape his displeasure. "Surely that cannot be all," he said. "You are not lying to me, are you Severus?"

"My Lord—" Snape was cut off by his own screams as Voldemort's Cruciatus Curse hit him. The Omega fell, clutching himself in pain as for once his scent overpowered any masking or illusions Snape used to hide it. Voldemort breathed deeply and smirked at the painful scent.

"Poor little Omega," Voldemort cooed, "lying to your master is such a naughty thing to do." He laughed coldly and ended the curse. "Tell me again, who is Molly Weasley?"

"A housewife," Snape said, gritting his teeth through the pain that still surged through his body. He shook but did not attempt to stand. "She follows Dumbledore, admires him."

"Would she be the type to do anything the old man asks her unquestioning?" Voldemort asked.

"My Lord?"

Voldemort pointed his wand threateningly at Snape. "Do not make me ask again," he said.

"Y-Yes, my lord, I believe she would," Snape said.

"Then that makes her completely far from harmless, now does it?" Voldemort chuckled.

"I—yes, my lord," Snape nodded.

"Then we should consider the Weasleys a threat, shouldn't we?" Voldemort continued, "Along with all of their little friends in Dumbledore's club. But that is why I have you, isn't it? You are after all loyal to me, and me alone, aren't you Severus?"

Snape was quiet for only a second too long before nodding, "I am, my Lord."

Voldemort decided to let it go and waved his hand, "You are dismissed," he said in a bored tone. Snape gave a stiff bow and disappeared. Voldemort allowed his glamour to fall, handsomeness returning to him once more, and he turned to the mirror. "I have a small theory," Voldemort said aloud to nobody, "that Molly was just following orders. That would make her dangerous, wouldn't it?"

"Maybe, Master," Nagini hissed. "Why not just kill her and be done with it?"

"That would upset my Harrison," Voldemort hissed, slipping back into Parseltongue. "Unfortunately, he is friends with the youngest male Weasley, who is surprisingly showing maturity according to Harrison's letters. The woman is too ensnared in my son's life."

He sighed and shook his head, annoyed. There was a knock on the door and Voldemort smelled his Remus before the Omega could fully open it. "Tom? Come back to bed."

Voldemort turned to see his Omega wearing nothing but a pair of pajama bottoms. He couldn't help but smile at how healthy-looking his body was starting to look, moving further and further away from the once gaunt appearance. "I'm sorry pup, I just had a lot on my mind," he said.

Remus nodded and stepped further into the room. Nagini saw him and sniffed, hissing jealously, "He reeks of you but not like little snake." Remus froze at the hissing and spotted the snake. "Tom?" he said, with some fear in his voice. "There's a snake."

"Oh yes, I'm so sorry my puppy, I never really did introduce you two," Voldemort sighed. "This is Nagini, she has been a lifelong friend to me. During my depression of losing both my son and Omega, I found Nagini and the two of us have been inseparable since. You do not need to worry about her, she is not venomous."

"What about poisonous?" Remus asked, eyeing Nagini.

"In order to be poisonous you would have to eat her, and even if you somehow do so, no she is not poisonous either," Voldemort smiled. He held out his hand and petted Nagini affectionately, "In all truth, she is just a cute pushover once you get to know her, a mothering softie to use the children's language," he chuckled to himself.

"You sound so old right now," Remus laughed. He walked the rest of the way and hugged Voldemort, burying his head in his chest and inhaling deeply. "You look troubled," he said, "Is this why you're up talking with Nagini?" he teased. "Even though she can't answer back."

"Yes actually," Voldemort said. He wrapped his arms around Remus and picked him up with ease. He carried his Omega to the nearest loveseat and sat down. With a wave of his hand, the fireplace started. "I've just learned of something terrible," Voldemort sighed. "It seems that while he was with his friend's family, my dear Harrison was given Alpha Protein."

"That's terrible! Is he okay?" Remus said, completely worried.

"He will be," Voldemort said, nodding. "His womb is damaged, but it will repair itself normally with time. The problem is that I do not know how to act from this. I cannot go to the Aurors, his friend's family is tied deeply to them so they would cover it up or just call it an accident."

"Is it an accident? I'm sorry I don't mean to offend but—"

"No, it was no accident," Voldemort frowned, "however I do not know if his friend's mother did it knowingly, or under the orders of someone else." He sighed and pulled his Omega close. "I'm scared," he admitted. "There was a reason why my son was stolen from me, and now that I finally have him back, to see him suffer because of me, it's heartbreaking."

"Tom, you need to calm yourself," Remus mewled. "I'm sure that you'll figure this all out. Do you have any idea about who might be behind this?"

"I do, unfortunately, and that is the problem," Voldemort said. "He's a very powerful man, much loved by the people." He sighed and looked at Remus, "I would understand, pup if you wish to get away from this drama."

"Never," Remus said. "You are the happiest thing that ever happened in my life after Sirius. I never thought that I would be happy, but not a month later you came into my life, Alpha. I would do anything to help you and your son, just as you did everything to help me and Harry. Because of you, we're actually talking and exchanging letters! Something I thought would never happen. I don't care who this person is ruining your life, I want to help you in any way I can in fighting him."

"Thank you my puppy," Voldemort said, kissing Remus. "My sweet, kind puppy. Just hearing you say all of this puts my heart at ease. And we will have a long fight ahead of us Remus, for the person behind all of this is our old friend, Dumbledore."

A/N: Voldemort is continuing to show how he is a good daddy, both to Harry and Remus (wink) Also what exactly will Harry do about his dormmates? Will Ron ever get a date? And where the hell is all the smut!?

Roderick: Ahh, I'll be honest I know nothing about Twilight. I avoid that like the plague. But that's funny.

Katherine-Taoris4ever: oof something tells me Hermione and Harry's dormmates made you angry. Well, I hope you hold your considerations until Harry tries to win them over.

Love and Fanfic: Not a lot of people are liking Hermione. Yikes.

Meroku: Loving that you're loving, and poor Hermione is trying her best. She's just going by what she knows, and what she knows is books and what has been told to her. And no, Tom's soul has nothing to do with how and why Harry can stand up to Alphas, that's just legit how he naturally is because of how he grew up.

DZ2: If I may, how is Harry being weak to Hermione? He's just trying to keep his friendships alive. As seen here, they can and are still friends, it's just that this is a major hurdle that they all need to work pass. As for the copy of the Half-blood prince, Harry has it but I currently have no plans to use it. Who knows, maybe, maybe he'll share the potion secrets with his Alpha, but as of yet it's just something Harry has. And no, I don't know where that line is from, sorry.

Love Faith Embers: A lot of naysayers about Hermione. The girl trusts Harry just as much as she trusts Dumbledore. The problem she's having is which one to trust more.

Mizzrazz72: Hmm you right, Dumbledore *might* have something with Viktor. Hold that thought for later, like a little bit later.

Angelbear1: Thanks!

AnnaMerteuil: Because reasons stated above including she is having an internal battle of "how can I keep my friend safe?"

Rori Potter: Nothing is wrong with Hermione.