Draco
"Why would I ask Hermione Granger to the ball?" I retort, my tone tinged with monotony, yet beneath the surface, anger coils within me. The mere idea of subjecting her to such a public event feels wrong, a betrayal I'm not willing to commit.
Blaise, however, seems insistent on pushing the matter. "You're making a mistake. I see the way you look at her… the way she looks at you—"
I cut him off, frustration bubbling to the surface. "That's her bloody omega. You're an idiot if you think she likes me like that. It's literally just—"
"And I'm certain you're being a bloody pup over it!" Blaise interrupts my feeble attempt to explain. "I've stumbled across your little snogging sessions, twice ." His eyes narrow as he says 'twice'. "And yeah you two stink of each other but your biologies were clearly under control."
An uncomfortable shiver courses through me at the thought of Blaise witnessing those intimate moments between Hermione and me. "Did you forget she was exposed at the last ball? And then promptly preyed upon by almost every alpha in this school?" The reminder hangs heavy in the air.
Blaise rolls his eyes, an exasperated expression on his face. "She'd be safe with you. And you'd—"
Before he can finish his sentence, a low growl escapes my chest. "Do you think she wants to be on a Malfoy's arm?" I snarl at him, the intensity of my words leaving him momentarily speechless.
His jaw hangs open, caught off guard by the severity of my response. Not wanting to dwell on the topic any longer, I continue speaking to divert his attention. "Never mind. Granger should be back by now." I scan the library, my body wound tight with the realization of how much time has passed since she went to the lavatory.
Blaise merely nods in agreement, glancing around with a growing awareness of the situation.
I leave the library with purpose, heading straight to the girls' lavatory. The tension within me intensifies as I pace outside, debating whether I should intrude or wait for her to return. In the midst of my internal conflict, a small note flits in front of my face, and I pluck it from the air.
"From Hermione?" Blaise inquires.
Ignoring him, I unfold the note.
Wasn't feeling well and needed to lie down.
-H.G.
"She's not feeling well," I mumble, turning on my heel and navigating the halls to the Gryffindor portrait. "Madame," I address the portrait. She regards me with a narrow glare. "I want to confirm Miss Granger's safety. Has she come through?" The portrait remains silent, continuing to stare at me. "Please, it's important to me that she's safe." After a long, measured glance, she gives me the slightest nod.
Relief washes over me, and I nod in thanks. "Thank you." I exhale, moving to stand at the end of the corridor, hoping that Weasley isn't in the common room already. In my bookbag, I have a few vials to send up with Weasley, hoping they'll help Hermione feel better, with whatever is ailing her. Why wouldn't she tell me she wasn't feeling well?
Just as I'm about to give up and opt for sending an owl with a parcel, the red-headed Weasley is coming down the corridor.
"Malfoy? Did you just drop Hermione off?" She cranes her neck and looks around for her friend.
A lie hovers on the tip of my tongue, but I decide against it. "No, we were in the library together, and she excused herself to the lavatory. She was gone for longer than usual, and I received a note saying she wasn't feeling well and went to lie down. I haven't seen her, and, well, I..." But I can't admit to Ginny that I'm worried for her, even though I am.
"And you..." She stares at me, amusement in her eyes.
"I would appreciate it if you would check on her. And give her these?" I retrieve the vials from my bag and hold them out to her.
"Why, Malfoy?" She presses with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Because I don't want her to feel ill. Please take these up and let me know if there's anything I can do," I say with finality in my tone.
"Mhm, good evening, Malfoy," she says with a Cheshire Cat grin.
"Weasley," I mumble and head back to the library to retrieve my things.
Hermione
Caught in the whirlwind of my omega emotions, what begins as a mere spiral quickly escalates into a full-blown omega tantrum. I violently tear apart my nest, discard the clothing items saturated with Draco's scent, and construct a new nest using pristine blankets and linens. However, it only makes my frustration mount. I vigorously rub at my glands, attempting to rid myself of his lingering scent, but it stubbornly persists.
In a fit of desperation, I reach for my scarce and precious potion, hoping to render myself scentless. Yet, this only irritates my omega further. Trying to give my omega peace, I bury myself in the pile of Draco-scented laundry and blankets that I shoved to the floor. His scent doesn't give me peace, it just reminds me of my anger. With tears pricking my eyes, I go to my sterile nest allowing myself to cry.
As the emotional storm subsides, I eventually settle into a nap, the soft sounds of my snores echoing in the room. A gentle knock on my door jolts me from my nap, and my eyes snap open. Looking at the disheveled state of my room, a wave of embarrassment washes over me as I cautiously open the door, only revealing my head. There stands Ginny, concern etched across her face.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Ginny inquires, holding out the vials with a knowing smile. "Malfoy was waiting in the corridor for me. He sent me up here with these for—"
Unable to contain my emotions any longer, the rawness of my feelings spills over. I burst into tears, rendering Ginny momentarily speechless. Without a word, she pulls me into a tight hug, offering silent comfort in the face of my emotional turmoil.
Ginny gently guides us to my bed, her arm wrapped around my shoulders in a comforting embrace. "What's going on, Hermione?" she inquires softly.
Through my tears, I share with her the painful details of what I overheard in the library. A hushed curse escapes her lips, and she continues to offer solace, rubbing my back in an attempt to provide comfort. We sit together until I've calmed down, and she passes me a tissue.
"I didn't realize he felt that way… he was very worried for you when I ran into him. He must have been lying," Ginny tries to rationalize.
"He was talking with Blaise. So I know he isn't lying," I shake my head and take a deep breath. "It's just our biologies, Gin. He and I know our biologies are fond of one another… so our scents affect us emotionally as well."
"If it's just biologies, why are you upset?" Ginny asks, a bit confused. "I also know you don't want to go to the ball."
Because I like Draco Malfoy, and I thought he liked me too. Is that something I want Ginny to know? I contemplate before deciding, "My omega was rejected," I point out. "I really can't help it. And knowing he means it… he doesn't even want to ask me as friends ?" My voice cracks and I shake my head. "This isn't good for me." I stand and open my window, letting the frigid air clear my head. Drawing in a deep breath, I welcome the cold air into my lungs, finding that it helps make the overwhelming sadness more manageable.
"What do you mean?" She stands up and starts to put my destroyed room back together with a few flicks of her wand.
My throat grows thick as I think about what I mean by that. It means no more snogging sessions, no more secret pinky-holding between classes, no more longing stares, no more smelling like him . "I think my omega relies on him too much from the way I'm feeling right now. When I don't like him like that ." I lie.
"You don't?" Ginny asks, confusion evident in her tone as she strokes Crookshanks over her shoulder.
"No," I respond firmly, shooting a hard look over my shoulder before gazing out the window at the quiet castle. "We are friends, but my omega is obviously... making it difficult." I sigh and turn to look at her. "I'm okay. Thank you for checking on me and tidying my room." I give her a weak smile. "I think I would like to be alone."
"Of course. Let me know if you need anything." She puts Crookshanks down on my neatly made bed and exits my room.
A heavy sigh escapes me as I gaze at my familiar, my throat feeling thick. I settle down at my desk, parchment and quill in hand. Staring at the blank sheet, a myriad of thoughts race through my mind on what to write.
Draco,
I heard what you said.
I immediately cross it out, shaking my head in frustration.
Draco,
I like you, and I feel like you like me too.
A groan escapes me, and I crumple the parchment, tossing it away. I decide to just go to bed. I move from my desk to my bed. As kind as Ginny was to tidy my room, she made my bed, forcing me to rebuild my nest. Instead of using just the clean clothes, I gather pieces of clothing and robes that carry Draco's scent. Combining them with my blankets, I reconstruct my nest and curl up.
Starting tomorrow, I'm ignoring Draco Malfoy.
I refuse to be any alpha's plaything, not even the alpha that my omega desires.
Draco
The next morning, I think about waiting in the corridor leading up to the Fat Lady portrait earlier than usual but decide against it. There's no reason for me to be worried.
Leaning against the stone wall, I watch the endless stream of Gryffindor students leave for the Great Hall. Glancing at my watch, I frown. She's late . Even as breakfast ends and the bell rings for the first class, I stay put. When I see the Weasley girl rush out, I step in front of her to block her path.
"Weasley, is Hermione still not feeling well?" I ask in a gruff tone.
"Malfoy, shove off. I'm going to be late!" She tries to step around me but I don't let her.
"Is she still sick?" I repeat.
"I haven't seen her, so I don't know." Ginny glares at me and steps around me to hurry off to her first class. "Oh, and Malfoy?" When I turn to look at her, she's staring at me over her shoulder. "I'm not her bloody keeper!" She calls out before disappearing around the corner.
What the fuck ? I know Weasley didn't particularly like me, but she's never been this rude to me when it comes to Hermione. I reluctantly head towards my first class, trying to convince myself that she left earlier to catch up on the work she wasn't able to finish last night.
As I step through the door into the classroom, I brace myself for her not to be in her seat. But there she is, her chair pushed to the far edge of the table, her posture perfectly straight, and our blended scent barely noticeable. There's no sign of illness—no dark circles, no puffy eyes—nothing to indicate that she's been unwell. Just devastatingly beautiful as always . I take my seat and turn to fully face her. "I was waiting for you," I say to her profile.
"You don't need to anymore," she responds, her gaze fixed on her parchment. She then shifts her eyes to meet mine, but they're cold and unyielding, lacking their usual warmth. "Also," she continues, "I need to take a break from our side project."
I'm taken aback. Why is she so angry? Despite the embarrassment and confusion bubbling within me, I manage to swallow it back. "Okay," I say in an emotionless voice. Maybe she's finally woke up and realized who she was fraternizing with .
Her gaze shifts back to the front and her tone drops significantly. "Nor do I need us to continue our agreement ."
What is going on ? "Okay," I repeat and my fingers begin to tap on the hardwood of the table.
I don't walk with her from class to class but instead, keep a considerable distance. Alphas ar e bold in approaching her, but they end up leaving her alone after a few moments. I thought we were starting to... well, I don't know. But I thought we were starting something . Now, instead of dreading the swiftly approaching holiday break, I'm looking forward to it. My alpha being rejected has my normally quiet self-hatred coming at me full volume in my head.
This is exactly what I deserve.
One Week Later - Five Days Until the Holiday Break
Hermione
With break being only a few days away, I'm grateful that this week is finals so I can channel all my energy into that instead of wallowing in how much I miss Draco, not just my alpha. I miss our challenging conversations, the way he would make me laugh, how he— stop it . Taking a deep breath, I stare at my notes. I also miss his kisses, his light touches, his scent mingled with mine, his– I force myself to relive the conversation I overheard to snap out of it.
I need to be in complete control over my omega to keep from triggering an early heat. I'm sure that's what's been throwing me off, I've been letting my omega loose too often. Because I feel safe around Draco . I take a deep breath and focus my mind and start to build my occulemency. I've been lazy with it .
The biggest drawback to making Draco back off is the alphas constantly annoying me as my mingled scent has faded to just mine. The only alpha I don't mind talking with is Theo. But I'm sure that's because I know Draco can't stand him.
Blinking, I refocus on the text in front of me and quietly review until a note flutters onto the table I'm sitting at in the back of the common room.
Please report to Professor Onyx's office upon receiving this note . - C.O.
An exasperated sigh comes from me but I pack up my books and leave the common room, going to her office.
I knock once and the door swings open.
"Come in, Miss Granger!" Her stern voice comes through.
Groaning internally, I step inside and sit down in the chair she gestures to. "Good afternoon, Professor Onyx."
"How have your flying lessons been with Mr. Malfoy so far?" She asks with an arched brow.
We haven't had a single flying lesson since my heat. "They are going well. I'm confident I'll be able to fly the first-year course before graduation."
"I want a full report from Malfoy, your slip to be signed for this term, and Madame Hooch test your basics as a sort of mid-term test all done on Friday before the holiday." She gives me a tight grin, her eyes staring at me over the rim of her glasses.
For Merlin's sake! "Of course." I nod, keeping my gaze on hers. "Anything else you need from me?"
"That will be all. You're dismissed." She nods and with a gesture towards the door, it opens.
Leaving her office, I'm simmering with anger, feeling as though I could explode at any moment. Why is she choosing to do this last minute? I, and Draco, have exams to study for. We should have been notified earlier. I force steady breaths and attempt to relax, deciding to head to the library instead of returning to the common room. I choose a table within view of everyone for my safety. Scribbling out a brief note detailing Professor Onyx's request, I send it off to him. As I watch it disappear, my mind wanders to all the unsent notes that found their way into my bin.
Pulling my books out, I dive into my study session. The library hums with the collective focus of students preparing for their finals, and I relish in the bustling atmosphere. Suddenly, a small note flutters onto my desk, and my heart skips a beat as I hastily unfold the parchment.
I'll submit the necessary paperwork. You should review the basics that the first years should already know by now. Meet at Black Lake tomorrow after your Herbology exam. -DM
My heart races at the thought of our upcoming flying study session. I miss him . Sighing, I tuck the note in my bookbag and return to studying. I'm in the middle of reviewing an entire term's worth of information when the familiar, warm scent of fresh linens and lavender of Theo settles around me. I glance up with a polite smile.
"Can I sit here?" he asks, gesturing to the chair across from me.
Ever since Draco and I distanced ourselves, Theo has become more forward in expressing his interest. "Only if you promise me that you're actually trying to study," I reply, giving him a knowing look.
He chuckles and takes a seat, pulling out his books. "I promise I'm actually studying. I was hoping you'd want to review History of Magic together."
"That would be great. Let me finish up with Herbology, and then we can review?" I suggest.
He nods, opening his own textbooks. "Hermione?" His usual over-the-top confidence is absent as he whispers softly.
Bringing my head up, I meet his eyes and raise my brows. "Yes?"
"You're aware that I'm interested in you, right?" His eyes shine with vulnerability.
My stomach tightens, uncertain if it's due to nerves or excitement. Alpha . Draco . This isn't– "Yeah, I know," I admit, feeling a slight blush touch my cheeks. Once again uncertain if it's from embarrassment or shyness.
"Do you think you might feel the same way?" he asks quietly.
Oh. I hesitate. I can't tell him if I do or don't, because my omega is on the verge of a meltdown at the thought of an alpha that's not Draco, and I can't let that happen. "I'm not sure," I answer quietly and honestly.
"Will you let me ask for a chance to change that?" His dark eyes shift from vulnerable to confident.
"Are you trying to ask me on a date?" I inquire, confused.
"Yes. And also… after waiting too long to ask you last time and missing my chance, I don't want to do that again. Will you go to the ball with me?" he murmurs, leaning forward.
I lean back in my chair, my thoughts consumed by Draco. "I didn't think anyone was planning on asking me." I study the curly-haired alpha and bite down on my lip. I don't even want to go.
"Well, I did," he murmurs and leans forward.
Alpha , my omega whines out, and I build up my occlumency against it, reminding myself once again of what Draco said to Blaise. "I'll think about it."
A broad smile lights up his face. "That's not a no."
His infectious grin prompts a shy shake of my head. "It's not a no," I admit, offering a timid smile. "But it's not a yes either."
"Yet," he winks, leaning back in his chair and returning to his textbook.
We stayed late into the evening, going over History of Magic notes and preparing for the upcoming final. When we finally decided to call it a night, we individually packed up our belongings, leaving behind the still-bustling library.
"Let me walk you to the Fat Lady," Theo offers, as he reaches out for my books.
"Thank you for offering, but I'll be okay. Thanks, Theo! I'll see you for the History of Magic final tomorrow morning?" I ask, starting towards the stairs.
"Of course," he smiled, offering a small wave. "Good night, Hermione."
"Good night," I returned the smile before going up and back to my room.
Draco
I knew I shouldn't have been keeping tabs on Hermione, but I couldn't help it. I didn't want anything to happen to her, and I'm still confused about why she abruptly ended our—well, whatever we have. Eavesdropping comes with consequences, and now I'm left reeling from the aftermath of my own choosing.
I'll think about it. Her words echo in my mind as I crush the quill in my hand. I chose a table on the other side of the bookshelves she was on, and now I'm regretting it.
This is exactly what I deserve. Hermione deserves so much more than me. Even if I don't want to give her up .
When I received her note, I was over the moon until I realized she was just giving me an update regarding her training and my community service. I was originally going to send Blaise to help her with the review but if she is considering Nott… I mean, he's smart, generous, and was interested in her before she was revealed to be an omega – the best kind of alpha for her.
It's only been a week and it's been absolutely miserable. Watching the alphas shamelessly flirt with her and her always being kind in return. I went back to sitting with Blaise at the Slytherin table and she sat at her house table with her friends. I miss her . But I want her to be happy so I'll push Theo right into her lap.
Unable to focus for the rest of the night, I decide to leave the library through the back to avoid being seen by either of them. Instead of heading to my room, I patiently wait for Nott to return from his impromptu study date. When he finally shows up with a dopey grin, his scent tainted by Hermione's, anger stirs within me, but I push it down.
"Nott," I gruffly say and stand up, staring at him.
He jumps before pressing his shoulders back, "what?" He snaps out.
"Will you review the flying basics with Granger tomorrow? After her Herbology exam? She has a midterm flight test this Friday, and I'm busy," I lie. I ache to fly with her, Hermione safely nestled in front of me and her warm amber scent soothing my alpha.
His eyes narrow. "Are you being serious?" he asks, tilting his head at me. "I don't know what happened between you and Hermione, and frankly, I don't care because now she's available. But if you're doing this to get back at her in some way—"
"I'm being serious. Look," I show him her note. "I was going to ask Blaise, but since you two seem to have gotten close... And I mean, you said it yourself; you won't do anything she doesn't ask."
He regards me with his dark eyes, weighing what I'm saying before finally nodding. "I'll give her a hand. Thanks, Malfoy."
I let him know when and where to meet her before going to my room, feeling sick to my stomach.
Hermione
As much as I love studying for finals and testing, I'm eager for my day of exams to be over so I can meet the alpha I'm supposed to be ignoring. Even if it's just to pass a test… at least I'll be able to spend time with him. Even though he doesn't want anything to do with me .
Once I'm dismissed from Herbology, I resist the urge to sprint out to the field. I keep my pace even as I walk out to our spot, pulling my broom out of my bag and holding it while I wait for Draco to come.
Staring out at the frozen lake, I let my imagination wander with a few daydreams about what could happen with him. I hear footsteps behind me, and my heart leaps into my throat. I turn on my heel to greet my alpha, but my face goes smooth as I'm greeted by a dark-haired alpha.
"Theo?" I ask in confusion.
"Hey, Hermione! Malfoy told you right? He's busy with finals and asked me to review midterm requirements with you." Theo explains.
"He did not tell me," I say with irritation in my tone. "Would-would you excuse me, Theo? I-I–" I can't even come up with an excuse as to why as I start to storm off towards the castle before stopping and looking at him. "Where's Blaise?" I ask in a stern tone.
"Uh, saw him heading to the Great Hall." He answers in a confused tone.
"Thanks," I grit out and keep going towards the castle before shaking my head and mounting my broom. I'm learning for a bloody reason . I kick off the ground and start towards the outdoor entrance of the Great Hall. It's slow but faster than walking. Once I'm at the front door, I hop off and stalk indoors until I see the back of Blaise's head.
"Blaise! Come here," I demand of him.
He skitters to a stop and gives me a cheeky grin. "You know I love it when you boss me around."
I hold my wand up, "I'll hex you. Come here."
His face pales and he hurries to meet me. "What's going on? Are you okay? Is Drake?"
"What's the common room password for Slytherin?" I demand of him, staring up at him. "I need to speak with Drake ," I practically spit out his name.
A smirk touches his face. "Ooh, Granger. You've gotten so riled up you're wanting to break rules… naughty naughty."
"Remember how I promised I'd hex you?" I remind him, pulling my wand out.
"I do. Kinda got me-"
"Don't finish that sentence. My threat is a promise." I warn.
"Okay! Breathe, Granger," he rubs my arms lightly before leaning in to whisper the password in my ear. "Just make sure to change your voice to one of the girls' if you can before you say it. It'll be easier to get in with that."
"How do I find Draco's room?" I ask.
After he gives me brief instructions, he bids me farewell before I stalk off towards the dungeons.