Harry and Ron walked into the library and looked around, searching for the table with the largest group of students. It was Thursday night and the first meeting of the new eighth year study group.
Harry pointed to a table in the far right-hand corner and they began to make their way over. It looked as though they were the last ones to arrive.
"Are you going to be alright?" Ron whispered aside as they walked.
"I hope so," Harry replied apprehensively, green eyes immediately narrowing in on the blond seated at the table in between Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott.
True to his word, Harry had told Ron everything that was going on. The Gryffindor Trio had commandeered a table in the corner of the library after their first day of classes and talked over everything for hours, with Ron offering what little advice and knowledge he had. His older brothers were both mated Alphas, with Charlie mated to a male Beta, so he shared some of their experiences with Harry. Unfortunately he didn't know anything more than Hermione on the mystery of male Omegas. The Hogwarts library had next to nothing on the subject so Harry was already planning a trip to Hogsmeade to see what material the bookshop there might have.
Harry had been incredibly relieved that Ron wasn't freaked out by him - or by his apparent attraction to Malfoy. Ron was treating him just like he always had, except that Harry noticed that Ron had become a bit more watchful of other students around him in corridors and in class, and he somehow seemed to take it personally that Malfoy had rejected his best friend as a potential mate and was constantly glaring at the Slytherin whenever he had the chance. Harry knew Ron didn't actually want him with Malfoy so he wasn't sure what the point of all the glowering was, he simply chalked it up to it being one of those mysterious Alpha things.
Not that Malfoy noticed any of this. Harry's eyes were always glued to him whenever their paths crossed and Malfoy never made eye contact. It was as though Harry didn't exist anymore.
Harry would have been ecstatic about that turn of events a few years ago but now it only frustrated the hell out of him.
"Hi Harry!" Neville greeted as they approached the table. "Ron."
The only two seats left were on the end across from Blaise and Malfoy, so Harry hurriedly took the seat directly opposite Blaise. He did not want his legs or feet anywhere near where they could accidentally brush up against Malfoy's limbs. Just the thought of it was enough to make him shiver with unwelcome desire.
Harry dropped his bag to the floor and distracted himself with removing his potions textbook so that he didn't have to see whether Malfoy was scowling at his presence or not.
"How's Slughorn's favourite student?" Blaise quipped with a smirk as Harry flipped his book open to the chapter on the importance of Jobberknoll parts.
Harry glanced up with a puzzled frown until he remembered Snape's potions book and cheating his way to success in sixth year. It all seemed so long ago now. "Erm, I kind of had help that year. I'm actually quite hopeless at Potions."
"Only with Snape," Ron defended loyally. "Slughorn loves you so you might actually have a chance this year."
"How did you cheat?" Justin Finch-Fletchley piped up curiously from the other side of Ron.
Harry shared a look with Ron before replying. "I had an old second-hand textbook that year with some helpful tips written in the margins by the previous owner."
"Wow that's lucky," Justin replied enviously. "I don't suppose you have one this year?"
"No, have to rely on my own brain now, so I think it's a lost cause."
Blaise snorted and Harry shared a look of amusement with the Slytherin. Perhaps Zabini could be a welcome distraction from his Malfoy obsession. Blaise was handsome and the Slytherin didn't appear to completely loathe him. He didn't feel anything for him but he thought that anything would be better than dealing with this unrequited lusting.
"What are you going to do next year Harry?" Hannah Abbott asked from down the table.
Harry looked over at her, furtively taking in Malfoy's profile as he turned; the blond had his head down and was reading intently. Harry smiled at Hannah and ignored the now expected clenching of his gut upon seeing Malfoy in the flesh.
"Not sure yet," he replied honestly, "maybe join the Aurors?"
"Really? Isn't that a bit dangerous?" she replied, eyes widening in awe.
Harry smirked. "Can't be any worse than being hunted down by a raving lunatic from the age of eleven."
The sudden sound of a book slamming shut startled everyone at the table.
"I thought this was a study group not an excuse for a social hour," Malfoy snapped before abruptly standing and striding off into the rows of bookshelves behind them.
"What's up with him?" Dean Thomas asked with a confused frown. "He was chatting earlier."
"Yeah but that was before Potter showed up," Daphne Greengrass muttered snidely.
Harry felt a flash of irritation and narrowed his eyes where Malfoy had disappeared into the rows. "I'll be right back," he said tightly as he stood.
"Want some help?" Ron asked quietly, looking uneasy.
Harry shook his head and stalked off to find the infuriating Alpha.
He walked past six rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves before spotting the tall blond standing at the far end of the seventh. Luckily the row was empty save for Malfoy. He quickly ducked in and walked right up to him, feeling his irritation burning under his skin and his hands balled into fists at his sides.
"What's your problem Malfoy?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice down in the hush of the cavernous room.
Malfoy's head jerked up at the vehement exclamation and his expression immediately turned stony. "What are you on about Potter?" he asked coolly.
"I know you have a problem with me and I want to know what it is," Harry continued, trying to remain calm as his emotions seemed to be at war within him; a confusing combination of satisfaction at finally conversing with the object of his desire, and frustrated anger at the unwarranted contempt directed his way.
Malfoy's lip lifted into a sneer as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Did you really believe that the truce between eighth years extended to the two of us?"
Harry gaped; he hadn't expected Malfoy to readily admit to his dismissive treatment of him. "Why wouldn't it?" he had to ask, his tone quickly losing its angry edge. He knew he sounded disappointed but he couldn't help it - he was.
Malfoy appeared to notice as well as something flickered in his eyes. He blinked and it was gone. "Why would you want it to?" he asked acerbically.
Harry swallowed and forced himself to think of this logically and not through the eyes of an infatuated Omega. "Because now that Voldemort is finally dead, it would be nice if we could let go of this ridiculous hate. Isn't it exhausting keeping it up without reason?"
Malfoy's eyes flared. "There are plenty of fucking reasons Potter, or have you forgotten?"
Harry frowned. "I would've thought there'd be more reason on my side than on yours Malfoy. You've been a right prick to me since the moment I met you."
"At least I didn't slice you up and leave you for dead!" Malfoy hissed.
Harry stumbled backwards half a step; feeling actual physical pain flash through his body from the force of Malfoy's hostile accusation and the ensuing guilt at the reminder of what he'd done. He quickly shook it off and straightened up as Malfoy frowned warily at his behaviour.
"I'm sorry," Harry said sincerely, the words spilling forth without any conscious deliberation. "You didn't deserve that and I'm sorry it happened. I didn't know what the spell did, which was stupid, I know, but I was angry and… and unfortunately you were an outlet for that anger." Harry sighed and held out his hand. "Now can we please just forget all this and move on?"
Malfoy stared at the outstretched hand extended to him a moment before his eyes darted back to Harry's face and narrowed. "No," he bit out shortly before striding past and leaving Harry alone in the dusty bookshelves.
Harry wanted to scream as he clenched his jaw shut so tight it hurt. Why the fuck has his bloody Omega chosen that self-centred, arrogant, spiteful prat as a potential mate?! They were only four days into the school year and already he wanted to throttle Malfoy. How was he going to last an entire year? This frustration was going to be the death of him. Voldemort was less trouble.
Harry turned and practically stomped back towards the group table. He stopped short when he caught sight of Malfoy collecting his books and then walking over to another table - where Astoria Greengrass and friend were sitting. Astoria smiled up at Malfoy and he sat down beside her to resume studying.
Harry couldn't help it, he felt crushed; the blatant rejection and contempt Malfoy had for him was never more clear to him than in that moment. He could feel the Omega in him wanting to crumple to the floor in a heap and sob, the urge was so strong that he had to physically stop himself by placing a hand on a nearby bookshelf and grip it hard, eyes boring into the top of that insensitive blond head.
Harry took a deep breath and, with great determination, tore his gaze from that nightmarish scene and slowly placed one foot in front of the other until he was back at his table. He sat down in his vacated seat, all the while cursing his Omega status and the complicated situation he now found himself in.
Ron and Hermione were both shooting him worrying looks but he couldn't concentrate on them right now, he needed to ensure that he wasn't going to fall to pieces in public first. Or murder Astoria Greengrass.
Harry exhaled and pulled himself together. He could do this. He just had to distract himself; Malfoy wasn't the only Alpha around.
"Blaise?"
Blaise glanced up at him with a questioning arch of the brow.
"Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me on Saturday?" he asked, shoving aside the feeling of wrongness that arose from him asking out someone who was apparently not on his Omega's pre-approved list.
Blaise looked taken-aback a moment before slowly grinning. "Yeah, why not?"
"Great." Harry nodded with a smile then looked down in an attempt to absorb something about Jobberknolls, even if this study session already felt like a lost cause.
He could feel Ron's eyes on him but he would have to be filled in later. Maybe it was pointless to go out with someone whom he didn't feel drawn to but at least it would provide a welcome diversion - and that was worth any minor discomfort to his Omega.
. . . .
Harry stood in the entrance hall, waiting for Blaise to show for their Hogsmeade excursion. He was looking forward to it but he also didn't really know him that well and he hoped it wasn't going to be awkward; he'd never been very good at small talk.
Harry felt the hair on the back of his neck suddenly stand on end and he knew before he looked up who would be there. He met familiar grey eyes and immediately turned away, crossing his arms over his chest and looking out the open doorway at the pleasant autumn day beyond.
The clearing of a throat had him turning back around and staring as Malfoy stood before him; looking at him as though he actually wished to speak with him.
Harry quickly hardened his expression; it wasn't difficult with all the resentment still boiling close to the surface from Thursday night. "Yes?" he asked tersely.
Malfoy appeared a little uncomfortable but held Harry's gaze. "Blaise sent me to tell you that he can't make your… meeting today, and that he sends his apologies," he finally replied stiffly.
Harry's heart dropped, but he lifted his chin, green eyes defiant. "Fine," he snapped, then spun and marched out the doors into the muted sunshine.
Did Blaise have to send Malfoy to tell him that he was being stood up?
Harry stopped halfway down the wide stone steps when he suddenly realised that Malfoy was following him. "What are you doing?" he asked, too bewildered to keep up any hostility.
This time Malfoy's eyes were anywhere but meeting Harry's. "I am also visiting Hogsmeade today and thought… I could join you."
Harry frowned suspiciously. "Was this Zabini's idea? Because if it was, you really don't have to. In fact, I'd rather you didn't."
Harry turned and jogged down the rest of the steps, continuing up the gravel drive without waiting for a response. He nearly groaned aloud in frustration when he noticed Malfoy still walking along behind him. He turned to face him, beginning to feel irritated again.
Malfoy spoke before he could get started though.
"I wanted to apologise," he said. "My behaviour Thursday night was… inexcusable."
Harry could only gape, too stunned to do otherwise. "Why are you so… odd?" he exclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air. He turned and walked about five steps before reluctantly glancing back over his shoulder. Malfoy was still standing in the same place, watching him.
Harry sighed in exasperation and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Well come on then," he said.
Malfoy nodded once and quickly fell into step beside him as they made their way towards the charming little town of Hogsmeade.
Harry's stomach was doing somersaults and he honestly thought he might be sick from the rollercoaster of emotions that this stupid Alpha was subjecting him to. He needed to say something - anything to distract himself from reading something further into this other than the fact that Blaise had most likely coerced Malfoy into taking his place. Merlin knows how.
"So… what made you change your mind?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Malfoy was watching the ground pass beneath his feet, hands tucked warmly into his black cloak. "I gave what you said some thought, about moving on and not holding the past against each other." He glanced at Harry, strands of pale blond hair falling over one eye. "I know you would never have used that spell on me if you knew what it did, you're not that kind of person. You're too… virtuous."
Harry couldn't help but laugh as Malfoy said 'virtuous' as though it were a dirty word.
Malfoy's lips twitched in amusement - causing Harry's Omega to purr in happiness - before returning his gaze to the ground. "Are you really going to join the Auror program next year?"
"What? Oh…" Harry blinked at the sudden change in topic. "I dunno, hadn't really given it much thought lately. I used to, but now… I feel a bit tired and world-weary for that sort of career. What do you think?"
Malfoy looked surprised at the question. "You want my opinion?"
Harry smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I do," he replied, thinking that he might as well do this right if they were going to try to get along.
A furrow appeared between Malfoy's brows as he seemed to consider the question in great depth. "In my opinion, I think you would be pushing your luck. I believe you would be better off doing something that makes a difference yet doesn't involve risking your own life."
Harry was surprised; most people didn't think like that, they mostly thought that he should be an Auror because he'd been fighting evil from such a young age and assumed he knew what he was doing.
"What should I be instead?" Harry asked with a smile, wanting to keep things light and not delve into the war or Voldemort.
"A cook?"
Harry laughed, delighted by Malfoy's wry humour and the fact that he felt comfortable enough to use it. "Nah, pants at Potions, remember?"
"Ah yes, of course." Malfoy nodded with a smirk, amusement clear in his eyes. "Healer?"
Harry scrunched up his face and shook his head. "No, too much study, I'm not really the academic type. Unless it involves Defence or quidditch, there's probably no hope for me."
"Do you have to do anything at all?" Malfoy asked. "There's nothing wrong with focusing on getting married and starting a family."
Harry's breath caught in his throat when Malfoy's words assaulted him with images of Draco and tiny blond children in their own little cottage by the sea. He shook his head to dispel such ridiculous, unobtainable ideas.
"I've never really been interested in that sort of thing," he said instead, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears.
Malfoy glanced at him, his brow drawing down in a frown. "Really?"
Harry shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets. "What do I know about raising children? I never had parental figures in my life. No decent ones anyway," he muttered.
"I don't think that matters, at least you know what not to do," Malfoy replied.
Harry slanted a look at him, head tilted to one side as he regarded him curiously. "Is that how you feel?"
The corner of Malfoy's mouth lifted into a smirk as he met his gaze. "No Potter, as much as you believe that my parents are the devil incarnate, they really aren't."
Harry smiled and turned to look ahead as they approached the picturesque stone wall which surrounded Hogsmeade. "I may or may not believe that, but I do know that they care about you as proper parents should."
"They do," Malfoy agreed firmly as they passed through the open wrought-iron gates.
Harry stopped and looked up the high street. "Where to?"
"Wherever you want, this was your idea."
"Not with you it wasn't," Harry quipped, but grinned to show that he was joking. "I need to visit the bookshop, if you don't mind."
"Lead the way Potter," Malfoy replied politely.
They walked at a leisurely pace towards the small shop, which may not have looked very impressive from the outside but was filled to bursting with every kind of book imaginable. Harry sincerely hoped they had something useful on male Omegas - or else he would be completely at sea with everything that was going to happen to him.
"I suppose if we're going to do this friendship thing properly we should be calling each other by our given names," Harry commented nonchalantly. He chuckled when he caught Malfoy pulling a face.
"I think that's taking things too far," the blond remarked, then added slyly, "Harry."
Harry laughed and didn't even try to stop himself from enjoying the pleasant tingle that ran up and down his spine upon hearing his name from those lips.
They reached The Paper Hound and Draco held the door open before they both walked inside. They immediately removed their cloaks and hung them over one arm when the warm air of the cosy shop surrounded them.
"I ah… have something in particular that I'm looking for," Harry said, "so did you just want to have a browse and I'll find you when I'm done?"
Draco nodded in easy agreement and headed off into the rows of overfilled shelves.
Harry watched him walk off a moment before turning and disappearing into the History of Magical Beings section. He stopped before a loaded shelf on Alphas, Alpha Behaviours, Alpha physiology... He crouched down and ran his finger over the spines of the Omega books that were on the shelf below.
"Yes!" he cheered under his breath when he spied a thin blue book at the end of the row titled 'The Elusive Male Omega.' He withdrew it from the slightly dusty shelf and flipped it open to the table of contents. Harry smiled in relief; it looked like the book covered everything he needed to know, including a chapter on 'The Male Heat Cycle', 'Pregnancy' and something called 'Knotting.'
Harry carried the book to the front counter and quickly paid for it, relieved when the blue and silver book was slipped into a green cellophane bag and hidden from prying eyes. Hopefully Malfoy wouldn't ask what he bought.
Harry looked around for his travelling companion and spied him over near the window, idly flipping through a black and gold-covered book. He took a moment to observe the handsome Slytherin unimpeded. Harry's heart hammered in his chest as he stared at the Alpha whom his Omega longed for. It was easy to see why; the man was tall and lean, with a grace to his movements that somehow seemed to belie the power within those muscled limbs. Harry knew his eyes only came level to the top of Draco's shoulder and, while it still irked him that Malfoy was now taller, he had to admit that it was the perfect height for him to neatly tuck in under Draco's chin if he was ever to be held in his arms. The very thought almost made him weak in the knees.
Harry wanted to laugh out loud at how maudlin and sentimental his thoughts had become since his inheritance. He was beginning to learn to live with it though instead of fighting it at every turn. He knew he would never be a good little submissive mate like the vast majority of female Omegas, but he was coming to appreciate some of the more appealing aspects of having an Alpha as a partner. The general feeling of safety for one, the idea that there would be someone in his life who loved him unconditionally and looked out for him every day was such a comforting thought.
When he'd told Malfoy that his upbringing had affected his outlook on life, he hadn't been lying, but it had caused him to crave stability and safety, and the urge to have his own family, instead of dissuading him from those things. He just hoped that he found another Alpha soon that he felt just as strongly for, one that he actually had a chance with.
Draco looked up then and flashed him a quick smile when he saw that Harry was ready to leave.
Harry knew he was a lost cause when his breath hitched and his stomach flip-flopped at that tiny inconsequential display of friendliness.
They slipped back into their woollen cloaks and stepped outside.
"Do you want to get a hot drink before we go?" Harry asked.
Malfoy nodded and glanced up the street. "Madam Puddifoots or the Three Broomsticks?" he asked.
Harry paused, neither location seemed fitting somehow. "How about a secret spot I know of? And it won't cost us a knut."
The Slytherin readily agreed and Harry led the way back to Hogwarts. They chatted aimlessly as they walked, not short on conversation which seemed to flow a little easier now that their initial discomfort was out of the way.
Once back at the school, Harry led Draco into the entrance hall and then down the stairs to the basement corridor. Draco followed him with a puzzled frown as Harry walked up to a painting of a fruit bowl and tickled the pear.
Harry grinned knowingly at the surprised look on Draco's face as the pear transformed into a large green handle. He pushed it open to reveal the vast Hogwarts kitchens beyond the secret entrance.
They walked inside and Draco seemed to hesitate uncertainly when they were instantly swarmed by about a dozen cheerful house-elves, but he pushed onwards and stood beside Harry.
Harry spotted Kreacher amongst the other elves and smiled at him. "Kreacher, could Draco and I please get some hot chocolates and perhaps some biscuits?"
Kreacher bowed low at Harry's request. "Of course Master Harry, Kreacher is indebted for the opportunity to serve Master Draco from the honourable house of Malfoy."
Harry rolled his eyes as the withered little elf disappeared into the enormous pantry at the other end of the room. The other elves quickly cleaned a spot at one of the long tables for them, practically bouncing on the balls of their feet at being presented with the rare opportunity of serving visitors.
"How on earth did you discover this place?" Draco asked as he took a seat, purposely withdrawing his hand from a little female elf who was examining his fingers with reverence.
Harry grinned at the amusing scene as he sat beside him, placing his bag from the bookshop on the bench next to him. "Hermione," he replied simply. "It's been very useful whenever I happened to miss a meal or didn't want to eat in the Great Hall."
"And they'll bring you whatever you want?" Draco asked, impressed despite himself.
Harry nodded.
"And do you think they would do the same for me if I came without you?"
"I would think so, especially Kreacher, he seems to be quite fond of you," Harry replied teasingly.
Draco smirked, looking a little more comfortable and not so out of his depth.
Harry smiled and leaned back, elbows resting lightly on the table behind him. "I'm glad you came today," he confessed, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to say so.
Draco appeared slightly astonished by his admission but then one of his rare smiles graced his lips and Harry was immediately flooded with pleasure.
"As am I," Draco replied in a tone that made it clear that he was as surprised as Harry by this acknowledgment.
Kreacher approached then with their drinks and a large plate holding a vast array of tempting biscuits.
Harry pulled his full mug towards him and took a sip of the smooth hot chocolate topped with fresh whipped cream.
"Master Harry has chosen a fine mate," Kreacher noted approvingly as he looked between the two boys.
Harry choked on his drink and hurriedly put his mug back on the table. "Kreacher!" he spluttered, face turning red. "It's not like that; Draco and I are just friends."
Kreacher frowned, looking perplexed. "But the joining of the Potter and Malfoy families would be a great-"
"Thank you Kreacher, that will be all," Harry interrupted in a commanding, slightly panicked, tone.
Kreacher hesitated a moment before finally bowing and leaving the room.
Harry chanced a glance over at Draco to see the blond staring intently into his hot chocolate, pale cheeks slightly pink. "Sorry," he quickly said in embarrassment. "He has some funny ideas that one."
Draco looked up and shook his head a little, a forced smile of nonchalance on his face. "Don't worry about it," he said and turned back to his drink with a frown, fingers idly stroking the warm sides of the large mug. "You know I can't be with a Beta, right?" he added in a subdued voice.
Harry just wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. "Yeah I know," he put in quickly, almost stammering in his haste to reassure the blond, even as his Omega screeched in protest. "Please don't think that I had ulterior motives when I said that I was glad that you came along today, I really didn't, I'm just happy that we can talk like normal people now," he babbled.
Draco nodded and took a sip of his drink.
Harry returned to his own drink and the easy camaraderie which they had shared for a good part of the day was instantly gone.
They finished their drinks in silence and, without even touching the biscuits, left the kitchen and ascended the stairs to the entrance hall.
"See you in class Potter," Draco said absently before parting ways.
Harry didn't even get the chance to say a word before the Slytherin was gone. With the heavy weight of disappointment pressing on him, Harry slowly made his way back to Gryffindor Tower.
The day had been going so well before bloody Kreacher had stuck his big nose into things. He had actually felt as though a real friendship was possible between the two of them and that perhaps they had more in common then they knew. And a part of him couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he'd told Draco the truth about being an Omega?
Harry set his jaw and quickly discarded such thoughts with a firm shake of his head. He was standing by his decision to be with someone who was not choosing him simply for being an Omega. If an Alpha truly cared for him then nothing should stand in their way.
. . . .
Harry slept late Sunday morning after a long night of tossing and turning, his fragmented sleep full of strange dreams of sneering blond Slytherins and meddling house-elves.
Harry dragged himself out of bed and into the adjoining boy's lavatory. He placed his toiletry bag on the edge of the sink and stared at himself in the mirror, frowning at the faint dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. He shook his head and looked away from his reflection as he squeezed some toothpaste out onto his brush, absently wondering how Malfoy was going to treat him today, and if all the progress they'd made yesterday would be gone.
Harry heard the door open behind him and he glanced up to see Dean Thomas walk in, looking sleep-ruffled.
"Morning Harry," he greeted drowsily, one hand raking over his hair as the door swung shut behind him.
Harry smiled in greeting through the mirror before recapping the toothpaste and setting it down.
Harry paused, suddenly sensing that the atmosphere in the small room had changed dramatically. Gooseflesh broke out on his arms as he forced himself to look back up and he swallowed at the sight that greeted him: Dean was staring at him with wide unblinking eyes, his pupils so dilated that they almost took over any hint of colour, his body rigid and tense.
"Dean?" he ventured cautiously, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice.
Harry saw Dean's nostrils flare a little before the other boy was suddenly rushing forward and grabbing him by the shoulders. Harry yelped in surprise as he was spun around and pinned up against the stone wall, held firmly in place by arms that felt like steel bands.
"What are you-" Harry bit off when Dean suddenly dropped his face to Harry's neck and inhaled deeply.
Dean sighed and Harry froze when he felt the warm press of lips against his throat. "Merlin… you smell so good…" Dean murmured as though in a pleasure-induced trance.
"D-dean?" Harry tried desperately, unsure of what to do. He didn't think Dean wanted to harm him, but his intent was made clear a second later as the other boy suddenly pressed further into Harry's body and Harry could feel the hard line of his arousal against his stomach.
Dean ignored him and began to fervently kiss his way up Harry's pale throat, hands pressing Harry's wrists against the stone to hold him in place.
Harry gasped as a strange foggy awareness crept over him and seeped into his mind. His body relaxed and he suddenly wanted to wrap his arms around the Alpha's body and plead for more.
Dean seemed to sense this and released Harry's wrists, quickly dropping one hand to the small of Harry's back and the other to cup his backside and bring him up hard against him.
Harry moaned and his head rolled back against the wall as his eyes fell closed, drowning in a sudden haze of arousal that flooded through his entire body, hands clutching onto Dean's strong shoulders and holding him close.
Dean's teeth grazed his skin and Harry shivered.
"Want you…" Dean breathed against his skin before licking a stripe up the side of his neck and thrusting his pyjama-clad erection into him. "Going to fuck you…"
Harry's eyes flew open and he felt as though ice-water had suddenly filled his veins, instantly clearing the stupor from his head. "No!" he exclaimed, hands sliding to the front of Dean's chest and pushing ineffectually against the strong Alpha. "Dean stop!"
Dean growled lowly in his throat and only pulled Harry against him even tighter, hips still pressing forward, seeking friction.
Harry's panic quickly turned to outrage at being manhandled like this. He started to move sideways to escape the persistent pawing but only managed to trip over Dean's foot. Dean was taken by surprise and the two fell to the floor with a crash.
Harry's head bounced back against the solid flagstones and he almost blacked out from the impact. His pained groan seemed to rouse Dean from whatever testosterone-induced daze he'd found himself in and he quickly sat up, blinking in confusion.
"Harry? Oh Merlin, Harry are you alright?" he exclaimed in alarm.
Harry opened his eyes and his vision swam for a moment.
"I'm so sorry Harry," Dean apologised, sounding distressed. He reached down and carefully helped Harry to sit up. "I'm not even sure what happened, something just… just came over me."
Harry swallowed and looked at him, his head throbbing. "It's okay Dean, it wasn't your fault," he said faintly. "Help me up?"
Dean was quick to comply as he gently lifted Harry up and set him on his feet. Harry swayed and Dean instantly scooped his dorm mate up into his arms and turned to exit the bathroom with him.
"I'm taking you to the infirmary," he said firmly.
Harry didn't argue; his body felt like jelly and he could feel the beginning s of what felt like shock come over him as he began to shiver.
Dean carried him down the stairs and into the Common Room where a few lingering students were still hanging out. They all looked up and stared in shock at the sight of a limp Harry Potter in Dean's arms.
"Harry!"
Harry winced as Ron's alarmed exclamation rang in his ears.
"What happened?" Ron demanded as he ran over. He looked to Dean as Harry closed his eyes without replying.
"He… he fell and hit his head on the floor," Dean replied, obviously uncertain of attempting to explain something that he didn't even understand himself. "I'm just taking him to the hospital wing."
"I'll take him," Ron said.
"No, it's fine, I was there, I'll take him," Dean said firmly.
"You have chess club," Ron pointed out.
"Bugger, that's right."
Harry forced his eyes open. "Just go Dean, I'll be fine with Ron. It's okay," he assured.
Dean looked hesitant but finally transferred him into Ron's arms, the movement causing Harry's head to spin and he quickly shut his eyes again against the ensuing nausea.
"I'll check on you later," Dean promised, sounding hesitant to leave.
Ron ignored him as he turned and carefully carried Harry out the portrait hole and into the corridor. "What the fuck happened Harry?" Ron whispered.
Harry tried to ignore the embarrassment of being carried through the school like a helpless child. "I'm not sure but I think maybe the scent masking potions aren't doing their job anymore," he replied as he tentatively opened his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Dean… he… kind of attacked me," Harry admitted.
"What?!" Ron exclaimed, horrified.
Harry felt his shivering increase as he thought back to Dean's lust-filled eyes and arms so strong that he didn't have a hope of escape. Not to mention the terrifying realisation that he had actually submitted to the Alpha's unwelcome advances. What if he hadn't come to his senses? What would have happened?
"He knew what I was," Harry finally said solemnly. "He knew Ron."
"But how?" Ron replied with a frown, maneuvering them up the staircase towards the hospital wing. "You smell the same to me."
"I dunno, maybe because we were in an enclosed space?" Harry reasoned. "He was completely normal until the door shut."
Ron's frown deepened but he didn't say anything as he entered the infirmary and carried Harry over to the nearest hospital bed and laid him down. Harry closed his eyes with a sigh, only too relieved to be stationary again.
"Oh great," Ron grumbled under his breath.
"What?" Harry asked, keeping his eyes shut.
"Malfoy's here."
Harry felt his stomach clench. "Of course he is," he muttered, keeping his eyes closed and praying that they wouldn't be noticed by the Slytherin.
"Mr. Weasley, what's happened?" Madam Pomfrey's voice rang out from somewhere near her office followed by the immediate squeaking of her rubber-soled shoes striding efficiently across the floor.
"Dean Thomas attacked him," Ron informed her without hesitation.
"Ron!" Harry cried, eyes flying open to glare at his friend. "He didn't attack me; I tripped over his foot and hit my head on the floor."
"Only because you were trying to get away from his wandering hands."
Harry gaped at him in disbelief.
"Mr. Malfoy, you may leave," Madam Pomfrey said absently as she prodded Harry to sit forward so that she could inspect the back of his head.
Harry looked up to see narrowed grey eyes; it seemed Draco was back to scowling at his very presence again. Harry winced in pain when the nurse suddenly touched upon the sore spot on his head and when he opened his eyes again, the blond was exiting the infirmary, a couple bottles of what Harry knew to be Dreamless Sleep clasped in his hand.
Harry took a deep breath and slowly released it. His Omega was outraged that its chosen mate was leaving him when he was injured and in pain. Harry, on the other hand, was only too relieved to see him go.
Madam Pomfrey asked him a few questions once she finished her examination and then bustled off to fetch him some potions before he could be discharged.
"Why did you tell her?" Harry hissed at Ron once she was out of earshot. "I don't want Dean to get into trouble, it wasn't his fault!"
"He attacked you Harry, even if it was because he accidentally lost control, she should still know that you're at risk," Ron said gravely. "You should tell her the truth mate; if the potions aren't working anymore then you're going to be in trouble. Maybe your heat is coming on?"
"Oh god…" Harry moaned and covered his face with his hands.
Ron opened his mouth then closed it when Madam Pomfrey strode back into the room.
Harry downed the potions she shoved at him without complaint, all the while thinking about what Ron had said. What if he was about to go into his heat cycle? What was going to happen?
Harry knew he needed to read his new book if he was going to find the answers, and he needed to read it now.