Harry stood on the crowded platform, anxiously waiting for his friends to arrive. After feeling terribly sick for about twenty-four hours on his birthday, he had then felt perfectly fine, as though nothing had happened at all. He was beginning to wonder if perhaps Kreacher had been mistaken and it had just been a bout of food poisoning or something instead.
He'd been taking his scent masking potions religiously though, just in case.
He glanced at all the students and family members as they walked past, keeping an eye out for any strange reactions to his proximity, but everything was normal on that front as well. Either the potions were doing their job, or Kreacher really had made a mistake, and he was just a regular every-day Beta.
He truly hoped it was the latter.
"Harry!"
Harry looked up to see Hermione striding towards him, pushing her overloaded trolley with a bright smile on her suntanned face. She hugged him in greeting as soon as he was within arm's reach.
"How are you?" she asked, pulling back to look into his face. "Wow, you look good."
Harry froze. "W-what do you mean?" he asked.
She smiled and tipped her head to one side to look him over appraisingly. "You look… well rested; like you've been at a spa for the past two months. You're practically glowing."
Harry swallowed and forced a weak smile. "I guess time away from my relatives and Voldemort will do that."
Hermione chuckled and nodded. "I suppose this is the first time in your life that you haven't had to deal with any of that, no wonder you look so healthy."
"How was your summer in France?" he asked, wanting to get off the subject of his healthy new glow.
"Oh it was brilliant!" she replied, instantly diverted. "I'm a little rusty with my French but their wizarding history is so fascinating! I think I'm going to go back once we leave Hogwarts, spend some more time soaking up the culture and their unique magical practices."
Harry nodded, trying to force himself to pay attention to what she was saying but he was distracted by the dense crowd all around them; every glance directed his way took on a suspicious edge with his new-found paranoia. It was almost a relief when Ron finally joined them and they could board the train and settle themselves into a nice quiet compartment.
Harry exhaled, finally able to relax a little as he settled into his seat next to the window.
"Ron, could you please put my trunk up on the rack?" Hermione asked as she rolled the heavy thing into their compartment. It was obviously stuffed full of heavy - and utterly unnecessary - books.
"Sure." Ron smiled and took the trunk before hefting it up into the overhead bin with ease.
"Having an Alpha around sure has its advantages," Hermione stated teasingly as she collapsed onto the seat next to Harry.
Harry felt his heart stop as his gaze flew to Ron. He'd completely forgotten that his best friend had come into his Alpha inheritance last March. He quickly tried to determine whether Ron had treated him any differently so far…
Ron took the seat opposite Harry and looked at his friend. "How was your birthday?" he asked with a grin.
Harry felt a flash of panic, wondering if Ron knew something.
"Oh that's right," Hermione said before he could form a response, "you're eighteen now too. I guess you're a Beta," she added, slipping an arm through his with a smile. "I hope I'm a Beta too, much less nerve-wracking than being an Omega."
"I thought for sure you'd be an Alpha," Ron said offhandedly.
Harry frowned, affronted. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ron looked up and noticed his expression. He immediately flushed red. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just thought… if anyone was going to be an Alpha, you would."
"Being a Beta does not automatically mean you're weak or soft," Hermione said reproachfully. "Dumbledore was a Beta after all."
"I know," Ron mumbled self-consciously.
The compartment door slid open then, interrupting them - and saving Ron from shoving his foot even further into his mouth.
Neville and Luna walked in, followed by Ginny only a few seconds later. They made themselves comfortable on the seats, oblivious to the somewhat tense atmosphere.
"How was everyone's summer?" Neville asked as he tossed his school robe onto the seat beside him.
"Looks like you had a good one," Ginny said with a wink, indicating Neville's taller, more muscular stature.
Neville blushed and ducked his head. "Yeah… Gran was really pleased, she thought I'd be a Beta for sure."
Ginny raised a brow at the silent, averted gazes from Harry, Ron and Hermione. "What's up with you three?"
"Nothing," Harry said quickly. "How was your summer Luna?" he asked abruptly, turning to the smiling Ravenclaw seated next to the door.
Harry's gaze slid past Luna as she replied, through the open doorway and over to the compartment opposite them. It was filling up with what appeared to be more returning eighth year students. Harry was surprised to note that it was a mix of houses, including a few Slytherins.
Harry's roving gaze suddenly locked with the pale grey eyes of Draco Malfoy who was seated near the window. His breath caught in his throat and his heart faltered in his chest. His whole world seemed to suddenly zero in on the blond across the corridor from him and he couldn't tear his eyes away.
A small furrow appeared between Malfoy's brows as he held Harry's gaze a moment before turning away to look out the window.
Harry inhaled sharply as his breath seemed to return to him in a sudden whoosh as he was released from the strange hold that had suddenly gripped him.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked with concern.
Harry blinked and looked around, noticing that everyone was staring at him. "Yeah, I'm fine… Just… er, choked."
"Choked?" Ron repeated in confusion. "On what?"
"Erm, Ice Mice," Harry improvised, trying to keep his eyes from wandering back to Malfoy. The urge was ridiculously strong.
"Can I have one?" Ron asked.
"That was my last one," Harry replied awkwardly as the train suddenly started moving, pushing him back into his seat.
The group fell silent as the screech and grind of the train starting out of the station made it too difficult to be heard.
Harry looked out the window, already feeling the strain of what he suspected was going to be a very tense year ahead.
And what had that moment with Malfoy been about?
A feeling of dread began to fill his gut as his mind helpfully supplied him with the realisation that Malfoy looked as though he'd had a growth spurt over the summer holidays. In other words, the Slytherin had come into his inheritance - and it had resulted in his nemesis becoming an Alpha.
Harry swallowed and shifted in his seat, keeping his gaze firmly on the changing landscape outside.
Malfoy had looked… good. Very good, in fact. The blond appeared to have grown at least three inches, his hair was soft and shining instead of slicked back, his pale skin looked even more flawless than usual, and Harry had never noticed what striking eyes Malfoy had before; they were such a lovely shade of grey which seemed to darken to a deeper, steely grey around his irises.
Harry shook his head. He really needed to stop thinking about the colour of Malfoy's eyes.
Harry tried to think of something else but he felt his heartbeat quicken and his palms begin to sweat as his thoughts quickly began to spiral out of control. What if the Omega in him was drawn to the Alpha in Malfoy? What if something in him was compelled to pursue Malfoy as a potential life partner? What if a part of him wanted to mate with Malfoy?!
Harry let slip an involuntary sound of horror which he quickly turned into a cough.
"Are you sick Harry?" Luna asked in concern.
Harry shot her a weak smile. "No, I'm fine Luna, just… something caught in my throat. Again. I'll er… get some pumpkin juice or something."
Harry stood and quickly walked out into the corridor of the train, holding onto the walls for support as the train bumpily chugged onwards over the uneven tracks. He very intentionally kept his gaze on the floor as he moved past Malfoy's compartment and caught up with the food trolley witch at the other end, who was just beginning to make her rounds.
"Hullo," Harry greeted her distractedly. "One pumpkin juice, a roast beef sandwich, and a chocolate frog please."
He feebly hoped the chocolate would settle his nerves a little.
Harry paid for his things then walked back towards his compartment, trying to breathe normally and not think about the terrifying notion of potential mates.
He was nearly sent sprawling onto the floor of the corridor when Blaise Zabini walked out of Malfoy's compartment and straight into him.
"Steady there Potter," he said with a smirk, placing one hand on his arm and holding him upright.
"Thanks," Harry replied uncertainly, pulling his arm back and reaching down to pick up his dropped sandwich.
"Say Potter," Blaise continued, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall of the corridor. How the man could look so steady and suave while the train bumped and rattled beneath their feet, Harry had no idea. "I was hoping to speak to you about something."
"Oh?" Harry replied warily as he straightened up and hugged his food to his chest.
"As there are so few of us returning for eighth year, we thought it might be prudent to let bygones be bygones."
Harry's brow raised in surprise. That wasn't what he'd been expecting. "Yeah?"
Blaise nodded, his expression earnest and as open as Harry had ever seen the dark-haired wizard. "There's really no point in house rivalries now, is there? I mean, the younger years will carry it on and all, but we were thinking that it might be practical to form a study group between us leftovers."
"Leftovers?" Harry repeated, unable to hide a smile of amusement.
Blaise grinned. "I thought I would approach you since everyone tends to follow your lead," he continued matter-of-factly. "I've spoken to the returning Slytherins and we're all in agreement on this."
Harry was surprised at first but then realised that any returning Slytherin students were most likely the ones that had made good choices during the war, or at least had stayed out of things, which Harry couldn't fault them for.
"Yeah…" Harry finally replied slowly. "I think that's a brilliant idea."
Blaise smiled and held out his hand. Harry shifted his snacks to the other arm as he reached out and shook Blaise's hand. He was happy to let go of the hostility of the past, especially between Gryffindor and Slytherin. It was too much effort to keep up such hatred, and what for? Voldemort was dead and everyone just wanted to move on with their lives - no one more so than Harry himself.
"Come on." Blaise tugged on Harry's hand once before releasing it and leading him over to stand in the open doorway of his compartment. "Everyone, Harry has graciously agreed to our study group idea," he announced grandly.
Harry was met with smiles of delight - except from Malfoy, who was frowning at him. Harry swallowed and determinedly ignored the blond - and the fluttering in his stomach - as he attempted a carefree smile in return.
"Hi Harry."
Harry turned to see Cho Chang smiling at him from the seat to his right. "Oh hi Cho, how are you?"
"I'm fine," she answered quietly. "You look well; you must've had a nice summer."
Harry instantly felt on edge again. "I did," he replied shortly.
"Well, you've earned it," she said sincerely, still smiling.
"So we were thinking Thursday nights," Blaise interrupted. "Right Draco?"
Before he could stop himself, Harry's eyes flicked up to see grey eyes watching him intently. Malfoy shrugged carelessly then turned to look out the window.
Blaise rolled his eyes then turned to Harry. "Please forgive Draco, he's decided brooding is the look he's going for this year."
Harry couldn't help but snort in response and Blaise smirked.
"I guess I'll see you Thursday night in the library then?" Harry said, preparing to leave.
Blaise nodded in confirmation and Harry waved at them all before walking back across the narrow corridor.
Everyone in his compartment was staring at him in shock when he entered.
Ron quickly stood and slid the doors shut before turning to Harry, who had once again settled into his seat by the window. "What the bloody hell was that all about?" he demanded.
Harry shrugged as he let his food tumble into his lap and then opened his bottle of pumpkin juice. "A truce," he replied nonchalantly.
"Really?" Neville said in surprise. "The Slytherins too?"
"It was their idea," Harry informed them. "Blaise Zabini said that all the students wanted to let go of the past and just forget about silly house rivalries. We're even starting an eighth year study group: Thursday nights in the library."
"And you agreed?" Ron asked incredulously.
Harry frowned. "Of course, why not? I want to put an end to all that pointless animosity too. There aren't that many of us anymore so I think it's a brilliant idea."
"Me too," Hermione readily agreed and Luna nodded along with her. "Why not help each other?"
Ron returned to his seat and shook his head. "I dunno… seems suspicious to me."
"Oh get over it Ron," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes. "Why would they try anything now? What would be the point? It's over."
"Yeah, I agree," Neville put in quietly. "We could really help each other out, and I need all the help I can get in Potions."
"I guess…" Ron said uncertainly, glancing at Harry again.
"Doesn't mean we'll go easy on them in quidditch though," Harry added, placating.
Ron visibly brightened. "Yeah… there is that," he said enthusiastically.
The others laughed and Harry threw his balled up sandwich wrapper at him.
The rest of the trip continued without incident and Harry began to relax. No one had noticed anything other than the fact that he looked rested and healthy, which was not enough in itself to raise any sort of suspicion. Ron, as an Alpha, seemed entirely oblivious to Harry's new Omega status, which went a long way to calming his anxieties as well.
The only thing he had to worry about now was the way his gaze kept unconsciously shifting to stare at Malfoy across the corridor. Luna left the doors wide open when she returned from the loo, which resulted in Harry suddenly having a perfect view of the blond. He couldn't just up and close the doors without arising suspicion, so he just had to endure it and hope no one noticed. Luckily, Malfoy didn't look his way again for the rest of the journey.
He didn't know if he was pleased about that fact or not.
They finally reached their destination and piled into the waiting carriages for the short trip up the dirt track to Hogwarts. The castle loomed dark and imposing against the inky-blue sky in the distance, the flickering of hundreds of candles glowing warmly from each tiny window. The castle looked just as it had before the final battle; it looked like home.
Hermione sidled up to Harry as they walked up the drive towards the castle in the cool night air. "Is there something you want to tell me Harry?" she asked quietly.
Harry stopped in his tracks and turned to stare at her. "What do you mean?"
Hermione glanced around to ensure that they were alone before continuing. "Well, it's just that I noticed you looking at Malfoy an awful lot on the train…"
Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He had planned on telling Hermione and Ron all about his Omega problem until his friend had reminded him that Ron was an Alpha, and suddenly the idea of telling them had seemed too humiliating.
"I know you watched him a lot in sixth year, but I really couldn't come up with a plausible explanation for you to still be suspicious of him, so… I wondered if perhaps there was something else going on."
Harry swallowed, feeling inexplicably nervous. "There is something I want to talk to you about, but not right now. I wanted to write to you over the summer about it but it isn't something that I can put in a letter, and I'm not sure I ever want to tell Ron…"
Hermione's eyes widened. "Do you… have feelings for Malfoy?"
"Shhh!" Harry shushed her then grabbed her arm to start them moving again.
Hermione chewed her lip before venturing to speak again in a hushed voice. "I feel I should tell you that while Malfoy is an Alpha, he's still a pureblood, and will be seeking out an Omega who can carry on the Malfoy line. Not a Beta," she added cautiously.
"I know."
"And I've heard rumours that he's already engaged to Astoria Greengrass-"
"I know!" Harry snapped, feeling a flash of such red-hot jealousy over the idea of Malfoy with someone else that he couldn't even stop the sharp retort in time.
Hermione stared at him in surprise.
Harry sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry 'Mione, I didn't mean to shout. It's just… there's a lot going on and I'd really rather not get into it right now. Later, okay?"
Hermione nodded in understanding and gave his hand a supportive squeeze. "Of course."
Neville and Ron caught up with them then and the two fell silent as they entered the school with the rest of the masses.
As new Headmistress, McGonagall stood at the front of the huge dining hall to make the traditional opening remarks once the Sorting Hat had done its job. She welcomed them all back to the newly reconstructed castle and spoke of the importance of encouraging house unity. Blaise had raised his goblet to Harry at that with a nod of his head and a smile. Harry had returned the gesture with his own pumpkin juice, happy that at least that aspect of the school year looked promising.
The part that wasn't promising was the awful realisation that there was indeed something powerful drawing him to Draco Malfoy. He steadfastly refused to look at the blond throughout the meal, but it was a real struggle. He didn't know much about the world of Alphas and Omegas, but he knew enough that Betas didn't feel drawn to one person in particular, that they were basically the same as Muggles in that respect and could settle down with an Alpha or another Beta. The fact that he felt this strongly towards Malfoy only confirmed what Kreacher had told him: that he was indeed an Omega.
He couldn't wait to speak to Hermione about all of this. He had so many questions - and reservations - about the whole thing, and he needed answers as soon as possible or he wouldn't be able to sleep.
After dinner, Harry pulled Hermione aside as they marched out of the Hall towards the Gryffindor dorms and quickly told her to meet him in the Common Room at midnight. She nodded in acknowledgement and the anxious churning in his stomach abated somewhat at the prospect of discussing his problem with someone; someone whom he knew would either have all the answers or would stop at nothing to get them.
At one minute to midnight Harry snuck out of the boy's dormitory, leaving his snoring dorm mates behind, and tiptoed down the stone steps in his pyjamas. Hermione was already seated on the squashy sofa in the weak light of the dying fire.
Harry quickly settled himself on the other end of the sofa and drew his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them and dropping his chin onto his knees.
Hermione neatly tucked her legs underneath her and patiently waited for Harry to start.
Harry licked his dry lips and took a deep breath. "Okay… I… I guess I should start from the beginning," he ventured uncertainly.
"That's usually the best place to start." Hermione nodded encouragingly.
Harry turned to look into the glowing embers of the huge hearth beside them. "I woke up on my birthday over the summer feeling really sick and like my magic had a mind of its own." Hermione frowned and he pushed onwards. "So I called for Kreacher, thinking that maybe he could bring me some potions from Pomfrey to help." Harry paused and exhaled shakily before continuing. "He came and said… he said that I was coming into my inheritance, that he could smell it on me."
"You are an Alpha?" Hermione interjected in confusion. "But you don't-"
"I'm an Omega."
Hermione's lips parted and her brown eyes widened in disbelief. Harry could see a hundred different thoughts and emotions flash across her face in quick succession before she finally swallowed and looked at him worryingly. "And… and you believe him? Does it feeltrue?" she asked.
Harry dropped his chin back to his knees with a sigh. "Yeah it's true."
"How do you know?"
"Because I'm drawn to Malfoy," he replied emotionlessly.
Hermione's indrawn breath spoke volumes and Harry could see her fitting the pieces together.
"Hermione, I don't know anything about male Omegas or Alphas or mating or… or anything," Harry continued, beginning to feel desperate and wholly unprepared for this new direction his life had taken.
Hermione's academic expression immediately slotted into place as she sat up straight and took control of things. "Alright, calm down. I don't have a vast knowledge of male Omegas since they're so rare, but we can research that tomorrow night in the library. I know quite a bit about Alphas and Omegas though, so what did you want to know?"
Harry tried to get his agitation back under control so that he could think rationally. "I think the thing I want to know the most right now is, just because I'm drawn to Malfoy, does that mean that I can't ever be with anyone else? Can I feel this way towards another Alpha? And does he feel the same? Just because I feel drawn to him does that mean that he's going through the same thing on his side?"
"Okay," Hermione replied calmly, "let's start with whether you're only bound to Malfoy now. As far as I know, an Omega can feel the pull towards multiple Alphas in their lifetime until they're mated or officially bonded, then it's just the one. I know Alphas will only be drawn to one Omega until that Omega is officially claimed or bonded with another, and then they are free to find someone else. Does that make sense?"
Harry nodded. "So… I will able to feel this way towards another Alpha other than Malfoy?"
Hermione nodded.
Harry exhaled in relief.
"Did Malfoy react to you in any way?" Hermione asked curiously. "Do you think he's drawn to you too?"
"No," Harry replied, and even though the human side of him was rejoicing in this fact, the Omega in him felt distinctly hurt. "He just scowled at me when I looked at him. He certainly wasn't staring at me like I was him."
"Wait a minute!" Hermione shook her head, holding both hands up as something clicked in her mind. "Every Alpha on that train should've been able to detect that you were an Omega, they should have been all over you Harry but they weren't."
"I've been taking scent masking potions since my birthday," he explained. "And no they wouldn't be all over me Hermione; they all want beautiful female Omegas, not some abnormal male one."
Hermione gaped. "First of all, you are very attractive Harry, even more so since coming into your inheritance. Secondly," she stressed loudly as he opened his mouth to argue, "while it's true that male Omegas are rare, they're also coveted much more than female ones. Imagine being a gay Alpha and having to mate with a female just because she's the only choice you have? They'll flock here just for the chance to be with you Harry."
Harry's eyes widened in horror at the thought of a bunch of strange men clamouring for his attention. "No," he said resolutely, shaking his head. "That's not what I want; I don't want someone to want me just because I happen to be an Omega. If someone can fall for me without knowing the truth, then I'll know that they truly want to be with me. Surely being an Omega or an Alpha doesn't mean that you have to forsake actual feelings?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile affectionately at her friend. "No, of course not Harry, but I think most can't help but fall in love when they start off feeling so intensely attracted to someone. Don't forget that the Omega in you is only drawn to suitable partners, not just any old Alpha."
"Great, so my Omega is broken," Harry replied derisively. "Because there's no way that Malfoy is a good match for me."
Hermione's smile grew. "I don't know Harry; he might be perfect for you. You should give him a chance. And," she added enthusiastically, "the scent masking potions you've been taking might have thrown him off so far and that's why he hasn't been staring at you."
"Exactly," Harry scowled, "he doesn't know I'm an Omega so he's not interested in the slightest."
Hermione pursed her lips but let it go. "Alright, what else do you want to know?" she asked.
"This is going to sound really thick but… can I get pregnant?" Harry asked uncomfortably.
"No question is foolish Harry," Hermione lectured gently. "And yes, when you're on your heat you will be able to conceive. I'm not sure what sort of heat cycle male Omegas have so I couldn't tell you how often that will happen."
Harry sat back, stunned. For some reason he really hadn't expected the answer to be yes. He'd been exposed to the magical world for seven years now and he was still constantly amazed by the possibilities it held. It was probably the one good thing to come out of this whole Omega situation; he wanted a family of his own more than anything. He'd never really had one growing up and he'd thought having a child of his own was a lost cause because of his sexuality, so the unexpected potential to create his own was… incredible.
"Those scent masking potions will stop working during your heat as well Harry, so you need to be careful."
Harry blinked, coming back to himself. "Oh? So I'll have to hide in my bed for a week?"
"Or the infirmary," Hermione replied seriously. "Or else you'll attract every unmated Alpha in the school - teachers and students alike - and it won't be pleasant."
Harry swallowed. He didn't like the sound of that at all. "How will I know that I'm about to… you know?"
Hermione shrugged, looking slightly irritated that she didn't know the answer. "I'm not sure Harry, but we can look into that tomorrow as well. I'll make sure we know everything there is to know so that you don't encounter any surprises."
Harry sighed, feeling exhausted; it had been a very long and emotionally draining day. "Okay, I think… I think that's enough for now. We should get some sleep." He looked up and smiled a little. "Thanks for all your help Hermione."
Hermione smiled and leaned forwards to hug him. "Don't worry Harry, we'll figure this out."
Harry hugged her gratefully in return before they both stood and prepared to head off to bed.
"Oh Harry, what about Ron?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"I want to tell him but…" Harry flushed in embarrassment. "But will he erm, want me?" he mumbled.
Hermione giggled and Harry glared at her. "Sorry," she said apologetically. "But that would be so weird. I doubt that would happen Harry, he's straight and he sees you as a brother, so I'm fairly sure you being an Omega won't change that. It might just make him more protective of you around other Alphas."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, alright, I can deal with that I guess. We'll tell him tomorrow."
"Goodnight Harry," Hermione smiled before turning away to return to the girl's dorm.
"'Night."
Harry slowly walked back up to his own dorm and slid into bed as quietly as possible. He laid back and stared up at the canopy over his four-poster, deep in thought.
He'd had questions answered but gained some too. He felt a little more settled about the situation but his stomach was still churning nauseatingly.
Harry frowned and turned onto his side, tucking his hands underneath his pillow.
He knew why he felt sick to his stomach; he still felt the pain of rejection because Malfoy didn't want him. It was crazy and ridiculous but he couldn't help it. It was like his heart had gone and attached itself to another person and that person didn't want anything to do with him, and not only that, but Harry knew he would be forced to watch as Malfoy found someone else to bond with and that was going to be truly upsetting to his Omega.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to remind himself that he could find someone else. He just needed to do it before he caught Malfoy and Astoria snogging in the corridors because he wasn't entirely sure that his Omega wouldn't make a scene if he had to bear witness to that.