Hermione
The corridors are empty, just faint scents of alphas that followed my scent linger in the hall with a tenseness. It wasn't just what happened at the ball, my omega is in turmoil as well, stressed from the overwhelming emotions. Just as my anxiety is starting to peak, a wave of calmness washes over me. The air is now thick with Draco's calming pheromones, trying to soothe the unease within me.
We walk side by side, close enough that I could easily reach out and take his hand, but neither of us makes the move. The tension between us is palpable, and the silence is heavy with unspoken emotions. I find myself fidgeting with the edge of my jumper as we navigate the empty corridors, each lost in our thoughts.
"I wonder if the school is on lockdown," I murmur, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of activity.
Draco begins to respond when suddenly, an ear-piercing screech reverberates through the hallway. The sound is so sudden and deafening that I instinctively cover my ears with my hands, trying to shield myself from the noise. In an instant, Draco reacts, pulling me against the corridor wall, his body acting as a shield.
With his back to me and his wand drawn, I watch Draco's every move as he scans the hallway, ready to defend us from whatever threat might be lurking. His breathing is ragged, and beneath it, I can hear a low, menacing growl. It sends shivers down my spine, a stark reminder of the power of his alpha instincts.
The air around us becomes charged with Draco's alpha pheromones, emanating a dangerous and lethal aura. It's both intimidating and comforting at the same time. I feel a mix of fear and reassurance as his protective instincts take over, knowing that he'll do whatever it takes to keep me safe.
My omega whines loudly in my mind, intoxicated by his protective nature instead of feeling fear. But if I'm honest with myself, I know that it's likely just an alarm bell, alerting the professors that Draco and I passed it.
Keeping my eyes on his back, his instincts can be both reassuring and overwhelming at times. Navigating our "friendship" is a delicate dance, knowing that our secondary biologies don't understand the boundaries we've set. Draco's protective instincts as an alpha are always at the surface, ready to shield me from any potential harm. There's a primal urge within him to ensure my safety, but my omega responds to that, creating a unique and complex dynamic between us instead of just being a friendship.
After what feels like an eternity, the screeching sound subsides, leaving behind an eerie silence. Draco relaxes slightly, but he remains vigilant, his eyes still scanning the area for any potential threats. Slowly, he lowers his wand, but the grip on it remains firm.
"I think it's just a school alarm," I say, trying to reassure both myself and Draco. I reach out, gently resting my fingertips on the spot between his shoulder blades, hoping to calm him. His tense frame eases slightly at my touch, and he glances back at me, his eyes still filled with concern.
Suddenly, a silver spark shoots into my periphery, hitting Draco with a force that knocks him to the side. Before I can react, chains wrap around his body, immobilizing him. Panic sets in as he starts thrashing wildly, snarling, and struggling to break free from the magical restraints.
"Draco!" I gasp, dropping to my knees beside him, desperate to help. My heart races as professors rush into the hallway, their wands pointed at us. The sight of Professor Onyx among them makes me even more anxious.
"Let him go! He didn't do anything!" I plead, looking up at Professor Onyx, hoping she'll see reason and release Draco from the chains. My mind races, trying to figure out what could have triggered this sudden attack on him. I know he can be protective, but he hasn't done anything wrong.
The professors exchange concerned glances, but none of them move to release him just yet. I can feel my omega's stress levels rising, and my thoughts are clouded by worry for Draco's safety.
"Please! I'm not bonded! Look!" I tilt my head and pull the collar of my sweater down to prove it. "He didn't do anything! We didn't do anything!" I continue to argue, my voice shaky with emotion. "I trusted him last night and I trust him now."
Professor Onyx's expression shifts slightly as she looks down at Draco, still struggling against the chains.
Meanwhile, my hand remains on Draco's back, trying to provide him with whatever comfort I can amidst this chaotic situation. I can feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest as he breathes heavily, still trying to break free.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Professor Onyx nods to her colleagues, and the chains vanish, releasing Draco. He gasps for breath, and I quickly wrap my arms around him without thought, pulling him into a protective embrace.
"It's okay, Draco. You're safe now," I whisper soothingly, trying to reassure both him and my omega.
"Don't touch each other," Professor Onyx snaps, her stern voice cutting through the tense air. With a swift wave of her wand, we are forcefully separated, and I feel a pang of loss at the sudden distance between Draco and me. The chains that had bound him are gone, but the barrier between us feels just as restricting.
"We are going directly to the headmistress' office," she states firmly, her eyes never leaving us. Without further delay, she starts walking. Getting up, I go over to Draco and help him to his feet, staying close by his side but not touching him as we fall into step behind her, our emotions still raw from the recent incident.
As we walk through the castle, I can sense Draco's frustration and anger vibrating beneath the surface. My omega is on edge, mirroring his emotions, and I try my best to remain calm and composed. It's challenging to keep my thoughts clear when everything feels so chaotic.
Professor Onyx leads us through the familiar halls, and I can't help but think back to the Unity Ball, and how much joy and excitement we had experienced together. Now, it feels like a distant memory, overshadowed by this unexpected turmoil.
Once we reach the headmistress' office, Professor Onyx knocks on the door, and a moment later, we are ushered inside. Headmistress McGonagall sits behind her desk, her expression grave as she looks at us. "What happened?" She inquires, her voice both steady and concerned.
I draw in a deep breath, carefully choosing my words to recount the events that unfolded at the ball. With a composed demeanor, I proceed to summarize the night's happenings, highlighting how Draco unexpectedly stepped in to protect me, instead of causing harm.
"He acted like a gentleman, sleeping on the sofa while I rested in the bed," I smoothly state, veiling the truth of our close encounter. "Had he not intervened, I fear Theo had intentions to bond with me. I don't hold it against him, given the complexities of secondary biologies and such."
A moment of heavy silence engulfs us as Headmistress McGonagall glances between Draco and me. Her expression reflects her concern, but she lets me continue without interruption. With her eyes now focused solely on me, she poses the pivotal question, "Miss Granger, how long have you known about your omega status?"
I respond honestly, "Since third year, Headmistress. It was quite overwhelming to process and keep hidden, but I managed to create a scent-inhibiting potion myself. I was determined not to let my secondary biology define me or alter how others perceived me." My voice remains steady, and I can sense the weight of revelation in the room as the truth about my omega status comes to light.
Another moment of silence fills the air, and Professor McGonagall leans back in her seat, her expression thoughtful. "Very well. Mr. Malfoy, is there anything you'd like to add?" she asks, her tone composed but expectant.
"No, Headmistress," Draco responds tersely, his jaw visibly clenched.
Before the headmistress speaks again, Professor Onyx interjects with new information. "Headmistress, I'd like to add that during the search of Miss Granger's room, we discovered her cauldron and brewing supplies," she states with a pointed look towards me. "It appears she was brewing in her room."
Headmistress McGonagall's gaze sharpens as she stares at the dark-haired woman. "To brew her own scent-inhibiting potion, it seems," she remarks and is about to continue when Onyx interrupts.
"It is against school policy-" Professor Onyx starts but is, in kind, interrupted.
"It is, indeed, against school policy, however, this isn't just any student or any position," Headmistress McGonagall interjects firmly.
"Sorry to interrupt, Headmistress. Miss Granger, while I understand is in a unique position with her secondary biology and her heroism during the war, she is still a student at Hogwarts. She has a private room, avoided learning how to fly until now, and is now gaining special brewing permissions? She is on the receiving end of a lot of permissions. We need to be taking into account the impact on other students."
The weight of her words settles heavily on me, and I understand the gravity of the situation. My stomach twists with unease, and I know that my actions might have unintentionally set a precedent. "Professor Onyx is right, Headmistress," I speak up, my voice earnest and resolute. "As much as I appreciate the allowances made for me, I came to Hogwarts this year hoping for a normal student experience. That means being treated like any other student. I accept that I should brew my potions in the designated brewing stations, just like everyone else."
A flicker of anger appears behind the lenses of McGonagall's glasses, but she nods in acknowledgment of my decision. "Very well, Miss Granger. I'm pleased to see you taking responsibility for your actions," Professor McGonagall says sternly, her gaze hinting at her disapproval, seemingly directed at the other professor in the room. "I'll have the professors escort you back to–"
"Draco and I can walk on our own. I don't want to take away from anyone else's time," I assert firmly, not wanting to inconvenience the professors further.
Professor McGonagall's expression softens slightly, but she quickly adopts a stern demeanor once more. "You do understand that the entire school was on lockdown, searching for the both of you since last night, correct?" she inquires, peering at us over the top of her glasses. "If you two are to disappear again, the punishment will be grave."
"That's all that's going to happen?" Professor Onyx asks, her dark brows raised in disbelief.
"Miss Granger explained what happened," Headmistress McGonagall responds firmly, her tone commanding respect. "She was doing an excellent job of keeping her secondary biology a secret, but unfortunately, classmate bullying exposed her. It's not a crime to be an omega; it's just rare. However, I'll be announcing new rules to ensure the safety and privacy of omegas at Hogwarts." McGonagall's stern gaze stays locked onto Professor Onyx, who seems taken aback by the headmistress's response. "And I strongly advise you, Professor Onyx, that if you want an invitation to return to Hogwarts next year, you would do well to remember who is the Headmistress here," she asserts firmly. The headmistress then turns her attention back to me, and her expression softens slightly. "Grave punishment," she reiterates.
"I promise we are going straight to our rooms," I assure her, itching to leave.
"In that case," Professor McGonagall continues, "I'll be announcing new rules during supper. The elves will bring you dinner. Please make yourselves scarce until classes on Monday, Miss Granger. And you, Mr. Malfoy? I'll have my eye on you. Closer than before. Thank you for ensuring Miss Granger's safety. Dismissed."
With her final words, Professor McGonagall stands up, signaling the end of our meeting. I exchange a quick glance with Draco, and we both nod before making our way toward the exit, not wanting to linger any longer in the tense atmosphere of the Headmistress's office.
Draco
After we step into the corridor and it's just the two of us again, Hermione twirls around, her eyes scanning me with a brief once-over. "Are you okay? I know those chains were tight," she asks, her voice laced with genuine concern.
My stomach tightens at her words, memories of her kneeling to soothe me, and the warmth of her embrace after the chains were removed flood my mind. I can't help but be drawn to her honey-colored eyes, which study me carefully, reflecting her worry.
"I'm okay, Granger," I reply, trying to mask the emotions swirling within me. "How about we focus on getting you back to Gryffindor Tower?" I suggest, determined to keep my distance and maintain composure. I know that being close to her right now would only make it harder to resist the allure of her comfort and safety. My alpha is on high alert, yearning to seek solace in her safe, warm arms, but I force myself to keep it in check.
As Hermione's eyes meet mine, I notice a subtle change in her expression – the warmth wanes slightly, replaced by a guarded look. "Yeah, okay, Malfoy," she responds, her tone not as reassuring as before. Without another word, she turns on her heel, indicating that she wants to head to Gryffindor Tower on her own.
But I can't let her go just yet. I follow her, quickly falling in step with her again. "Why did you lie to the Headmistress?" I inquire, trying to match her pace.
"I didn't want you to get into trouble," she replies, glancing at me from the corner of her eyes.
"You also said I didn't do anything to you," I press, finally turning to look at her directly, causing her to stop. "We both know that's not true." I'm not entirely sure why those words slipped from my mouth… I guess a small part of me wanted to remind her of the way I made her feel.
Hermione's face starts to turn red, and I can see the rapid blinking as she tries to process my unexpected comment. But instead of guilt, her pretty blush causes a thousand inappropriate thoughts to flood my mind. fantasies and desires that I know I shouldn't be entertaining. I want to pull her into one of the broom closets and lose myself in her, burying my fingers in her and playing with her clit while pressing my nose against her scent gland and pinching at her nipple under her jumper.
"I know," Hermione hisses at me, snapping me out of my daydream. "But the headmistress doesn't need to know what we did to each other," she retorts, her tone carrying a hint of snarkiness.
"Just making sure you're aware that something did happen, even if you don't want to acknowledge it," I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. I gesture forward, reminding her of Professor McGonagall's warning. "You did hear McGonagall. If we aren't in our rooms, there will be grave consequences."
Her lips purse but she starts walking, and I fall into step behind her as we make our way back to Gryffindor Tower. It's become a familiar pattern – me following her.
As we walk in silence, I find myself once again drawn to the way her hair cascades over her shoulders and the graceful way she moves.
The rest of the walk is filled with the silence of the empty corridors, both of us lost in our own thoughts. When we finally pause in front of the Fat Lady portrait, Hermione turns to face me again. "I'm kind of nervous to go in there," she admits, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I feel like everything has changed now. I'm not going to be treated as just another student."
"You're not just another student," I interject, my tone serious. "You're Hermione Granger, a vital part of the Golden Trio who bravely fought against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and helped save the wizarding world. Now–"
Hermione lets out a frustrated sigh, her emotions brimming at the surface. "Now, add a known breeding mare to the equation, and it feels like I'm just some omega to be pursued by the alphas at this school." She argues, meeting my eyes.
My heart aches at her words, and I take a step closer to her, gently placing my hand on her shoulder. "You're not just some omega, Hermione," I say softly, locking eyes with her. "You're a person, with dreams, ambitions, and a brilliant mind. Don't let anyone reduce you to just your secondary biology. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, just like any other student, any other person."
Her eyes grow glassy and she blinks rapidly and clears her throat, looking down again.
"You're a talented witch that has more than just charms up her sleeves. Don't be afraid to hex whoever bothers you," I wink and drop my hand from her shoulder. "Do you want me to walk you to your room?"
"No, I think that would cause more problems. But thank you," she replies, offering a small smile. "I'll see you in classes on Monday?"
"Yeah," I nod, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "If you're concerned about the other alphas, I can, uh, meet you here before breakfast and we can walk together?" I suggest, feeling a mix of awkwardness and obligation. I know it's not my responsibility to protect her, but a part of me can't help but want to help my omega.
Hermione's eyes soften. "That would be nice, Draco. Thank you," she says, her voice warm and sincere.
I nod again, feeling a sense of relief that she's open to my offer. "See you Monday."
"See you," she calls to me.
I watch her go through the portrait entrance before starting towards the dungeons.
Hermione
The common room feels unusually tense as I enter, the eyes of only the beta students fixed on me, their curious gazes accompanied by hushed whispers. Feeling the weight of their attention, I offer a half-hearted wave and quickly make my way toward the stairs leading to the dormitories.
I hear footsteps following closely behind me, and as I reach the stairs, I turn to find Ginny, her expression full of concern and accusation.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asks, her tone laced with a hint of hurt.
I take a deep breath and chew on my lip for a moment. "I... I didn't know how to," I admit, my voice tinged with regret. "It's complicated, Gin. I get what I think is my first menstrual cycle to just be in excruciating pain for a couple days and learn that they are a rare. I didn't know anyone else and I was scared."
Her eyes soften, and she steps closer, her hand resting gently on my arm. "I'm sorry you had to experience that," she says softly. "But you know you can trust me, right? We're best friends, Hermione."
"I know," I reply, grateful for her understanding. "And I do trust you. It's just... being an omega is something I've struggled with for so long, and I didn't want it to define me or change how people see me. I didn't think what happened at the ball would happen."
Ginny nods thoughtfully before studying me intently. "Does Ron know?" she asks, her curiosity evident.
"And Harry," I reply with a small grimace. "During our time camping and on the run, I couldn't exactly hide my heat from them."
Ginny's eyes widen with surprise. "So you and Ron never-"
My face flushes with embarrassment, and I quickly open my door, pulling her inside with me. "We are not discussing my sex life in the hallway," I laugh, guiding her to my bed.
She glances around, taking in the nest of blankets, and her eyes zero in on the Slytherin robe within it. "Hermione Granger, is that a Slytherin robe?" she gasps, turning to me with astonishment. "So you really did leave with Theodore Knott? Is he–"
"Whoa, no. I mean, yes, I left with Theo, but it's not what you think," I interject, trying to clarify. "He was just taking advantage of the situation–"
"Oh, Merlin," she interrupts, her words coming out rapidly. "So it was Malfoy you left with! I heard that as a rumor! Someone said that–Oh, Merlin! Did you two... you know," she raises her eyebrows suggestively.
My face heats up even more, and I quickly shake my head. "No, Ginny, it's not like that," I assure her, trying to dispel any misunderstandings. "Draco saw Theo take me out of the hall and hurried out after us because he thought something might happen. He got me away from Theo, and we stayed hidden for the night. And nothing happened between us."
Ginny raises an eyebrow teasingly. "Oh, it's Draco now, hm?" she quips with a playful smirk.
Giving her a look, I continue, "Well, I guess after spending the night hidden away together, we're on a first-name basis now. But really, Ginny, nothing romantic or intimate happened. He was just being protective, as alphas get, and keeping me safe." I get into my nest.
Ginny gives me a knowing look, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Hermione, it's okay," she says playfully. "You don't have to tell me everything. But I'm glad you're safe." She gets in with me, but I feel uncomfortable having her in my nest. Shifting to sit up, I tap my bed with my wand, and my nest rearranges itself, leaving just my bed. She doesn't comment on the change and can't help but ask, "Whose Slytherin robe was it then?"
I let out a soft hum, considering my response carefully before answering, "I choose not to disclose that at the moment."
"How convenient for you," Ginny retorts, her eyes narrowing slightly before changing the subject. "Now, spill," she says curiously, "did you and Ron ever bond?"
"No," I answer plainly. "I wasn't interested in that with him. My omega is part of the reason I broke up with him. We just didn't connect on that level."
"That explains more about why he was so upset after you broke up with him... I always thought you were too good for him," Ginny remarks, a hint of pride in her voice.
"That's your brother!" I laugh, shaking my head.
"And you're bloody Hermione Granger, my best friend. Much too good for my brother," Ginny says with a smile, her eyes filled with genuine affection. "I'm glad you didn't settle for less than you deserve."
"Thanks, Ginny," I mumble and lean back against the headboard.
An uncomfortable look crosses her face but she sighs, "you really had the alphas in a flap last night. And now that the whole school knows about your secondary biology, things might get tricky."
"I know," I sigh, rubbing my forehead. "All I can do is continue living as I do and not be afraid to hex any alphas who disrespect me."
"I won't mind doing so either," she gives me a small smile before smirking. "Seems like Draco wouldn't mind either."
I blush slightly, but before I can respond, Ginny playfully nudges my shoulder. "Oh come on, don't act like you're not interested in him. I saw the way you two were looking at each other at the ball outside the bathrooms."
I didn't hear or see her. "We were just caught up in the moment," I say, trying to downplay the intensity of our connection. I'm a muggle-born. He's Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Pureblood Prince, I wasn't looking at him in any way.
"Whatever," she rolls her eyes. "So, do you want to hear what happened when you got omega-napped?" She asks excitedly.
Draco
Entering the dungeon, I notice that only the betas are lounging about, and Pansy and the Greengrass girls are missing. The whispers start swirling around the room, and a low growl escapes my lips. "Where are the alphas?" I demand, my voice tinged with frustration.
A fourth-year student swallows nervously and stammers out a response, "The professors took them to the Quidditch pitch until you and Granger were found." His voice cracks several times as he speaks.
I nod curtly, taking in the information. "Where is Astoria?" I bark out to the room full of uneasy betas.
"She's not come out of her room since she returned from the ball," a girl calls out without looking up from her book.
With that information, I make my way to my room, my emotions still running high.
Why the fuck did I say I would walk her to class? I flop onto my bed and bury my face in the pillow.
There's a soft knock on my door, and I instinctively know who it is before I even open it.
I hesitate for a moment, taking a deep breath before pulling the door open. There stands Astoria, her eyes red and puffy from crying. I can see the hurt and confusion written all over her face.
"What do you want, Astoria?" I ask, trying to keep my tone steady.
She takes a step back, hurt evident in her eyes. "Can we talk, Drake?"
I sigh, gesturing for her to come in. There's an uncomfortable silence before I finally speak up.
"Look, Astoria, about last night," I start, my voice softer but still firm. "I meant what I said. I can't continue this engagement."
Tears well up in Astoria's eyes, and I feel a twinge of guilt. She did love me, after all, and this is hurting her.
"But Draco, we've been together for so long. We were supposed to get married," she pleads, her voice wavering. "Is this about Hermione Granger being an omega?"
I pause for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "This decision has nothing to do with her. It's about you, Astoria."
She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. "Do you still love me, Draco?" Her voice trembles with hope and vulnerability.
"No," I answer firmly, trying to be as honest as possible.
A shuddered breath escapes her, and she nods before turning away, her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. I watch her go and sigh heavily, feeling a headache starting. I still have to deal with Theo and Blaise.
Feeling a sudden need for comfort, I go to my closet and pull out the Slytherin robe that carries Granger's scent. I gently lay it out on my pillows, allowing the familiar and soothing fragrance to envelop me. Laying back, I build up my occulemancy and close my eyes. It's easy to wrestle my alpha into submission when it's content with my omega's scent around me.
Hermione is nervous about the fallout from this and truth be told, I'm just as apprehensive. As a reformed Death Eater I can already imagine the rumors and judgments that will circulate about me, the one who dared to take the omegan Gryffindor Princess.
For the first time since starting school, I'm dreading going to classes on Monday.