Draco

I quietly slip away from the final moments of my Muggle Studies class, deliberately positioning myself outside the Herbology door, ensuring I'm the only awaiting alpha. As students trickle out of the door, I ignore their curious gazes. My attention is fixed on the door, waiting for Granger to walk out.

But she doesn't.

Neville is nowhere to be seen either. I contemplate the possibility that he might be making a move on her, a thought that prompts a snarl within my mind. Strangely, I've already considered Longbottom a suitable alpha for her. If that's the case, I should let it happen. However, an internal struggle brews within me, torn between entering the room and remaining outside. It continues until a primal, omegan growl forces a decision upon me.

This instinctive trigger propelled me, and I pushed the door ajar. Initially, I intended to confront Longbottom with a surge of primal protectiveness for my omega. However, I abruptly halt when I realize it's unnecessary.

"Being an omega doesn't render me helpless! Even with Draco's presence, it doesn't mean I can't take care of myself and make my own decisions. Draco might have made some awful mistakes but that doesn't mean he is an awful person! People grow, people change! Why did we even have that Unity Ball if everyone is constantly assuming the worst about each other!"

My heart races in my chest. She doesn't think I'm awful? She believes I've changed? Determined not to let Longbottom continue upsetting my omega, I ask "is there a problem here, Hermione?" My voice is as lethal as I can make it, my fist clenching at my side.

"No, I was just leaving," she mutters, sidestepping the sullen-looking alpha and exiting the room. An apology from Longbottom echoes through the empty greenhouse, and I shoot him a stern look.

"Upset her again, and there will be one less alpha at this school bothering her," I growl, then trail Granger out of the room. I sense her anger radiating from her. Words elude me for a moment, but I resolve to focus on the rest of our day. "Are we still on for our flying lessons today?"

After she huffs in response and heads toward the lake, I match her pace. The stroll is relatively quiet, and she removes her robe.

"What's today's lesson?" she inquires, slipping into some trainers.

My original plan was to guide her through the testing course on the broom, just in case. I wanted to prevent any chance of her falling or getting hurt. However, her not wearing the scent inhibitor caught me off guard, casting doubt on whether it's still a good idea.

Well, my initial intention was to introduce you to the first-year course so we could focus on practicing each section thoroughly, but I'm uncertain now," I admit.

"Why?" She tilts her head in curiosity. "I've been handling the small laps you've arranged quite well."

My cheeks flush, and I offer a slight smile. "You've been making good progress, but I'm uncertain if it's wise, considering everything, to have you in such confined spaces without your inhibitor. Plus, you can't cover the entire course by yourself at the moment."

Her cheeks turn a shade of pink. "Well, I could borrow a broom from the school, and you can ride alongside me on yours. What do you think?"

I can't help the disgusted sneer that forms. 'You must be joking, Hermione. I can't allow you to use a school broom. We'll get you a proper one in Hogsmeade.'

She raises her eyebrows. 'The school brooms are perfectly fine. It's not worth spending money on a broom I won't use after this class.'

'It's my tutorship, Granger, and my answer is no.' My tone leaves no room for argument, and I raise an inviting eyebrow, daring her to challenge me.

'Prat,' she mutters under her breath, crossing her arms. 'So, does this mean there's no lesson today, Malfoy?"

You know, for a brown-nosing swot, I'd expect you to be a tad more pleasant to your tutor," I reply, feigning hurt and biting my cheek to stifle a smirk. Teasing her is just too easy.

Her glare intensifies, and her face flushes. "Well, for a stuck-up tutor, I'd have thought you'd come prepared with a backup plan," she retorts.

I chuckle and roll my eyes. "You really do make it too easy to get a rise out of you," I tease. Glancing at the broom, then back at her, I propose, "How about you ride behind me instead of the other way around?" I'd prefer her to guide the broom and take control, but I also want to ensure her safety while showing her the course. Having her soft, warm body pressed against my back, with such easy access to her neck, makes that challenging

She appears somewhat uncertain. "Promise you won't go too fast?"

Her soft-spoken words tug at my heart. "And not too high," I add with a reassuring nod.

"Okay," she agrees, straightening her posture. "Is the track nearby?"

"Sort of," I reply as I straddle the broom. "Ready." I avoid watching her mount the broom, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

Her arms wrap around my waist, and I feel her cheek against my shoulder.

"Ready?" I inquire, patting one of her hands.

"Yeah, just remember, not too fast, Draco," she reminds me, her arms tightening around me.

"I promise," I reply, pushing off from the ground, feeling her press her entire body against mine.

Hermione

Draco radiates warmth and strength beneath my grasp. His scent envelops me, offering an inexplicable comfort I can't resist as I bury my nose against his shoulder, my gaze fixed ahead as we soar through the air. Instead of the fear that gripped me earlier, a profound sense of security washes over me, a promise from my alpha. Even though it's my omega's instinct, I trust him.

"Are you alright?" Draco tilts his head slightly, his eyes briefly meeting mine.

I respond with a nod, unable to trust my voice as I battle against the urge to purr. There's a subtle shift in his pheromones, and all I sense from him is sheer joy. Nuzzling his shoulder gently, I nestle against him. Although I should be committing the course to memory, for now, I'm simply enjoying the ride.

"Is flying always this enjoyable?" I raise my voice a bit to be heard over the wind.

"Absolutely," he rumbles with a smile, and I sense the broom accelerating slightly.

His rumbling voice sends my omega into a soft purr, and I feel a tinge of embarrassment creeping in. But Draco lightly covers my hand with his, pressing it against his chest, where I can feel the steady thrum of his rumble. I relax against him once more, feeling entirely at ease and comfortable, free to be myself with him.

We continue our flight, making gentle maneuvers until I sense the broom slowing down, and the ground becomes solid beneath our feet. It's not Black Lake; in fact, we seem closer to Hogsmeade than the castle.

Getting off the broom, I'm momentarily entranced by the sight of the castle, bathed in the soft, graceful glow of the setting sun. "Is there really a lookout point like this on the first-year test course?" I ask.

"It's a bit off course, but I thought you'd appreciate it." He gives me a shy smile and, with a flick of his wand, transforms a piece of cloth into a blanket, neatly laying it out. My heart quickens, and a whirlwind of thoughts begins to stir within me.

"Sit," he invites, patting the spot beside him, effectively quelling the thoughts swirling in my mind.

Sitting down, I lean back on my hands, exhaling softly as I fix my gaze ahead. We share this tranquil moment in companionable silence as the sun gracefully sinks behind the castle.

His voice, quiet yet weighted, breaks the silence. "I heard what you said to Longbottom," he remarks, turning his head to fix his gaze on me.

I keep my eyes fixed forward, responding with a nonchalant shrug. "So? He, as well as half the school apparently, need to hear it. I didn't appreciate what he was saying about you or insinuating about me."

"Look at me, Hermione." His voice remains gentle, but there's an unmistakable demand in his words.

I pause for a moment, contemplating the urge to defy him, then slowly turn my head to meet his gaze. My heart skips a beat as I take in his handsome features, bathed in the warm light. His eyes, dark but coherent, hold mine.

"Thank you for not thinking I'm awful," he admits, my voice softening. "But I don't need you going around defending me like that."

All traces of attraction to him dissipate swiftly. I snort and avert my gaze, retorting, "Don't tell me what I can and can't do."

"I'm serious," he sighs, and I watch him from the corner of my eye as he looks ahead. "You want to work in the Ministry, and being friendly towards a former Death Eater is one thing, but it's an entirely different matter to defend one. You'll burn bridges you shouldn't, especially not for my sake."

Frowning, I turn back to him. "Once again, don't tell me what I can and can't do. I won't stand by and let you be put down in front of me. I wouldn't let that happen to any of my other friends."

He lets out a heavy sigh. "Why must you make everything difficult? It's not always black and white. There's a lot of gray, and I'm a part of that gray."

"Draco, as my friend, I trust you," I speak sincerely, my gaze locked with his, and he appears genuinely surprised. "As an alpha, I trust you," I add, emphasizing my faith in him. "I know it's not black and white. But you shouldn't be condemned or isolated for the rest of your life," I explain, my eyes searching for understanding in his.

"And what happens when you defend me against the wrong person, and it costs you a job opportunity?" He challenges quietly, not breaking eye contact.

"Would I really want to work for a person or company that enjoys putting others down?" I murmur.

"You don't get it," he sighs, his gaze dropping briefly to my lips before he looks away.

My stomach tightens with anticipation, and my heart quickens its pace. "Draco…" I pause, waiting for him to meet my gaze before I continue. "I might not fully grasp it the way you want me to. But what I want you to understand is that I won't allow people to think you're taking advantage of me in any way."

He lets out a sigh, his eyes reflecting gratitude and frustration. "No, you don't understand, Granger. I'll be lucky if I have a chance at a normal life after everything."

My heart aches at his blunt honesty, and I wish I could offer a more reassuring response. "That's precisely why it matters to me to speak up."

He lets out a resigned sigh, his gaze still locked onto mine. "Then we find ourselves at an impasse," he mutters.

I lean slightly closer to him, my voice gentle. "Not necessarily a bad place to be," I reply, my intentions becoming less clear even to myself.

He studies me for a moment longer before refocusing on the scene ahead, clearing his throat. "Apart from Longbottom, have any other alphas given you trouble?"

I straighten up, suddenly aware of the closeness between us, and shake my head. "No, not really. I think you're intimidating enough to deter them." What the fuck am I doing?

"Good," he growls, then shakes his head with a hint of resignation. "I mean, it's probably for the best, right?" His tone has shifted to something more subdued.

I offer a small smile. "I do prefer to be left alone. So, thank you. You've certainly made it much easier for me to exist. But, just to be fair, it's only Monday. Let's see how the rest of the week goes."

"You mean when Knott returns to class?" Draco's voice carries a hint of irritation.

I shake my head. "No, not specifically. While you've helped today, I don't expect you to be there to protect me every single day. I can take care of myself."

Draco's gaze softens, and he replies earnestly, "Hermione, believe me, we know you can handle yourself. But I don't want you to ever feel forced into anything. So, as long as this arrangement works for both of us, I'm more than happy to do it. For safety," he winks at me.

Blushing, I bite my lip and avert my gaze for a moment. "Well, as long as it works for both of us. And for safety, of course."

Draco

This omega swot is hard not to adore. In the golden light, her eyes resembled pools of rich honey, and her brown curls seemed to emit their own radiance. The way her gaze ensnared me made me yearn to kiss her pink, full lips. Even arguing with her is strangely arousing, much to my chagrin.

"We should head back to the castle before it gets too dark," I suggest, trying to redirect my thoughts from wandering down a dangerous path.

I rise gracefully, extending my hand to her. She accepts my gesture, and with a warm smile, I help her to her feet.

Picking up the untransfigured cloth, I swiftly tuck it into my pocket before mounting the broom. I cast a glance in her direction. "C'mon. We don't want to miss dinner."

Without a moment's hesitation, she joins me on the broom, her arms winding around my waist, and her face finding its place nestled against my shoulder. "Go fast. I really don't want to be late, and we need to grab our stuff."

"Fast?" I throw a playful look over my shoulder, a hint of mischief dancing in my tone. "Are you sure about that?"

"I trust you," she replies, nuzzling against me.

A low rumble emanates from deep within me as I push off the ground. With her approval to pick up the pace, we'll reach Black Lake in no time. I even contemplate the possibility of swooping over our spot to grab our bags.

Leaning into the broom, I veer back onto the route and surge through it. I sense her purring against my back, and I can't help but reciprocate with a rumble of my own. Flying has always been a passion of mine, and doing it alongside my omega, or rather, an omega who trusts me, I correct myself, is an exhilarating experience.

Spotting our belongings scattered in the field, I point my wand in their direction and cast an Accio spell, drawing them to me. I deftly catch them with my hand, then guide the broom smoothly to the outside steps of the Great Hall.

As we touch down, I swiftly pivot, drawing her into my arms to ensure she doesn't tumble from the rapid descent. She giggles, her cheeks flushed with a pretty color. "Well, we've certainly made it to dinner on time now," she remarks, her hands briefly lingering on my chest as she regains her balance. "Thank you, Draco."

My hands lightly settle on her waist for a moment before I step back, letting them drop to my sides. "You're welcome."

With a playful smile, she reminds me, "I had lunch in the snake pit."

I chuckle and hand her back her bag and cloak. "Off to the lion's den, then." Rolling my eyes, I follow her lead.