Hermione
I wake with a startled gasp, my mind still reeling from the very intense and very vivid dream involving Malfoy. Despite the overwhelming desire pulsing through my body, I ignore it. Now that I have finally managed to get some sleep and my omega is relaxed, the embarrassment creeps in at what I did last night and what happened between us just before.
Carefully I leave my nest and place his robe in my laundry basket but leave his shirt resting on my pillow as I can't bring myself to part with it quite yet. Making my way to the bathroom, I turn on the shower to its hottest setting while I unravel the tangled mess of my still-damp hair.
Are he and I just going to pretend like nothing happened? My omega yearns for him, making it nearly impossible to maintain the façade of being educational colleagues… I wince as I pull my fingers through the knots, contemplating the situation, while testing the water with my other hand.
The warmth of the shower washes over my hand, providing me a moment of solace and grounding. Malfoy and I are colleagues. I step into the shower and as the water cascades over me, a contented moan comes from me, enjoying the soothing embrace. Our numerous classes are intertwined together. The remnants of his intoxicating scent gradually dissolve, swirling down the drain. He promised to keep my secret, and I trust his word. With these thoughts in mind, I begin to shampoo my hair, affirming the multitude of reasons why this situation can be navigated smoothly.
My morning routine continues to anchor me, restoring a sense of normalcy. As I step out of my room, there are no lingering scents clinging to me. Reluctantly, I wear uncomfortable spandex shorts as an added layer of protection. Upon entering the dining hall, my eyes involuntarily flit toward Draco's usual spot before quickly settling on the vacant space next to Ginny.
"Hey, where were you last night?" Ginny asks curiously as I take my seat next to her.
I pour coffee into my mug, gesturing for the creamer and sugar to add themselves, making the process effortless. "I got caught up with coursework and ended up falling asleep early," I lie, taking a sip of the hot liquid.
She pouts for a moment before shrugging it off. "Guess what!" She exclaims excitedly.
"Hm?" I hum, buttering my toast.
"McGonagall approved Harry to attend the dance! And I'm sure she'll approve Krum too!" She says, clapping her hands with delight.
"I thought Harry and Ron were stuck in Auror training?" I remark, taking a small bite of my toast.
"Harry managed to persuade his superior… being the savior of the wizarding world has its perks," she giggles, giving me a teasing smile.
I roll my eyes, taking another sip from my mug. I was about to reprimand Harry for using his fame to his advantage, but realize I did something similar not too long ago. "He should be careful, word could spread that he's not as humble as he portrays himself to be."
Ginny snorts with laughter, "Preaching to the choir! C'mon Gin, swallow what the savior of the wizarding world gives–" she starts to say but I cut her off.
"Ginny!" I gasp, a disgusted expression crossing my face. "Ew! I do not want to hear that."
"I'm just teasing," she laughs, her tone playful. "Or am I?" Her laughter grows louder, and I find myself no longer in the mood to eat.
"Well, you certainly killed my appetite. I'm going to head to class. See you later," I reply, rolling my eyes as I stand up from the table.
"Oh boo," she calls after me as I make my way out.
Maybe MCGonnagel will approve of Viktor's presence at the ball then. I ponder the idea on my way to the owlery. Once inside, I retrieve a couple small pieces of parchment and a quill from my bag. I quickly write a request to meet with the headmistress and send it off. Pausing for a moment, I tap the quill against my lip in deep thought, contemplating my next note. With a determined resolve, I begin writing on the second parchment.
Viktor,
Sorry for the additional correspondence, But I realized that I forgot to mention that Hogwarts is hosting a unity ball on October 31st. I
I stop mid-sentence, realizing the implications of my words. Am I really asking Viktor to be my date? What will he think of that? Do I even mean it? Besides, I haven't obtained the headmistress' permission yet. But considering his schedule and quidditch… maybe it's better to be safe than sorry?
"Ugh," I shake my head, feeling conflicted.
"Granger?" Malfoy's voice calls out behind me.
I jump, turning to face him, "oh, hey." I stammer, my cheeks flushing as I quickly cover the still-wet ink on the parchment with my hand. The memories of our intimate encounter and my subsequent actions abide in my mind, causing my omega to stir restlessly. I swallow hard, trying to regain control over my thoughts and emotions.
"Hey," his voice is subdued, mirroring the faint blush on his cheeks. "Just sending a note to my elf for the books," he explains, holding up a pale envelope with a distinct black seal between his fingers.
My cheeks burn with a deeper blush as Draco's words serve as a reminder of his offer last night. He means it, my omega whispers, he wants to help. "Oh yeah! Thank you again. I really appreciate it," I respond my voice tinged with gratitude and a hint of shyness.
A barely audible mumble of "don't mention it" escapes Draco's lips before a low whistle comes from him and his Eagle Owl swoops over to him. The site serves as a stark reminder of the unfinished letter beneath my hand, the one where I intend to invite Viktor to the ball. Conflicting emotions swirl within me. Draco and I are friends and I have a genuine fondness for Viktor.
Draco introduces his owl, Ulysses, and feeds him a bit of sausage. I watch the elegant bird gracefully consume the treat, pressing his head against Draco's outstretched fingers. "He's beautiful," I comment, genuinely captivated by the creature.
"Would you like to say hello?" Draco offers, looking at me.
I crumple the note in my hand, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation, and take a step closer to Malfoy, extending a few fingers toward him.
"Here," he says, placing another piece of sausage between my fingers. "He'll give you a cuddle after." After the bird delicately takes the food from my hand, its head presses against my fingertips, and I can't help but smile.
"He might not be a Crookshanks, but he's still quite remarkable," Draco remarks, giving me a playful wink before handing the owl the letter and watching it soar away.
I playfully scold him, "keep that name out of your mouth! Crookshanks will suffocate you with his fluff if you don't stop." We share a small laugh, and the tension between us eased.
"Have you already sent out your note?" Draco inquires, glancing at me with curiosity.
I tuck the crumpled note into my pocket and reply, "yes, I did. Are you heading to Arithmancy?" Adjusting my bag, I prepare to make my way to class.
"Yeah, I'll, um, I'll meet you there," Malfoy says with a smile. "My mother's owl is waiting for a response," he pulls another envelope from his robes.
"Of course, I'll see you in class!" I force a smile to conceal any disappointment at his lack of an offer to walk with me. After all, he is the pure-blooded Slytherin Prince, and I am a muggle-born. Pushing aside the persistent thoughts, I focus on the day ahead.
Draco
I immediately sense Granger's presence as soon as she enters the Great Hall. I can't resist stealing a glance from my peripheral vision, my head minutely tilting in her direction, keenly observing her as she takes her place. Inhaling deeply, I strain to catch even a trace of her scent but the masking potion she uses proves to be highly effective. There's not even a hint of her fragrance lingering in the air. It's remarkable.
"My dove, want to work on coursework together this evening?" I ask shifting my gaze towards Astoria, diverting my attention from the omega my alpha craves.
"I have a group project, so I can't join you in the library," Astoria replies, leaning forward slightly, her eyes carrying a suggestive look. "But I'd love for us to find some time later tonight after my group meeting…" Her words carry a certain invitation.
The guilt that gnaws at me for what transpired with Hermione intensifies. Astoria is my betrothed, and regardless of my primal instincts, I must remain loyal to her. Allowing a smirk to play upon my lips, I give Astoria a quick once-over before responding, "I'm sure we can arrange that."
Her cheeks flush, and she nibbles at her bottom lip. "I'll find you afterward," she murmurs.
"I'll be waiting," I reply, offering a subtle wink as I take a sip of my black coffee. Though I'm not particularly in the mood for any steamy encounter she may have in mind, the guilt eating away at me insists that I make amends, even if she is blissfully unaware of my transgressions.
"Will you walk me to class?" Astoria requests just as I notice Hermione leaving the dining table.
"I have to go to the owlery to send off a few things. But I'll see you at lunch, alright?" I respond, rising from my seat.
"Mhm," she nods, settling back into her chair. Only for a brief moment do I catch her gaze shifting toward Pansy. I think nothing of it and lean over the table to give her forehead a quick peck and head out of the dining hall.
As I head towards the owlery, another wave of disappointment washes over me as I realize there is still no trace of Granger's scent. Thoughts about the shirt and trousers I stashed away in the depths of my closet, still carrying her scent, occupy my mind. I yearn for something more potent, something that will once again make me succumb to my primal desires, to make me knot. I shake my head, attempting to dispel these thoughts, but the temptation of summoning the robe I had draped over her lingers. Could my omega still be drawn to my scent on it? Don't be foolish, I scold myself. Granger wouldn't be using it anymore. So, if she's not…
With a firm shake of my head, I enter the owlery, only to be interrupted by Hermione's frustrated sound. "Granger?" I call out, observing her startled reaction. Even in close proximity, her scent eludes me.
"Oh, hey," she stammers, her cheeks turning a delightful rosy hue.
Gorgeous. My alpha projects the sinful images of her lying beneath me in her bra, begging for me. Mine. I forcefully suppress my alpha's desires, feeling my own cheeks grow warm. "Hey. Just sending a note to my elf for the books," I explain unnecessarily, displaying the envelope. I suppose I don't want her to think I'm following her. Alpha chasing his omega…
Her cheeks grow darker, and her voice carries a shy undertone. "Oh yeah! Thank you again. I really appreciate it."
"Don't mention it," I mumble, glancing at my owl and emitting a soft whistle. Ulysses gracefully glides to my arm, and I can't help but offer a small smile as I introduce him to Hermione and feed him a bit of sausage.
"He's beautiful," she remarks, eyes fixed on the majestic bird.
"Would you like to say hello?" I offer, shifting my gaze to meet hers.
She steps closer, and the overwhelming desire to pull her into my arms grips me. No. It's my alpha that desires that. Her fingers extend towards my pet, and I place another piece of sausage between her fingertips. "Here. He'll give you a cuddle after." I smile, watching as Ulysses accepts the offering from her hand and presses his head against her fingertips. "He might not be a Crookshanks, but he's still quite remarkable." I tease, playfully winking at her before giving the note to Ulysses and watching him take off.
She gasps in mock horror, exclaiming, "keep that name out of your mouth! Crookshanks will suffocate you with his fluff if you don't stop!" Her laughter fills the air, and I can't help but join in, feeling the tension dissipate between us.
"Have you already sent your note?" I inquire, glancing at her with a hint of curiosity. Deep down, I know I'm fishing for details about who she might be corresponding with. My alpha growls out Krum's name in my head, but I push it aside, determined not to let it affect me.
"Yes, I did. Are you heading to Arithmancy?" She adjusts her bag and looks up at me, waiting for my response.
I can't be caught walking with her to class, risking her reputation among her Gryffindor peers for associating with "Slytherin Scum." "Yeah, I'll, uh, I'll meet you there. My mother's owl is waiting for a response," I reply, retrieving a second envelope from my robes to emphasize my excuse.
She offers me a smile that sends a jolt from my heart. "Of course, I'll see you in class!" With that, she leaves me alone in the owlery. I hand off my note to my mother's owl, watching it take flight as my thoughts linger on Hermione.
The witch had already captured my thoughts long before I discovered her identity as an omega. But now, it feels even more intense. I've always known, my alpha huffs.
I suppose that's true.
Hermione
Throughout the rest of our classes, Draco and I maintain a polite and cordial demeanor, the previously shared laughter, absent. Even Theo's sweet flirting during History of Magic fails to entice any flirtatious responses from me. My omega longs for my nest and the comforting scents of my alpha. We're just friends, I firmly remind myself as I make my way to the Great Hall. As I take my seat, several owls swoop in, and one of them drops a letter right in front of me. I quickly unfold it and read the contents.
Miss Granger,
Please come during your lunch hour. I am looking forward to seeing you.
Headmistress McGonagall
Grabbing an apple, I hastily leave the Great Hall. I notice Draco and Astoria entering, hand in hand and I purposely avoid eye contact. My omega whines loudly at the thought of my alpha with someone that's not me. I'm on my way to ask about Viktor, I remind my omega.
With a firm pinch on the top of my thigh and gritted teeth, I put any thought about Malfoy outside of my head as I navigate my way to Headmistress McGonagall's office. As I step inside, a familiar and soothing wave of comfort envelopes me. McGonagall has a remarkable ability to put me at ease and make me feel relaxed in her presence.
"Miss Granger!" She greets me, peering at me over her glasses. "Welcome, please have a seat." She sets aside the parchment she was working on, the quill continuing to write on its own. "What do I owe to the pleasure of your visit?"
"Hello Headmistress," I say with a smile. "I wanted to discuss the possibility of inviting a non-Hogwarts student to the unity ball."
She regards me carefully, her gaze piercing. "Is this concerning a certain Mr. Ronald Weasley?" she asks, her tone betraying a hint of concern.
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "No, Headmistress," I quickly assure her. "Ron and I parted ways before I returned to Hogwarts. Actually, I have reconnected with Viktor Krum, and I was hoping to invite him to the ball, with your permission, of course."
A look of surprise crosses McGonagall's face. "Oh!" She exclaims. "Mr. Krum is indeed a very respectable young man." A knowing smile plays on her lips. She contemplates my request, the soft hum of thought filling the air as she brings her teacup to her lips and peers at me. "I suppose," she begins, "I can grant permission for that."
"Really?" I exclaim a surge of excitement coursing through me, prompting me to sit up straighter. Her nod confirms it, and a wide grin spreads across my face. "Thank you! I truly appreciate it."
"He played a significant role as a powerful ally during the war," she remarks, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. "I believe it is only fitting that he be allowed to attend the event."
"Thank you, again Headmistress," I stand up, "I'm going to owl him before my next course. Thank you."
"Of course, have a good day, Miss Granger," she nods towards me before looking at her parchment.
Filled with excitement over the granted permission, I quickly leave her office and make my way to the owlery. Pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill, I start to compose a message to Viktor.
Viktor,
Apologies for the additional correspondence, but I realized I failed to mention that Hogwarts is hosting a unity ball on October 31st. If you are available, will you want to accompany me as my date?
With Affection,
Hermione
Once I finish writing, I carefully fold the parchment and seal it. Making my way to one of the school owls, I hand over the note and watch as it takes flight, carrying my invitation to Viktor while ignoring the whinging my omega is doing.
Draco
Astoria is straddling my lap, her body firmly pinning me to the chair. Her hands press against my chest as her lips fervently meet mine. While we have fooled around before, we haven't gone beyond that, a fact that brings me relief at this moment. I try to reciprocate her passionate energy with my hands gently resting on her waist, but I'm just not that into it. And having my alpha growling at me in the back of my head only adds to the turmoil I feel.
"Drake, touch me," Astoria's breathy pleas fill the air as she urges me to touch her, her body grinding against me with fervor. My dick remains unresponsive, barely a twitch in my trousers, as guilt begins to seep into my thoughts. Sensing my lack of response, she pulls away with a disappointed frown, her words cutting through the charged atmosphere. She grinds again before pulling away with a frown. "You're not even hard," she says, her tone upset.
"Dove," I rumble, my voice low as I draw her close to my chest, "I'm sorry." I gently rub her back, attempting to provide comfort.
She pulls back abruptly out of my embrace, her expression hardened. "No, Draco. An apology isn't going to fix your dick," she retorts, her eyes welling up with tears.
"My love, please," I plead, taking one of her hands in mine and placing tender kisses on her knuckles. "I've had a long day."
"I know we agreed to take a break during school, but I didn't expect you to act as if I ceased to exist," she sniffles, wiping away a stray tear.
My heart aches at her visible distress, and I let out a sigh as I reach up to wipe away another tear from her cheek. "Astoria," I say, my voice filled with genuine concern. "With these extra courses and my community service—"
Curiosity fills her eyes as she interrupts me, "What kind of community service are you doing?"
I shrug, replying nonchalantly, "I'm giving flying lessons."
She raises an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on mine. "To anyone in particular?"
I offer a slight smile, choosing my words carefully, "Right now, it's primarily with Granger. But I may have another person joining us soon," I lie smoothly, trying to maintain the balance.
Annoyance flashes across her face as she scrunches her nose. "So, you'd rather spend time with that swot than with your fiancée?"
I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding, my lips brushing against her neck as I plant gentle kisses. "I have to complete my community service if I want to graduate... and if we want to continue our comfortable lifestyle. Graduation is crucial for both of us." I pause, my voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry you haven't had more of my time, my dove."
"Me too," she pouts but lets her head fall back with my lips on her neck.
"Are you feeling needy, for me?" I drop my octave, caressing her thighs lightly.
"Yes," she whimpers softly. Despite her plea, my alpha remains indifferent, disregarding her desires. It's not my omega's whim.
"I'll make sure to give you more of my time," I promise and press my lips against the column of her throat.
She nods, swallowing hard, a small gasp escaping her lips before she gently pushes my shoulders back. "You said you weren't in the mood," Astoria shifts, settling into my lap and resting her head against my chest. "Even if I'm needy, I can wait until you are too."
A sigh comes from me and I summon a blanket from my bed, draping it around her. I lean back into the comfortable leather, relaxed now she's been placated.
And all my alpha can think of is how it felt to have Hermione in my arms instead, her scent enveloping and comforting me.
My eyes focus on my wardrobe, knowing what was waiting for me once Astoria returns to her own room.
Hermione
Curled up in the cozy embrace of my window seat, I hold a book in my hands, its pages illuminated by the gentle glow of moonlight. I prefer the soft ambiance of a few flickering candles instead of the harsh overhead light. Dressed in my most comfortable silk pajama short set, I find warmth and comfort in the presence of Draco's robe draped over my lap (the persistent whine of my omega had kept tugging at my attention, making it challenging to concentrate on my coursework or the words on the page before me). At my feet, Crookshanks peacefully slumbers, adding to the sense of tranquility in my room.
A sharp tapping against the window interrupts my reading, and to my surprise, it's Viktor's owl. I cautiously approach the window and open it, allowing the owl to enter. It drops a letter on my desk before perching on the nearby chair. I pick up the envelope, breaking the wax seal and unfolding the parchment inside.
Skŭpa Hermione,
Never apologize for sending more than one note. I'm flattered to even be on your mind. I would be honored to accompany you to the ball. Please inform me of the time and let me know the color of your gown.
I skim through the rest of the letter, lingering on his closing words. A gentle flutter dances in my stomach as I stroke the owl's head before it takes off through the window. Settling back into my seat, I drape Draco's robe over me once more, feeling no shame over the excitement of another alpha being my date. Even with my omega's disgust.