Hermione, aged 13
It was right before year three when I knew something was different with me. The summer before going back to Hogwarts I experienced my first period. Or at least, what I thought it was at first.
My body was aflame for three days straight and what, at first, I thought was blood was actually just (what I now know is called) slick leaking from me. My body craved relief but I didn't know what I needed then or what relief I was looking for. My parents were terrified at what was happening to me. We all thought I could be dying. My parents insisted on taking me to Diagon Alley after in search of answers but I refused. Embarrassment kept me from seeking answers from others. I would rather dig into what was going on with my body on my own .
Apparently being a muggle-born witch wasn't enough.
After those three days and finally recovering, something changed. My sense of smell had become heightened. My body became much more sensitive to touch and sensations. And the oddest of all a small part of me, that I didn't know existed, emerged from my subconscious.
This all obviously had to be something related to the wizarding world that I had been thrust into just a few years prior. I didn't know any muggles that experienced what I had during June. Unease filled me with what I could face in my third year with this weird wizarding world "period".
While my parents were at the dental clinic, I took the train to London and found my way into Diagon Alley. Being amongst all the witches and wizards was giving me a headache. The various scents smothered me. Some were comforting and drawing me in while others were repugnant and made me want to hide. Some scents were barely there at all, just a whisper of a smell. I noticed glances were thrown my way and some heads would snap in my direction but I ignored them.
The bell jingled when I walked in the door. A polite nod came from me towards the shop owner before I walked to the back of the shop. My eyes flew over the book titles. I started to pick up books that might give me clues and flicked through them to see if anything I was experiencing was in the books.
After what felt like an eternity, the owner approached me. She was an old witch, her hair grey and her wrinkles deep. She wore royal blue robes with a gaudy broach holding sapphires and diamonds. "Can I help you with anything dear?"
My mouth had gone dry, "I'm looking for something that discusses... changes in a witch's or wizard's body with puberty." I kept my words vague but also a matter of fact.
Her face darkened, "hm. We won't have anything like that here..." her voice dropped to a whisper, "what are you looking for exactly?" I watched her sniff the air around me surreptitiously and tried to ignore the pull in my stomach at the paling of her face.
"Well, I've just had my first uh, courses as a witch and-"
"There's nothing here for it," she waved her wand and a piece of parchment came to her as well as a quill. She scribbled on it quickly and handed it to me, "ask for this book. Say the reason is for a school project, okay?" She held out the yellow piece of parchment between two long, ring-adorned fingers. "It's in Knockturn Alley."
I took it and looked down at the elegant script.
The Mad Owl - Knockturn Alley
Biology Dynamics of the Wizarding World
Axar Ulstrom - Published 1950
"What is–"
"Good day dear, I'm closing for tea." The shopkeeper's robes twirled around her as she went behind the counter again.
"Good day," I say with a frown and see myself out. As I make my way through Knockturn Alley, I keep myself pressed against the wall. My wand was hidden in my sleeve, ready to be used if needed.
After Harry's last trip to Knockturn, it was better to be safe than sorry.
Finding the old bookstore was easy enough but the owner of this one wasn't nearly as friendly as the first one. I wander the aisles until I find the old, beat-up book. Near it were a couple similar-sounding books and I grabbed those as well.
I needed answers.
"Interesting selections," the owner sneered at me. "This should really be a family discussion."
A family discussion? "It's for a school project," I replied with a tight-lipped smile and paid for my books. As I'm tucking my books safely away, the bell rings with the entrance of another patron.
I glanced up and my heart sank. Lucious and Draco Malfoy . "Have a good day," I told the gentleman before trying to beeline for the door. I wanted to get out before I caught the attention of the Malfoys. But, I'm not a lucky person when it comes to them.
In my hurry, I didn't bother to take note of where Draco was. I tripped when I was halfway to the door and my books spilled out of my bag. I didn't trip over nothing either. Draco was standing over me with his signature sneer in place, "watch where you're going, Granger ." He said my name as if it was a dirty word.
Anger filled me and I took a breath to calm myself. Apples-green apples. I sniffed the air again but it was gone, "I wouldn't have to watch where I was going if people weren't lurking about tripping others." I snapped in return and started to shove my books back into my bag.
Draco watched down his nose, an amused look on his face, "glad you know your place. On your knees, on the ground." He turned on his heel and disappeared, to find his father no doubt.
I find myself on my feet again and I hurry out the door to avoid any other unpleasant interactions. I hurried out of wizarding London and went home.
I placed my new purchases on my desk and picked up the one the kind witch recommended first. Settling into my window seat with my book, Crookshanks jumped up and curled up in my lap as I started to read.
When a witch or wizard reaches the age where puberty starts to take place, hormones are released into their body. However, due to the magickal properties in the witches' or wizards' genetic makeup, it also triggers their archaic and primal hormones to release. Three primal hormones are released which assigns the biological classifications: Alpha, Beta, and Omega. Each one is presented as such:
Alpha: generally, but not always, males and pure-blooded. They mature slower than a Beta or an Omega but once they start, changes are seen quickly. They're taller, stronger, and more aggressive than the other classifications. The Alphas are distinguishable by the heavy pheromones they put off, their commanding tone, and their brash actions. This is meant to intimidate other Alphas to establish order amongst themselves while also trying to attract Omegas. Betas are rarely recognized sexually or romantically by Alphas. However, with the sudden and rapid disappearance of Omegas, Alphas are now accepting Betas as partners. (Please refer to the chapter "Rutting Alphas" to read more about the biology and experiences)
Beta: both females and males and generally born to two muggle parents or one magickal parent and the other not. They mature like the average muggle and follow muggle biology in their development (female betas experience menstrual cycles). Their pheromones they exude are weak. But are still recognizable to Alphas and Omegas. Betas are able to distinguish Alphas and Omegas by their physical presentation rather than the primal hormones-however those with a keen sense of smell are able to pick up some of the stronger scents (i.e. an Alpha in a rut, an Omega in heat). Betas are affected by the Alpha's tone and obey what the Alpha is asking without really knowing why.
Omega: generally, but not always, females and pure-blooded. As Omegas tend to be female, they present when their bodies are ready to menstruate. Instead of a menstrual cycle, the Omega enters what has been called a "heat". The body produces an extreme amount of transudate known as "slick". In the rare case of the male Omega, he will present when Alphas are starting to present with the same symptoms of the heat. An Omega's scent is developed after the first heat and will be recognizable to Alphas immediately. Omegas are usually smaller than Betas and can be controlled by an Alpha's tone due to the complimentary feral instincts. Over the last two centuries, the population of Omegas has dwindled considerably and now it is rare for Omegas to present. (Please refer to the chapter Omegas in Heat to read more about the biology and experiences and Dwindling Numbers of Omegas to read more about the unusual phenomenon)
My brow furrowed as I read. From the small bit about the "heat", it seemed that was what I experienced. Flipping to the table of contents, I run down the chapters until I find the one referenced. I turn to the page quickly and my eyes fly across the page.
Omegas in Heat
An Omega's heat is the priority of the wizarding world. After the first heat, the Omega will experience one every month, lasting anywhere from three to seven days. Their heat takes over their entire system. Their consciousness shuts down and their ferality comes out in full force. Leading up to their heat, the Omega will feel restless and needy, wanting an alpha while practicing "nesting". Nesting is when the Omega turns their safe space into a nest filled with pillows and blankets as well as items with their scent and their chosen mate's scent.
It is recommended that Omegas that aren't mated stay home two days before their heat. The pheromones they release serve as a call to unmated Alphas to breed them as their heat is the primitive biological drive to reproduce. Once their heat starts, they lose their lucidity and would be willing to offer themselves to any Alpha without regard and will be in a highly vulnerable state.
Disgusted, I close the book and rub my forehead. How am I just finding out about this now ? I'm friends with plenty of wizards and witches older than I am and how has this never been brought up or mentioned? There had to be witches at Hogwarts that got their first cycle in the castle. No feral alphas were trying to get to any girls or girls that would disappear for up to a week .
However, the book mentioned the dwindling numbers... could it have been so severe that now nearly fifty years later there are none ? Well, not none... It also mentioned how more often than not, it's a pure-blooded trait, how would I get that?
For the rest of the summer, I threw myself into research about omegas. I learned how to brew heat suppressants to make my heat end faster, and scent neutralizers to not be sniffed out, and I memorized advanced cooling charms to help me through my heat... If omegas were that rare and I was discovered now ... what would that mean for me in the long term? My biology shouldn't limit me from being at school with everyone. I had one more heat before leaving for school. It lasted only three days and I was relieved.
All of these little tricks I learned would be put to the test as I met up with Harry and Ron at the Leaky Cauldron. Ron didn't smell any type of way nor did Harry. Mrs. Weasley was an omega and Mr. Weasley was an alpha. The elder brothers were all alphas. I could smell it all.
It scared me to hug them and be found out, but my potions worked and no one treated me any differently.
Once I was at school, everyone was new to me. There were more betas than alphas and definitely omegas–I couldn't smell one. Unless they're doing what I'm doing to protect themselves... When I was approaching my first heat at the castle, I found the Come and Go Room.
I was in the library when I started to feel slightly feverish. Casting cooling charms and adding more scent neutralizers, I hurried out of the library. From the calendar I kept, it was coming up in just a few days. For the past month, whenever I wasn't in the library, I was looking for a spot for me to safely have my heat in. I was working my way from the top of the school down. Only seven floors left for me to find the perfect space. My omega was being very picky about where we would be writhing in pain for the next few days.
My eyes scanned the Barnabas tapestry and I felt my omega feeling a bit more content. There was something here that called to that part of me. When I walked past it, I felt my body tensing up again. I turned back around and immediately I relaxed. After pausing I try to walk away again only to feel the same way and I walk back to where I'd been standing when a door appeared. My eyes widened and I carefully stepped through it and a soft whimper left me.
There was a large, four-poster bed in the middle of the room. Piles of pillows and blankets were folded neatly and resting in an open chest at the foot of the bed. A small bookshelf lined one wall next to a desk. The other wall had a dining table with two chairs, a small refrigerator, and a small sink and stovetop. This was incredible, all it would need was a bathroom and this would be–
As I was finishing my thought, a door appeared near the bed. "No way," I mumbled to myself and opened the door. It was a full bathroom. I'd be able to clean myself up after I was done and wouldn't have to risk anyone smelling me. "Thank you," I whispered to no one in particular. This was the perfect spot. I planned with my mother to arrange a note to be sent from a muggle doctor excusing me from classes due to severe menstruation pain. It's not like I'd get behind in school. I'd do all of it ahead of time.
That's what I did all year until I was a little too close to it.
My heat was due to come within the next day but Buckbeak had been sentenced to death and Hagrid needed us. We came up short when we ran into Malfoy and his jerks.
"I asked my father if we could keep the head and stuff it. Maybe I'll gift it to the Gryffindor common room," Malfoy snickered.
Something in me snapped at his sheer disregard for innocent life. With my wand in hand, I stormed up to him in a fit of hormone rage, "YOU FOUL, LOATHESOME, EVIL, LITTLE COCKROACH!" My wand was pointed at Draco's throat, his back pressed against the stone.
"Hermione, c'mon. It's not worth it," Harry's voice rang out.
Against my better judgment, I lowered my wand and turned to storm away when Malfoy opened his mouth again. I faced him and my fist was flying, connecting with his nose with a satisfying crunch. He started to whinge and hold his nose. The smell of green apples and parchment filled my senses. I wanted to breathe it in again but it was already gone and Draco was being carried off.
When I watched that scene play again from mine and Harry's spot on the hill, my mouth watered at the memory of the scent. Ew. That's Malfoy . I was just too close to my heat, omegas will willingly offer themselves up for help through their heat, my mind reminded me.
After Harry and I managed to find a safe place for Buckbeak and Sirius, the older man pulled me aside.
"Miss Granger," his tone was low and his eyes were on mine, "you need to get back to Hogwarts at once. You need to tell McGonagall you're about to experience a heat," he scented the air and frowned, "she'll be able to help you."
His woodsy alpha scent filled my senses and I felt comforted. How could he smell me ? My hands fly up to cover my neck where some of my scent glands were, "oh. I just uh, I forgot to reapply my scent neutralizers," I whispered as my cheeks warmed.
"You know?" He tilted his head.
"It happened over the summer. I uh, I've not told anyone. I've read they're quite rare now and I've not even been able to smell them at Hogwarts. I didn't want to be treated differently." I explained, pressing onto my scent glands for comfort.
Understanding passed over his expression, "I understand, Miss Granger. You best be off. You don't want to be stuck entering that while getting back to Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Sirius," I mumbled and walked to Harry. "Go," I urged him and walked off to let them have a moment.
Draco, aged 13
I knew it was only a matter of time before I presented. Obviously, I would be an alpha. My father was an alpha, as was his. My family was one of the rare ones that had an omega in its lineage a few generations ago before omegas disappeared.
What I didn't account for was what was going to make me present.
Once I complained to my father about what happened and I knew the fate of that bloody chicken, I wasn't going to miss out on my moment of glory, soaking in this win against Potter and his dirty misfits.
"I asked my father if we could keep the head and stuff it. Maybe I'll gift it to the Gryffindor common room," I snickered and shoved Crabbe.
Yelling from behind me caused me to spin around quickly. Granger was storming at me with her wand raised, ready to attack.
"YOU FOUL, LOATHESOME, EVIL, LITTLE COCKROACH!" Her wand pointed at my throat with my back pressed against the stone.
Fear coursed through me as the smartest witch at Hogwarts had me at wand-point but a different adrenaline started coursing through me. The smell of honey, cinnamon, and amber washed over me and my mouth dried.
"Hermione, c'mon. It's not worth it," Harry's voice rang out that snapped me out of whatever stupor I was in.
Once she pulled away entirely, the smell dissipated. My cocky attitude was back in place, "that's right, Potter–" her fist connecting with my face stopped me in my tracks. Her scent was assaulting my senses again. A big part of me was pissed that she dared to punch me but a small part of me was pleased to have felt her touch. Not bloody Granger . Nothing pleasing about that . I felt blood trickle from my nose and I cupped my face, running inside.
Instead of going to the medical wing, I head back to the Slytherin common room. I entered my private room and locked the door behind me. My body felt heated. I thought the heat was from embarrassment from being sucker punched in the face but I wasn't coooling down. My body got hotter and started to feel itchy.
I entered my first rut after Hermione Granger punched me in the face.
Bitch.
