Phoenix Rising

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/38320117.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationship: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Harry Potter/Severus Snape, Harry
Potter/Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom/Harry Potter, Harry
Potter/Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter/Fred Weasley, Harry Potter/George
Weasley
Character: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Blaise
Zabini, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Severus Snape, Hermione
Granger, Minerva McGonagall
Additional Tags: Omegaverse, Alternate Universe - Harry Potter Setting, Omega Harry
Potter, Alpha Ron Weasley, Alpha Draco Malfoy, Alpha Neville
Longbottom, Alpha Blaise Zabini, Alpha Fred Weasley, Alpha George
Weasley, Alpha Severus Snape, Hybrids, Hybrid Harry Potter, Severus
Snape Lives, Fred Weasley Lives, Post War 8th Year, Harry gets a
Harem of Alphas, Lots of Sex, Anal Sex, Blow Jobs, First Time
Language: English
Collections: Harry Potter Omegaverse, Untiltheveryand
Stats: Published: 2022-04-11 Completed: 2022-05-21 Chapters: 7/7 Words:
48713

Phoenix Rising
by Ars_Matron, DiamondWinters

Summary

Harry Potter has defeated the Dark Lord and is ready for life to finally settle down around
him. Unfortunately presenting as an omega during the summer of his eighth year at
Hogwarts seems to have put an end to that dream. Harry has to learn to juggle his new
presentation as he wades through hordes of alphas eager to catch his eye. And when he is
plagued by dreams of fire and curious symptoms he can't seem to shake, Harry realizes his
journey has just begun. Then, of course, there's the fact that he literally burst into flames as
he fell into, of all people, Professor Snape's arms.

Could life get any more interesting? Of course, it can, because hybrids don't pick one alpha
mate... no they have to have an entire harem!

Notes

Written for the Harry Potter Omegaverse week, 2022.

Day one: Canon Compliant & Possessive/Territorial

 Matron and I have worked hard on this story for MONTHS and I have to say, we're pretty
darn proud of it. It's been super fun working with my lovely beta and we're excited to see
what you all think!!

See the end of the work for more notes

 To Be Omegan

Things were back to normal.

They were headed back to Hogwarts. Standing on the platform at King’s Cross, the crowd boiling
around them. Eager students racing off to join their friends, laughing and cheering.

Harry took a moment to look around, listening to the noise of everyone chatting, calling over to
friends, as owls hooted and cats hissed from their travel cases.

For the first time he felt as though he could simply exist as a student. No more on the run, on the
hunt, or looking over his shoulder. Just an eighteen-year-old finishing his final school year before
he had to join the rest of the adult world. Not that he hadn’t been acting the adult for far longer
than he should have, but still.

He absentmindedly scratched at the thin patch on his neck. He would be glad when he could
remove the muggle patch from his skin. He hadn’t been able to get the potion he needed to
suppress his scent since he presented in early summer.

It had come as a surprise to everyone when he fell into heat at the end of June. Everyone had
assumed he would remain a beta since he never presented when everyone else did. Many had
thought he was an alpha because how could anyone lesser than an alpha defeat the darkest wizard
of all time? So when Harry spent nearly five days in agony, writhing in his bed at Grimmauld
Place, it was only Molly, a fellow omega, who was allowed to tend to him.

Once he got back to Hogwarts, his priority would be to see Madam Pomfrey to get suppressant
potions. It was bad enough that he had to wear the patches, but it was even worse when he caught
many people glancing at him, down to his neck at the patches and back at him. Some gave him a
wide berth either because he was the chosen one or an omega. He wasn’t sure.

He hated that the Daily Prophet had found out the news of his presentation. He had hoped to keep
it a secret. Unfortunately, falling to your knees in Honeydukes, due to sudden massive cramps as
your scent glands let out a plume of warm vanilla, earthy mahogany, with a hint of cinnamon all
around, word spread quickly.

Harry heaved a sigh as he tried to make his way to the train, using his trolley to keep unwanted
alphas from coming towards him, and keeping his eyes firmly ahead, he nearly missed when Ron
and Hermione fell into step on either side of him. A small smile tickled his lips when he felt Ron
subtly rub a wrist across Harry’s shoulders. Marking him with alpha pheromones.

Marking his territory, Author had described it after the first time Ron had done it. Ron had tried to
apologize for it, but Harry waved him off. Truth be told, he kinda liked it. Call him strange, but
after spending his entire youth being rejected and shoved aside by the Dursleys, having someone
behave possessive of him felt… Good.

Together they were able to push through the crowd a tad more easily, board the train, store their
trunks and lock themselves into a compartment with hardly a hiccup. Luna and Neville managed to
join them just before Hermione slammed the door on the openly drooling eighth year alphas that
had started migrating towards their compartment.

“Honestly!” Hermione said in an exasperated huff, “you would think they had never seen an omega
before.”
“No, they’ve just never seen Harry as an omega before.”

“Ron!” Hermione shot him a piercing glare, but Ron just shrugged.

Harry sat down near the window and sighed, “leave it, Hermione, he’s right.” So much for just
being a normal student this year…though, being gawked at should have felt normal by now. Harry
fidgeted, restless and itchy, rubbing uselessly at the stupid patches on his skin.

“I simply can’t understand all the confusion,” Luna said, large blue eyes following Hermione as
she threw herself down next to Harry, “I always knew you would be an omega.”

Harry’s lips twitched, “I suppose there was something about me that gave it away beforehand?”

Luna nodded sagely, “oh, of course, your aura beams of beautiful omega colors,” She tilted her
head, blinking between Hermione seated next to Harry and Ron slumped on the seat across from
them, “is that why the two of you broke up? Because Ron is interested in courting Harry?”

“What!?” Ron yelped, sitting up so fast he smacked his head on the window, “I don’t!”

“I suppose Neville will also be interested, it’s only natural with how close all of you have lived
together before,” Luna continued smoothly, as though Ron hadn’t said a thing. Beside her Neville
turned such a deep shade of crimson Harry feared he might pass out.

“I…,” Neville started, he gulped, wringing his hands in front of him, “I would never assume…I
mean…Harry is.” Neville stammered as Ron choked out, “he’s like my brother, Luna!” Though his
cheeks were pink and grew rosier when he shot Harry an embarrassed glance.

Harry smiled at them both, warmth and happiness filling his chest. It would have been a lie to say
that he was unaware of them, as alphas. They both had pleasing scents, Ron’s like fresh cut grass,
broom oil, and parchment where Neville smelled like wild things grown in a hidden meadow, like
sun on wet earth and warm cookies from the oven.

Hermione was quick to change the subject, pulling Luna into a discussion over what she thought
their first week of course work would be like-she had nearly had a heart attack when they weren’t
given homework over the course of the summer. But it had been decided that after the war,
everyone needed a long, well deserved, break-leaving Ron and Neville to calm down a bit from
Luna’s inquiry. She was a beta, and they tended to always grasp how touchy the other dynamics
could be about courting and crushes. Add to that Luna being Luna, and well…

Harry let the chatter wash over him. He had been happy to not have homework over the summer
and was in no hurry to figure out what they might be in store for because of it. After a year of no
schooling at all it was going to be strange enough going back, sitting in class, taking notes! It didn’t
seem real after all they had been through.

The topic went from coursework, to botany, to brooms, pulling Harry in here and there. When the
trolley came Harry handed over some money to Ron, trying to stay out of sight for as long as he
could, these were his last few hours of peace before he would have to walk out and be stared at,
once more, by most of the school. He was going to enjoy it.

At some point in the afternoon Hermione and Ron had to leave for the Prefect meeting. It came as
quite a shock when their badges had been returned to them along with their book lists, but with the
addition of an eighth year to the student body, it did make sense for them to lighten the load for the
others. For the rest of the trip they filed in and out, doing what they could to monitor the train and
keep the crowd of alphas that always seemed to linger at their door at bay. In the evening, when the
train stopped at Hogsmeade station, Harry didn’t move to rise with the others.

“Everything alright, mate?” Ron asked as he heaved his own trunk down.

Harry gave him a wan smile, “sure, I just think I’ll wait here…for a while,” he shrugged, a little
sheepishly, “you know, wait for things to cool down out there.”

“You know,” Luna said breezily, “I think that’s a fantastic idea, I think I’ll join you,” then she
settled back down in her seat with all the grace of dandelion fluff.

Hermione looked to the door and then back at him, Harry couldn’t help but laugh at the obvious
trouble she was having at whether to stay and sherk her responsibilities, or go and leave Harry
without her comfort and protection. “Go on, 'Mione, I’ll be fine, I promise.”

“Yes, we will stay and keep Harry company until the rest of the train is unloaded. Isn’t that right,
Neville?” Luna blinked up at Neville where he stood in the corner clutching his bag and looking
very unsure. At her invitation he quickly nodded, though, and returned to his seat.

“See, nothing to worry about,” Harry said cheerily, keeping a smile on his face until both Ron and
Hermione were out of the compartment and he allowed his shoulders to slump and gave a deep
sigh. School hadn’t even started and already he was feeling exhausted, and his robes were pressing
down on him uncomfortably as he fidgeted in his seat.

“Is there anything we can do for you, Harry?” Neville asked shyly, he was still having a hard time
looking at Harry full on since Luna had suggested he might court Harry, but there had been nothing
in his scent or demeanor that suggested ill intent or actual discomfort being around him.

Harry’s smile was real when he replied, “I’m fine, thanks. It’s just a little more gawking than I
expected, but it’ll all be over soon and then things will be back to normal.”

And so they were, for a bit. The three of them walked out of their compartment to a nearly deserted
train, they even managed to get a carriage all to themselves. There were a few turned heads as they
entered the Great Hall, but Harry was able to fold himself between Ron and Hermione and remain
pretty much unseen.

Professor Flitwick was already up on the dias, a trail of frightened and eager first years behind
him. The names and houses washed over him in a stream that he could never remember and could
only vaguely find in him to care. Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw…

Once the last first years were welcomed to their tables, and the hat was put away, McGonagall rose
to address the crowd, welcoming everyone back, including the addition of the eighth year students.
There were a few new appointments that needed to be address, such as her replacement from
Gryffindor Head of House, which went to none other than Rudeus Hagrid-eliciting a cacophony of
cheers from Harry and everyone else at their table- and the new Transfiguration professor, a pale
slender woman with silvery, near lavender hair and clear blue eyes named Morganna Darkholme.
She wove gracefully to the crowd when her name was called, candlelight glinting off her long
black lacquered nails.

Harry zoned out after that, the warmth from his friends battling with his sudden exhaustion from
the train. All he wanted was to slip upstairs to the dorm and get some rest. But the food arrived and
Hermione glared until he piled some chicken and veggies on his plate.

When the pudding was gone and the prefects were rising to lead the first years Harry didn’t even
mind the whispers and turned heads that he warranted as he followed Neville’s broad back out of
the Great Hall, thinking only of his four poster and the familiar bickering of his roommates.

The common room was warm, the air buzzed with excited murmurs as everyone caught up,
introduced themselves, and started settling in. Harry wove his way around small groups, he would
have headed straight up the steps to his dorm, if not for a firm hand on his elbow.

“Hermione?” Harry instinctively looked around, wondering what could have been so important that
she would stop him from heading to bed. But there was nothing that he could see that would need
his attention, “let go, I’m gonna head to bed.”

“That’s sort of what I need to talk to you about, Harry,” Hermione said, pulling him away from the
stairs that led to the alpha and male beta dorms. “See, I was stopped by Hagrid earlier and…well?”

“‘Mione?”

“It’s nothing bad,” she said in a rush, “it’s just…you see, you’re an omega now.”

“Oh yes,” Harry said dryly, “I’m very aware.”

“Well you can’t be in your old room anymore.”

Harry blinked at him, he had certainly misheard that. “I’m sorry?”

“Harry,” Hermione sighed, pulling him close as she walked them both towards the omega and
female beta side, “you have to realize you can’t sleep in the same room as the alphas, right?”

“I…” No, he hadn’t realized that.

“And it’s not like beta boys are any better, they’ll be sniffing after you just as much as the alphas.”

“Wha-Hermione!” Harry looked around, but for once there didn’t seem to be anyone paying too
much attention to them, “what are you talking about, have you always felt like this!”

Hermione huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, just like most omegas she took the scent dulling
potion, but even so Harry caught a whiff of annoyance in her honeysuckle and rose scent. “Some of
us have been omegas for a lot longer than one summer, Harry Potter. Trust me when I say things
are going to be a lot different for you than a little extra attention.”

Harry nodded, defeated, “so what I…I have to sleep.”

“In a male omega room, yes,” Hermione all but snapped. But she lost a little of her ire at Harry’s
slumped demeanor, “it isn’t a bad thing, Harry, I promise. They’re still your friends and you’re still
you.”

“Male omega? Am I the only one?”

“In our year? Yes, unfortunately,”

Hermione shared a little smile with him and something angry and tight uncoiled a little in his chest.
He cast one more glance back at the stairs he had climbed every night for six years, and then
followed Hermione to his new home.

He had never paid much attention to the female alpha or male omega towers. There hadn’t been
any reason, and like the girls tower there was no way for someone other than a male omega to go
up the stairs. Or, thanks to Hermione force reading Hogwarts: A History to him, a bonded mate to
an omega could enter, assuming they were with said omega at the time.
Hermione left him at the base of the stairs with a little encouraging wave. There were only a few
rooms on this wing and it didn't take him long to find the one set aside for eighth year.

There was a single bed that Harry was pretty sure was larger than the one in his old dorm. A
fireplace and a little sitting area were tucked away in one corner and there was a lovely window
seat on the other side of the room. There was a private lavatory complete with a large in ground
bath and shower with many heads, and Harry had to wonder if the opulence was normal, or if it
was something special that had been thrown in when they set up the room.

It was a little too much and he was too tired to really take it all in. Harry quickly changed into his
pajamas and fell into the bed. The changes were something he could deal with in the morning after
some rest. For now, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep filled with gentle flames and the
scent of fragrant smoke.

Harry woke with the sun streaming on his face. He had been having such a fantastic dream, he was
warm and someone had been rubbing his back and scratching soothingly along his scalp while
several powerful and calming scents filled his head. He wanted nothing more to fall back into the
bed and continue that dream, but his stomach gave lurching growl and Harry had no choice but roll
out of bed, shivering as his warm skin met cool air, and even colder floor and fumble his way
through finding clothes, head still fuzzy from sleep.

It was Harry’s imagination that people were staring at him more than normal as he sat down in the
Great Hall for breakfast. They were staring, of course. Heads had turned when he came in, late,
and whispers picked up, but it didn’t sound pointed or cruel. He had enough time to pick at some
toast and sip some juice before he was being herded back up and out the door.

They had Charms with the Hufflepuffs first, breaking off from the general flow of traffic to trudge
along with their gold and black clad peers. The conversations settled around him, subdued now that
the excitement of seeing each other from the night before had worn off. There were a few hissed
words behind him before someone pushed their way forward, the scent of roses and eagerness
filling his senses.

“Hiya, Harry!” Hanna Abbott said, a little breathless, “did you have a nice summer?”

“Er,” was all Harry managed to say before someone was pushing Hanna away to take her place.

“‘Course he did, now that the war is over. Hey, Harry, need any help with your bag?”

“Er, ah, no, thanks though, uh, Smith.”

Smith laughed brightly, “call me Zach.”

“O-okay?”

“Do you two mind?” Hermione said briskly, pulling Harry aside so she could walk between him
and the two overbearing Hufflepuffs.

“Not at all,” Zacharias said cheerily, flashing a bright smile. Hermione simply huffed and rushed
them a bit forward.

“You really have to put your foot down on that sort of thing, Harry.”

“Yeah, I’ll get on that.” It wasn’t like he had been prepared for, whatever the hell that was. He had
always been friendly with the Hufflepuffs of their year, but they had never acted that way around
him before.

“I’m serious, Harry.” And she was using her serious voice. But Harry was pretty sure it was just a
one off.

Hermione’s glare got them into the room and to their usual seats but before Harry could sit down
someone swooped in and drew out his chair for him. Harry blinked At Ernie Mcmillan in surprised
confusion, he was just as blond and bright and buoyant as Hanna and Zacharias had been but he
was nearly a foot taller, his scent like moss and damp grass swirled around him in a heady cloud.

“Er….thanks,” Harry hedged, walking around Ernie to take his chair and sit down, Hermione let
out a growl beside him. Harry started to lean down for his bag but stopped when Ernie didn’t
move, “shouldn’t you go to your desk now?”

“Right,” he laughed as though it were a great joke, “see you around, Harry.”

“What. Did. I. Tell. You?” Hermione bit off each word as though it had personally offended her.
Maybe she did have a point though.

Ron slumped in late, a piece of toast hanging from his mouth as he spilled all his books on the desk
at Harry’s other side.

“And where were you!” Hermione snapped at him.

“I…what?” Ron looked around in confusion, Hermione turned to her book, muttering frantically
under her breath, Harry just shrugged.

“It’s not you, we’ve just been having a…weird morning.”

“Sorry I missed it,” Ron’s smile was small and genuine.

Class went on as usual, Flitwick started with a reminder of what had been covered in the last
portion of the sixth year, giving them all time to readjust and prepare for what would come next.
Hermione suggested they hang back to let the rest filter out when the time came, calling Professor
Flitwick over to ask a few simple questions as the last few alphas shuffled forlornly out the door.

They had Potions with the Ravenclaws next and Harry had breathed a little sigh of relief at that.
The Hufflepuffs were one thing, they were known for being friendly and open, but the
Ravenclaw’s were bound to be a little better behaved and level headed.

He maintained that thought until they rounded the last corner to the class room and came up on a
small group of alphas standing by the door that included Terry Boot and Michael Corner. They
turned as Harry and the others approached, a few stepping forward as though they were about to
say something, but Hermione sped up, pushing past them, a hand firmly locked to Harry’s arm so
he had no choice but to follow her swiftly into the room.

He was grateful for it, honestly. It looked like there would be no reprieve from the laser focus of
the alphas even in the hazy gloom of the Potion’s room.

Harry sat as far from the Ravenclaws as he could, hunched over at the far side of their table with
Hermione and Ron as his buffers.

Slughorn was late, which was not unusual, nor was his overly dramatic entrance from his office.
The doors blew open and he emerged, robes a shocking shade of magenta, the doors closed on their
own, pushing Slughorn’s beta scent of wilted dandelions and over ripe plums with it. Harry had to
fight to not sneeze. He had always wondered if Slughorn used a potion to boost his scent, now with
his heightened senses he was certain that was the case.

“Good morning, class,” Slughorn said, clapping his hands together before resting them across his
stomach, “I must say it is a treat to see all of you, after such a trying year.” His eyes lingered on
Harry’s table for a moment longer than the rest, sending a prickle down Harry’s spine. He would
rather not be reminded that the three of them had missed the entire seventh year, rather not relive
the months of fear and desperation.

“They instructed us to take this first week rather lightly, to ease back into things, and I see no
reason not to comply,” he laughed softly. “Not that some of you should need it, I dare say,” again
he looked their way, “some of my best students are in this class, after all.” He continued to laugh
and talk softly to himself as he tapped out instructions on the board with his wand. They were to
make a simple Cheer Up drought. Something that had been on the list of required potions for their
sixth year.

Ron went up to fetch their ingredients while Hermione set up the cauldron and the tools they
would need. Harry pulled his book out on the pretext of scanning through the ingredients a little
better. In reality he just wanted something to focus on. There were simply too many changes too
quickly. He needed a little time to process and recoup.

He should have known it was too much to ask for.

“Harry, my dear boy,” Slughorn had sauntered over to their table to lean down close to Harry, his
scent even more overpowering up close, his thin grey-blond hair falling across his face in a way
that might have been artful, if there had been more of it. “What a trying summer you’ve had,” he
cooed softly, “and such a shock as well, with you taking after your father so much,” he gave a
chuckle, “an alpha through and through if I ever saw one.”

Harry grit his teeth. He had been waiting for someone to bring that up. They hadn’t missed
reporting about it in the Prophet when word of his presentation got out. Male omegas were rare
enough, but to have an alpha sire and still turn out to be a male omega was almost unheard of. Just
another thing that set Harry apart from everyone else.

“But then your mother was an omega,” Slughorn continued, unaware, or simply uncaring, of
Harry’s discomfort with the conversation topic. “You have always reminded me more of her, you
know. Her brightness. Her abilities in the art of potions. I suppose it is only natural that you should
take over her more nurturing nature as well.”

“Professor!” Slughorn heaved a sigh as he reluctantly put his focus back on his other students, with
a few parting words he strolled off to solve the problems of a beta Ravenclaw clear across the
room.

The whole interaction had left him feeling oddly prickly, as though little bugs were crawling
beneath his robes. But as the class wore on and Hermione’s mouth became less pinched and Ron’s
shoulders less hunched, Harry too evened out. He wrote it off as just frayed nerves. The first day
back was always distracting, getting back in the swing, the crush of so many people when usually
he was always alone. Now he had the overbearing scents to contend with. Only omegas were
known to take potions to even theirs out, everyone else was supposed to learn control not too long
after presentation.

Potions wrapped up with little fanfare. No exploded cauldrons, no toxic fumes. Harry ladled his
sparkly gold concoction into a small vial and sat it on Slughorn’s desk with the others.
Lunch was next, though Harry didn’t feel hungry at all. Maybe it was the scent of fresh brewed
cheer, but he was feeling rather unsettled, the itch under his skin hadn’t quite gone away, and the
warmer air of the main floor prickled unpleasantly against his skin.

“You feeling alright, mate?” Ron was suddenly there, a unsure hand cupped around Harry’s elbow.
Harry blink down at it dumbly…had he stumbled?

“Not you too!” Hermione growled, pulling Ron’s hand away.

“Lay off already! Sheesh, Hermione, can’t I be concerned for my friend, or do I have to ask you for
permission to even talk to him?”

They launched into an argument then that Harry couldn’t follow. There was something almost
comforting, though, in the back and forth. They had spent enough of their childhood fighting that
the sound was almost a balm to his nerves.

The scent of angry alpha and frustrated omega, however, were enough to turn his stomach. Harry
took the opportunity of their lost focus to slip behind a suite of armor and down a back passage
only the three of them knew of and out into the early fall day.

It was sunny, large fluffy clouds billowed across the emerald hills carried on a wind just cool
enough to soothe his heated skin but not chill. Harry made his way slowly down a nearby path to
the lake’s edge. He could just rest there for a bit while the others ate. He walked slowly along the
shore, taking deep, even breaths of the fresh cool air.

“Omega Potter.”

Harry stopped in his tracks at the soft, cool tone, something like dread crawling up his spine,
undoing much of the work the fall air had done at settling his nerves and stomach.

He hadn’t done more than looked at Draco from afar since the war had ended. He had been cleared
from his time as a reluctant Death Eater, and while his father hadn’t been so lucky, Harry had
heard through the rumor mill that he and his mother had spent most of their time since the war with
relatives in France. He was almost surprised that Draco had made his way back to Hogwarts at all.

Harry hadn’t turned to greet him, wasn’t certain he was going to until Draco cleared his throat
uncertainly and said, “Harry,” in an almost pleading way.

Harry turned to him, arms wrapped around his chest in a bid to keep upright and fight against wind
as it whipped around them. Draco had changed since the war. He was taller, broader, his hair had
grown enough to curl softly around his face and his pale grey eyes were sharper, harder.

“Draco,” Harry said, not quite a challenge. He didn’t think he could right then. He certainly didn’t
want to. They hadn’t exactly been allies in the end. But he no longer wanted to be enemies.

Harry could go his entire life without having another enemy.

He sighed, dropping his hands, “what do you want, Draco?”

Draco dropped his eyes, shifting something in his hands, and Harry realized for the first time that
he had something wrapped in a napkin in his hand, it was vaguely plate shaped and lumpy.

“Draco?” He said again, more curious than reluctant now.

“I noticed you weren’t with Granger and Weasley,” his lips twitched, “and judging by their
argument I can guess why. I thought…well I wanted…”

Harry couldn’t fight the small smile that tugged at his lips, the wind blew around Draco, pulling
his scent with it. Harry closed his eyes and savored the scent of fresh sea air, sweet wisteria and
heady amber. It was pure and clean, nothing like the possessive and lustful scents he kept catching
from others.

“Did you bring me lunch, Draco?” Harry took a step forward.

“Yes,” Draco met his gaze again, eyes intense, though his hands still fidgeted with the plate, “if
you want it.”

He thought about it for a time, was he feeling up to eating anything? The walk had helped, and the
trepidation that Draco’s presence had caused at first was gone now. Even the itchy, tightness to his
skin was gone. “Well, since you went through the trouble, I suppose I can try some.”

The change in Draco was instant, his hesitancy was gone as he motioned for Harry to follow him to
a nearby tree where he quickly set about unfolding the napkin and setting out the plate, silverware,
spare napkin, and most surprising, a little glass of juice he had somehow hidden in his robes.

Harry was quite impressed, if he was being honest.

Draco moved back to a respectful distance so that Harry could sit down and eat. He had brought
roast chicken, peas, a roll and a little piece of treacle tart. It did look good, and after a few nibbles
Harry set about eating with gusto. It was really very good, the food at Hogwarts usually was, but
everything was particularly perfect. Harry was nearly finished when he realized Draco was still
there. Still staring.

Harry patted at his mouth with his napkin and cleared his throat, “Thanks, again. Really. This is
great.”

Draco smiled, “It’s nothing. It was the decent thing to do.”

“Do you…uh, do you want any?” Harry asked hesitantly, Draco hadn’t brought food for himself.

He shook his head, sending another wave of scent laced with pleased alpha Harry’s way, “I’ve
already eaten, this is all for you.”

Harry ducked his head, trying to hide his blush. Damn omega hormones. That’s what it had to be.
He wouldn’t have been blushing at Draco Malfoy a year ago, even if he had done something sweet
like this.

Right?

Yes, it had to be that. It was the hormones and nothing else.

Harry finished his meal, feeling awkward as he made to clear it up but was stopped by Draco
suddenly swooping back in to tuck it all back inside the napkin. He expected Draco to stick around.
Perhaps try to talk him up as the other alphas had. It had been nice of him to bring Harry food,
other alphas would have tried using it to their advantage. He had expected…well…something.

Not for Draco to clutch the bundle of used dishware to his chest, give Harry a little bow and then
turn back to the castle with a simple, “see you around, Harry.”

Harry just shook his head and turned back to the lake. It was perhaps the weirdest interaction of the
day.

But also, the nicest.

He headed back just before the bells chimed for the next class, meeting Hermione and Ron outside
the secret entrance Harry had used to flee. Both looked rather crestfallen. They shared a single
sheepish glance before launching into hurried apologies.

Harry smiled at them, shaking his head, fighting back a laugh. They were the best, even when they
were at their worst. Harry, perhaps in another hormone driven fit, or simply because he was still
elated from his picnic, launched forward and hugged them both tightly.

“Stop, both of you,” he took a step back, trying not to laugh at their shocked faces. “This is
different for all of us. There’s a lot to get used to, and I just needed some air. It wasn’t either of
your faults.”

“Yes it was, Harry,” Hermione jumped in quickly, “I know I’ve been overbearing today. I’m…Oh,
Harry I’m just worried! People have always treated you like you owed them your soul and it’s only
going to be worse now!”

“It already is worse,” Ron chimed in, his blue eyes were hard, his pale cheeks flushed with more
than just the chill wind. “The way everyone is trying to get at you. At least before they respected
your personal space.”

“That’s because alphas don’t think omegas deserve personal space, Ronald.”

“Hey! Speak for yourself! I would never treat an omega like that.”

Hermione nearly rose to the bait, but by great physical effort she pulled herself together with a huff
and a toss of her hair. “Anyway, we’re both really sorry, Harry. And we’re going to do better to be
there for you.”

“And not in an overbearing, mother hen sort of way,” Ron said with a smirk, before Hermione
could retort he pulled a bundle from his bag. “Here, we got you some lunch. thought you could eat
it quick. We got Defense next, so you might finish it before we climb all those stairs.” He
unwrapped the plate and held it out to Harry, stew with large chunks of carrots and beef floated
next to a mound of mashed potatoes and tucked over to the side was a slice of chocolate cake.

Harry blinked at it, “Is this….was this what you had for lunch?”

“Yeah,” Ron shrugged, “they had mince pies too, but I thought you might like this more.”

“I…” Harry said slowly. Draco had brought him chicken and fresh bread and his favorite dessert
and…it hadn’t been on the menu? “I actually had something to eat earlier. But thanks, Ron,
really.”

Ron deflated, his shoulders hunched as he packed it back up and put the plate in his bag. Harry was
left feeling a little awkward once more, and unsure. Luckily Hermione was more focused on them
actually getting to class than anything else, and took them both by the arm to start rushing them up
the stairs.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was oddly subdued when they entered. Everyone
was seated looking forward, toward Snape and the open glower he wore. Harry sighed internally. It
seemed the completion of a war and the end of years of forced servitude hadn’t done very much to
lighten Snape’s mood. There had been a part of him that wondered, hoped, that after so long,
freedom would have a healing effect on him.

Perhaps some people were simply too broken.

They took their seats and Snape rose, the pitch black folds of his robes nearly fading into the
gloom he had carved out in this once bright room. “We were instructed by the Headmistress to go
easy this first week,” Snape’s lip curved into a sneer on the word, ‘easy,’ as though offended by it,
“However, of all classes this is the one that would have served you best in the last year of the war.
And it is the last class you should ever, ‘go easy,’ on.”

Snape took a small stack of papers from the corner of his desk and walked around to stand before
them, “that being said not all in this class are on even footing. To get an idea of what you have no
doubt forgotten in the time since our last class, we will have a pop quiz today.” There were groans
from both sides of the class, though Harry thought it was more forced than usual. He certainly
wasn’t going to complain.

He began to walk up and down the aisles, placing the tests on the edges of the desks where they
would remained, face down, until he gave the word to flip them over. Harry folded his hands on his
lap and stared very pointedly at his desk as Snape swept towards him. They had not left things in
the best of places. How were you supposed to go on from leaving someone for dead in a run down
shack in the middle of a terrible battle? Harry had fled, crushed at the notion of leaving yet another
soul behind.

…At leaving him behind.

Snape placed the test down with the same sure movements he had for everyone else, and Harry
muttered a meek, “thanks,” in return. Then he was gliding away down the aisle. Harry closed his
eyes for a moment to gather his nerves, perhaps he needed to make some sort of effort to address
this situation. They probably needed to at least talk about what happened.

Then it hit him.

Snape was a fully developed adult alpha, still young enough to be considered in his prime. He had
long since gained control over his scent. He did not, as far as Harry was aware, need to broadcast it
in his classes to gain respect. It followed him though, as scents from even the most controlled did,
like a billowing cloud in his wake. It was light, warm wood and soft leather, with something tart
that lingered on the back of his tongue like fresh cherries.

“You may begin.”

Snape’s sharp words jerked Harry out of his stupor. He shook himself over, scolding his own lack
of focus. To get lost in daydreams from scenting his teacher…it was madness. He pulled the test
close and fell on it with great determination.

Snape dismissed them when they were finished, Ron, Hermione and Harry were some of the first
to leave with Draco and a small handful of others close behind them.

Thankfully they only had a study period before dinner with the rest of the evening to themselves,
and Harry was looking forward to it. And to think it was only the first day back at school. He was
ready for this day to be done.

As they made their way down the main floor towards the Great Hall, their new Transfiguration
teacher, Professor Darkholme, approached them. Fearing that another alpha was about to ‘offer
their help,’ Harry moved closer to Hermione and Ron. Still, instead of a scent of thick musk or
strong odors, like that of his alpha classmates, a light omega fragrance of soft lilacs, baby powder
with a hint of nutmeg wafted towards him.

“Mr. Potter, do you have a moment?” she asked in a voice as soft as her scent.

Heaving a sigh of relief at realizing Darkholme was a fellow omega, Harry nodded and told his
friends he would catch up with them in a bit. And for Ron to save him some dinner, in a teasing
voice.

“Just make sure I get more than leftovers,” Harry said with a laugh, leaving a blushing Ron and
Hermione rolling her eyes. “Yes, Professor Darkholme?”

“I was hoping we could have a small chat, Mr. Potter since you’ll be in my class bright and early
tomorrow morning. Just an introduction both as student and teacher and fellow omega,” she smiled,
and her scent, though controlled like Snape’s, left Harry feeling safe.

“Oh. Sure. And please, call me Harry,” he offered as he followed Darkholme back down the
corridor.

Not having a great opportunity during the sorting ceremony, Harry took a moment to take in
Professor Morganna Darkholme’s appearance.

She was as tall as Madam Hooch, with long straight hair that shone as soft and light in color as
Malfoy’s but with a tint of violet in it. He wondered if the color had anything to do with the lilac in
her scent as the color reminded him of the flower. A tiny voice in the back of his head questioned
how he thought of Malfoy like that but squashed it like a bug.

Her eyes were as blue as the bluest ocean. The kind he only saw in pictures of the tropics as he
wished for an easier life with tropical drinks and endless warm skies.

He also noticed the way she walked. It was smoother and more graceful than the average person.
Then, a thought suddenly occurred to him. She reminded him of Fleur. That put his omega even
more at ease.

They made their way to a door with whimsical decor around the rounded frame. It reminded him of
the art nouveau he once got to see when the Dursleys could not pawn him off when they went to a
museum.

“My office, Harry. Please, have a seat. Tea?”

Harry nodded as they entered the modest space. As he expected, a desk and cabinets were against
one wall, ready for the professor to grade papers and create the work her students would hopefully
accomplish. And on the other side of the space was a fireplace, already lit with a small fire, and
two oversized wingback chairs facing it with a small table and settee between them, ready and
waiting. A tall window between the two spaces had the long drapes opened to allow the late
summer sun.

Harry sat down in the chair closest to the door, thanking Darkholme when she handed him a
porcelain cup of tea. Earl Grey with a hint of cream, no sugar, just like he liked.

“Thank you.”

“Of course, Harry. How are you doing on your first day back? It hasn’t gone unnoticed that you
have been receiving a lot of attention today,” she said, holding her cup.
“Yeah, Hermione said I would be getting a lot of attention now that I presented.” Darkholme
hummed in agreement. “I didn’t think it would be this bad.”

“And today is only the first day.”

The knowledge that he would have to deal with alphas behaving like fools drunk on Amortentia
potion for the rest of the school year fell heavy on his shoulders.

“Is there anything I can do to get them to back off?”

“The most common method is to find a mate, but you shouldn’t feel pressured. As of right now,
I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do. As an unmated omega, one that recently presented and at
mating age, you are…”

“Fresh meat?” Harry interjected sourly.

“I was going to say new blood,” she took a sip of tea before continuing, “but you’re not wrong.”

Harry glanced at the professor and noticed that she wore a dress robe that showed off her neck and
a hint of cleavage. What it also showed was that there wasn’t a mark in sight.

“Professor Darkholme?”

“Please, Harry, call me Morganna when it’s just us,” she smiled.

“Oh. Okay. Morganna. I noticed you don’t have a mark. Are you unmated?”

Darkholme’s light complexion allowed the blush that highlighted her cheeks to be more
pronounced in the light that beamed into the room.

“I am not.”

“Are you having the same trouble with the alphas?”

Darkholme smiled as she placed her teacup down on the platter. “Over time, you’ll learn to control
your scent. Keep it from expressing when you want to keep it contained. You’ll always have a soft
aurora about you that others will be able to pick up on. That will always be there. But how you
feel, your intentions, you’ll be able to control those better over time. When you learn control over
your pheromones you’ll be able to control how much is available for others to scent.”

“And if they can’t scent you, or at least as well, they’re less likely to come after you,” Harry
realized, and Darkholme nodded in agreement.

They sat in silence for a few minutes as Darkholme allowed Harry to digest his new knowledge as
they enjoyed their tea before Harry spoke up again.

“Can you teach me how to control my scent?”

“Of course, Harry. I would be delighted,” she offered with a smile. “And also know that I’m here
for you if you ever need me. As a fellow omega, it’s important to stick together and give each other
support, comfort, and strength when needed,” she offered.

“Hermione does that for me as well. Thank you, I appreciate it.”

After they finished their tea, Darkholme suggested Harry get to dinner before it was gone.
However, she suspected that there might be a plate or three waiting for him upon his return.
“Alpha’s really like to feed you, don’t they?”

Darkholme laughed as she walked with him to the Great Hall. “That they do, Harry.”

And as she said, not only did Ron have a plate waiting for him, but at least three others were
waiting for him. He rolled his eyes as he looked up at the staff’s table. Only to find Madam Hooch
passing a plate laden with food over to a blushing Darkholme.
 Phoenix Fire
Chapter Notes

Day two: Hybrid creatures & Pack Dynamics.

The month of September felt like it crawled on, while simultaneously flying by. It seemed the
entire student body of alphas, and some of the staff as well had decided to try to court him. Harry
received a frightening number of packages with the morning mail or left on his seat before classes
started. While it was mostly just frustrating trying to navigate halls and class with every other
alpha nearly tripping over themselves to speak with him, Hermione, Ron and the rest of his pack
growled at any who wanted to take it too far.

To say it was exhausting would be an understatement. There were a few times when they had to
form a protective circle around him just to walk from one class to another.

There were moments, though, small stretches of time when things were calm and peaceful. When
he slipped away from everyone to walk the grounds, of which he did more and more frequently.
When they were in DADA or Transfiguration, Snape and Professor Darkholme offered him a sliver
of sanity in the maelstrom of his day. Snape because he ruled his class with an iron fist. Professor
Darkholme, however, had made clear where her loyalty lay and had stayed true to her offer.

Then there was his room. His little haven. The first few nights had been the hardest. He wasn’t
used to sleeping alone in the dorm, had expected to be surrounded by his friends after so long
without them. For two nights he had tossed fitfully, unsettled by dreams and the quiet. But by the
end of the first week, it had been a relief to have somewhere that no one else could follow..

The wardrobe was filled with extra blankets and pillows. More than enough for him to pile on the
over large bed and fashion together in a proper nest.

Nesting was something he was still getting used to. There had been no nests for him growing up to
see. The only one he really had to go off of was Mrs. Weasley’s and hers was a massive thing that
took up an entire room of the Burrow and was open to anyone in the family at any time they had
wanted. An invitation that had been extended to Harry and Hermione when they had stayed over.

It took him two days to be happy with it, to get the red and gold blankets woven just so, or to find
the right places to tuck in a pillow so that the walls didn’t collapse. Now it was the perfect
getaway. Harry did his homework down in the common room with Hermione, Ron, and Neville.
Then he hurried up to his room for some peace and quiet.

For the most part, at least.

It wasn’t so much that he wasn’t still able to sleep and relax in his nest, it was more that strange
things had started to happen there and he was beginning to get concerned.

A few days after the start of the term he woke to the side of his pillowcase being slightly singed.
He had stared at it for a while when he first woke up, touching the crips ends with a hesitant finger.
He had risen and tried to go about his day afterward, confused but unsure what exactly he should
do. Yet by the time he had returned to the room after classes that day everything was back to
normal.

He put it out of his mind. He did sleep with his wand under his pillow, it was possible he had
accidentally cast something in his sleep.

Perhaps he should move where he kept it at night…

Harder to ignore were the…well, were the feathers.

He couldn’t for the life of him figure out where they came from. But every other morning he woke
to a handful of downy feathers, light pink and gold-tipped, in his bed. One fell out of his robes
when he was changing for bed one evening to flutter to the floorboards. He was certain he had
brushed a few out of his hair a few times as well.

This, at least, he was convinced was some sort of prank. Perhaps someone had talked one of the
omegas from another year to come into his room and drop them into his bed at night or in his
laundry. He simply couldn't figure out who it might have been.

Or why.

Perhaps the most distressing thing was he still felt off. He had read that once an omega presented
the symptoms leading up to presentation faded. The chills, the hot flashes, the aches. They were all
supposed to go away until heats were upon them. But Harry had never seemed to even out.

Rather, he thought he had, but once the school year had started he was back to feeling like he had
in the weeks before he presented.

“And you’re certain it isn’t your heat?” Hermione asked matter-of-factly over breakfast one
morning.

“Yes, I’m certain, and don’t ask me that here!” Harry tried to duck behind his bowl of oatmeal,
and, judging by the bright red of Ron’s cheeks, he was also wishing they weren’t having the
conversation right now.

“I’m just making sure, Harry, because that’s what it sounds like. I can’t think of anything else it
might be.”

Harry sighed and said in a low whisper, that hopefully did not carry past her to anyone else. “When
I had my check-up with Madam Pomfrey earlier she agreed that everything looked fine and made a
note of when my next…cycle…should hit. And it isn’t for months yet.”

“I believe you, Harry,” Hermione said placatingly, “perhaps you should go see Madam Pomfrey
again. Just to be sure.”

It wasn’t the worst advice, however, he didn’t feel bad enough to really think it was needed. Just a
little achy. And itchy. And he was definitely feeling a change in his hormones again. Sometimes he
found himself wholly caught up in a scent, or in watching certain alphas as they passed by. He
couldn’t keep his mind on tasks. It was all very distracting and annoying. Especially with the added
attention of alphas and betas, he was not interested in.

So he put it off. Choosing instead to push through the days and head to his nest as soon as he could.
Harry would wake up, ignore any wisps of smoke he thought he might have seen as well as any
smoldering bedclothes. Went to breakfast and ignored the way his stomach rolled at the press of
scents. Pushed through class after class and ignored all the aches that plagued him down his back
and the way even a slight breeze could cause his skin to prickle. Most days he chose to let
Hermione, Ron, and Luna when she was near, rebuff eager alphas for him until finally he could go
back to his room. To his nest, and rest before doing it all again.

He got enough rest, he had his friends to help keep him safe and sane, and he had a quiet place to
call his own. His days were, usually, quite good.

Unfortunately, today was not one of those days.

Harry had woken early and had not been able to get back to sleep. His dreams had been getting
more intense lately, leaving him to wake in a disorientated state. He had started getting so hot that
he sweated enough that his sheets were drenched. There was no falling back asleep. No way of
getting comfortable in the sweaty disaster of a nest.

So, wide awake and no way of getting back to sleep unless he cooled down. Harry decided he
would take a page out of Hermione’s book and get an early start on the day. He had hoped that
heading to the Great Hall early would mean less alpha’s to deal with, but unfortunately, he was
mistaken. Even though the students were low in numbers, there were still a few professors in
attendance, including Professor Slughorn. He might be a beta, but, as Hermione had pointed out, he
preened whenever he came around Harry. Hoping to get his attention. If Harry had to hear about
one more ‘special privilege’ for the Slug Club, he was going to hex the man.

He found a seat close to the doors, trying to fold himself into the bench to take up less space. The
walk down had done nothing to help him wake up, if anything the fatigue dragged on him worse
than before. The muscles in his arms and legs were on the verge of shaking, He was so tense from
trying to keep steady that his back was starting to ache.

He ate as quickly as he could, fighting down the nausea that always seemed to accompany his
meals lately, and drinking more water than usual just to try to combat the hot flashes that sparked
against his skin. Not wanting to wait for the rest of the 8th year Gryffindors, Harry decided that
waiting it out in the DADA classroom would be preferable to seeing Slughorn wink at him one
more time. If he was really lucky, Professor Snape wouldn’t be there yet.

He could just hear the echoes of students headed to breakfast as he climbed the steps, wincing at
every other step as his legs trembled and the pain in his shoulders spiked with every beat of his
heart. His hands slipped on the stair rails, his fluctuating temperature over the last month seemed to
have settled on ‘unbearably hot’. Maybe he could get to class with enough time to crack a window.
He could cool down before anyone else showed up. Then he would be fine.

Everything would be fine.

Or not.

Harry's stomach plummeted, he was pretty sure luck had completely abandoned him.

Professor Snape was already in the classroom, sitting at his desk. And by the way the desks were
pushed to the side of the room, today was meant to be a practical instead of a study session. Which
meant leaving his bag on a random desk and waiting around for class to start.

Not wanting to be near the door and attract the attention of everyone who came in, Harry started
walking towards the other side of the classroom, farthest away from the doorway.

With every step toward the center of the room the pain spiked, racing up his spine to pulse at his
back, nearly causing him to bowl over. Then there was the heat, with each breath he became hotter
and hotter. The smell of smoke drifted into the air around him, but he barely noticed, his body felt
like it was on fire, and his throat suddenly felt tight. He couldn’t breathe! His sight grew hazy, and
the room around him began to shift in and out of focus, but he saw the moment Snape noticed. His
head snapped up, and his black eyes widened in shock. Harry tried to call out to him, but he
couldn't draw enough breath to make more than a sad whine. Everything hurt. It was too hot. The
world was on fire!

Snape was around his desk and running towards him as he tried to take another step. He reached
out a weak and trembling hand, only for flames to burst from his skin. Horror and pain choked him.
He wanted to cry out but only smoke billowed from his mouth. He stumbled and knew he wouldn’t
be able to right himself. Hopefully, the cold hard floor would ease some of the pain of the flames
that engulfed him.

The pain, white hot, lanced through him. His back was surely slitting open. He was dying. He was
sure of it. The fire, the pain. He fell, unable to stand any longer, a primal, earth shattering scream
ripping from his raw throat.

The last thing he remembered was strong arms encircling around, and the scent of rich mahogany,
a soft fragrance that reminded him of weathered leather, and sweet cherries, all mixed with a deep
musk.

And then he was lost to the flames.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Severus’ morning had started out very ordinary.

Since the war ended he had developed a routine. He woke up, stretched, ate a light breakfast, and
took a small tonic for alertness. He checked the few personal potions he had brewing, then worked
on his schedule for the day, the week, the month. Now that school was in session he added double
checking grades and formulating pop quizzes to the list. But it hardly made an impact. Everything
was as it should be.

Simple.

Predictable.

Boring.

That day was no different.

He woke, perhaps a tad earlier than usual. Rising with a groan as his back popped and his feet hit
the cool floor. He did not linger on the dream that woke him. Severus was an adult. Old enough to
be his students’ parent. He was certainly not going to acknowledge if the green-eyed omega in his
dreams had shifted since the summer. It made no difference that the hair he ran his fingers through
was now jet black instead of gleaming copper. He hadn’t been worthy of an omega back then, and
he wasn’t now.

Especially now…

He went about the routine, keeping his mind on the things that he could control. The way his body
flowed as he stretched on the floor of his room. The shimmering, bubbling pots of potions as he
stirred here and added an ingredient here and there. He called up for breakfast most days, the elves
knew by now what he wanted and he tucked into a small plate of toast, fruit, and his tonic at his
desk. As he ate he pulled a stack of papers close, going back over the quizzes from the previous
class, he ticked them off one by one.. The eighth-year was turning out to be a wild and
unpredictable class. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were egregiously behind, while the
Gryffindors and Slytherins were, for the most part, far above any textbook that was currently out.

Severus tossed an essay from a Hufflepuff beta aside, truly despicable. Reaching for the next on
the stack his hand stalled, the name glaring back at him. He nearly left it at that, just walk away
from his breakfast and deal with it later. But…

Harry Potter’s Defense Against the Dark Arts work had always been exemplary. Shining in a way
that his potions homework never had. Severus laid it out before him, smoothing out the creases,
hand pressed to the flat of his desk as he tried to not focus on why Harry Potter had needed to
become so good at defense and read the quiz over for errors.

The clock on his desk chimed. It was time to start preparing for the first class. Slytherin and
Gryffindor, eighth year.

Green eyes that had trouble meeting his own.

And could he really blame Harry for that?

After everything that had happened. The truly horrendous way Snape had begun their relationship.
Too wrapped up in a grudge that should have been buried with the cause of his hatred, something
he should have never let bubble over onto a child.

Then there was their final meeting in the shack. The confessions, the deeply intimate moment
before Harry left, tears in his eyes as he, and Severus, thought him as good as dead.

Harry need never know it was that image that kept him going. Harry’s grief and how Severus
couldn't be responsible for causing more of it. Something primal inside of him had pushed him to
survive.

For Harry.

And he would never know.

With a sigh Severus pushed himself up and entered the class, waving his wand absently he moved
all the desks to bunch up to the side. Perhaps a little physical activity would help clear his mind.
Just an hour, and then he could go on about his life. Pretend there was nothing gnawing away
inside his chest.

He sat behind his desk, pulled out a piece of parchment and quill, and got to work making a bracket
and spell list for the class. It was best to be prepared, even when one was feeling spontaneous.

Someone entered early but Severus didn’t acknowledge them, preferring to let them stew in
whatever discomfort they might feel at being ignored. He went back to his parchment, keeping
only a small part of his attention on the room.

It should have been the stilted, shuffling steps that were his first clue something was wrong.
Instead, it was the scent. He had only a moment to process the vanilla and fragrant woodsy scent
he had become so familiar with over the last month before the hints of cinnamon and spice turned.
Soft and wispy one moment, smokey and acrid the next.

Too smokey, in fact to, to be just from a scent alone.

Severus’ head snapped up and for several long seconds, he was too struck by what he saw to move.
To even breathe. Harry stood in the middle of the room, hand clutched to his chest, breath coming
out in short, pained pants, all the while curls of smoke rose around him in a worrying flurry.
Severus hadn’t even had time to process, let alone react, when the veins of Harry’s wrists and
temple began to glow.

Realization hit him like a hurricane. In an instant, he was up and racing across the room, drawn as
much by the understanding of what was happening and what needed to be done, as he was by the
keen whimper that had torn through Harry as he began to fall.

He reached him right at the worst of it. The venous fire had breached Harry’s skin and begun to
lick up his limbs. Severus caught him just as he pitched forward and a blood-curdling scream split
the air. Severus could do little more than hold him as Harry twisted wildly, the bones of his back
shifting sickeningly under his hand.

There was fire too, red hot, gold-tipped flames that had eaten away at Harry’s clothing almost
immediately, yet had left Severus wondrously unharmed. Other than their heat, he could hardly
feel them as they laced over Harry’s flesh, forging him anew.

Then, it was over. The end came on as suddenly as it had started. The whole process had probably
only taken a few minutes.

Severus felt as though he had swam the entirety of the lake and back. He was only brought back to
the present by the soft chime of the clock on his desk. Breakfast would be over soon and the room
would start to fill up.

And he was crouched in the middle of the room holding an unconscious Harry Potter.

Unconscious and…he ran his hands over Harry’s back, wincing as what was left of Harry’s robes
crumbled and flaked off under his fingers. When he brushed up against something soft, something
that twitched under his hands, he almost didn’t want to look. Though he knew what he would see…

He took a deep breath, shifted Harry’s light weight in his arms, and looked down.

Two long, bright, gorgeous wings now flowed out of Harry’s shoulders and down his back, pooling
like silk on the floorboard. They were a pale rose-red that shimmered gold in the faint light. In the
sun they would most certainly dazzle. Severus had seen wings very much like these before. Those
were bigger, redder, and far less…delicate looking. But on Harry the effect was breathtaking.

Perfect.

As carefully as he could Severus rearranged Harry in his arms, using a bit of his cloak to wrap
around him in both an attempt to keep him warm and hide his modesty. The initial fire had burned
out, and Harry was quickly growing cold in his arms. If Severus didn’t regulate his temperature
then Harry might go into shock or a drop.

That was something he was not prepared to handle just yet.

He swept into his office, locking the door behind him. Quickly setting about lighting the fire in the
hearth as well as casting a few warming charms on the room. There was a sofa in the corner with a
pillow and woolen blanket that he used when he had been working too late and didn’t have the
energy to go back down to his rooms. It wasn’t ideal, everything was saturated in his scent and
could upset an omega fresh out of a hybrid presentation, but it was all he had on hand, and time
was short.

Severus sat on the sofa, Harry tucked protectively in his arms as he wrapped him in the blanket,
running a hand gently over Harry’s newly formed wings.
He took a deep breath and savored the changes in Harry’s scent. The cinnamon more pronounced,
the vanilla notes now sweeter, all over the warm wood and amber. It had been such a normal,
ordinary, boring morning. And now Severus' world had tilted on its axis.

Harry Potter was a phoenix.

He had presented in Severus’ presence. He did not seem to be rebelling against Severus’ scent or
touch. His skin grew warmer, closer to what was natural for his kind, the longer Severus held him
to his chest.

The croon that worked its way out of his throat was not something he could control.

He should not find comfort in the act of helping a student keep from dropping.

It was wrong for him to find so much pleasure in the act. In silken wings and intoxicating scent.

Such luxury and what they stood for weren’t for alphas like him.

~Ά/β/Ω~

The first thing Harry noticed was the scent.

Warm, rich leather, tart cherries, wood, and musk. It coated the tongue, filling his senses. Almost
as though he were pressed against the source.

The next thing he was aware of was the warmth. How it wrapped around him. It radiated from
whatever he was laid on along with a gentle, soothing croon. An alpha call to comfort an omega. It
settled the last of his frayed and scorched nerves.

It took a while for the rest to follow. That he was sitting up, pressed against someone’s chest, their
arms wrapped strong and protective over his back. How his shoulders felt heavy, dropping oddly.
He tried to shift and they pulled, not uncomfortably, simply in a weird way.

He understood the familiarity of the scent just before a deep voice rumbled through the chest he
was pressed against.

“Potter?”

Harry blinked rapidly, lifting his head was a struggle at first, it was as though his muscles were all
new and weak. “P-professor?” He asked, his throat hoarse and raw, vaguely he remembered fire
and screaming.

The pain.

“What-” he broke off in a coughing fit, gasping for breath as a glass was suddenly pressed to his
cracked lips.

Snape held the glass, his other hand rubbing gentle circles on Harry’s back as he took small sips,
“What, Mr. Potter, is that you presented in the middle of my classroom.”

Harry sputtered, leaning back from the glass to speak, “no, I presented this summer! You don’t
present twice!”

Snape sighed, placing the glass on a nearby table, he started to shift Harry off his lap and onto the
worn sofa they had been cuddling on.
Something he would freak out about later. On his own.

“You do present twice, Potter, when you have a creature inheritance, the likes of which run
strongly in your family.”

“I…what?”

Once standing, Snape turned sharply, his hard, black eyes searching over Harry as though certain
he had done this on purpose, before his lips pressed into a flat line, the corners curving down, “had
no one told you that your father’s line were Phoenix Hybrids?”

“Phoenix…I’m…” He was utterly at a loss, he hadn’t even known that was a thing! There hadn’t
been anyone else sprouting wings after they presented normally. “No, no one told me!”

For a moment something harsh, something like unbridled rage, flashed across Snape’s face. Then
everything was back to smooth indifference. “As unfortunate as it is that you have been failed so
completely by those around you, the education of your inheritance is not my responsibility. I have a
class to get to.”

“Of course,” Harry said softly, holding the folds of the blanket closer to himself, far too aware that
he seemed to have lost his robes in whatever fire had overtaken him.

Phoenix fire…

“I will send someone to fetch Madam Pomfrey,” Snape said curtly before sweeping out of the
room, the faintest hint of his scent drifting back on the breeze. Harry was certain he was reading
too much into it. Projecting the loss of strong arms and warmth, and that lovely and soothing
croon. The feeling of being wanted, of being comforted. He was only imagining that Snape’s scent
had gone sour and acrid with his own pain and longing.
 To Find a Mate
Chapter Notes

Day three: Arranged Marriage and Courting

Harry hadn’t been alone in Snape’s office long before Madam Pomfrey bustled in with arm full of
potions and blessedly clean robes for Harry to change into. She forced several foul concoctions
down his throat, many that were meant to calm him, a few that were meant to calm the part of him
that was a Phoenix, which was a thing he would have to deal with now.

After Harry had swallowed the last of them and was bundled up in the thick robes, with special
alterations to fit his new and still tender wings, he was instructed to return to his room and sleep for
as long as he needed.

“Hybrid presentations are far more taxing,” Madam Pomfrey said, hurrying Harry out of the back
door of the office; she didn’t release her hold on him until they were outside the portrait of the Fat
Woman. “You will need all the rest you can get. I’ll have a note sent out to your professors today
about your absence. Don’t fret, dear! You’ll be right as rain in no time.”

Harry wished he could believe that. But as he crawled through the portrait and slumped up the
stairs he felt so drained both physically and emotionally, he was sure at that moment he would
never feel well again. If he hadn’t already had a nest to collapse in he might have fallen to the floor
in tears. Instead, he had curled in the middle of his nest, wrapped in as many blankets as he could
reach, and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

He was surprised to find upon waking that he did feel much better, he wasn’t as cold, and his
nerves no longer felt like they were on fire. His wings felt…normal. Or what he supposed normal
was supposed to feel like. They no longer ached where they met his shoulders and when he
stretched they fanned out behind him in an artful display. He took a few minutes to lift one and
then the other, using new muscles that twinged a little, but otherwise were fine.

He was also surprised to see that the sun had nearly set. The sky was filled with reds and golds,
just like his wings. He smiled to himself as he shook them out, admiring the luster in the low light.

His third shock of the evening was when he crawled over to the side of the nest to climb out and a
bit of black fabric he was pretty sure had not been there before caught his eye. He leaned down,
running a finger over it. A fleece blanket, worn soft from use, saturated in the now-familiar scent
of leather, scotch, and cherries.

There was a part of him that knew he should feel embarrassed for having stolen Snape’s blanket.
That part said he needed to untangle it from his nest and have a house elf pop it back to Snape's
office before he could realize it was gone.

But that voice was small and easily ignored.

To his great relief, there was a small stack of new robes on his chest, each with special folds in the
back to allow his wings to hang loose. With one less thing to worry about, Harry decided to follow
his stomach downstairs. If he was lucky he could just catch the tail end of dinner. Maybe he could
slip down to the kitchens without anyone noticing.

He sighed, thinking of all the eyes that were constantly on him. It would be just his luck that he’d
run into every alpha his age on his way there.

The common room was already bustling when he got there, a steady stream of students rushing in
and out of the portrait hole, crowding around the tables and chairs. And for a single, blissful
moment, none of them so much as glanced his way. He hovered on the last step, reluctant to enter
the fray and be seen once more.

Or, more seen, he amended as Neville approached him shyly, stopping just short of the first step so
as not to crowd Harry. He had been standing quietly near the entrance to Harry’s dorm holding a
napkin-covered plate in his hands which he stuck out to Harry awkwardly.

“Dinner!” Neville spouted out, he cleared his throat and said in a more level voice, “if you want it.”

Harry smiled and took the plate, “thanks, Neville, I’m actually starving.”

Neville blushed furiously and said something that might have been, you’re welcome, before racing
off to the boy's dorm. Harry was too caught up in how cute it was that Neville got flustered over
bringing him dinner, that he forgot to watch out when he stepped off the stairs. Before he could
take more than take a step there was a firm grip on his arm and he was being led off in another
direction.

“Harry!” Hermione said, dragging him off to a table so laden with books Harry had to worry about
its legs collapsing, “we were so worried! I just can’t believe it! The odds of you being a phoenix
hybrid and an omega! It's just so rare. But really we should have figured it was something like that.
With how you’ve been feeling. Has anything odd been happening? Because I read that some of the
symptoms can be quite bizarre. Like feathers falling out of your hair at night, or spontaneous
combustion.”

Hermione was talking so fast that Harry hardly could get a word in edgewise. He managed to
answer a few of her questions with a single word, but he wasn’t sure she actually heard, with how
caught up in her research she was.

"How? Does everyone know about my ... hybrid inheritance then?" Harry asked confused as
Hermione kept rambling on. This caused her to pause and give him 'the look'. "Right. Like
Dumbledore said, 'What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a
complete secret, so, naturally the whole school knows.'"

"What's that, Harry?"

"Um, nothing."

Harry pushed a few of the books aside to sit his plate on the table. Neville had brought him a bit of
roast beef, broccoli and potatoes, and a slice of strawberry cake.

“Where did you get that!”

Harry blinked up, fork of potatoes poised just in front of his mouth, Ron was looming behind him,
another covered plate in his hands. “Uh?” Harry began inelegantly, “Neville?”

“Neville?!”

There were several snickering laughs behind Ron and Harry leaned over to see Dean and Seamus
trying, and failing, to hide their laughter behind their hands. “Told ya! Didn’t we, Dean?” Seamus
said through a fit of giggles, “we said he would beat you to it!”

“Piss off!” Ron growled back at them, sending them scurrying, but doing nothing for their
continued mirth at his expense.

Harry, ignoring the interaction, craned his head to try and see what was on the plate Ron brought,
the roast was rather good, and he had missed lunch. While Ron was still scowling at anyone who
looked his way, Harry slipped the plate from his hands and unwrapped it.

“Treacle!” he chirped happily as he spotted the dessert, “and a roll! Thanks, Ron!” Harry quickly
pulled apart the roll, slathered butter on it, and began eating. The rest of the food was pretty much
the same, but he was happy to have a few more carbs.

“Er, uh, no problem, Harry,” Ron said as he found a seat to perch on, his cheeks oddly pink.

“Here it is!” Was the only warning they had before Hermione tossed a giant tome on the table,
Harry did what he could to shield his food from the dust as Ron whipped his wand out to dispel
what he could, sneezing wildly in the process.

“Look, here,” Hermione said, opening the book in a seemingly random place and pointing, “this
talks specifically about phoenix hybrids. Your father must have been one…they aren’t made to
register, or anything, so there wasn’t a record of it…though, it is odd no one said anything to you
about it.”

Harry shrugged, “I was obviously never going to be an alpha,” not with his size, “maybe they just
didn’t think it would come up?”

Hermione shook her head but didn’t disagree. She turned another page, summarizing as she ran a
finger down the neat, small print, “alpha hybrids are more common, in any subdivision. So that
would make sense. And beta hybrids are almost non-existent. If they had known your status
beforehand…but I suppose there isn’t anything for it now. We do know, so we need to be
prepared.”

Harry scoffed around a bite of tart, “prepared for what? Other than learning to hide my wings,” he
gave them a little flex and enjoyed the way both Ron and Hermione, and quite a few of the students
around them, followed their movement closely. “What else is there to be prepared for?”

“I bet you could fly!” Ron said excitedly, “like, for real now. Not just with a broom.”

“Hey, yeah!” Harry said with a wide grin.

“Yes, yes, flying is all well and good. And an eventuality, but not for some time yet You have to
build up control…but that’s not what I’m talking about, Harry.”

Harry sighed, of course it wasn’t. “Then what’s the problem this time?”

Hermione huffed, “mating! Harry. That’s the problem.” He wanted to groan, to curl up under the
table. To go upstairs and back to sleep. But she kept going. “Phoenix alphas are very loyal. They
imprint on an omega quite early and it sticks for life.”

“Great,” Harry said dryly, “so do I just close my eyes and point and find the perfect mate? That
sounds really easy. No trouble there.” Beside him, Ron made a noise not unlike a dying seal.

“Phoenix Alphas, Harry. You aren’t an alpha!” She turned another page and held the book out to
him even as she said, “phoenix omegas have different biological needs. They are typically very
strong willed, adventurous and have a tendency to be reckless. Beyond that they are very devoted
and quite…um…clingy.”

“Clingy?” Harry said, a bit offended, “when have I ever been clingy?”

“Before, yes, but things…well, I think things are going to be different for you soon.” Hermione
hedged.

“So, what aren’t you saying? Why is whether or not I'm ‘clingy,’ a problem?”

“Well, according to this book, and several others I read this afternoon, omega phoenix hybrids,
much like the alphas, mate rather quickly, and for life, however, they require several mates.”

“What?” Ron asked flatly, his eyes moving from Harry as he ate for the first time since sitting.
“What?”

“Several?” Harry asked, incredulously. “Why? And how many is several?”

“It can be anywhere up to ten,” Hermione said matter-of-factly as she skimmed the page, “though
the normal number is somewhere around five. So there’s really no telling.”

“Ten!” Harry said, burying his fingers in his hair, “ten mates?”

“Between five and ten, yes,” Hermione said, “and according to the books you’ll need that many to
keep you happy, healthy, and safe,” she shrugged, “that’s just how your body works now, Harry.”

“No,” Harry said flatly as he rose from the table, his plates were clean and he was done with this
conversation. “Your books are wrong because I definitely am not interested in even one mate, let
alone ‘several.’” He marched off to bed with this conviction firm in his mind.

He slipped into his nest without acknowledging the stolen blanket, burrowed into his covers and
refused to think of how much he appreciated Neville, Ron, and even Draco when they had brought
him food. He snuggled up to his pillows and fell asleep, purposefully keeping his mind clear of any
wonderful scents that had plagued his waking life for the last month.

No matter what, he refused to live his life by anyone else’s rules ever again. And that included
what his stupid biology tried to force on him.

That would have been so much easier to abide by, if the next few days weren’t complete torture.

The first night must have been a fluke. Perhaps the potions Madam Pomfrey had forced on him
hadn’t worn off. He hadn’t actually felt any different.

By the next afternoon Harry was singing a different tune.

It started just before lunch, Harry was sitting in Charms, watching as Ron kept trying to fireproof a
piece of parchment. Harry and Herione had already succeeded, but everytime Ron stuck his in the
flame of their shared candle it caught instantly. Harry couldn’t stop yawning. He thought he had
slept well. Hell, he had slept the whole day away the day before, there was no reason to be so
sleepy. But he kept listing in his seat, pressing his side against Hermione. She was warm and soft,
and all he wanted to do was snuggle and take a nap.

When class had let out he apologized for dozing on her as they headed to lunch. There, Harry
ignored the alphas trying to clamor to his seat to offer him better cuts of meat and different
desserts, and the fluttering pieces of parchment that swirled around his head, most likely summons
from staff or less pushy alphas to come eat with them. However, his eyes kept tracking Hermione
as she moved, his stomach dipping every time he thought she was getting up to leave but was only
reaching further down the table for another platter of food.

He was able to hold it together for the rest of the day. Or, at the very least he managed to not reach
for her hand as they made their way down to the greenhouses for Herbology. He did stand very
close to her as they worked on tending the valerian root and nightshade.

It had started slow, but already he couldn’t deny that he felt…not sad. Not exactly. But…lonely?
Like he needed something, and without it he would never be whole. Leaning against Hermione
helped. As did being surrounded by his friends, but they were less likely to touch him now.
Hermione was still safe though. Accepting his closeness with a little smile and an arm over his
shoulders.

The worst part was his wings.

Not the wings themselves. Harry found he rather enjoyed those. They were a constant, yet
comforting presence at his back. Now and then he caught a glimpse of them and had to admire that
something so lovely was now a part of him. They were fun to stretch and preen, and he even liked
it when the other students couldn’t take their eyes from them.

But they itched!

He had started squirming with annoyance after lunch and now dinner had passed and he was
seriously going to start gnawing them off if he couldn’t get them to stop.

“Please,” he begged, leaning so far across the table he was nearly in Hermione’s lap, “just a little
longer, ‘Mione, pleeeaaassee!”

She huffed but eventually did start scritching around where his wings met his shoulders. He
instantly melted into her side, purring softly as she read her book and he ignored the rest of the
room to drown in blissful relief.

Things didn’t get much easier. Three days later and Harry had to admit they might be getting
worse. Hermione had begun complaining about his clinginess. Even though he resented her saying
he focused on her because she was the only truly safe option until he started finding a mate, he had
to admit that he may have become a touch needier when he found himself waiting anxiously for her
at the bottom of her dorm steps one day. She said she would be right back. It was hardly Harry’s
problem that she was taking so long.

Not that it was a problem.

It was nothing he couldn't handle on his own.

Like now, he was totally handling the itching thing right now. Tucked into a nook on the second
floor, he had slipped away with the excuse of going to the loo when the itch had become too much
and he could tell before he even asked that Hermione would not stop in the middle of the hall to
help him out. They were nowhere near the seventh year Ravenclaws, and Luna was usually his
only other hope for relief.

Safe out of the prying eyes of everyone else, Harry stuck the tip of his wand through the folds in
his robe and used it as a back scratcher, finally able to reach the spot where his wings tapered off to
skin. Occasionally he sent a little jolt of heat through the tip. It was glorious. Short-lived as it might
be.

Harry allowed his eyes to close, head tilting back to rest his forehead on the wall as he lost himself
in his own gentle scritching.

It would be so much better if it were someone else doing it.

So caught up in working between every last, itchy, follicle, Harry didn’t realize his hiding spot had
been found out until someone cleared their throat.

Harry whipped around at the deep, melodic voice. Somehow, despite his familiarity with the
timber, smooth, articulated syllables, he was still unprepared to find Blaise Zabini standing behind,
a slight smirk on his handsome face. Harry felt his cheeks redden, he quickly pulled his arm, and
wand, from his wings, tucking his hands bashfully into his robes.

“Omega Potter,” Blaise greeted him with a little bow.

“Blaise?” He said a touch defensive as he looked around to see who else might have caught him at
such a moment.

“Harry,” Blaise said, still smiling as he, too, dropped the formalities, “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Harry said a little grumpily, he was still very itchy and didn’t appreciate being
disturbed when he had such a short time before class.

“I really didn’t want to bother you,” Blaise said smoothly, reaching into the pocket of his robes, he
pulled out a little pot of violet glass and handed it out to Harry, “I just wanted to give you this.”

“I…uh,” Harry started, “what is it?”

“It’s a potion. A salve, actually, that will help with your…discomfort,” He looked pointedly at
Harry’s wings.

“Oh,” Harry waivered, but took the pot in his hands, “thanks.”

Blaise shrugged, but he looked pleased all the same.

Handsome, and pleased.

“My mother used to date an alpha with wings. He wasn’t a Phoenix or anything so fantastic, but I
remember him saying how uncomfortable they were after he first presented.”

Harry blushed for another reason altogether, cupping the jar close to his chest. He took a moment
to really look at Blaise, examining his lovely features through his eyelashes. “Thank you, really
Blaise, I appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome, Harry. I’m just happy I could help you.”

Harry smiled as Blaise gave him another little bow, not unlike the ones Draco had given him. As
Blaise straightened Harry caught his scent drifting on the air and took a deep breath of sandalwood,
vanilla, and sweet grapefruit before he could think better of it. His cheeks grew darker as Blaise
took note of his open scenting, but, like a gentleman, he made no comment before wishing Harry
well and walking off.

Harry stood there, gift clutched in his hands, watching Blaise saunter off to class as though he
weren’t also running late. The alphas had, for the most part, all been acting strange around him
since the start of the term, and finding out he was phoenix had not changed things for the better.
The staring had doubled, and now there were the occasional brushes against his new wings or
moments when he and his friends had to fend off someone reaching out to touch him without
permission.

But now he thought about it, Blaise hadn’t been one of them. Much like Draco, and a few other
pure-blood alphas, he kept his distance and treated Harry with respect. Harry had always been
aware of him. Blaise was…pretty was the best way to think of it. With his high cheekbones and
lovely almond-shaped eyes that were so dark, you could fall into them. Not to mention how tall and
broad he had become since his presentation. And his scent! It was really quite soothing and
intoxicating all in one.

Harry shook himself, blinking around the now completely empty hall. There he went, forgetting
himself and his surroundings. Again! A twinge of his back reminded him that he was still very
much in discomfort, and well, he was probably extremely late now. He shrugged, so long as he was
already going to be in trouble he might as well make himself comfortable for it. Clutching his prize
closer Harry dashed off for the closet lavatory to slather all of his back that he could reach with the
salve before heading off to class.

With the itch under control, though, Harry was forced to feel the full brunt of the other…changes,
he was going through. His skin still felt tight and sensitive. Having someone pat or hold him
helped, but he was starting to feel bad about monopolizing Hermione’s time. He didn’t feel close
enough to the other omegas to ask for help, and the one time he thought of asking Ron he quickly
reconsidered.

It was hard enough not to get lost in Ron’s scent as it was.

Which was the other part of his problem. The scents were getting too much. It was starting to get
hard to focus on anything at all. He only spent half an hour in the common room that evening
before giving it up as a lost cause and heading to bed.

His room. His nest. They smelled like Harry.

And ever so faintly of the blanket from Snape’s office, which was slowly losing its scent. But
Harry stringently refused to even think about that.

Harry stripped out of his clothes and got into the nest. He didn’t really have anything he could put
on for bed now that would accommodate his wings, and his skin felt too delicate at the moment to
worry about it too much. Before laying down he took out the salve, taking the time to work it in
better than he had earlier in the day. It was a thick, clear orange gel that smelled vaguely of
kumquats and chamomile. The initial disappointment he had felt upon opening it to find that it did
not smell of Blaise’s rich summer wood and crisp fruits were quickly pushed down.

Of course, it didn’t smell like him.

It would have been gauche for him to do such a thing.

But something in Harry's chest still tightened up at the difference.

He put the jar up and settled on his stomach to keep the gel in place, wrapping himself around a
pillow in the corner closest to a certain black blanket, and managed to fall quickly into sleep.
Harry flew through the clouds, his wings carrying him through fluffy puffs of white as the wind
whipped through his hair. As good as when he was on a broom. Free, untethered to the world
around him. No restrictions, boundaries, and best of all, no expectations. And yet, he was also
alone. No other thing, bird or otherwise, around him. Just open space of blue with dots of white as
far as he could see. The Phoenix that resided inside in him crooned for their mates. Their alphas.
The ones who would answer back his cry with a matching croon, a growl, a sound that would
blend beautifully with his own call.

He crooned again, calling out into the air, a soft wail, like a song, notes that rang out in longing,
and sadness, begging to be returned.

He continued to fly, searching, listening, hoping to hear even the slightest whisper in return. His
eyes began to burn, perhaps from the wind, but he knew it was because he felt lost, alone, empty.
Did he even have mates? Someone to call him theirs? To hold, protect, and care for? He has spent
most of his life protecting others, saving lives, risking his own, and all out of his control. And now
that he was free of the burden of prophecies, of the feeling of being a puppet on marionette strings,
controlled by those who thought they had the right to control his life, of war, he longed to find the
mates that would now take care of him, where he could rest as they provided for him. Where he
could hide when the stress got to be too much while others tended to his needs, perhaps he was
selfish, maybe he didn't deserve to be pampered or cared for, but he longed for it.

A spec of white shone off in the distance. Different from the clouds, as it stood proud from the
horizon. Tall, the sun glinting from its pitched roof. A tower. Harry's heart rate picked up, and
hope soared as he flew towards his new destination. He felt a pull the moment it appeared in the
distance. As if something was calling out to him, not with words, but with a power he's never
experienced before. Tendrils of light, warmth, of love pulled at his heart, drawing him closer.

He used his wings to move faster. The need to get closer grew within him, calling him closer. Then
he heard the sounds: the animalistic growls, the howling, the calls. So many voices raised as if
calling out to their lost mate. To him.

He called back, not in a growl, but in a song. A Phoenix song. Tears slipped down his cheeks
unnoticed while he beat his wings harder, faster, as the need to get to his mates grew stronger—the
need pushing him further.

Then he was there, landing on the only balcony of the white stone tower. No door but an open
archway leading to a single large room. Harry folded his wings against his naked back as he
stepped past the threshold. Lit sconces flickered firelight against the walls of the round room. Soft,
translucent material in multiple colors draped from the archway and around the walls, softening
the room's ambiance. Tables laden with bowls of fruits, meats, vegetables, and goblets of drink sat
against the walls. Two large mirrors on either side of the room reflected the sunlight that streamed
into the space, adding light. And in the center, a massive bed, covered in soft fabrics, beckoned to
him.

His bare feet felt no cold against the stone floor as he quietly walked over to the nest already built
within the bed, larger than he had ever seen. Without a thought or reason, he climbed up into the
bed and slipped into the center of the nest. The fabrics were soft against his skin, and he wanted to
feel more. He pulled off the cotton drawstring pants and tossed them without care to the floor.

His face pressed into a goose-down feather pillow as he pressed his chest, stomach, groin, and
legs against the mattress. The softness of the sheets felt luxurious against his heated skin. A purr
softly echoed in the room as he writhed slowly against the bedding.

A low growl answered his purr. Not threatening, more like a rumble, a deep, husky purr of its own
that could only come from an alpha responding to his call. Then another, in a different pitch. And
another. One after another, until seven, croons echoed in response to his.

Harry's body responded immediately. His skin flashed like a spark was lit, and his body flamed
with hunger. Hugging around the pillow, he peeked over his biceps finding shadowy figures slowly
approaching.

He wasn't afraid. He was aroused. He pressed his hard erection against the silky sheets and
wantonly groaned. Seven needy growls answered back.

The bed dipped as bodies climbed on top of it slowly. Fingertips trailed up the back of his calf,
causing goosebumps to prickle along his skin. Another hand gently ran up the back of his thigh,
while another ran up his spine. He arched into the touches, craving more. Fingers ran across his
arms as more carded through his hair. He didn't even try to hold back the moan that slipped past
his lips. When they pet his feathers, it caused a jolt of pleasure to shoot straight down to his cock
as the final hand traced fingers across his lips.

Their touches didn't stop but moved all over his body. Finally, he was pulled back gently to sit on
his hunches as the hands moved across his chest, sliding down to his stomach, curling into the fine
black hairs around his groin.

Then the lips came. A mouth found his nipple and gently pulled at it, slathering it with a wet
tongue. Another mouth found the crook of his neck, sucking hard enough he knew there would be a
dark possessive mark left in its wake. A pair of hands pulled and squeezed at his cheeks as another
hand fondled his balls, rolling them and tugging just right. Kisses trailed across his jaw as another
mouth sucked beneath his ear.

Then there were the scents. His warm vanilla with the earthy mahogany and hint of spicy
cinnamon melded with the other fragrances fogging his mind in the most addictive way possible—
heady, deep scents of musky richness, earthy notes, warmth, fresh and wet. The smells kept him in a
daze as he was manhandled and moved to his lover's preferences.

He was easily turned onto his hands and knees as the bodies moved around him in synchronized
movements. He wondered if his wings would get in the way, but when he looked up, he caught his
reflection in the mirror that faced the bed and found that they had disappeared. In their place,
their likeness was a tattoo across his shoulders and back, and yet he could still feel their presence
if he focused on it.

Instead, however, he focused on his alphas as they continued to touch, kiss, and lavish him with
their scents, caresses, and love.

A pair of hands spread his cheeks apart, squeezing and, massaging them before a tongue licked the
inside cheek, giving it a nip. Another hand found his cock and slowly stroked him from root to tip
and then back down again. Finally, a mouth kissed his mating gland on the back of his neck as if it
were leaving a promise behind of what was to come in the future. Harry's body shivered at the
sensations.

Hands and mouths were all over him, but Harry couldn't tell whose. He kept trying to see their
faces, but they were held back in the shadows. He felt he should recognize their silhouettes; their
crooning sounded familiar as if he had heard their voices hundreds of times before. He wanted to
ask who they were, but words were impossible. All he was capable of was moaning, crooning to his
lovers for more, singing out in a guttural cry as they pleasured him.

The tongue at his entrance licked along his thighs, lapping up the slick that poured from his furled
hole. The hand on his cock twisted with the perfect amount of pressure at the crown. The hands on
his back and stomach and the mouths on his neck and shoulders pinched, nipped, and tormented
him in the best possible ways. A pair of soft lips ghosted across his, and he chased after them, but
just as he was about to catch them, they instead caught the cry as the tongue on his hole breached
him with a single hard thrust.

The tongue fucked into him hard and fast, and the mouth on his explored and chased after his
tongue. More kisses were laid on his skin, while there were hands everywhere. He didn't think
there was a spot on his body that wasn't being touched.

He was lifted as if by a spell, and suddenly there was a mouth around his cock, while another
sucked his nipples until they were puffy and sore. The lover who kissed him moved to his neck as a
new pair of lips took their place, kissing him deeply, with so much passion it was as if he was the
air they needed to breathe.

He was moved again. This time to lay on his back, but it wasn't the softness of the bed he felt
beneath him, but the hard planes of a chest, the washboard abs of a muscular torso, and the hard
thickness and length of an alpha's cock sliding between his cheeks.

He pushed his head back against his lover's shoulder as his hands were pulled out and in each
were placed around the shaft of a fat cock. On instinct, he slid his palms up and down the long
lengths, slicking them up from the vast amounts of pre that leaked like small rivers from the heads
of each cock. The cock between his cheeks slid with ease from the copious amounts of slick that
flowed from him as another slid against his hip. His legs were pushed back as a body slid between
them. Another cock pressed against his other hip, sliding between his thigh as it touched his
stomach as his legs were pushed further back. The cocks at his hips slid easily between his flesh,
slick and hot. His hands continued to stroke the lengths as their owners held on to his hands,
controlling his movements. His breathing was nearly labored as a chorus of moans echoed in the
room.

Harry moaned, and his lovers returned his noise with their groans of pleasure.

A lover near his head also caressed his cheek, wiping away the stray tears that formed against his
eyelashes, whispering words of praise as their scent fogged his mind with love and devotion.

"Omega, so good. So pretty. Pretty Phoenix, so good for us," they said, and the others whispered
their own words of adoration as they continued to use Harry's body for their pleasure.

"Beautiful."

"Smells divine."

"Perfect, mate."

"Feels so good."

Harry's final lover positioned themselves between his legs, running their hands along his inner
thighs. Then, pressing their thumbs into his scent glands near his groin, with just enough pressure
to press his oils out and cause a ripple of pleasure to shoot across his spine and back down into his
cock. He pushed his head back against the shoulder of the alpha beneath him, and they kissed at
his neck as he cried out. His lover then moved their hands further down until they pressed against
his furled hole, opening him up easily.

Their fingers slid in without any resistance and pressed in as far as possible before pulling out
nearly the entire way before thrusting back in. Harry cried out as each thrust hit his prostrate dead
on each time. He was opened quickly and easily, his body utterly pliant under their touch as if it
was made for them. With only a few more strokes, they withdrew their fingers and replaced them
with the blunt head of their cock.

"Please," Harry begged. Not even aware of what he was begging for, knowing, somewhere in the
back of his mind, that this was all new to him, and yet, his omega, his Phoenix, knew. They knew
what he wanted, what he needed. And they begged for more.

The alpha pressed forward, agonizingly slowly. Pushing in until they bottomed out, their body
almost pressed flushed with Harry's. Everyone stilled their movements as Harry breathed, getting
used to the intrusion.

They shot back into action with a single word, using Harry's body to bring him to completion. He
knew now it wasn't for their pleasure but his.

"Move!"

With that command, his lovers, his alphas… his mates, took hold of him and made him burn in a
way that only his Phoenix could compare to.

The cock between his ass cheek and against his back slid back and forth through the sloppy
wetness that dribbled from his hole. The hands around his guided his movement up and down
ridged cocks as two more dicks glided between his bent legs, between his thighs and abs. The final
lover reminded Harry of his presence by presenting his hard cock to Harry's mouth, like offering a
gift that Harry was eager to receive as he wrapped his lips around the crown of the thick length.
All while his lover thrust hard over and over again into his body.

Hands found his already sensitive nipples, twisting and pinching, pulling on them to make them
even puffier. His lover beneath him kissed down his neck, across his shoulder, whispering praise
into his ear about how good he took them.

"Such a good omega, taking his mates so well. You make us so happy," he said.

Harry's eyes rolled into his head as the onslaught of sensations across his entire body. He couldn't
focus on all of them at once, it was too much for his human brain, but his Phoenix flourished under
the full-body experience. Every place he was touched burned in the best possible way as every
touch made his skin feel like it was on fire, burning with a passion he had never experienced
before. It became too much as soon as he felt the tell-tale pull in his coil, alerting him to his
impending orgasm. His hands squeezed hard as his thighs shook, and his moaning reverberated
around the long length in his throat. The echoing moans reflected the same need to come from his
lovers.

With a jerk, and a shout, hot, white seed erupted from the cocks in his hands; his thighs were
painted white as the alphas groaned and growled out their release. His lover in his mouth grabbed
and pulled him close as he pulsed down Harry's throat, not a drop touching his tongue in
disappointment. The two lovers beneath and above him chased their release as if in a competition,
moving faster and harder against and in his body. Finally, the man beneath him wrapped his hand
around and stroked Harry off in time with his movements, and in a final silent scream, Harry came
with them as they splashed their seed against his back and deep within his body, filling him to the
brim.

Harry's vision whited out so much that he couldn't come back to himself. His mind stayed fuzzy
around the edges, and his body felt as if it was floating in space, with no real sense of reality or
dream. Yet, from head to toes, Harry felt like a new person. A new being, completed by his mates,
filled with so much euphoria that he never wanted to return.

But, like all good things, Harry woke from his dream. Not in a shock or gasping for breath, but
gradually. His eyes slowly blinked open to the sunlight filtering in from the window. To the sound
of birds chirping happily to each other. And to the satisfying feeling in his body as if he had just
been fucked into a new person.

For a moment, everything was perfect. Peaceful. His skin buzzed in an entirely new way. One that
wasn’t itchy or tight. He felt relaxed and loose for the first time since…well, perhaps ever. The
phantom handprints of his dream mates lingered on his skin. He was warm, absolutely
comfortable….

And sticky.

He groaned when he shifted and all the bedding shifted with him. Sitting up he had to peel the
sheets from his sweaty, sticky front, trying to not wince at the uncomfortable slickness on his
thighs.

“Well,” he said, running a hand through his mussed-up hair, “at least I didn’t ruin my pajamas this
time.” He would never forget his presentation heat and the shock of losing himself to his body.

Not that this could compete with that. The heat had been quick and painful, and…messy. And
this?

This had been perfect.

He pulled himself from bed, thankful he was alone in the room as he padded barefoot and starkers
to the lavatory to wash up. Reality flowed down around him with the warm water, washing the
dream down the drain with the soap suds. With every passing minute the hands, the mouths, the
heat, and praise of his dream mates grew more distant. He could still remember them, vivid, yet
coated in shadow. But he could no longer feel their telltale touches.

He stepped from the shower, dripping wet, his wings sodden down his back, his hair plastered to
his face, and examined himself in the mirror. There were no marks. No love bites, to claims. No
fingerprints where a lover had held him close. No scent but his own clinging to his skin. And there
were his wings. There were no mates around to center him. To help him keep them contained. As
they dried in the muggy air, they twitched and began to itch. Harry took up Blaise's gift, which did
not smell like him, and carefully scooped up some of the gel to work into his wings. Or what little
he could reach on his own.

There was no one there to help.

By the time he was dried off and dressed and as presentable as he could be, Harry had a new
sensation to deal with. Any relief from the dream was gone, his skin had become tight and
sensitive once more. He ached to press up against someone and scent them, to be held, to be cared
for. And now that he had experienced it, even if it were just a dream, his chest felt hollow. A
constant, empty pain at the loss of his mates.

He knew what he had to do. What he needed if he was to ever feel that way again. Loved. Safe.
Satisfied.

Harry grabbed a piece of parchment and quill and raced down the stairs and out of the common
room before he could be stopped by anyone. By the time he got the owlery he already had a
message figured out. He took a moment to stand in front of a window, paper smoothed out on the
sill and wrote.

‘I, Harry James Potter, Omega, and Phoenix Hybrid, do officially announce my willingness to
be courted by any and all alphas who may be interested.’

He took a moment to read it over a few times, it was a little bland, but to the point. It should do
nicely for what he needed. He folded the paper, used one of the candles nearby to seal it and found
a sturdy looking brown owl to attach it to.

“I need this to get to the Daily Prophet, to the office of the Omega Debutante Column.”

The owl hooted dolefully and blinked its large eyes.

“Ah, good. Thanks!” Harry sat it out the window and with a flap of feathers that shone bronze in
the first rays of morning light, Harry watched his fate fly away.
 Mistakes were made
Chapter Notes

Day 4: Fake dating with scenting.

We might have gone a little overboard with this chapter. Sorry, not sorry! XD

Once the decision had been made Harry was sailing easy. There was a weight off his chest, a
bounce in his steps. He sailed through Friday on a cloud. He had done what needed to be done. The
Omega Debutante Column went out once a week on Wednesday, plenty of time for them to reach
out to Harry for a more in-depth write-up. Each omega received a few sentences next to a recent
photo, and the option of renting a Post Box just for their use so that alphas could send mating gifts
without swamping the omegas home.

Soon his ad would go out, and then, Harry could find his mates for real.

Everything was perfect.

The next day he allowed himself time to sleep in. Waking to the first rays of light flitting through
the curtains only to roll over and burrow back into the nest. His dream had been rather mundane,
and there was a part of him that wondered if he could conjure up the previous dream by will alone.

It was worth a try. And a few more hours in bed.

By 9 am he had to give it up as a lost cause. He hadn’t managed to fall back asleep at all, and now
his stomach was starting to protest being ignored. He rolled out of bed, shuffled through his
morning routine, and headed for the stairs. His heart skipped happily as he remembered the ad, that
soon he could start looking for mates.

That is until he reached the bottom of the steps and all hell broke loose. He was certainly not
expecting to be ripped off the stairs and marched to a seat to be loomed over by a very irate
Hermione.

“You. Are. An. Idiot.” She growled out.

“Undoubtedly, but you’ll have to be more specific.”

In answer, she threw the morning edition of the Daily Prophet at his face. Whatever it was if it
involved the paper he didn’t want to deal with it. What could it be now? Rita Skeeter had heard
that he was a hybrid and had set about writing about how it just made him more unhinged? There
had been a nasty article after he first presented where she suggested that he be sent to St Mungo's to
be looked after since an omega couldn’t possibly handle defeating the Dark Lord on their own.

Really, whatever it was he couldn’t see how it would change anything.

Straightening out the paper he thought he would be ready for anything. His name, his photo,
scathing words over something that should have been private. And for the most part, he was right.
His photo stared back at him with a far-off, dreamy look. It wasn’t one he had seen before and it
took a fair amount of time before he could place it. Platform 9 ¾, someone had snapped a picture of
him while he waited for the train at the start of the term.

The headline was also not what he expected. It read, “Harry Potter: Famed Omega Open to
Courting.” So used to harsh, and often untrue, words, it took a moment for him to realize what the
problem was.

“This shouldn’t be on the front page,” was all he managed at the start, then, “it’s not Wednesday is
it?” Had he completely missed a week? He was a little off-center, true. He’d had trouble focusing
but he hadn’t thought it was that bad yet.

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose, and collected herself before she said, “no, Harry, it isn’t
Wednesday. That,” she pointed at the paper, at Harry's photo on what he realized was the front
page, “is not the Omega Debutante Column.”

And it wasn't. It wasn't even written by Amelia Fenway, the omega who ran the ODC. Harry didn’t
recognize the author, Henry Durst, but at least it wasn’t Rita. “But why would they-”

“Harry,” Hermione scolded him like a wayward child, “I can’t believe you. You wrote to a
newspaper using a school owl. There was nothing secure about it, what did you think would
happen?”

Harry crumpled up the paper, the article was much longer than the little bit of message he had sent
in and he had no want to read it. Instead, he turned his growing frustration outward. “I did what all
omegas do when they are ready for mates. I wrote to the column, and it isn’t my fault if it was
pushed on someone else or intercepted. I didn’t do anything I shouldn’t have.”

She made a noise between a screech and a groan as she fell into a seat next to him, “normal omegas
go that route, Harry. Normal. Not the Boy Who Lived! You needed to realize the mess this would
make because it’s you.”

“How was I supposed to know they would upend the whole system when I made my
announcement?”

“There shouldn’t have been an announcement. You should have talked it over with McGonagall at
the very least.”

Harry tossed the paper into the fireplace and bit his lip to keep from shouting. How was he
supposed to know things would be different for him in this regard? Couldn’t he just be normal in
one aspect of his life? He stretched out his tense shoulders, sending his wing to flutter in a silken
cascade down his back…Of course, he couldn’t have one normal, ordinary thing. Who had he been
kidding?

Instead of arguing Harry trudged to the portrait hole, he could at least go down for a late breakfast.
He opened the door and came up short when instead of an empty corridor there was a sea of
anxious, fidgety alphas staring back at him. Most with packages in hand, some few with little
bouquets of flowers. Upon seeing Harry they all pushed forward at once, shouting to be heard over
each other. Harry quickly closed the door with a frightened squeak.

Hermione came up behind him, clocked him on the back of the head with her opened palm, and…
that was fair. Harry had maybe, probably, really messed it up now. Luckily he had Hermione, who
straightened her hair, pushed her shoulders back, and took out her wand.

“Let's go have breakfast, shall we?” She said lazily before opening the door and striding through.
 ~Ά/β/Ω~

Harry wasn’t sure how they were going to get through the horde of alphas outside in the corridor,
but with a quick shield charm thrown up around them, reinforced by Harry when one particular
alpha, a seventh year, tried to force himself past it, and they were able to make their way down to
the Great Hall.

Not that it was much better in there.

When Harry entered the Great Hall, he was suddenly hit with the feeling of being eleven again and
the Dursley’s home being flooded with Hogwarts letters. The entire hall was covered in letters and
packages, while owls, eagles, and an assortment of birds flew over their heads carrying various
mail. There were so many that the house-elves had to add an extra table to keep them all on while
they scurried around collecting them from the floor, tables, the dishes of food still left on the tables.

He cringed as a Hufflepuff pulled an envelope from her morning porridge.

He had hoped he could just come in and grab some food before going back to his room to hide, but
he didn’t take more than a few steps when a very stern voice called his name, echoing in the
chamber, despite the noise of the birds.

“Mr. Potter,” Headmistress McGonagall’s voice rang over the clatter, “My office. Now!”

Harry gulped and looked over at Hermione for a bit of sympathy but didn’t find any as his friend
stalked past him and had to flick her wand to dislodge a package from the bowl of scrambled eggs
before giving him a dirty look.

“Shite,” he whispered under his breath and slowly shuffled towards the side door that led to the
small office off the hall.

He tried not to notice how many other teachers also gave him a wary eye. Some even looked
exhausted, and it was only late breakfast. The one that confused him, however, was from Professor
Snape. Although the glance was fleeting, Harry couldn’t help but see a flicker of sadness mixed
with disappointment before the mask of indifference slid back into place.

He wondered what it meant, and a single memory of being held close to a warm chest as a
comforting rumble purred against the crown of his head reminded him of what had happened no
more than a week prior.

The moment they entered the room, McGonagall rounded on him. Not offering him a seat, tea, or
biscuits. None of her usual pleasantries. Her alpha scent that always reminded him of fuzzy wool,
earthy nutmeg, and strong Earl Gray tea had turned sharp and bitter, with an undercurrent of anger
and heavily doused in disappointment.

“Mr. Potter, would you care to explain why my school is currently overrun with enough mail and
owls that the Great Hall feels more like a pool that my students have to swim through to get their
meal?”

“Well…”

“And would you care to explain why your face is, once again, gracing the front page of the Daily
Profit? I thought you said, after the trials, that you planned on staying out of the papers!”
“See…”

“And what is this nonsense about searching for a mate? Do you not have enough options here at
Hogwarts, closer to your age, worthy of the great Harry Potter? Or are they too far beneath the
Savior of the wizardly world?”

“… oh,” Harry suddenly felt very foolish. He hadn’t considered all the friends, alphas, that he
already knew that might feel hurt by his decision to search for a mate among strangers when they
were right there, especially when so many of them had already been trying to court him.

“Yes. Oh!” McGonagall clipped before she took a seat in a high back, winged chair. “Have a seat,
Harry,” she said with an exasperated sigh.

“I’m sorry, Headmistress,” Harry felt terrible as he sat in the matching chair, hands curled into fists
against his legs.

He really hadn’t thought things through. It was just like him to run headfirst into every situation
without thinking about what it might cause, how it might affect other people. Harry suddenly felt
very selfish, and Hermione’s words from that morning echoed in his mind. ‘normal omegas go that
route, Harry. Normal. Not the Boy Who Lived! You needed to realize the mess this would make
because it’s you.’ Because it’s him, and of course, nothing about Harry Bloody Potter is normal.

“So, what do you plan on doing now?” Harry looked up and wasn’t surprised to find a tray laden
with a pot of tea, two cups, and a plate filled with small scones sitting on the small table between
them. “Have some,” she said, and with a small thanks, he took the offered cup of tea.

“I guess, go through all the letters to see if any of them are worth pursuing,” Harry hated how it
sounded as it left his lips. Worth pursuing. Worthy of Harry Potter. He cringed inwardly.

A snort of disapproval got him out of his thoughts. “Good luck with that. There are enough to keep
you reading until the end of the school year, and I doubt they’ll stop coming any time soon.”

Harry hadn’t thought about that. Kingsley had warned him that it would be in his best interest to
find someone to intercept his mail and only allow those he wanted to be filtered through, but he
never took the idea seriously. Now he wishes he had.

“I’ll… figure something out,” he promised, hoping he could keep it.

~Ά/β/Ω~

It took an army of house-elves to get every letter and package cleared out of the Great hall and into
some semblance of order. Trying to bring them to his dorm room was out of the question. There
were far too many of them, and he could tell that pretty much all of them were scented, which
would give him a headache. Thankfully, McGonagall was willing to let him use an empty
classroom on the first floor to go through every correspondence.

Sweet talking Hermione into helping was harder. He practically had to beg for forgiveness and to
never do anything so stupid ever again, promising he would pass all ideas past her from now on.
He honestly wasn't sure how well he would be able to keep that promise, but he would give it a
solid try. After that, Luna was easier to get to help him, and surprisingly Lavender and Parvati
volunteered also to help.
"You can't possibly mate with everyone, Harry. So there might be someone here for the rest of us,"
Lavender argued, to which Harry agreed.

So, for the rest of the weekend, the small group sat on soft, squishy beanbags and pillows as they
went through and read every letter and package. They learned quickly to cast a spell over them,
taught to them by Professor Darkholme, that checked for curses, charms, or anything else
suspicious. They also threw out all the food. The last thing Harry wanted was another episode like
sixth year when Romilda Vane tried to poison him with a love potion.

"It's not a poison, Harry," Lavender chided him.

"Might as well be," Harry mumbled as he tore open another box.

"Here's another arranged marriage proposal," Parvati said as she tossed a thick wad of parchment
towards an ever-growing pile near the hearth.

"Did no one get the memo that I don't have parents for them to arrange a marriage with?" Harry
huffed in frustration.

"’Fraid not," Hermione said as she tossed her own letter on the same pile.

"This one is from an alpha, Gregory Galstopp, in Salisbury, who claims he could provide you with
over a hundred acres of fresh farmlands filled with turnips and poppies," Luna spoke up. "He says
he's been saving up for the perfect omega all his life."

"How old is he?" Lavender asked in shock.

"103."

"No," Harry said, shaking his head.

By the time Monday morning came around, Harry had never been more grateful in all his life to
start class. McGonagall hadn't been kidding about taking forever to get through all the mail
because, as she predicted, it kept coming in. Thankfully, it no longer filled the Great hall but was
automatically directed to the spare room piled up nearly to the ceiling. After spending hours going
through all of them, Harry finally gave in. He declared he didn't want anything to do with any more
letters, arranged marriage, any other kind of proposals, or courting gifts.

He had enough scented courting clothes to make a dozen quilts.

He tried to save out the ones that didn't offend his nose, but if he was honest with himself, the only
scents he found himself attracted to didn't come in a parcel. It was already around him in his
common room. From the people he was surrounded by daily, just like McGonagall had said.

Why hadn't he stopped and asked before he put himself and everyone else into this mess?

And the worst part, with every letter he read, it became evident that not a single one of them was
interested in him as a person. Instead, they all sang his praises as the Boy Who Lived. Or The
Savior, but never as just Harry. For them, he was nothing more than just a trophy—a shiny thing
that they could tote around, show off, and brag about.

"It's your own fault, Harry," Hermione said as they made their way to Charms.

"I know, Hermione. You've reminded me of that since Saturday morning," Harry grumbled.
"So, what do you plan on doing then? … Did you find any that you were interested in?" Ron asked,
and Harry didn't miss the sourness that crept into Ron's scent or the twitch in his eye when he
asked.

"No. Actually. I wish I had never sent that letter to the Prophet," Harry's shoulders slumped.

"Well, until you declare yourself off the market, they're just going to keep coming in," Hermione
added as they waited for the stairs to come back to allow them to descend.

"I could just pretend I found a mate," Harry thought aloud. He could insist that he wanted to keep
his mate's name private for security and privacy reasons and claim he found his One. "Perhaps that
would get everyone off my back as I figure out what I want to do."

"Not a bad idea," Ron offered.

"I suppose, but you'll have to announce who your alpha is eventually. You can't just walk around
by yourself and expect people to believe you," Hermione added.

"I'll figure it out when I get there," Harry said as they walked down the stairs.

~Ά/β/Ω~

The trio didn't bother to pay attention to their classmates, who happened to be standing behind
them as they had their conversation. Nor did they notice when Seamus and Dean pulled a
protesting Neville into a hidden corner.

"Did you hear that?"

"Harry needs an alpha, asap!"

"Okay… and?" Neville said. "What does that have to do with us hiding?"

"YOU could be that alpha," Seamus said in an excited whisper.

Neville's shoulders slumped. "I already tried, but he hasn't shown any interest in me."

"That was before he decided he wanted a mate," Seamus argued. "Now that he's looking, you got a
better chance."

"Why are you not trying to set Harry up with Ron? Wouldn't they make a better couple?" Neville
looked at his friend.

"Pssh. Hermione is more Ron's type," Seamus tried to wave off the idea.

"They broke up before school started. Pretty sure she's not," Neville reminded him.

"What if you pretended to be Harry's alpha?" Dean spoke up.

"What?" Neville and Seamus asked in unison.

"Think about it. Harry said he would 'pretend' to have an alpha, but he won't have proof of it unless
he asks someone to fake being his alpha. So if you step up and act like his alpha, it'll show him
how good a mate you could be. Meanwhile, you can try to court him."

"That's brilliant, Dean! I could kiss you," Seamus exclaimed.

"I mean, I would never say no to a kiss," Dean grinned.

"Actually…" Neville said in thought. "That's a brilliant idea. … Yeah. I'll do that," he smiled.

"Do I get that kiss now?" Dean laughed, and Seamus pulled him down into a searing smooch
before Neville pulled them away and towards their class before they could be late.

From the shadow of the corridor, Draco and Blaise stepped forward.

"Pretend to be Harry's alpha?" Blaise said.

"And court him in the process," Draco added with a smug smirk.

"You do know that Harry will need more than one mate. He's a Phoenix," Blaise stated. "Which
means we could both end up with him."

"Of course I do, but I doubt they do," Draco said.

Blaise smirked at his friend, and the two left for their class.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Harry didn’t want to wake up. Nothing good happened when he was awake anymore. He would
simply ask the house elves to bring him food and his homework. He could live in his nest and not
have to worry about things like mates, letters, or…anything.

But if it were that easy Harry would have done it long ago. This might be the trickiest situation that
he got himself into, but it was still his life.

He rolled out of bed and went through his morning routine, uneager and reluctant to start the day.
He had sent off his declaration that he had found a mate and with any luck, it would be printed
soon and the gifts and letters would cease.

And if he was very lucky, all the alphas and betas at the school would also take the hint and, for a
few months at least, Harry could get some peace.

Figuring out what to do when people began demanding proof of his mates was something for
future Harry to worry about.

Harry managed to ghost down to breakfast squeezed between Ron and Hermione. Maybe he could
get through his day by just being small and unassuming.

“Harry!”

He started, looking up, surprised, at Neville’s smiling face. “G-good morning…?”

Neville reached forward, took Harry’s hand, and looped it through his arm, “I’ve got every set up
how you like it, your tea and juice. There’s eggs, toast, and fruit. I wasn’t sure if you might want
yogurt, so I put it within reach.” Nevile led him to a place at the table laid out with everything he
had described on the walk over. Harry was so dumbfounded he allowed Neville to gently push him
into the seat.

“Um…Neville?” Harry blinked up at him in confusion.

“As your alpha, I said I would fix your breakfast from now on.” Neville said quite loudly,
“remember?” He added with a little wink only Harry could see.

Oh….

OH!

Neville was…he was pretending to be Harry’s alpha.

Right?

When Harry didn’t make a move to answer, or eat, Neville sat down next to him, and over the
pretense of reaching past Harry to take up and unfold his napkin, he whispered, “is this alright?”

“I…” If Neville was going to pretend to be his alpha, then he didn’t have to worry about the
eventuality of being asked who his alpha was and not having an answer. “Yes…?”

“Anything you don’t like, I won’t put out again,” he said, giving Harry a look that implied he
wasn’t talking about breakfast. “All you have to say is stop, and I’ll stop.”

“Alright,” Harry said after a little thought. He trusted Neville. He was comfortable with him, his
scent warm and fresh, and soothing. Harry could do this. “That sounds perfect,” he took up his fork
and turned to his breakfast, “everything looks perfect.”

Neville was there for most of the day. Getting Harry’s food, carrying his bag–after a little spat in
the hall that Harry did not win–he even sat with Harry in the common room, doting on him. Getting
up to fetch Harry hot cocoa or offering to get him a blanket. And for the most part, it seemed to
work.

It did nothing for the letters that came from outside of the castle, even with the Prophet releasing
his revocation of his Debutante announcement. But the number of alphas within Hogwarts who
were gunning for attention had abated.

It was something.

Neville couldn’t be there all the time though. They had slightly different schedules, and by the
second day, there were large stretches of time when Harry and he were not together. Harry had
gone through six whole years at Hogwarts, he had fought and defeated the evilest dark lord of all
time, he survived a childhood with Dudley and his gang. There was no reason for him to suddenly
be nervous because his fake mate wasn’t going to be around for one class.

But Harry had a study session and Neville had extra Herbology, and he suddenly didn’t want to be
in the library without that security.

Harry was in the stacks. And he was not hiding out, thank you very much. He was just…taking a
breather. Ron was behind on his Charms essay and had somehow sweet-talked Hermione into
helping him. He had no one else he could really fall back on as a protective cover and had already
been approached by three alphas in the seventh and eighth years and two betas who he didn’t know
at all.

There weren’t any rules that said they needed to stay in the library during this time. On sunny days
it would be less crowded. You could take your books and go sit by the lake or something. But there
was a storm raging that day. Cutting winds, pelting rains, and a freezing cold started to seep into
the castle. The library was large and warm, and usually, it was quite a cozy place to sit out a study
session.

Usually.

Harry skittered around another stack at the approach of footsteps. If he was quick enough he could
remain unseen and unbothered for the rest of the period. It really was the perfect plan. Right up
until he backed up into a softer, and very warm, stack of books.

There was a very deep, rumbling laugh that rolled through Harry’s back on contact. He jumped
forward, spinning on his heel to come face to face with Draco Malfoy.

Draco smiled down at him, “going somewhere?”

“I…” saying that he was hiding suddenly felt very silly. He was Harry Potter, he didn’t hide. And
he especially didn’t want Draco to know he had been.

“What is this now?” Another voice rumbled from behind him.

Harry felt his cheeks redden, he looked over his shoulder as Blaise emerged from around the
corner, approaching them with slow, even steps. Before Harry could defend himself Draco
answered.

“I believe Harry was trying to hide, probably from all the unwanted attention he’s getting with
his…mate out of sight.”

Blaise made a low rumbling noise in his throat, “I do not like the sound of that,” he said, stepping
up close behind Harry.

They were both close. Nearly, but not quite touching him, both looking down on him, their scents
mixing perfectly in a soothing haze to wrap around him. Amber and sandalwood, vanilla and
wisteria, grapefruit, and the sea.

Harry swayed a little before he could control himself.

“We have a proposal for you, Harry,” Draco said, bringing Harry out of his accidental swoon.

“We’ve thought it over,” Blaise added smoothly, “since you are a phoenix hybrid, you will need
more than one mate.”

“Most hybrids in your situation need somewhere around four,” Draco said, very carefully, he
reached up and brushed a lock of hair behind Harry’s ear. “We would like to help Longbottom in
his task of…pretending to be your chosen mates.”

“You…what?” Harry blinked up at him before turning his confused gaze to Blaise who simply
smiled knowingly, “you know?”

“That he isn’t really you mate? Yes, we know,” Draco said dryly.

“He can’t do it alone, Harry,” Blaise said, placing a hand low on his arm, unrestraining,
undemanding, simply there. “We can be there to help him out. To help you out.”

“What do you say, Harry? Can we help you?”

Harry licked his lips, trying to focus through their scents, and their warmth, and think. There had
been a few alphas and betas already commenting on the fact that he would need other mates.
Though still, it seemed the news that omega phoenixes needed multiple mates hadn’t reached
everyone yet.

It would though.

Then the letters and gifts would start up again, with or without his say so.

“And if you do something I don’t like, or I want you to stop?”

"All you have to do is say the word and we’re gone,” Draco said.

“We only want to help,” Blaise added, “it’s all about you here.”

In the end, there wasn’t much to think on. Like with Neville, Harry trusted Draco and Blaise. A
year ago he wouldn’t have. Six months ago he most likely would have raged at the idea. But now.
They had done nothing but treat him with respect after his presentation.

Both of them.

Draco had made sure he’d eaten on a very trying day, Blaise had given him the salve for his wings.
He truly believed that they were looking out for him.

Harry followed them to a table off to the side of the main room where he settled between them to
get some reading done. Any time another alpha or beta came their way, eyes intent on Harry, one,
or both, of them, would growl until they were left alone. By the end of the study hall it was well
known that Harry Potter had chosen Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy as his second and third
mates.

The only trouble was when Ron tried to join them after finishing his own work and losing
Hermione to a debate on Ancient Rune translations with a Ravenclaw in their year. Ron
approached them, a frown creasing his brows, lips pressed into a thin line, and was instantly
snapped at by Blaise when he made to sit down.

“It’s alright,” Harry said, placing a calming hand on Blaise’s arm, “Ron is my friend. He can sit
with us.”

“Harry,” Draco said, calmly, “everyone knows that you and Weasley here are friends, but now that
you are an omega with mates and he is a mateless alpha…it’s quite unseemly,” he lowered his
voice so only Harry could hear, “we’re not saying you can’t be friends, Harry, just that others will
talk. Either he has to also be one of your chosen mates or he should really step back in public.”

As much as he hated it, and knew that Ron and Hermione would as well, Draco was right. If Ron
stayed around him in public, being chummy with Harry even with mates, then that would leave too
much room for other alphas to do the same.

Harry sighed, “I’ll see you later, okay Ron? We’ll talk in the dorm tonight, I promise.”

Ron was red in the face, Harry was certain that he was going to blow up. Cause a scene right here
in the library. But eventually, either because of Harry’s words or Blaise and Draco’s glaring, he
nodded and walked off.

Ron avoided him for the rest of the day, and Hermione was none too pleased when Draco and
Blaise joined Neville in following Harry around like little ducks, but at least she agreed it was a
sound plan. That evening Ron went straight up to the dorm, leaving Harry to sit with Neville by the
fire.

“They are right, though,” Neville said, calm and collected as usual. He had taken the news very
well, making room for the other two as easily as breathing. Considering his trying past with Draco,
Harry was really quite impressed.

“Everyone has come a long way from where we started. If you trust them, I trust them.” They were
settled on a large chair by the fire, Harry leaning over into him, breathing his fresh meadow scent.

“Or,” Neville added when Harry made no comment, “he could always…join us. If he’s upset at
being pushed aside.”

Harry shook his head. “Ron and I…well, we’ve always been like brothers. He’s not interested in
me like that.”

Neville was quiet for a time, then he placed an arm around Harry’s shoulders and held him close, a
low croon that only Harry could hear working through his chest. He said, “don’t worry, Harry,
we’ll get it all figured out.”

For two days everything settled down nicely. By the next morning, Ron had gotten over Draco and
Blaise making him step back in public. Harry suspected Hermione had something to do with it.
And with two added alphas, there were fewer and fewer unwanted advances made at him.

He was still no closer to figuring out his real problem. The dreams hadn’t stopped, and every time
he crawled into his nest he was overly aware of its emptiness. He wanted his mates. He needed
them! But he had already put an end to the letters and gifts….an avenue he knew was fruitless,
except late at night when he was left alone and wanting.

He did his best to push them from his mind upon waking. To not linger on hands and teeth and heat
that did not exist. To refuse the part of him that wanted to acknowledge the shift in the dream
scents, from vague and homey, to fresh green things, crisp summer fruits, warm scotch, sweet
flowers, wood and wax and freedom.

That was just his imagination taking over.

It wasn’t real.

When Harry got a summons to McGoganall’s office one afternoon he was afraid something in his
plan had gone terribly wrong, and he was about to be chewed out again for making yet another
mess.

He was not expecting to be met with two, identical, smiling faces upon opening the door to the
Headmistresses office.

Fred and George in all of their bright and charming glory were there. Upon seeing Harry they did
what they always had done, bombarded him with great big hugs and lots of yelling.

“Harry!”

“We’ve been trying to come see you for ages!”

“McGonagall wouldn’t even let us visit.”

Harry was able to peel himself from the twins’ embrace as McGonagall scoffed from her desk.
Somehow he had forgotten she would be there, for a moment getting lost in the twins’ combined
scents of chocolate, coffee, and something that smelled very much like vanilla frosting.

“On top of everything else the last thing I needed was two rouge Weasley’s running amok,”
McGonagall said, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she glared down at them. “However…I
cannot stand aside when an honest petition has been made.”

“Honest petition?” Harry asked, looking between the two.

In a rare moment of gravity Fred and George shared a silent look, then dropped as one to their
knees, each reaching into a pocket before presenting Harry with two silk wrapped packages no
larger than their palms.

“Harry,” George said in a level and serious tone, “Fred and I would be honored if you would agree
to allow our courtship of you.”

“We understand that as an omega phoenix you will need many mates to care for you,” Fred added
smoothly, “we ask only that we be allowed to show you why we should be among them.”

There were a few times in Harry’s life where an emotional blow left him breathless. When he
found out he was a wizard. Dumbledore's death…when he thought he had left Snape for
dead….Hedwig and Doddy. This was nothing like those times. No confusion, no grief…it took a
moment to realize what he felt was almost akin to joy.

He had always admired Fred and George. They were clever and funny, and very brave. They had
taken on Umbridge head-on and left school to follow their dreams. And perhaps at some point, he
had begun to see them as something other than the older brothers he’d first seen them as. They had
grown into very handsome alphas, and even before he had presented Harry had found himself
drawn to them.

And now to find out they wanted him too.

This wasn’t like Neville who was just trying to be a good and protective friend or Draco and Blaise
who were honorable alphas in their own right, but probably had hordes of pure-blood omegas and
betas lined up for them.

No, this was real.

Harry could have this if he wanted.

Something real and good. Something that could turn into love, into mates who would cherish him.
Who knew him and wanted him.

Harry did his best to keep the tears that burned his eyes from forming, but he could do nothing
about the wobbly smile that crossed his face or the joy in the scent, rich cinnamon and earth wood
mingling with their cozy coffee and chocolate. Harry took the packages carefully in his hands,
opening them to find that each held a little disks of fired clay, one with an F impressed on the
surface, the other a G. Each disk was attached to a cord that Harry could slip over his head.

“They’re a little less traditional than bits of scented cloth,” Fred said.

George said, “but they are easier to wear.”

Harry slipped them on without hesitation, lightly running his fingers over the letters before tucking
them into his robes. Fred and George shared an excited grin before launching themselves back at
Harry and wrapping him in their arms. All Harry could think of was how happy he was, held
securely between them, until a very exasperated McGonagall pushed them out of her office.

~Ά/β/Ω~

“So they will actually be your alphas?” Hermione asked, her brows furrowed, “and the other
three…aren’t?”

“No,” Harry said, toying with the necklaces. He had to keep reminding himself that touching them
too much would rub more of his own scent on them, clouding Fred and Georges. But he simply
couldn’t help but take them out every once in a while to hold them close and smell them. They
were real courting gifts! Thoughtful and meaningful.

“He’s smiling again,” Lavender said, rolling her eyes, she and Parvati had taken a leaf from
Harry’s book and both placed their ads in the Omega Debutante Column. Neither had received the
windfall of packages that Harry had, but there was enough that they had enlisted the help of Harry,
Hermione, and Luna to sort through them.

Well, they had asked Hermione, and Harry and Luna had simply tagged along.

“I like the smile,” Luna said dreamily, “all the grumpkins melt away when he smiles like that.”

“Thanks, Luna,” Harry said, tucking the necklaces back in his robes. “The others are just being
nice and helping me not get mobbed on my way to class. But Fred and George had been trying for
weeks to get up here and ask permission to court me. Even before the mess with the Prophet.”

Harry leaned over to take up another letter, this one was addressed to Lavender, it was a horrid
shade of brownish violet and smelled like wilted flowers, crinkling his nose he set it down in
Lavender's, “No,” pile, completely missing the look the girls shared over his head.

“Sure, Harry,” Parvati said in a chipper tone, she had her own yes and no piles, mostly with the
majority going to the nos.

After two hours of sitting on the floor and shifting through love letters that were not his own,
Harry excused himself on the pretense of going to the loo, but really he just needed a moment to
stretch his legs.

And his wings.

He had taken to moving them more now that they were no longer terribly itchy and tender. It
actually felt good to pull his shoulders back and allow them to open. If he did it while walking, the
wind stirring his feathers just right, it almost left like his dreams of flying.

Almost.

The windows were shuttered tight, though the rain had stopped a few days ago the wind was still
blustery and cold. A little sneak peek of what the winter had in store for them. Harry shivered,
wrapping his arms around his chest to try and keep warm. Ever since his hybrid presentation, he
found he got colder more easily. It was time he took his cloak out, maybe he should also look into
getting thicker robes if he was already this cold.

Harry was nearly to the stairs, he had planned on turning back once he reached them. It would be
time for dinner soon and he could get back just in enough time to help the girls straighten the
letters and packages.

Before he could turn around though a flurry of flying parchment planes zipped up the stairs, most
of which zoomed down the hall where he had come from, one lone plane stuck around though.
Flitting around Harry's head excitedly until he snatched it down and opened it.

The inside of the letter, written in overly flourishing letters that had Harry groaning before he could
do more than make out, “Dear Slugs!” The rest was an overly flowery invitation to join Slughorn
for dinner and the first meeting of the Slug Club this year. The time was set for ten minutes from
now, which would give Harry just enough time to get there. Judging by the groaning that now
drifted down the hall from his friends, he wasn’t alone in having received the invite.

He could…not go.

Slughorn had always been over-attentive, and it had certainly gotten worse since he presented. But
he was a teacher. There were rules about teachers not courting the students. And there would be
fewer alphas to deal with if he went.

Blaise would most likely be there as well, and Draco too, if Slughorn was willing to look past,
well, Draco’s past. Fred and George were only allowed to come and visit him every other day, and
wouldn’t be allowed back on the grounds until the next day.

It was the prospect of a quiet evening that won out. Slughorn would gush about this or that person
of influence he knew, how he could help them rise to their full potential. He’d undoubtedly have
some rare and over-rich foods to share with them. And Harry could excuse himself when he was
ready to leave.

The halls were relatively quiet this time of day. Those who weren't studying or hanging out with
their friends elsewhere were most likely already outside the Great Hall waiting for dinner to start.
He didn’t pass anyone in the hall, even down in the dungeons on his way to Slughorn’s office.
Which was strange. But by Harry’s estimation, he was a little early for the meeting.

He knocked on the door to Slughorn’s office, but no sound filtered out into the hall. It was only a
moment before the door flew open, a gust of sickly sweet air hitting Harry in the face as a gentle
tune from an old victrola played on in the corner.

Slughorn was dressed in robes of fine blue velvet, his hair was particularly fluffy and the scent of
something powdery clung to him so strongly it stung Harry’s eyes. It took a moment for him to
realize it as a faux alpha musk. Fred and George used to douse Percy’s robes with the stuff before
he presented, as a joke. He had never encountered anyone who used it for real.

“Ah, Harry! Come in, come in,” Slughorn stepped back and allowed Harry to enter, closing the
door softly behind him.

The usual desk that took up most of the room was gone, in its place a low table laden with silver
plates of roasted meat, fruits, fresh breads, and vegetables. An ornate velvet sofa wrapped around
most of the table and a heavy drape ran along the back, blocking the table from the rest of the
room. The only lights came from a few candles on the table, and a low fire in the hearth at the far
end of the room.

It was nothing like the last few times Harry had gotten an invite to the Slug Club. Those had been
bright affairs where Slughorn was able to show off for others…this was…

“Where are the others?” Harry asked, eying the door then Slughorn as he took Harry by the arm
and led him to the table.

“I’m sure they’ll arrive any moment, my dear boy. Not to worry. You know how children can be,”
Slughorn said as he ‘helped’ Harry to a seat. It wasn’t quite a push, but it was close. Harry scooted
over to put some distance between them, now wishing that he had waited in the hall for someone
else before knocking. He had to shift around to get his wings settled on either side of him, to keep
from crushing them but managed to find a comfortable position with them still tucked close.

Slughorn bustled around the dim room for a bit, humming to himself. Harry tried not to focus on
him, or the nauseating scent of his pheromone enhancers. But the music was low, soothing in a
way that had him yawning. He found his eyes growing heavy in the low light, when Slughorn was
suddenly at his side, filling Harry’s plate with food he realized he had dozed off a little.

“Professor?” Harry asked warily as he looked around the room, everything was the same, only now
there were two places set at the table completely with crystal goblets filled with bubbly gold liquid.
“Where is everyone?”

“Do you like lamb, Harry?” Slughorn asked instead of answering, layering a few slices of lamb
onto the plate in front of him. “It’s absolutely divine with this mint jelly a friend of mine from the
ministry sends me. I helped him get out of a bit of trouble when he was just out of school. You
know how things are.”

“Er…sure,” Harry tried to pull his focus away from the food and the cloud of pheromones,
Slughorn was a beta, he shouldn’t be able to project as he was. Whatever potion he was using was
very strong. “Professor, I really think I should go.”

“Nonsense, my dear,” Slughorn said, leaning further into Harry, he lifted a glass and brought it
close to Harry’s lip, “you should try this as well. Straight from France, the finest vintage to be
found.”

Harry took the glass, feigning a sip to appease him, though Slughorn's eyes shone darkly in the low
light as though he knew Harry hadn’t actually had any. “Are the others going to be here soon?”

“Harry,” Slughorn took up his own glass, leaning his bulk back into the sofa, “I’ve been meaning
to have a talk with you,” he chuckled lightly, “you always slip away so quickly after class, and it’s
been so difficult to get a chance to talk one on one.”

Harry cast his eyes around the table. Slughorn had positioned himself on the end, Harry would
have to scoot all the way around the sofa, or duck under the table, to get out. The silverware was
all far enough away that his movements to grab something in a pinch would be broadcasted a mile
away. His wand was in his pocket, but his wings were pressed so close that any sudden movement
was difficult.

He was not panicking, he assured himself as he held the glass to his chest, he was simply being
realistic about the situation. Which couldn’t be what it looked like.

“So much has changed since the first time we met, hasn’t it?” Slughorn raked his gaze over
Harry’s form in open admiration, “you have grown into a lovely omega, Harry. And a Phoenix! So
exotic.”

“Professor,” Harry started, this was not a conversation he wanted to have. And it did not appear
that Slughorn was actually waiting on anyone else to start dinner. “I really don’t think-”

“I may not be an alpha,” Slughorn cut in, “but I am quite powerful in my own right, I can assure
you. A potions master with great connections and wealth. A little thing like biology can be
overlooked, eh?” he grinned down at Harry, “ especially with the right…enhancements.”

The quip that Harry already had a potions master died on his tongue. Snape was not his, even if the
memory of being held close and crooned at softly never fully left him. Harry was about to stand
up, and walk over the damn table if need be. But Slughorn was faster. Before Harry could do more
than set his glass back firmly at the table he had already taken a pinch of something out of his
pocket and tossed it over the flame of the nearest candle.

Sparkling violet smoke cascaded over the table, engulfing Harry, filling his mouth and nose, and
sending him into a coughing fit. From the depth of the haze, Slughorn’s voice sounded, oddly
distant and echoey even as a hand gripped his arm in a painful hold.

“You’ll see, Harry, this is for the best.”

~Ά/β/Ω~

Severus was having the worst day.

Well, week if he were being honest. Or Month, actually.

It would be safe to say that Severus Snape was having one of the worst years of his life.

Minerva had called a faculty meeting to assure them that now that Harry appeared to be courting
several alphas that the school should settle back down into something resembling normalcy, but
that they should still be on the lookout for heightened activity among the students. As it seemed
that Harry’s ill-timed ad in the paper had led a few of the older omega students to do the same.

This was what they got for trying to add an eighth year on. Everyone was ready to go out and…
court and mate and they were now legally old enough to do so.

All Severus wanted was a light dinner, a stiff drink, and to finally fall asleep and not dream of
things he couldn’t have. Just this once.

But as he headed down the stairs to his rooms, refusing to take new ones on the same floor as his
office and classroom, he couldn’t shake a feeling of…wrongness.

It started as a slight prickling sensation, as though someone were raking nails lightly over the back
of his neck. Several times he stopped on the stairs to look behind, though he knew there was no
one there. His senses were impeccable, No one could have sneaked up behind him.

Yet the feeling continued. Grew. Soon he shivered at the spine-tingling sensations, goosebumps
broke out on his arms. It took perhaps too long to realize what he was feeling. Dread. Painful dread
and fear. But once he realized what it was, it was no time before he understood where it was
coming from. Because he wasn’t in danger, there was one other source he could be feeling.

He had hoped it wasn’t so.

Thought if he could put distance between himself and Harry any imprinting that might have
happened upon his transformation might have been cut short. As he raced down the stairs,
following both a faint trace of Harry’s sweet scent and some ancient part of his biology that he
could not spare a moment on, Severus had to accept that he had been quite wrong. That his alpha
saw Harry as his, was driven to protect him even if Severus knew better in the rational part of his
mind.

Harry's scent disappeared outside of the door to Slughorn’s office. Severus released a deep, rolling
growl that had been building in his throat as he raced to his mate. Breaking the door was no
problem for him, he had long since lost whatever restraint he possessed.

Once the door was nothing more than sprinters Harry’s frightened scent hit him full force. It was
mixed with something that smelled like a concoction of faux alpha pheromone, alpha enhancer
potion, and sickly sweet beta scent. The combination was nauseating. For someone like Harry, it
would be completely overwhelming.

Severus saw red. He was across the room and pulling the odious beta from his mate in an instant.
He wanted to rip him to shreds. Bite and tear until there was nothing left of the person who had
dared to lay on what was his. Slughorn was saved from such a fate by the frightened whimper of
his mate.

Severus dealt with Slughorn quickly, getting a satisfying punch in on the beta’s jaw before
knocking him out with a spell. Then he was at Harry's side, lifting him carefully from where he
was slumped on the sofa. His wings were ruffled, and Severus did what he could to straighten them
as he looked Harry over with a critical eye. The first thing he checked was his neck, and other than
being coated in the magically enhanced scent Slughorn had been trying to drown him in, Harry was
free of marks of any kind.

Safe, though he appeared, Severus couldn't stop growling. He cradled Harry in his arms, using his
much larger frame to shield him from any other threats that might be hiding in the room. He rocked
them slowly, taking enough control over himself to turn the growl into a nice, soothing croon.

His mate. His little bird, he needed Severus now and there was nothing that could keep him from
providing for and protecting his mate.

He could not have said how long they remained there. Harry pressed close to Severus' chest as he
rubbed the glands on his wrists over every inch of Harry he could find to mark him as his own. He
most likely would have stayed there all night, lost in the haze of his own hormones and instincts,
but eventually, Harry stirred, blinking large emerald eyes up at him. Severus couldn't help but
smile down at him. He really was so lovely. And his. Severus’ perfect little bird.

“Pro...,” Harry started, coughing raggedly before continuing, “Professor Snape?”

It was like being doused with freezing cold water.

That’s right…Harry wasn’t his mate. He was Severus’ student. He hadn’t actually called to
Severus for help, it had been some lingering link between them that he hadn’t meant to create.
Now that he was safe he wouldn’t want Severus’ touch. Or his scent.

Mindful of Harry’s wings, Severus sat him back down on the sofa and quickly stood up. Slughorn
was still slumped on the floor nearby. Between the blow to his jaw and the spell, he would most
likely be out for a while.

Harry’s eyes had followed his own down to Slughorn's crumpled form, he wrapped his arms
around his chest as though trying to keep warm.

Or to ward off a phantom touch.

“Did he hurt you?”

It took Harry a minute to gather his nerves, finally, he shook his head, worrying his bottom lip with
his teeth before pushing out a choked, “no,” through his scratchy throat.

He needed water, but there was nothing in this room that Severus trusted, and after being choked
with Slughorn’s pheromone smoke he was probably not steady enough to move on his own.

“I’m going to have to carry you down to the Hospital Wing. Alright, Potter?”

It took Harry a few seconds to process what had been said, but eventually, he nodded. With a quick
flick of his wand, Severus trussed Slughorn up in thin, strong ropes. In the unlikely event that he
woke, Severus didn’t want him running off before justice could be served.

But there were more important things to see to first.

He did what he could to not think about how good Harry felt in his arms. To not read too much into
it when Harry wrapped not just his arms and legs around him, but also his frail and beautiful wings.
But it was difficult when he held Harry’s thigh in one hand and secured his back with the other
when Harry pressed his nose to Severus’ neck and inhaled with deep shaky breaths. He was only
trying to soothe himself and Severus had shown he was safe. It had nothing to do with Harry
actually wanting him.

Madam Pomfrey went into a flurry upon seeing them. She had ushered Severus to a bed and shot
off a missive to the Headmistress within seconds. Severus told her all he knew and she bustled off
to get what she needed to clear Harry’s lungs and fix his nerves as Severus settled him on the bed.

“You’re safe now, Harry,” he said softly before he could catch himself. He straightened stiffly,
smoothing down his robes, prepared to leave.

“Wait,” Harry called out, his throat still sounding terribly painful, “I wanted…to thank you.” he
had to stop a few times to cough. Severus quickly filled a glass from the bedside table and handed
it to him.

“No need to thank me, Potter. It is my job to make sure you are safe.”

“But I am safe,” Harry said quickly, then, “I’m safe with you.”

Something shattered in his chest. Someplace in his heart he had managed to mend over had come
undone under those simple words. He wanted nothing more than to tell Harry he would always be
safe with him. That Severus would end the world if need be to protect him. To see that Harry was
never sad, scared, or alone again.

But Harry was young and he was confused. He had his whole life to live and had found worthy
alphas courting him. He didn't want someone like Severus. Old and broken, and with hands so
stained he should never be allowed to touch someone as wonderful as Harry.

He backed away, shaking his head, unable to open his mouth for fear he would say something he
could not take back. Turning on his heel, Severus fled from pleading green eyes and a future he
could not have.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Everything had gone completely bonkers very quickly.

Not the part where his best friend turned out to not only be an omega, causing Ron to deal with a
lot of feelings he’d always refused to acknowledge all at once. Then he had to go and turn into a
freaking Phoenix! Not only was he twice as lovely now, with an inner fiery glow, and those wings!
But his scent was something that was going to give him a heart attack, he was sure.

But Harry was Harry. He was fun and warm, and he had been Ron’s first real friend.

And he only saw Ron as a brother…

Speaking of brothers, Ron’s were currently huddled up in the Gryffindor common room with the
rest of them. A very irate Hagrid had informed them all the night before that classes the next day
would be canceled and, for reasons he couldn't get into, Slughorn had been fired and ‘detained’.
Not that it took long for the real story to be uncovered.

It turned out that Slughorn had sent out invites to his little club, of which Ron was not a recipient,
stating that there was to be a celebratory dinner the following evening. Only it seemed Harry had
gotten a different letter and once Slughorn had him alone he’d…

Ron couldn’t think about what Slughorn had planned. The point was that Harry had not been
claimed against his will, the vile creature that had been their potions teacher was going to Azkaban,
and they had Friday off.

And because it was their day to visit, and they had once belonged to Gryffindor, McGonagall had
allowed Fred and George to come up and help Harry calm down after the ordeal. They were, as
they had been for most of the day, ensconced on a sofa in the corner. Harry in the middle was
leaning against Fred, head buried in his chest as Fred ran soothing fingers through his messy hair.
George was behind him, gently smoothing a soft brush over Harry’s wings. And on the floor at
their feet, Neville stretched out, watching the whole display with a little smile on his face.

It was sick.

Ron boiled with envy.

“Ronald,” Hermione had her face stuck in a book, it had a thin red cover and no title. Not that Ron
cared.

“What,” he bit out, never taking his eyes from Harry. He had his legs tucked up under him, he
looked so small curled between Fred and George.

Hermione sighed, lowering her book, “remember when we decided that we were not the right
match for each other?”

Of course he did. They’d had a very serious talk after the war when everything had settled down.
Realized they had been running mostly on fear and that once emotions had leveled off, they really
were not that drawn to each other. He still loved her. But a lot more as he loved Ginny and not…
well…

“Yeah. I remember.”

“And remember how we said that we would not stand in the way of the other person finding
love?”

“....yes.”

“Well I’m going to go one further,” she snapped her book closed and leaned over to him, lowering
her voice. “If you don’t go over there and tell Harry how you feel and ask him if you can court him
I will do it for you!”

“I,” Ron blustered, “he doesn’t!”

“He does!” She somehow managed to shriek while keeping her voice down, “and if he doesn’t
then you’ll know for sure and you can stop this pining.”

“I’m not pining,” He said grumpily, then, “you really think he’d consider me?”

Hermione huffed another sigh, “yes.”

“I guess it couldn’t hurt…I mean he said yes to Fred and George and they’re gits.”

“Just go Ronald so I can focus on my book,” she said, lifting the book back up to her face and
trying her best to block him out.

Not that Ron saw. He was already up and making his way through the crowded common room
towards Harry. He stopped just shy of the sofa, nearly losing his nerve when four pairs of eyes
turned his way, one wary, two amused, and one curious. Those were the only ones that mattered.

“Ron?” Harry asked, he sounded tired as he moved around in Fred’s arms to get a better look at
him.

Ron took a deep breath, “Harry,” he began, though now that he had started he wasn’t sure how to
go forward.

George let out a low coo, “oh, Ronnikins!” Fred snickered and added, “does wittle Wonny have an
announcement?”

“Stop it you two,” Neville snapped, his voice both firm and calming. He gave Ron an encouraging
nod and smile.

“Right…Harry. I…I wanted to say that I’m sorry for acting like a wanker for, well,” he shrugged
helplessly, “for a while. It was wrong of me to take it out on you…it was never a problem with you
or something you should have had to deal with.”

“Little Ronny has always been so quick to temper,” George added mockingly, Fred nodding along.

But Harry smiled up at him, “I know, Ron. It’s been a big change for all of us. I wasn’t upset when
you needed more time to get used to it.”

That only served to send a jolt of guilt piercing through his chest. Harry shouldn’t have to make
excuses for him, even to himself.

Ron shook his head, “it should have never happened. It is no way for an alpha to act…my mother
would kill me if she knew. And well…it’s worse because…I did it because I’m jealous.”

“Jealous?” Harry asked, so focused on Ron he was pretty sure Harry missed the smug look that
passed between Fred and George. Even Neville raised a hand to hide a grin.

Well, in for a knut in for a sickle. Ron took a step forward and went down on one knee, trying to
recall what his father had drilled into them as they each presented as alpha. Always be respectful.
An omega accepting a courtship was great honor and privilege. When an omega said no you
backed off immediately and respected their wishes. No. Matter. What.
Ron didn’t have a gift and didn’t that just rankle. He would have to rectify that soon. But more
importantly, he had to act before his nerves won out.

“Omega Potter,” the pure-blood form of address both rolled off his tongue and sat oddly in his
chest, but Neville’s curt nod and Harry’s widening eyes kept him going. “It would be a great honor
if you would accept my courtship to be one of your mates.”

The room had gone silent, everyone drawn to the display, from somewhere behind him Ron
thought heard a breathily uttered, “fucking finally,” from where he’d left Hermione, but he was too
focused on Harry, on his wide eyes and shocked expression to take too much note.

For a terrible moment, Ron thought he had made a mistake. Harry really did see him only as a
brother. He was probably disgusted that Ron had even thought to ask. He was just about to get up,
apologize, and then go throw himself off the top of the Astronomy tower in shame. Then Harry’s
shock morphed into a smile, his eyes softening as he grinned widely.

“Of course I accept Ron,” he said softly, “I’d love to have you as an alpha.”

Neville simply grinned, but Fred and George shared another look, George grumbling as he dug in
his robes and came out with a galleon and passed it to Fred, “lucky guess.”

Fred snorted, “an idiot could see he wouldn’t last a month, it was a stupid bet.”

“Alright,” Neville cut in, rising from the floor, “time to switch.” He motioned to the twins who
reluctantly rose from their spots, both giving Harry a little squeeze and a chaste kiss on the cheek
before moving aside. Neville took the soft brush from George and motioned for Ron to take Fred’s
spot.

He hurried to settle down, pulling Harry into his arms. He was small and warm and he smelled like
home. It was no time before Harry had settled on his chest, his nose pressed to Ron’s neck, arms
wrapped around his middle. And when Neville began to groom his wings a small, happy purr
vibrated his whole frame. Ron held him close, feeling happier than he’d been in his whole life.

He never wanted it to end.

 The Hunt for Harry
Chapter Notes

Mating Run/Hunting with Mating/Bonding.

Harry had fallen asleep that night feeling calmer than he had all day.

Ron, Fred and George, and even Neville, had spent the entire day with him. Holding him,
grooming his wings until they tingled pleasantly and shone like the sun. Between their gentle
touches, their steadfast warmth, and their encouraging words Harry had started to feel a bit more
like himself. And less like the frightened damsel in an old fairytale.

Once the smoke had been cleared from his lungs Harry had done little but chide himself as a fool.
After having been sprung from it the trap was obvious. Perhaps what he hated most of all was how
clearly it had all been planned out. The smoke to cloud his mind and inhibit his movements had
already been in the air before Slughorn threw that powder into the candle.

It hadn’t mattered that he was the best at DADA, the whole thing had been perfectly set up to prey
on his biological weaknesses. Being forced to face the reality that all he needed was to be slightly
incapacitated and someone could bond him forever against his will…

It had been the single most terrifying moment of his life.

Then there was the ache that still lingered from watching Professor Snape walk out on him. His
instincts might be new, confusing, and terribly overwhelming, but in this he was certain. Severus
Snape, for better or for worse, was meant to be his alpha.

The pain of being snubbed was far more acute than he could have prepared for.

Even so, he had curled into his nest, wrapped in the blanket Ron had scented for him, with the
twin’s necklaces clasped in his hands, and had fallen into a peaceful sleep.

Only to wake hours later, drenched in sweat, fear choking his throat. He had been covered in the
violet haze again. The stench of rotting fruit and dead flowers clung to his senses. There were
hands on him. Too many to be just one person. They pulled at his wings, his hair, his arms, and his
legs.

It was a dream and he was safe. Slughorn was gone and he couldn’t hurt Harry anymore. He was
surrounded by alphas who wanted to keep him safe and he had no need to worry.

He was tucked away in a tower in a magical castle, surrounded by enchantments that kept anyone
out that could mean him harm. There was no need to be frightened.

Yet he still had trouble falling back to sleep.

They weren’t confined to the common the next day, though Ron had enough forethought to bring
breakfast back up to the common for him. Guessing correctly that Harry would want to stay out of
the crowd of the Great Hall for a little bit longer. After they had eaten Ron suggested a trip to
Hogsmead. The morning was overcast though it hadn’t rained for a while and it would be a
pleasant walk. Neville soon agreed and after Harry had gone back up to his room to grab his cloak
they set out alone to the small town.

It was not an official Hogsmead weekend, but the eighth year had been given permission to go
down to the town whenever they pleased, so long as it did not interfere with school. It was no
surprise that Draco and Blaise were waiting for them at the bottom of the steps. Harry hadn’t seen
either of them in over a day, and they rushed to him immediately. Careful in their touches as they
looked him over.

Much like the others, their presence was a comfort, their scents soothing. They helped settle his
frayed nerves. They set a little protective barrier around him as they left the castle, Ron and Draco
near his back, Neville and Blaise a step in front of him. Even the other students who were headed
down to Hogsmead as well kept their distance from the group.

“What would you like to do when we get there, Harry?” Draco asked as the little town came into
sight.

“I’d like to find George and Fred,” Harry said, then shrugged, “beyond that, I’m fine with going
wherever.”

“I need to pick something up,” Ron said quickly, “it, ugh, it shouldn’t take long though.”

“Oh me too,” Neville looked back with a grin, “it’ll be quick and then we can go wherever you
want.”

“Perhaps the sweets shop,” Blaise suggested in his smooth voice.

“That would be nice,” Harry said. Truth be told he wouldn’t mind where they went so long as he
could spend it with his alphas. It was going to be a great day, he was sure.

But when they got to the town things were…not how Harry remembered them.

The streets were far busier than usual. People Harry didn’t recognize were bustling to and fro,
many bundled against the chill in dark hooded cloaks. Harry fought back rising anxiety. These
were just townspeople. Everything was okay.

“Does it seem busier than normal to you?” Neville asked, Blaise nodded and Draco took a step
closer to Harry.

“Dad said there were more people moving in from the country after the war ended. Evidently,
London was getting bombarded with an influx of wizards no longer hiding for their lives…” Ron
shrugged, “I guess they made their way here too.”

The others weren’t concerned, and so Harry tried to put it out of his mind as well. Even when a few
people stopped to gawk at them as they passed. Harry tried to tuck his wings as close to himself as
he could

Everything was going fine until they came upon the inn. Fred and George were staying in town
while courting Harry and showed no intent to leave until Harry graduated. It was to be their first
stop, Harry was looking forward to surprising the twins with a visit. But they’d hardly been within
sight of the door when a flood of people came pouring out.

Everything happened too fast to follow. Harry didn’t so much as blink and they were surrounded.
For a while, Ron, Blaise, Draco, and Neville were able to block him. He didn’t see who shot off
the first curse, only that flash of red light lit the air with the sound of a gong, and it was no time at
all before they were engulfed in sparks and billows of smoke.

People were shouting his name, shoving at his alphas, and reaching for him.

Then there were hands on him. In his hair, grabbing at his arms and wings with bruising force.

The scent of excited, crazed alphas all around him.

The memory of being unable to move in his own body. Of darkness and an unwanted body pressed
up against him.

He was lost in a crowd of crazed strangers, each trying to grab him, take him as their own. He had
lost sight of his alphas. He was alone. But he would be damned if he was going to stick around and
get overpowered again.

Instincts kicked in, rolling through him like never before. He wasn’t safe there. He would only be
safe once he got far far away. He had to get away.

He had to…

Someone’s hand snaked around his waist. And hold of his wing, his wrists were taken and pulled in
different directions. And he simply…let go.

He hadn’t been aware that he had been holding back the fire until he released it. It wasn’t a grand
display. Nothing like what he remembered of his presentation in the DADA classroom. With a
single, piercing shout fire sprang up around him, licking down his arms and legs, blazing across his
wings. It was gone in an instant. Too quick to do any lasting damage, but it pushed those around
him away. Some fell back with shocked, pained shrieks, others were forced back by the blast. It
gave Harry the opening he needed to dash away from them before they could come back to their
senses.

Without looking back, Harry gave himself over to the primal part of himself and ran.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Harry found himself at the edge of the woods right outside of Hogsmeade, leaning against a large
tree. He felt terrible about ditching Ron, Neville, Blaise and Draco like that, but getting groped by
so many alphas as they fought to get closer to him, touching his feathers, trying to grab any part of
him, he couldn’t handle it. Especially after what happened with Slughorn and the way he tried to
manipulate and take advantage of him. Harry shuddered at the memory while a fierce growl of
frustration and anger spiking his anxiety.

He slowly took a few deep breaths filling his lungs with fresh, clean air, trying to expel the gross
amount of alpha pheromones that had clung to his skin and clothes. Hoping to push the bad
memories from his mind. Once he could breathe easily again, he closed his eyes and listened to the
calming sounds around him to help center himself.

The crickets that chirped behind him in the woods. The sound of birdsong in the nearby trees
mixing with the low murmur of voices.

Wait… what?
No!

Harry looked around and caught glimpses of shadowy figures making their way toward him, but he
had lost his glasses when he stumbled and couldn’t see who they were clearly. A growl of
frustration reverberated from his throat. He couldn’t handle this. First, it was school, with nearly
every alpha and beta vying for his attention, then Slughorn, and now it was strangers in the street.
No matter where he went if they didn’t want him for his fame, it was because he was an omega or
hybrid. Would the torment never stop?

Harry’s chest tightened in panic, breathing getting difficult, and his eyes pricked with tears that
threatened to fall. He just wanted a single day out to relax and spend time with friends. Not be
chased down by aggressive alphas and engulfed in their stench.

He pushed himself away from the tree and quickly looked around for a place to hide. Not being
able to see very well, he headed behind the tree and without a second thought, he ran deeper into
the woods while his name was called behind him. He didn’t stop to see who it was, whether they
were friends or foes; he just ran. His omega was in the forefront of his mind, screaming at him to
find a safe place. A den, a burrow, someplace hidden to keep him safe.

The alphas chasing him were still calling after him. Their voices mingled together, and he couldn’t
tell them apart. Something about them sounded familiar, but that could also be because he heard
them shouting at him in the streets of Hogsmeade, and he wasn’t about to stop to figure it out.

Harry jumped over a fallen log and nearly collapsed, giving the chasing alpha’s a few seconds to
catch up. Their shouts scaring off nearby birds.

“HARRY!” a deafening shout sounded above the rest, rattling his bones and sending a spike of fear
through his veins, He didn’t heed the call. Instead, he continued to run deeper into the woods while
his heart pounded so hard he thought it would burst from his chest. His legs hurt from running so
hard, and his hands were so scratched from pushing branches away that they bled down his wrist.

More shouts combined with growls and howls urged him on. Tears streamed down his face
unnoticed. He was thankfully far enough ahead that he didn’t have to smell their alpha scents, and
the desire to keep from inhaling any more putrid alpha musk was more than enough motivation to
keep going. What he longed for was the scents of the alphas that were meant to protect him. The
ones he had chosen (whether they knew it or not) to be his alphas.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Ron and Neville had done their best to keep the other alphas and betas away from Harry, even
though it felt like a losing batter at first. There were so many of them and only two Gryffindors, but
then, Blaise and Draco stepped in and helped to hex and threaten back the hordes that went after
Harry.

The two Slyerins had taken their roles as Harry’s alphas seriously. Stepping up to help him in ways
Ron wouldn’t have believed them able, it had been happening more often than not lately as the
alphas and betas got braver in their pursuit of Harry. Not only that, but they’ve been … good about
it. But then again, if anyone was going to know how to properly treat an omega, especially one as
unique as Harry, it would be pure-bloods like Zambini and Malfoy.
Once they had growled and threatened back the others, it left the four of them standing there with
no omega phoenix in sight.

“Where did Harry go?” Neville asked as he raised his nose in the air to see if he could sniff out
Harry.

“I don’t know, but we need to find him. He looked like he was about to have a meltdown,” Blaise
added.

They split up to search, running off in different directions, but after five minutes, they met back
where they started, each reeking of distress and worry.

They agreed that Harry would probably head back to Hogwarts and as they were about to head
back to the castle, hoping that Harry had gone to his nest, a familiar set of voices called out for
Ron.

“Ron!!” Fred and George simultaneously called.

“What’s up with Harry?” George asked as the twins walked over.

“Have you seen him?” Draco asked.

“Saw him running towards the edge of town,” Fred spoke up. “Why?”

“He got swarmed by nearly every alpha here, and it freaked him out,” Neville said.

“Which way did you see him?” Ron demanded.

“That way,” the twins said together, pointing north of the village.

Without a second thought, the group of six alphas shot off on the run after Harry.

When they got closer to the edge of the woods, they saw a lone figure standing against a large oak
tree. From his dark hair to the scent of cinnamon and vanilla and mahogany still lingering in the
air, it was evident who it was, and the rise of hope permeated around them.

That was until Harry suddenly bolted before they could catch up with them.

“We can’t let him get lost. He could get hurt.”

“His omega is probably panicking. We need to catch up with him to soothe him,”

“If only he weren’t so damn fast.”

They watched in exasperation as Harry zigzagged and bounded over trees with ease.

“Damn seeker skills,” Draco grumbled as they continued their hunt.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Exhaustion was setting in as Harry continued to run. Granted, he ran a lot, mostly for his life, over
the past year, but it had been a few months, and he wasn’t used to it like he used to be. Then, off
into the distance, he saw it. The Shrieking Shack. Despite it being blurry, he would know that
building anywhere. He knew he couldn’t apparate back to Hogwarts, as the gate would more than
likely be swarmed with people, but he could use the shack to get back to the safety of his nest. As
long as the hidden passage was still open.

Not sure how the inside of the structure was faring and not wanting to splinch himself, Harry
dashed to the front of the building as fast as possible while his predator's growls grew louder.

He stumbled and nearly fell as he took off on the run towards the building. He ignored the call of
his name by two distinct voices. The panic of getting caught rose like bile in his throat. The fear
that he could be captured. Caged like a bird, with his wings clipped, and forced to be on display for
the world to gawk at. He wouldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t. No more wouldn’t allow himself
to be a prize.

The house was only a few yards in front of him, yet it felt like miles away. His breathing was
ragged as he ran, stumbling on his way—the sounds of yelling behind him urging him forward. To
escape, to find safety, to hide. His omega begged him to get back to their nest as quickly as
possible. Crying out for his alphas to save him.

In all the years he’d had to fight, flee, and stand up against the worst, he had never felt so small,
weak, and vulnerable. And he hated it. He hated that he presented as an omega. He hated that he
was overwhelmed by needs he had never dealt with before. That he was, even more, a prized
possession than ever before. He was looked down on as a token and something that needed to be
protected when it used to be him protecting others. He hated that he was a hybrid turning him into
a valuable treasure instead of a person. He hated that his wings held him back, dragging him down
instead of lifting him up and forward. He hated what he had become and how it was now ruining
his life. Causing him so much more unwanted attention and to be seen as less of a human and only
as a trophy.

And yet…

And yet, there was a small voice that reminded him that he didn’t hate any of it. Not if it could
bring him his mates. Not if it meant finding his self-worth within himself and in the hearts of those
who would treat him right. Especially by those who mattered most.

But right now, none of that mattered. All that mattered was getting away from anyone who would
use him for their own purpose. And he had to run if he was going to be safe.

He made it to the door of the Shrieking Shack and threw it open, taking a moment to look around
his surroundings. The place was as much of a rickety old building as it always was. He assumed it
was by magic alone that it still stood. He needed to find a place he could hide, and quickly.
Looking around, he found a small room but hesitated as it brought back bad memories of a cabinet
under the stairs. He closed the door and moved up the stairs until he found the room where he first
saw his godfather. Memories of Sirius Black, Remus, Severus, and Peter flooded his mind. The
fatigue from running made his legs weaken, the emotions that suddenly swarmed through his mind
caused him to fall hard to the floor.

What he wouldn’t give to have Sirius back with him. The alpha would know what to do. He would
have protected Harry, given him someone to rely on instead of facing the world on his own. He
could have told him about his father’s hybrid genes and inheritance so that he wouldn’t have had to
go through it unexpectedly.

Harry heaved as a sob tore through his chest, echoing in the run-down house. He never heard the
voices as they came inside or the footsteps on the stairs. He barely noticed as solid and warm arms
embraced him. He just cried. The last few months accumulated, causing him to break down finally.
“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.”

“We need to get him back to the castle.”

“The last thing he needs is to be paraded through Hogsmeade like this.”

“There’s a different path we can take.”

“A secret passage.”

“Ron, can you lift him?”

Harry felt as he was carefully picked up and cradled against a warm chest, the scent of parchment
and freshly cut grass filling his senses as he hiccuped around his crying. His mind was foggy as he
tried to hold onto his senses as his world swirled around him. His entire body felt weak and limp.
Voices murmured around him, and only occasionally did he pick up sentences that he barely
understood.

“If anyone ever touches him again without his permission, I will hex their balls off.”

“Damn, Neville, didn’t know you had it in you?”

“I’ve cut the head off a giant murderous snake. You really think taking out pathetic garden snakes
would be harder?”

“Savage.”

The flow of scents surrounded Harry as he was carried bridal style from the room. He was jostled a
little, but it barely registered. He just knew he was finally someplace safe. His omega could tell he
was surrounded by his alphas so he curled tighter into his best friend’s arms pressing his nose
against the scent gland near him as best as he could as the group made their way down the stairs.
He kept his eyes close as he inhaled the mixed pheromones around him. Parchment, grapefruit, and
soft meadows. Cinnamon, chocolate, and coffee. Amber, and musk. They comforted him as he
slowly came back from the depth of the despair he nearly got lost in. He wanted to drown in the
fragrances to wrap them around him like a warm blanket and never leave their comfort. All that
was missing was the warm leather, with mahogany and cherries.

“The tunnel between the shack and Hogwarts is still narrow.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll widen it on our way.”

“Are you sure that’s safe, George?”

“We’ll make sure it is.”

“If you say so, Fred.”

“We’ve been meaning to expand it for while now anyway.”

Harry ignored the rest of the banter as the group of alphas carried him away from the memories
and unwanted attention. He kept his nose buried in a freckled neck, and his arms wrapped tightly
around broad shoulders.

The walk took time, and at one point Harry was passed from one alpha to another, but no one asked
him to get down. Which he was grateful for. By the time they got to the weeping willow though, he
had to climb out himself, mindful to not snag his wings on an errant root. He had no more than
popped his head out into the morning light when another pair of hands were wrapping around his
arm, hauling him up into strong arms and a broad chest.

There was a single, bright moment of fear before the scent washed over him. Warm scotch, leather,
cherries. He burrowed further into Snape’s hold, twisting his fists into his robes.

“What. Happened,” his voice was a low growl, it rose the hairs on the back of Harry’s neck. But in
the next moment, there were several other voices chiming in and Harry relaxed once more.

That anger wasn’t for him.

“There was another attack.”

“The town has lost it!”

“We aren’t sure what happened exactly, but we lost Harry in the chaos.”

“It’s fine now, it’s none of your damn business.”

Harry pulled back, blinking around at them all. The talking stopped as they all focused on him. He
swallowed dryly, he was so tired, and thirsty, and his head was starting to pound. “I want to go to
my nest,” he said, holding just a bit tighter to Snape as he spoke, “Please.”
 The Mates I Burn For
Chapter Notes

Dear Readers,
Please forgive us for being late with the last two chapters. We both had some serious
RL going on and also falling ill at least once for both of us. However, we are both
happy to announce that we got both chapters six and seven finished. Chapter seven
will be posted later this week when we feel it's been polished to a shine. We hope you
enjoy this 12K+ chapter. Hopefully the added length will make up for it's tardiness.

We got some mating/bonding in this chapter that was supposed to be in the last one.
But, you know how it goes when characters don't want to play along to your plans.
LOL!

Chapter six: Truemates/Soulmates : Heat/Rut

Edited: I uploaded an unbeta'd version. Sorry about that. All fixed now.

Harry couldn't really remember the trek up to the tower. Only that he was held close to Snape as
the others surrounded them in a protective barrier. There was a bit of a struggle when they got to
the Fat Lady. Three of his alphas wanted to leave. One was going to put him down.

Harry had never been so emotional in his life. But he was tired of holding things together. Of being
strong. He didn't hide how much he needed all of them at that moment, and it wasn't long before he
was comforted and reassured. The portrait opened, and they all entered.

There was more yelling once they were in, but Harry was rather certain it didn't involve him, so he
paid it no mind. There was some confusion and hesitation at the stairs, but Harry let out a
sorrowful whine, and soon they were all heading up.

Harry's nest was large. He always felt it was too big for one person, and he was finally going to
have it full of his alphas. When he was sat down in the middle, he instantly let out happy little
chirps, reaching out his hands to pull in the first alpha… who backed away out of his grip…

"Alphas?" He looked around at them all. Fred, George, and Ron stood closest to his nest, but even
they weren't making a move to step in. Instead, they were focused on the other four, who, for the
most part, were shooting wary glances between Harry and Snape.

Snape had the same forlorn look he had when he walked out on Harry in the Hospital Wing. Harry,
nerves already frayed, emotions on the surface, could not keep the tears from his eyes.

"Alpha?"

Snape sighed, "I can't be your alpha, Harry."

"But you already are!" There was no use in denying what he'd been feeling all this time, "you have
been from the start."

"You only think that because I was the first alpha you were near after presenting," Snape said
firmly, but not unkind, "you don't really want me."

Harry felt like he had been punched in the stomach, "of course I do…why wouldn't I want you?"

The others shifted anxiously at the conversation, but Harry paid them no mind, not taking his eyes
from Severus, who sighed, running a hand through his hair before speaking in a defeated tone. "I'm
not the sort of alpha you want, Harry…you deserve someone better. Younger. Someone…good."

"You are good!" Harry said vehemently, cutting him off before he could say more, "you've proven
that. You keep proving it! I know you're supposed to be my alpha. And you wouldn't always be
there looking out for me if you didn't feel it too!"

"You only feel this way because you imprinted on me when you presented."

Something was breaking inside of him. The room was going dark on the edges again. It was getting
harder to breathe. "You…you don't want me?" He managed to choke out before a sob wracked his
whole body.

His mate didn't want him.

He was a worthless omega!

The room filled with low growling and the stench of angry alpha, but before Harry could spiral
further down, he was lifted into familiar strong arms. "Of course I want you," Severus said into his
hair, sending nothing but calm and want through his scent. "You're perfect. The best omega. My
beautiful little bird. I…" Severus held him closer, as tightly as he could, without crushing Harry's
wings. "I didn't want you to be stuck with me."

Harry laughed wetly into his neck, "I'd like to be stuck with you."

It took Harry a moment to realize that he and Severus were in his nest, Harry in his lap, and the
other alphas were staring at them. Most with a look of utter confusion on their faces.

"Umm," he started, but Severus took over.

"What is it?"

"We're just wondering why they are still here," Fred said. He and the others were openly glaring at
Neville, Draco, and Blaise. Ron had gone so far as to growl low in his throat.

"I beg your pardon," Blaise said blithely.

"Harry wanted us here," Neville added.

"He wanted his alphas here," George said, stepping forward, "which means you have no right to be
here."

"No right?" Draco took half a step forward before Severus let out another far louder growl.

"None of you have a 'right' to be here," he said, low and deadly serious, "it isn't about any of you."
Then, he looked down at Harry, "what do you want?"

Harry worried at his bottom uncertainly. He knew what he wanted…but…

He looked to Draco, Neville, and Blaise, "you don't have to stay…if you don't want you. I don't
want you to feel like you have to."
Blaise and Draco shared a look before turning to Neville, who gave a curt nod before stepping
forward, hands clasped before him, his head bowed, "I wanted to find a suitable courting gift for
you, but," he sank to his knees, "I would be greatly honored to be able to court you. Properly, this
time."

"For real?" Harry asked, overcome with hopefulness.

"For real," Neville lifted his head and smiled.

Harry caught Draco and Blaise's eyes, "and you two?"

Without hesitation, they both stepped forward, sinking to the floor on either side of Neville. "Yes,"
Draco said, "we both wish for the honor."

Harry's laugh was bright, bubbly, "of course! I accept… from all of you!" Tension melted around
them. He could feel Severus' shoulders and back untighten. "Well," Harry said, catching all their
attention. "What are you waiting for? I said I wanted you in my nest."

There was a flurry of movement, a little bit of a struggle as six full-grown alphas tried to figure out
how they would squeeze in around Harry and Severus, but they figured it out. With a little laugh,
he realized he would need a bigger nest soon.

Harry was still mainly in Severus' lap, Blaise and Draco had taken positions at the top of the bed,
then the twins a little further down, with Neville and Ron stretching out by his legs. All of them
had an arm around him somewhere. Petting over his back, wings, arms, and legs. Or running
fingers soothingly through his hair. With his face pressed against Severus' chest, taking in all the
warmth, the scents, everything they had to offer. And finally, Harry felt safe enough to succumb to
his exhaustion.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Trying to have all seven of his alphas in his bed proved complicated and slightly dangerous.
Especially when Ron fell out, and bruised his hip when he landed on the stone floor. Also, he
couldn't exactly have all seven of his mates tromping through the Gryffindor common room.
Especially Professor Snape, so Harry decided to reach out to the only other omega he felt he could
trust in this matter.

"Harry," Darkholme greeted with a smile. "How is your harem doing?"

"My… what?"

Morganna laughed as they walked down the corridor along the fourth floor.

"Being carried into your room by Professor Snape while surrounded by six other alphas. Well, it
doesn't take a Ravenclaw to figure it out, Harry. Especially when you've gone out of your way to
circulate rumors that you've chosen your mates."

"Right."

"However, with that being said, it might not be a good idea to continue to have them parading
through the tower," she suggested. "With all the other alphas and betas, your alphas may see them
as threats despite their best efforts. Especially with everything you've already gone through. What
with the constant attention."

Harry nodded along. He already had to calm Ron and Neville down when they growled at a few of
their housemates when they got too close to him.

"Severus … I mean, Professor Snape."

"It's alright, Harry. When speaking about him as your mate, use his given name. It's only
appropriate."

"Right. Severus has already come up with a few excuses to see me at the tower, with Draco and
Blaise with him. It has put some of the others on edge," Harry explained.

He wasn't going to say how it also put him on edge when some of his fellow Gryffindor omegan
classmates smiled just a little too sweetly at the trio, or their scent turned just a hint more alluring.
It made him want to smear his oils all over his mates to ensure everyone knew they were taken. He
never considered himself a very jealous person, but he would have to admit that he could be pretty
possessive when it came to what was his. Perhaps it was a childhood of never having anything and
keeping a tight grasp on what few things he could call his own.

"Which is why Headmistress McGonagall and I decided it would be in your best interest if we
separated your nest from the rest of the Gryffindor tower."

"I'm switching rooms again?" Harry was exasperated. First, he had to be taken out of the boy's
dorm. Now he was getting removed from Gryffindor completely. "Do I have to?"

"We're not moving you completely out of your room, Harry. Just your nest. We assumed you
would want to have your personal space still. Do homework, sleep, or just generally get away from
everyone when you want. Of course, we all need our own space. But when it comes to spending
time with your mates, you'll need something away from the other students. Not to mention, I'm sure
your typical bed isn't going to be large enough to accommodate your alphas." Darkholme said with
a smile towards him.

Harry's face burned as he nodded, knowing he shouldn't deny the obvious. "Ron fell off the last
time. I think he still has a bruise."

"Which is why it would be best to move your nest. We could expand your bed, but it would take up
most of your room."

"So, where is it going to be?" Harry wondered. Would he have yet another expansion of Gryffindor
tower?

"Here," Darkholme said as they stopped in front of a giant suit of armor where Headmistress
McGonagall was waiting for them.

"Ummm?" Harry was confused. He looked behind the armor but didn't see any door. Was the
armor supposed to escort them there?

"Hello, Harry. I take it Professor Darkholme has explained things to you?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes, ma'am. But… I don't see where this is."

McGonagall and Darkholme exchanged a look, and considering how many times he's seen
Hermione and Ginny share that exact same look, it made him squirm a bit.

"You have to give it the password," Darkholme said, facing the armor. "Fiddlesticks," she said, and
the armor came to life with a jerk and a clank. Then, it stepped to the right, and where Harry hadn't
seen a door before, now there was one. A simple rounded arch with its wood, decorated in vines
and flowers. The flowers were lilies upon closer inspection, and the vines slowly writhed and
moved, almost like snakes.

"We can have the motif changed to reflect you better if you would like." McGonagall said, "This
room was specifically created for our last hybrid student," she motioned for them to follow as they
stepped through into a round room.

One that felt familiar somehow.

All around the room were sconces that flared to life, with mirrors hanging from the walls on three
different sides. On the fourth was a door that he assumed would lead to a bathroom. Soft gauzy
fabrics lined the wall and would probably flutter in the breeze if any of the three windows were
open. A giant fireplace stood against the wall opposite the door. Some side tables sat against the
walls, with two oversized armchairs on either side of the room; however, the massive nest that took
up the majority of the room is what really caught Harry's attention.

Built into the floor, you had to step down into it. The nest was filled with a mountain of pillows
and soft-looking blankets of soft hues of red, green, gold, and silver. It looked very cozy and like it
could easily fit him and all his mates.

"Who was the previous hybrid student that stayed here?" Harry asked, looking around.

McGonagall pulled a photo from a pocket and handed it over.

A gasp left Harry's throat as his eyes instantly began to sting from tears. "Dad?" he whispered.

The photo showed his father with his wings in full glory. Spread out fully as their colors of dark
red, purples, and hints of green sparkled in the sunlight. Beside him, in his arms, stood his mother,
with a bright smile on her face. But, also standing with them were Sirius and Remus. He swiped
away the tear that slipped down his cheek.

"He came into his inheritance soon after he turned sixteen. Of course, by then, he and Lily were
already courting, and he instantly claimed her as his mate. But she wasn't the only one,"
McGonagall said, indicating the other two marauders.

"Really? All of them? But Hermione said that an alpha phoenix only claimed an omega mate, and
that's it."

"For the most part, that's true, but they're not limited to just one. If they find more mates that they
compatible too, or even soulmates, they'll claim those people as well," Darkholme added.

"What? They were all soulmates?"

"Of course, Harry," McGonagall smiled. "And please, keep that."

Harry's heart had never felt so huge and yet so heartbroken at once. The idea that his parents not
only got to find each other but their soulmates made his heart swell. And yet, the bitter-sweet end
they had pained his heart. It was no wonder that Remus always looked so sad when showing Harry
pictures of his parents. He wishes he had said something sooner. Harry will have to bring it up the
next time he visits.

"Thank you," he whispered.

~Ά/β/Ω~
Ron was the first alpha Harry introduced to his new nest. He needed help moving all his nesting
materials, and Ron was eager to help as they both had the same study period. And if they found
themselves cuddling in it afterward, curled up around each other as Harry nuzzled his nose against
Ron's scent gland, causing the alpha to rumble a soft purr, that was their business.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked quietly. Ron was laying on his back, propped up by pillows as Harry
partially laid on top of him, under his arm, with his ankle over Ron's and his arm draped over his
alpha's waist.

"What do you mean?"

"I just mean," Harry pulled back to better look at Ron. "Sharing me with Draco and the others. I
know we have our past with the Slytherins."

Ron heaved a sigh and squeezed around Harry's shoulders. "I'll admit, I was a little put off at first,
especially when Draco and Blaise started courting you. But…"

"But?"

"But, they're not the same as they used to be before the war. Did you know that Draco apologized
to all of us?"

Harry had. He remembers the letter he received after the trials. He didn't know what hit him more,
the words that expressed how sincere Draco felt or the tear stains that dotted a few spots on the
parchment.

"Yeah, I got one too."

"And Blaise. He was never as bad as Draco, but even he made amends. Made his rounds with
Pansy and Greg." Ron explained. "I know I'll have to get used to them. Just going to take some
time."

Harry smiled at Ron, happy that he wouldn't have to worry about rivals among his alphas. Then,
gazing into blue eyes, Harry realized that all he's done with his alphas had been to cuddle. He has
never kissed any of them. The only action he has had has been in his dreams.

And that just wouldn't do.

Leaning down, he held back a smirk when Ron realized his intentions while his eyes widened and
his scent spiked with want and hope.

His eyes fluttered mostly close as his lips tentatively brushed against Ron's, giving the alpha a
chance to pull back. But instead, Ron pressed forward, eliminating any space between them.

The kiss was sweet. Like any first kiss would be thought of. They even pulled back and grinned at
each other. But when they leaned in for another kiss, the sweetness quickly turned heated. Ron's
hand slipped onto the nape of Harry's neck, sliding up into his hair, tilting his head just so as to get
the perfect angle to deepen the kiss.

Ron's tongue teased at the seam of Harry's lips, sending a zing of lust down his spine as he eagerly
opened his mouth, encouraging Ron for more as he pressed his body closer. Harry practically
rolled on top of him as they snogged for a while in the nest. Ron's hand had found its way beneath
Harry's shirt and was stroking the skin of his waist when they both felt the buzz of an alarm of their
wands going off.
Reluctantly, they pulled away from each other, knowing they had a class to get to. "Maybe later?"
Ron asked hopefully.

"We'll see," Harry laughed. "Neville's been eying me lately. I think he wants attention."

Ron heaved a sigh as they sat up, turning off their alarms. "Yeah, I suppose I should get used to
sharing, huh?"

"It's for the best," Harry said, then leaned over and kissed Ron on his cheek.

Harry wasn't wrong about Neville wanting his attention. Throughout class, the alpha did
everything he could to give Harry everything he needed. From getting supplies to keeping overly
enthusiastic classmates from getting too close.

"Did you want to see my new nest after class?" Harry asked casually and nearly laughed at how
bright red Neville's face turned.

"Oh,... Um… yeah, that would be great." Neville stammered while he rubbed the back of his neck.

Harry noticed from his peripheral vision Ron rolling his eyes but with a slight smile on his face.
His heart warmed, knowing the transition from friends to more would be easier than he anticipated.
At least for now. He still had the Slytherins to include.

Being Tuesday meant Herbology was the last class of the day before dinner. Harry took his time
cleaning his tools and taking care of his supplies while waiting for Neville to finish speaking with
Professor Sprout. He had hoped to walk back with the alpha, but from the looks of things, the way
Neville glanced over at him with a sad smile indicated that Sprout probably wanted his help with
something again. She had been talking to Neville about taking on an apprenticeship in the hopes
that someday he’ll take her place at Hogwarts.

The remaining students left the greenhouse leaving the two of them behind in the humid air.

“I’m sorry, Harry. But, unfortunately, it looks like I have to stay behind and take care of these
Molys.” Neville’s frown showed his disappointment, and Harry couldn’t help but feel the same.

“I’ll help,” he offered instead. “That way, it can get done sooner than later. Then, we can grab
some dinner before it’s gone,” Harry suggested.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Neville asked, floating his gardening gloves to the nearby bench.

He walked over to Neville, looking into the man’s hazel eyes. “It’s okay, Nev,” he reached up and
brushed a few strands of dark blond hair out of Neville’s eye. “I don’t mind. It means we get to
spend a little alone time together,” Harry smiled.

They worked quickly to get the job done, taking only half the time they otherwise would have.
Harry wiped his brow with his wrist after they finished. Then, taking his gloves off, Harry stood
and admired his hard work. It wasn’t easy transplanting the Molys, but they were successful. All
the new flowers glowed in the fading autumn light, taking on the hues of the sunset, of reds, pinks,
and purple.

Neville walked over, his gear already stowed. “Thank you for your help, Harry,” he said with a
small smile.
“Of course,” Harry smiled back, catching Neville’s gaze.

The fading sunset reflected off his hair and gave his eyes an ethereal glow. Neville’s scent of a
lush meadow, wet earth, and warm baked vanilla deepened with a hint of musk that Harry was
already familiar with, alerting him to the alpha’s interest.

Neville slowly reached up and wiped a smudge Harry must have had on his temple away with his
thumb. Harry leaned into the touch, breathing the alpha’s scent deeply, responding with his own at
how pleased he was with Neville’s advances.

“Harry,” Neville whispered as he closed the distances between them to mere inches. His hand still
cupping Harry’s cheek.

“Please,” Harry asked, tilting his face up, hoping Neville would take the hint.

He wasn’t disappointed when he felt a strong arm wrap around his waist, pulling him closer to a
broad chest. He raised his arms, wrapping them around Neville’s ribs, as soft plush lips descended
on his in a gentle kiss as the night sky slowly darkened above them, the stars twinkling above their
heads, the Molys reflecting their starlight as the two kissed in the quiet greenhouse.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Harry was flying high as the week progressed. He had his first kisses with nearly every one of his
alphas. Ron and Neville were sweet, while the first time he kissed Blaise, it was in the heat of the
moment after an excellent sparing session in DADA. The students all snickered until Snape told
them off and only slightly glared at the couple before demanding everyone move on to the next
match.

His first kiss with Draco was almost the same. They had been playfully arguing over who was the
better seeker when someone suggested they take it to the field to figure it out. They played a round
of ‘two out of three, each winning a match. The last game was even more fierce than the first two
as it would determine the ultimate winner. Harry had thought he had it as he chased after the snitch,
with Draco hot on his trail. They were nearly neck and neck when the snitch took a sudden dive,
and they followed after it. They each reached their hand out, straining to capture the tiny golden
ball, but Draco suddenly shot forward just enough to give him the advantage and wrapped his
slender pale fingers around the ball. They both pulled out of their high-speed pursuit, and Harry
watched with amusement as Draco whooped for joy at finally winning a competition against Harry.

He thought he should be annoyed as Draco wiggled and danced while still seated on his broom, so
high above the pitch, but instead, Harry laughed, his heart full at Draco’s happiness. And at that
moment, Harry wanted nothing more than to taste that happiness on Draco’s lips. He wanted to
savor the alpha’s joy straight from the source, and without thinking, he surged and pulled the
shocked man forward, smashing their lips together in their first kiss.

After the shock wore off, Draco quickly got into the moment and kissed Harry back. When they
finally pulled back for air, they were both grinning broadly.

“I couldn’t help myself. Seeing you so happy to win made me want to kiss you,” Harry said shyly.
“Maybe you should win more often,” Harry teased as he leaned forward for another kiss.

“I get to call you my omega. I already won,” Draco whispered against his lips before claiming
them in a searing kiss.

~Ά/β/Ω~
Harry’s first kiss with Fred and George was shared, not in a heated rush like Blaise or Draco. Nor
was it sweet and innocent like Ron or Neville but born from a moment of laughter with a hint of
lust. Harry met with the twins after classes on a Friday afternoon. It was the twin's weekend with
him, and they had requested that he accompany them to their shop in Diagon Alley. McGonagall
approved the leave, as long as Harry was returned before curfew Sunday night.

Ron had grumbled that it wasn’t fair that Fred and George got to have Harry all to themselves for
the entire weekend, but he was reminded how they were no longer students and didn’t get to see
their omega nearly as often as he did. So Harry left the pouting alpha in the arms of Neville as they
sat by the fire while Blaise playfully carded his fingers through ginger hair with Draco sitting close
by. Harry made sure to give them all a sweet kiss before his departure with a promise he would
miss them.

Fred and George said they wanted to show Harry the latest tricks and treats they were working on
for the upcoming December holidays. So they led him around the shop, which was fine. They
laughed, held hands, and always kept him safe between the two of them and out of reach of any
other customer in the store.

When the store became busier, they quickly moved Harry to the back storeroom when they felt
him tense up from the crowd.

What started as showing him the progress of their current projects, with light touches against his
lower back, holding his hand to lead him to another location, laughing at jokes, and giggling over
ridiculous candy ideas, turned into their touches lingering.

Fred’s hand never wanted to let go of his and slipped up to his wrist, gently rubbing circles into his
scent glad. The sensation sent tingles up his arm, causing his scent to warm up.

George’s hand against the small of his back traveled in comforting motions up his spine and down
to brush against the top of his ass.

And they always kept him between them.

George leaned over Harry’s shoulder as Fred showed him a bin full of new exploding rock candies,
his nose dipping in to scent Harry’s neck before he pulled back with a smile. The action sent a rush
of desire for more racing down his body and settling in his stomach and groin. Fred leaned in and
pressed against Harry’s side as George showed him the new year’s celebration party plans. The
warmth causes Harry to lean back into Fred, craving more.

Fred moved behind him and wrapped his arms around Harry’s waist as he nuzzled against Harry’s
gland. “Harry,” he mumbled, laying a soft kiss against his skin.

George turned around, a smirk on his lips taking in the sight. “Mmmm…” he hummed as he moved
to stand before Harry.

“Hey,” Harry smiled, pressing back against Fred harder, tilting his head to give the alpha more
room to kiss along his neck.

“Hey yourself,” George laughed, stepping into Harry’s space, his hands finding Harry’s hips.

He wanted to close his eyes, but he didn’t want to miss anything either. He gasped when Fred
gently pressed his teeth into Harry’s neck, his eyes fluttering at the arousal spike that shot through
him, filtering into his scent.

He snagged George by the front of his shirt, yanking him forward as he pressed his ass back into
Fred, who groaned his appreciation. The movement caused George to lose his balance as he tipped
forward, but Harry caught him easily.

With his lips.

Already confident in his kissing abilities, Harry didn’t waste time tilting his head and opening his
mouth just as George slipped his tongue in. Their tongues twisted around, tasting each other for
the first time. The kiss was sloppy, wet, and hot; it was perfect as far as Harry was concerned. So
far, all his kisses with his alphas have been.

When Harry slipped his fingers up into George’s hair, holding him where he wanted him, George
moaned in pleasure just as Fred whined into his ear.

After a few more minutes, they pulled back, and Harry turned to face Fred, with his back pressed
against George, who didn’t hesitate to latch onto Harry’s neck. Harry pulled Fred down onto his
mouth in one smooth motion, capturing it in a kiss just as searing.

Their kiss might have continued onto something more had their shop assistant not knocked on the
door asking for the twin's assistance.

~Ά/β/Ω~

The only alpha Harry had yet to lay lips on was the first alpha he connected with. The one who
was still keeping him at arm's length. Professor Severus Snape.

Since that first time that Harry had all his alphas in his nest, Severus has been more open to
cuddling and giving him courting gifts and scented items. Severus had gifted him with a green and
silver cashmere scarf just the week before. He said the green matched his eyes, and Harry didn’t
miss the undertone of desire hidden in Severus’ scent as the alpha wrapped the scarf around
Harry’s throat. Since Harry had admittedly made sure that Severus understood that he was one of
his future mates, the alpha had shown more affection than Harry had seen in the eight years he’s
known the man.

But they still haven’t kissed.

Whenever the opportunity had presented itself, either something or someone would interrupt, or
Severus would suddenly find an excuse to back away. It was infuriating. Harry had thought he
made it clear that he wanted … no desired all his alphas on the same level. And yet, Severus must
still assume that Harry would only want to be romantic, and sexual with the alphas his age. Which
meant Harry needed to take matters into his own hands.

It was a Saturday afternoon. His alphas were strewn throughout the common room. Blaise and Ron
played chess while Neville and Hermione were in a discussion about medicinal herbs. It wasn’t the
weekend for the Twins, and Draco was dozing on the sofa by the fire, his head in Neville’s lap,
who gently ran his fingers through Draco’s hair.

“Going out, Harry?” Neville asked quietly, to not disturb Draco.

“Yeah, want to see Severus,” he admitted. Darkholme had been giving him advice on how to
handle his pack of alphas, and she emphasized the importance of being honest.

“He’ll probably be in his quarters right now. It’s not his weekend for Hogsmeade,” Blaise spoke up
after moving a chess piece, causing Ron to frown slightly.

“Alright,” Harry nodded. “Thanks.”

“I still can’t believe you would want Professor Snape as one of your alphas,” Seamus shuddered
from his spot in Dean’s lap.

“Despite his greasy outward appearance, Severus is more fit than you give him credit for,” Blaise
said with a hint of heat in his tone. Clearly in defense of his head of house.

“And how would you know? He’s always wearing those billowing robes, and his hair never looks
clean,” Seamus argued as he waved his arms to represent Snape’s flowing robes.

“The hair thing is because of constantly looming over cauldrons, but we’ve seen him in more…
tight-fitting clothing before. Pureblood parties and all that. Right Draco,” Blaise smirked.

“Snape is sexy,” Draco murmured while he turned to his side, his back to the fire, as the rest
laughed at his confession.

Harry’s face burned red as he remembered being held against Severus’ chest. How strong it felt,
firm, and broad enough for him to curl into and feel safe. The potion master’s hands that were
larger than his own, and how they held him, gently brushing his hair from his eyes, and cradled his
cheek while speaking softly to him.

If he wasn’t careful, Harry might start slicking up just from thinking about it. Which made it that
much more important that he get moving before his scent took a turn for the lusty kind in a room
full of his peers and alphas.

With a quick wave, Harry scampered out to find Severus. Thankfully the corridors mainly were
empty, as most students were out of the castle or finding warmth in their common rooms. The trip
to Severus' quarters was quick and easy, which would have been great if it didn't leave Harry
feeling suddenly nervous about what he was about to try to do. Taking a deep breath, Harry
centered himself and then knocked on the door.

"It's Harry," he said, assuming the professor might ignore anyone else on his day off.

The door opened a moment later, revealing Severus, and Harry's jaw dropped.

When Blaise said that he had seen Severus in tight-fitting clothing before, he wondered if he meant
this.

Instead of the traditional black robes that Harry had expected, Severus was wearing a deep green v-
neck tight-fitting shirt tucked into black slacks that hugged his hips and thighs deliciously.

A long finger touched under his chin, catching his attention, and brought his eyes back up to black
eyes filled with amusement.

"Harry? What can I do for you?" Severus asked.

His first thought was, snog me senseless, but he refrained from saying it.

“May I come in?”

“Of course,” Severus said as he stood aside.

It had been a while since Harry had been in the Professor’s quarters. The last time he had woken up
naked, and wrapped in a soft blanket. The memory caused his cheeks to tint pink.

"What can I do for you, omega?" Severus' voice spoke behind his ear.
Harry grinned and leaned back against his alphas chest. Hands were suddenly gripping his hips
holding him still but he gently pried them off and wrapped Severus' arms around his waist.

"I want time with my alpha," Harry said with a content sigh.

"You just saw me at breakfast."

"That's different, you were at the staff table and I wasn't."

Severus tightened his arms around Harry's body, as he buried his nose into Harry's hair. When he
pulled back Harry didn't hold back the small whine at the loss.

He followed Severus to the loveseat that he remembered from before. Sitting down onto the plush
cushions as Severus conjured him a teacup before filling it. The smell of his favorite tea filled the
air. They sat in comfortable silence as they enjoyed their tea. But the need to be closer was strong.
He needed to feel Severus' body close to his. To feel his firm chest against Harry's, his hands back
on his hips.

When he finished his drink in a large gulp, Harry set his cup on the small table in front of them,
then carefully took Severus' cup and also set it down. In one fluid movement, Harry swung his legs
around, over Severus sitting down in the alpha's lap. Large hands automatically landed on his hips.

"Oh, I see," Severus laughed.

"You haven't kissed me yet," Harry pouted.

Severus laughed more, while his cheeks turned pink and Harry could see the way he avoided
Harry's gaze.

"Well we can't have that, now can we?"

"No," Harry agreed as he leaned forward.

He wasn't sure what to expect kissing Severus. He had never heard a single rumor of the man ever
dating and after the memories of his mother … well, he didn't hold out a lot of hope. And yet, this
might be the best kiss yet. It wasn't rushed as Severus took his time. He coaxed Harry's mouth open
with gentle ease, gliding his tongue across Harry's in a way that pulled a moan from his throat. The
kiss quickly grew heated as Harry rutted down pulling a throaty moan from Severus.

Harry ran his fingers through Severus' hair, pleased to find it silkier than he expected. His grip
tightened when Severus jerked his hips up against Harry's groin while Harry swallowed a moan
ripped from Severus' throat. He made a mental note of Severus’ reaction to having his hair pulled
before any and all thoughts were wiped away when Severus pulled him in tight, diving deeper into
his mouth.

When they pulled back for air, Harry panted as Severus kissed and nipped his way along Harry’s
jaw and then down his throat. Harry wanted more. As much as he has enjoyed kissing, necking,
and snogging with his alphas, he has been craving more physical contact lately. More skin on skin.
He reached down and began yanking at the soft shirt, pulling it from Severus’ pants, when larger
hands covered his own.

“Harry?”

“I want to touch you,” he whined, already missing the hot mouth on his skin.
“We’ve only just shared our first kiss, don’t you think it’s a little too soon?” Severus pulled
Harry’s hands off his clothes and kissed the knuckles on each hand.

“So. We’ve known each other for eight years, it’s not like we need to ‘get to know each other’”
Harry scoffed. Now annoyed that they went from snogging to not-snogging. Especially when
Severus huffed a small laugh.

“No need to pout, little bird. We’ll get there. But let us take our time. We have the rest of our lives
to enjoy ourselves.”

Harry’s shoulders dropped, very disappointed that he wouldn’t get to see exactly how fit his alpha
was beneath his form-fitting clothes. He dropped his head on Severus’ shoulder, willing away his
erection, while taking a deep breath to calm his breathing.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Harry's skin had been irritated lately. It wasn't like before he presented as a phoenix when his skin
itched and burned. A nearly constant itch left his skin feeling tight and hot and made wearing
clothes irritating. He currently had Blaise administer the lotion to his back around his wings since it
was easier for another person to apply it. The feeling of Blaises' hands on his skin felt better than
the lotion did, and Harry mourned the loss the moment Blaise finished and then had to leave to
finish his homework. He also found that the itch stopped when he cuddled with Draco on the
loveseat by the fire. In fact, he didn't even notice it as they lazily kissed.

Honestly, not feeling any discomfort when he was with his alpha should have been his first clue,
but now that he was more physical with his future mates, it distracted him from his body's warning
signs. The second clue should have been how his new nest was slowly filling up with his alpha's
clothes. Or how nearly every other day, a new throw blanket had to be added to the couches and
chairs in the common room or from Severus' room because previous ones ended up woven in his
nest.

It wasn't until Neville gently asked Harry if he had seen his last tie that Harry began to recognize
the symptoms. His skin itched, and burned, while he felt extra horny. He didn't think it was
possible since his libido had kicked in full force since the end of the war and yet here he was.
Hermione would have smacked him with a book if she had realized how obvious his pre-heat signs
were. Except, she had been far too busy studying to notice.

Only now, Harry was squirming in his nest. His clothes tossed away as he whined with three
fingers deep inside his hole. He was weeks away from his next heat, and his preheat felt like it only
lasted half the usual time before Harry could barely stay standing. Perhaps it was because he had
finally found his alphas, but whatever the reason, he was already hours away from a full-blown
heat, and he was struggling to stay in control. Thankfully he had managed to send a Patronus off to
Ron when he realized what was happening, begging his alphas to come to his nest.

Within minutes, the door almost slammed open as the smell of worried alphas flowed in like a
storm.

"Harry?" Ron's voice barely pierced through the fog in his brain, stilling his fingers.

"Harry? … Oh my God… He's in heat," Neville said.

He could hardly hang onto the conversation, his skin burning with need as he whined, wishing his
alphas were not so far away and would hurry up already.
 ~Ά/β/Ω~

"What do we do?" Blaise asked, standing out in the hall.

"Unless you want to fight off every other alpha in this school and half the betas, you will get inside
and SHUT THE DOOR!" Severus snarled as he pushed forward.

"But he's in heat."

"And we are his chosen alphas. If you have suddenly changed your mind, you are welcome to
leave!" Snape walked into the room, already pulling his outer robes off.

The other four looked at each other before entering behind him.

"What about the twins?" Neville asked.

"I already sent them a Patronus. So they should be here soon," Ron answered, then dropped his
school robes on the floor, followed by his shirt.

Quickly and quietly, they undressed, all eyes on Harry, completely naked and whimpering in the
middle of his nest. Then, a flash of white sped past them, startling them from their stupor.

"Professor?"

"A Patronus to McGonagall so we are not missed. … and it would be best to refer to me as Severus
while we are here."

The young men nodded and finished pulling their clothes off. Harry's scent continuously got
stronger, taking on richer qualities to the near point of syrup on their tongues. Primal low growls
matched his whine of need, and any remaining embarrassment faded away when Harry turned onto
his stomach and slid his knees under to present himself.

They barely heard the door open and then locked. They didn't attack the intruders because they
recognized Fred and George's scents the moment they entered.

"Fuck," one of them whispered, the sound of clothing quickly being discarded onto the floor.

"I need…" Harry whined as he clutched a pillow raising his ass higher.

"I've got you, little bird," Severus cooed as he removed the remainder of his clothing. Ron and
Neville thought Blaise was joking when they said Snape was fit, yet the strong, lean, yet muscular
body before them confirmed the Slytherin's words.

Severus ran a hand across Harry's back, from his neck to the top of his ass.

"Want you," Harry simpered.

"I know. We're here now. We'll take care of you," Severus said as he positioned himself behind
Harry, running his hands over Harry's ass. His scent turned deeper with lust.

"Want you to mark me," Harry said, and it stopped everyone in their tracks.

"Harry?"

"It could be the heat talking."

"I know what I want, damnit," Harry's voice sounded more like himself as he pushed himself up on
his haunches, looking over his shoulder. "I don't want any other mates. … Please," he said, his
chest heaving as he struggled to keep his wits about him.

"If that's what you truly want, Harry," Draco said, coming closer and kissing Harry.

"Don't want to wait anymore," Harry mumbled against Draco's lips. "I want your marks," Harry
dived in and captured Draco's mouth in a searing kiss as two long fingers breached his wet hole.

"Keep him distracted, Draco, as I prepare him," Severus said, then kissed Harry's back between his
wings while his fingers pressed as deep as possible.

Draco swallowed Harry's moans as his hands roamed over the omega's chest. Gliding over his skin,
tweaking nipples as they continued to kiss. Soon, Harry was rocking back on Severus' fingers while
Draco kissed along his jaw.

"Lean forward, little bird," Severus whispered, his hand pressed between Harry's wings.

Draco moved back, out of the way, but Harry reached out and grabbed his thigh, keeping him
close. Draco looked up in time to watch Severus lick his fingers free of Harry's slick, and he nearly
dove forward to taste it for himself.

Once Harry was in position with his face down and ass up, Severus lined his cock head up to the
sloppy hole and slowly pressed forward. It was already established that Harry hadn't been with
anyone else, which would make this his first time. So, Severus took his time, pressing in, inch by
inch, at a pace Harry could handle. Though it was known that male omegas and betas were of
average length, alphas were known to be larger and longer. Severus was no exception, and by the
time he bottomed out, Harry was already leaking copious amounts of pre as he released a long
breath. Severus stilled for a moment allowing Harry time to adjust before he pulled out and slowly
pushed back in, pushing out a long low moan from Harry. As Severus began a steady pace, Draco
moved to kneel right before Harry to give the omega something to ground himself against.

The room filled with the aroma of aroused alphas intermingled with the omega in heat. Perhaps to
an outsider, it would smell pungent, overwhelming, it might burn the senses, but to those in the
room, it was the perfect combination of all their scents coming together.

Draco ran his fingers through Harry's hair as he continued to moan between panting, his face now
laying on Draco's thigh close to his rigid erection. He nearly shook with the effort it took to not pull
Harry's mouth onto it. But they were not here for their own self pleasures. These next few days
would be about Harry and his needs. To take care of their omega during his heat and hope they
didn't fall into rut while at it. Harry's wings shivered as a particular harder thrust pressed Harry
forward, his voice echoing off the walls as it was clear that Severus had found his prostate and
began to abuse it.

"More," Harry groaned as he canted his hips back in time with Severus' thrusts.

Severus grunted as he picked up his pace, now pounding against Harry's ass, his grip nearly
bruising. Soft lips pressed into Draco's thigh and he looked down and found Harry's mouth pressed
into his skin, his eyes screwed shut as his orgasm ripped through his body. Draco ran his fingers
through his hair, gently crooning to him as Severus chased his orgasm. It was only a few more
thrusts, then Severus slammed home with a near-feral growl, and from Harry's gasp— a long,
drawn-out cry, it was evident that he was knotted for the first time. Then, Severus' teeth sank into
Harry's neck with a final push, their bodies rocking against each other as they bonded.
Carefully, Draco helped Harry lay on his side as Severus curled around the omega's back, pressing
gentle kisses against the newly made bond mark. He wasn't sure how long they would have to wait
for their turn, as each alpha's knot time varied, but until then, they would give Harry all he needed
to ensure this was his best heat yet.

When Severus was able to pull out, Harry was already squirming. His heat now fully bloomed,
nearly driving the rest of them into rut. Thankfully, someone had the foresight to request food and
water as the nearby tables were already laden with what they would need for the next few days.
Draco wasn't sure how long Harry's heat would last, but it wouldn't matter as long as he was happy,
sated, and content by the end of it—proving, beyond a doubt, that he had chosen well for his
alphas.

Draco slid down to lay next to Harry as Severus slowly pulled back, giving them space.

"Harry?" Draco asked, running two fingers down Harry's cheek. Glossy green eyes gazed back.
Harry's flushed face turned into his touch as he arched his back.

"Please, alpha. … Draco," Harry whined. "I need you,"

"I've got you."

And he did. Draco slid in easily and slowly, his eyes never once leaving Harry's. Then, with gentle
care, he thrust in as deep as he could, pressed hard, pulling a soft moan from his lover before he
pulled out and repeated the process. He knew, in heats and, more than likely, ruts in the future,
they would be a bit more rough, more fiery passion, but for their first time, Draco wanted to savor
every touch.

He found a rhythm for them, but he never tore his eyes away. He wanted to commit every
expression on his omega's face to memory. Never forget the absolute joy and privileged of being a
chosen mate for someone so extraordinary.

Before he knew it, his knot had already inflated enough to catch on Harry's rim. Despite not
wanting to be done so soon, Draco couldn't help but quicken his pace before finally plunging in as
deep as possible, locking them together. As his knot popped, Draco's elongated fangs buried into
the side of Harry's neck on the opposite side of Severus'. His hips jerked as he rode out his orgasm.
Harry's body tightened while he cried out his own orgasm as Draco bonded with him.

Slowly he lowered himself onto Harry, careful not to drop his entire weight on the omega. His face
was buried in Harry's neck as he lapped at the newly made bond while the fog slowly lifted from
his mind. Then, when he could slip free, Ron was there to curl up next to Harry, ready to take on
the next wave. Draco climbed out of the nest with a kiss; to clean up as much as he knew he should
without removing too much of Harry's scent. They would need to keep clean enough, but it was
best not to remove the omega's scent during a heat.

~Ά/β/Ω~

It didn't take long for Harry to be ready again, and Ron took Harry while lying on their sides. He
held Harry's leg up with one hand while Harry lay in the crook of his arm, and Ron petted his chest
with his other hand. Ron whispered words of love and praise the entire time while Harry sobbed
from the pleasure and onslaught of emotions. It was evident that their years together had
accumulated to this point, finally joining together as they were always meant to be. When Ron bit
into the back-side of Harry's neck, close to Draco's, Harry sobbed and cried out, while Ron's eyes
were filled with tears. Joy, love, and the promise of a happy lifetime permeated the air from their
scents.
Ron stayed with Harry for longer after his knot deflated and slipped free. They whispered to each
other between kisses until Neville's impatience got the better of him, and he slipped in beside
Harry, laying kisses on the omega's shoulder. Ron departed from the nest with a final laugh and
chaste kiss before he went to wipe himself down.

~Ά/β/Ω~

Neville's alpha wasn't willing to wait for Harry's omega to be ready again, but he also didn't push to
take Harry before he was willing either. Instead, he lavished Harry's body from head to his toes.
Kissing as much skin as possible, biting down just enough to leave imprints around Harry's nipples,
inner thighs, and even a single one near his ankle. By the time Harry was ready to go again,
Neville was already hard, red, and dripping so much it left a puddle beneath him.

With careful ease, Neville moved Harry to his hands and knees, praising him the entire time.

"You're doing wonderful, Harry. You're such a good omega. Love how you feel," Neville's praise
poured from his lips like summer rain. And Harry purred and moaned for every word.

Like the alphas before him, Neville took his time, treasuring every touch, every moment shared
between them. He, like the others, knew that there would be a time for more passionate play when
there would be more than just the two of them, but for this first time, he was grateful to have the
omega all to himself. Neville struggled to hold off his knot, pulling back from the precipice of
orgasm while his entire body trembled with every thrust. Harry had fallen, clutching a pillow to his
face, drool pooling on the thick fabric, a constant flow of incomprehensible words and moans
flowing from his lips. His body rocked forward with each of Neville's sharp thrusts. It was too
soon, and Neville had to pull Harry up to sit in his lap as he pistons his hips up into the omega's
sloppy hole. Previous alpha's cum frothing and slipping down Harry's thighs like an ocean wave
crashing against the shore. Neville growled as his knot expanded and locked them into place, and
he continued to growl when his teeth locked into Harry's neck, just millimeters from Severus' mark.
As Harry cried out in pure pleasure, his cock was no longer able to spit any more fluid while his
dry orgasm racked his body. Neville held him tight and securely as they rode out their high.

Neville eased them into the nest of pillows and blankets as they came down. Mindful of the
moisture that had accumulated in the piles. Severus waved his hand with wandless magic, quickly
cleaning up the messes and allowing Neville to adjust them easier. Within minutes, Harry was
asleep, still held secure by Neville's arms and knot. A soft purr of contentment filled the chamber
as three more alphas stroked their cocks lazily, waiting for their turn.

~Ά/β/Ω~

When Harry wakes hours later, Blaise is there to entice him to eat and drink water. However, it
takes the help of the others to get Harry to have a meal's worth before the omega was practically
begging to be knotted again. With his strength renewed, Harry practically pounced on Blaise, his
wings stretched wide and a manic smile on his face as he straddled Blaise's waist.

"Are you going to give me what I want, Alpha, or do I have to find another knot to fill me?" Harry
teased, his eyes nearly black with lust, his slick already leaking so much it slides down his legs and
gathered where Harry's skin pressed against Blaise's

"That won't be necessary, Harry. Mine is more than ready to fill you to the brim," Blaise retaliated
with a press of his hips up into Harry's ass, his cock between wet cheeks.

Harry hummed, a smirk playing on his lips as he slid back, leaving a trail of slick along Blaise's
body as he pressed against the spongy head of his cock.
"Do you want me to prep you? It's been hours," Blaise tried to offer, but Harry didn't stop. Instead,
he reached around and guided Blaise's cock to his hole and, with ease, engulfed the thick length to
the base.

Blaise groaned softly while Harry sank on his cock. They both held still for a moment, Harry
needing a moment to get used to the intrusion and Blaise to keep from knotting too soon. However,
Harry was already rocking his hips as his eyes fluttered close within moments. Blaise ran his hands
over Harry's thighs as he minutely pushes up into his lover, but Harry pressed down with his hands
to still him, and he obeyed like a good alpha. Harry switched from grinding when he pulled up until
Blaise's cock was nearly popping out before he slammed back down. Then, in a snap, Harry rode
him so hard Blaise feared he might get bruised on his pelvis.

He kind of hopes he does.

Harry doesn't let up either. He doesn't let Blaise jerk his hips in time. He was only allowed to lay
there and be Harry's joyride. Perhaps the others had been too soft, too gentle, and the omega had
had enough of being treated like a china doll. Maybe he got his fill of the tenderness and now
wanted the flames. Either way, Blaise wasn't about to argue. Harry looked glorious, riding his cock
like he was some prize bull. His head was thrown back, his mouth open, and he panted with every
downward slam of his hips. His hands dug into Blaise's abs, sure to leave marks behind, like
badges on honor.

"Harry," Blaise grunted when holding back became too much. He wanted... no, needed to slam up
into his omega. He needed to show his power and take back a sliver of control.

He wrapped his hands around Harry's waist while digging his heels into the nest and thrust so high
it raised Harry's knees off the pillows. Harry cried out, but he didn't stop. He growled in a pleasing
note that Blaise could feel in his chest. So, he did it repeatedly, meeting Harry with every roll of
their hips.

"Touch yourself," Blaise demanded, but Harry shook his head in defiance.

"Want to cum from your knot, alpha," Harry gritted through his teeth, his eyes scrunched tight as
his orgasm tightened in his core. "Oh, fuck!" he cursed as he suddenly bent forward, his body
trembling as a stream of omega seed painted a masterpiece across Blaise's dark skin.

As the warm spunk slid down his ribs while Harry's hole clenched tightly around his length,
Blaise's knot formed quickly, and he quickened his pace to keep up, pressing deeper and deeper
into his omega. Then, suddenly, he sat up, yanking Harry forward by the back of his neck, and
slammed the smaller man down into his lap. Down, onto his engorging knot, locking them into
place, as he sank his teeth into Harry's neck just below Severus' mark. He came so hard that his
mind and vision whited out as he shook through his orgasm. For a few minutes, they sat there,
holding onto each other before Blaise carefully pulled them back into the nest to lay down and wait
out his knot.

The twins were last. They slid into the nest after Blaise climbed out on wobbly legs.

"Do you want us one at a time, Harry?" George asked.

"Or together?" Fred finished.

Still slightly dazed from his last knot, Harry smiled softly at them, leaning back into George's
chest, stroking Fred's cheek to his chin, and letting a finger play across his lips. Taking a moment
to clear his head and think.

"Together," Harry said with a yawn.

"Alright," they respond in perfect unison.

But they give him time first. To drink, have a snack, and rest. It's almost dawn when the twins
entered his nest, the others napping nearby on pillows and thin mattresses just outside Harry's nest.
The sound of water running from the en suite as Blaise wipes down is the only sound as Harry
drifted off for a nap. The twins curled around him to give him comfort and to feel secure.

~Ά/β/Ω~

By the time Harry woke again, the sun was higher in the sky, and the birds chirped loudly while
they flew around the tower. Fred and George were wrapped around him, softly snoring. The need to
be filled still lingered, but the desperation for it was tapering off. That didn't stop him from
wanting, though. He had had all of his other alphas, and he still craved them. His omega was not
entirely satisfied until he had all of them.

It didn't take much to wake the twins. A simple mew, a little chirp close to Fred's ear, pressing
back against George's groin, and suddenly he had a pair of hands roaming over his skin.

"Morning, Love bird," one of them said softly against his skin, mixed with a lazy kiss.

"MMmm. I guess the saying is true. The early bird does get the worm," the other said with a laugh,
then a groan as Harry wrapped his hand around the length in front of him, stroking it firmly.
Feather-like teasing will have to wait for another day. Today is about filling his needs by getting
filled. He moaned at the thought.

"Need you," he mumbled as a pair of teeth sink just hard enough to leave imprints against his
shoulder. "Need both of you," he says a bit stronger, arching into their touches.

The sound of birds chirping is slowly drowned out by the shifting of bodies and men's voices in the
room, from the heavy breathing of the three in the center to the groans of those waking to
appreciate the view from outside the nest.

"What a sight to wake up to," Blaise said, his hand already wrapped around his cock.

Neville nods in agreement as he bites down on his bottom lip. Ron lay on his makeshift bed, laying
on his stomach with his head resting on his arms, folded under his head. Slowly he begins to
undulate his hips against the thin mattress as he watched the three in the center. Severus, having
found a soft robe, so dark green it's nearly black, the night before, leaned against the wall, a cup of
coffee already in one hand, while his other stroked down along his length since he left the robe
open. Draco stood and stretched out his body, popping in a few places, then grabbed a bunch of
grapes, walked over to his godfather, and laid down to rest his head in Severus' lap. The older alpha
ran his hands through Draco's fine strands of hair, stealing a grape or two as they watched the twins
slowly take Harry apart in the nest.

George sat up only to slide between Harry's legs, engulfing the omega's thick cock into his waiting
mouth.

"Always wondered what I looked like giving head," Fred teased.

Harry would have given a snarky response back, but George was currently deep-throating him, and
he forgot how to formulate words for a moment, and a low moan was all he was capable of. The
men around him laughed in amusement. He wanted to roll his hips, shove even more of his dick
down George's mouth, and see how far he could go, but George held his hips down as he bobbed
his head along Harry's length—only gagging a few times. Being of average size, Harry was still
girthier than average, making it a bit of a challenge to take him to the base. A challenge George
was determined to win as he took a little more each time. By the time he had his nose buried in
Harry's black pubes, he was slightly choking on the fat cock down his throat and breathing through
his nose as best as possible. When he constricted his throat, it tightened around the head of Harry's
cock, and he nearly lost it right then. But before he could, the alpha pulled back and gave himself a
chance to properly breathe as he laid kisses against the scent glands on his inner thighs.

The twins took turns tormenting Harry in the best possible ways. From switching back and forth on
giving him head to eating him out like he was their last meal. As Fred sucked, kissed, and dived
into his hole, George had half his cock down Harry's throat, slowly easing it in and out as he rolled
his hips. When they brought him close to the edge, they backed off and turned into a new position,
where Fred kissed him deeply so Harry could taste himself on Fred's lips, as George used his
fingers to stretch him open. When George lined the head of his cock up to Harry's entrance, Fred
already had his mouth wrapped around Harry's nipple as he pinched the other one.

While George found a steady pace, Fred slid his cock down Harry's throat easing it back and forth,
keeping a firm but gentle hand around Harry's throat to steady him. Together they synchronized
their movements, and Harry fell into a blissed-out haze. George hit his prostate dead on with every
thrust, and Fred's cock filled his mouth and throat perfectly. But instead of letting George knot him,
Harry pulled off Fred and then pushed George back, pulling him out.

"Harry?"

"I want you both," Harry admitted.

"You have us, Love," Fred tried to bring him back to what they were doing, but Harry pulled back.

"No, I mean… I want you both. … At the same time," Harry's cheeks pinked darker through the
sexual flush that already covered them.

Fred and George looked at each other in understanding and moved, so their legs overlapped,
bringing their lengths flush together.

"Are you sure about this?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, I want you at the same time," he said with a hungry expression.

Once the twins were in position, Harry climbed in the middle, taking them in hand. Among the
three of them, they carefully pushed their spongy heads into his dripping hole. Then, ever so
slowly, he sank on both their cocks. They had to still for a moment, to keep from cumming. Then,
when Harry was ready, he lifted himself and plunged back down. The room echoed with their
mingled moans. The heat that had been burning in Harry's veins burst into renewed flames, and
soon, he was bouncing on their cocks, taking them as deep as he possibly could. He knew it would
be impossible to take both their knots at once, but he wouldn't need to with how thick they were.
He felt so full, so filled, his entire body burned with pleasure. Fred and George kept their hands on
him to keep him from bouncing off as they tried to create as much friction for their own needs.

Already having been edged for so long it didn't take long before Harry's gut tightened, alerting him
to his impending finish. He pulled at the twins, begging them to bond him. They wouldn't be able
to knot him, but he needed their bond. He needed to feel complete. They sat up as best as they
could, turning Harry so he was facing one without losing too much steam riding them. As he
neared his orgasm, he cried out for them to mark him.

"Please. … I need … Mark me. I need…" he managed to say as he slammed his hips down.

Fred and George (and perhaps with a bit of magical help from the others) were able to get close
enough to get their mouths on Harry's throat. And when Harry screamed out his orgasm, they bit
down right in his glands, just like all the others, their orgasms ripping through them as they did.
When they finally released from each other, they slid down into the pillows, the twins pulling out
with ease from Harry as they had filled him to the brim. They hadn't knotted him, but they still
knotted against each other, filling him with a double load.

They laid down in the nest, panting, returning from their high. The others in the room groaned,
making it known they wished they were in there with him.

As Harry laid against George's chest, Fred curled up behind him, petting his side. They spent some
time relaxing in their afterglow.

"Is it weird that three of your alphas are brothers?" Blaise asked.

"Don't care. Because they're mine, you're all mine." Harry said, and it was obvious that everyone
agreed by the amount of pride that seeped into the air from all the alphas. "Mine mine mine mine,"
Harry kept chanting as he laid kisses on George's chest. "All mine," he said to the laughter of his
mates. "Going to keep you forever."

"Which is why we haven't said anything about it," Fred said, then pulled Harry into a deep kiss.

Once they pulled back from their kiss, Harry moved from between the twins and crawled forward,
ignoring his nakedness as they pulled the soiled sheet back over their lower halves. "You should all
get used to being intimate with each other anyway since we'll be spending the rest of our lives
together." He stood up in the middle of the nest, stretching his arms high into the air, popping the
cracks in his back: bite marks, purple and red splotches decorating his body. "Severus, I need my
robe," he reached a grabby hand out to his alpha prime. Severus rolled his eyes, but his smirk
betrayed his amusement.

Once dressed, Harry was given a plate of food and a tall glass of chilled water. His heat was
calming down, but he could tell it would burn again soon enough. Thankfully he had plenty of
alphas to keep him satisfied. The Twins eventually left the nest to wipe down and get food, while
Ron and Draco used delicate cleaning spells to vanish the excess fluids without disrupting the
scents that permeated the nest.

With all his alphas on the outside of the nest, Harry sat directly in the middle, while he enjoyed his
food.

Severus sat on the edge of the nest, his legs draped over the edge, with his toes buried under a soft
blanket when Draco came over to cuddle with him. At first, they only sat close to each other, but
then Draco nuzzled into Severus's neck, leaving kisses and kitten licks against the alpha's gland.
Without hesitation, Severus pulls him down with a fist in the back of his hair and kissed him
deeply. After that Draco swiftly moves into Severus' lap, deepening the kiss and using as much
tongue as possible. Severus kisses him back as deeply as his hands roamed over Draco's body.
Then, not wanting to be left out, Blaise gave a slight whine. He crawled over and kisses Severus'
neck, whispering into his ear.

"We've always had a huge crush on you," Blaise admits. "So glad our omega likes to share," he
adds.

Draco would agree, but he's too busy exploring Severus' mouth and neck to speak up. So the three
continue to snog, giving the rest a show. Harry watches, intrigued but doesn't feel the need to join,
as he finds watching just as enjoyable.

"I love seeing my alphas together," he encourages them.

Ron, noticing the tent in Harry's robe, slipped down into the nest and moves the robe aside, spreads
his omega's legs, and sits between them, engulfing Harry's flaccid cock in his mouth. "Ron, what
are you doing?" Harry asks in pleasant shock.

Ron pulls back long enough just to answer. "It's called cock warming. I'm just going to keep you
warm," he explains with a grin, then pulls Harry's cock back into his mouth.

Harry gasps and slides his fingers through Ron's hair keeping his eyes on the threesome before
him. Draco is quickly undressing Severus with Blaise's help. Meanwhile, Fred and George share an
identical smile and slide around Neville. Sharing him between them, as they pull him into a deep
kiss, hands exploring his body. Harry glanced back, now torn between the two groups.

"Move up here, so I can watch you as well," he practically orders.

Fred and George move Neville closer so they're in view of Harry but not invading the Slytherin's
space. Ron keeps his mouth still, his tongue gently pressed to the underside of Harry's cock but not
doing more than that. But he doesn't need to do much of anything for Harry to fill out his mouth
and get painfully hard. Draco slides down between Severus' legs taking the alpha prime's length
into his mouth. He licks and kisses it enthusiastically while Blaise nips and sucks along Severus'
neck, his arms wrapped around pinching Severus' nipples. Severus groans and lets his head fall
back onto the floor, pushing Blaise out of the way. He pulls Blaise to straddle his face and
swallows the alpha's cock down his throat without warning. Making Blaise groan in appreciation.

Meanwhile, George is sucking down Neville's cock, while Fred ruts up against Neville's ass, his
hands roaming all over Neville's body. Harry wonders if George has a thing for sucking cock, not
that he could blame him. Harry gasped aloud when two fingers easily slid into his wet hole.
Already sloppy from the amount of slick that seeped from it—mixed with the seamen left behind
from the twins.

"You're cheating, Ronnykins," Fred laughs, and Ron responds by flipping him the bird, his mouth
never leaving Harry's cock, which has grown to its entire length.

Blaise's moan brings Harry's attention back to the Slytherins as Severus has a firm grip on Blaise's
hips forcing the alpha to fuck his throat while he moans around the thick length. But then, the
moans may be from how Draco is determined to shove as much of Snape's cock down his own
throat, pressing his face into black pubes, then pulling back to breathe and before doing it again.

Neville cursed when George sucked him so hard it caused him to curl in on himself as he spilled
down George's throat. "Fuck."

Ron kept moving his fingers, easily finding Harry's g-spot and hitting it every time he shoved them
up into his omega. And instead of keeping his mouth still, he hollowed his cheeks and was
currently trying to suck Harry's soul through his dick.

"Fuck, Ron," Harry whined, his grip tightening in Ron's hair, holding him close, not wanting to
lose that warmth around his cock.
Blaise growled out his pleasure when Severus grabbed his ass cheeks and used them to pump his
dick deep into the alpha prime's throat. His tone, dark body trembling from the pleasure that racked
him.

Draco's hand was between his legs, moving swiftly on his cock, jerking himself to completion, his
cum spurting against the edge of the nest as Severus moaned and emptied his balls down Draco's
throat.

The room was filled with lustful cries of completion and ongoing acts of pleasure that continued
for the rest of the day and far into the next. It wasn't until the fourth morning that Harry finally felt
sated and no longer in heat. The entire group was curled around in the nest, a tangle of naked limbs
and bodies wrapped around each other as they all had some body part or another touching Harry.

The distant cry of a rooster mingled with the chirping of the winter sparrows slowly brought them
back from their dreams.

"How do you feel, Harry?" Neville asked, his hair nearly as messy as Harry's on a good day.

Harry hummed happily, his body never feeling better in all his life. Even with the soreness and
littered with marks, scratches, and bites. "So good," he purred. The soft vibration was echoed back
by the alphas around him.

Eventually, they rose, stretching and yawning, waking themselves for the day, but a soft question
caught everyone's attention.

"When did you get a tattoo?"

"What?"

"Wait… you have one too. There, on your left wrist."

Suddenly there was a flurry of movement, and everyone was looking down at their wrist. For
Harry, there was nothing there, but for everyone else, there was a brilliant tattoo of a phoenix in
bright reds and gold, just like his feathers. The most amazing was how the new tattoo somehow
took the place of the dark mark on both Severus and Draco. The two ex-Death eaters sat
speechless, silent tears sliding down their faces.

"What does this mean?"

"It means…" Blaise started to say, but Severus interrupted him.

"We have been marked as Harry's soulmates. His omegan phoenix has chosen us to be his
soulmates," Severus explained with choked-off words.

They all looked at Harry, who had a broad smile.

 Happily Ever After
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

It was a little carved box, smooth and worn with age, hardly bigger than Harry’s hand, and it held,
of all things, a little stack of trading cards. Quidditch. The oldest was issued over sixty years ago
and from teams all over Europe. Harry had looked them over, closed up the box, and set it into the
larger storage crate, which he closed and, with a tap of his wand, sealed,

And that was it. The last item. The last crate.

The last of Sirius’ things.

Harry stood in a room empty save for old, sturdy furniture and began to really feel some peace.

The school year had ended over a month ago. It had been the best year of Harry’s life if he were
being honest. Once he had his mates, he was able to settle within himself fully. No one tried to
push themselves on him after their first heat. It was rather hard to ignore seven claim marks, and
his alphas did everything in their power to call attention to their soulmarks.

When the year had ended, they had all agreed to follow him home. Magic rather took the
guesswork out of logistics. It didn’t matter where they lived, everyone was able to get where they
needed to be for work or errands. And Harry did own a rather large house already.

With seven alphas dedicated to the task, three of whom were not afraid to delve into some darker
spells, they made significant progress in turning Grimmauld Place into a vibrant and lively home.
The house-elf heads had been the first thing to go. Draco couldn’t bear to stare at them. Then, with
both his and Harry’s permission, the immense tapestry of the Black family tree. Draco assured him
that there were other recordings kept in secure vaults in Gringotts and that they certainly didn’t
need to keep that horrid thing around.

And Harry still isn’t sure what Neville did to the portrait of Sirius’ mother. Only that he woke one
morning to a bare wall at the end of the hall and didn’t press when a haggard-looking Neville told
him it was ‘taken care of.’

Harry was very glad for the help. Blaise had a flair for color, and the twins had connections on
Diagonally that soon had the sprawling rooms decked out in plush velvet sofas and lounges, warm
rugs, and colorful tapestries filled all the spaces he would have never thought of. And for the first
time since fifth year, Harry was happy to be living there.

His only request had been to be the one to pack up Sirius’ room. Alone.

Sirius had hated it there. He’d run away when he was a kid and had been forced back as an adult on
the run. There had never been a time when he would have chosen to be there. It was time for Harry
to stop holding him there in spirit. He went through everything. He was trying not to be nosy, even
now, but needed to know what he was tucking away. There were many stashes of photos, mainly of
the four marauders and Lily. None of them showed his father's wings, and he was beginning to
realize that James Potter probably was more comfortable without them.

Which was understandable. They did make certain things, like narrow stairways or laying on your
back, difficult.
Harry had kept a few of them back, but the rest had gone into storage as well as Sirius’ things
would go in the attic for now.

There was a light rapping on the door, but Harry had already caught the scent of smokey scotch
and cherries. He turned with a small smile and said, “I’m done now. You can come in.”

Severus had chosen not to enter the room before all of Sirius' things were put away. He hadn’t felt
right invading the privacy of someone who had hated him in life. So instead, he cast a piercing eye
over the room. It was neat and bland. Ready for Blaise and the twins to turn it into…whatever it
was they were planning now. He was relatively confident he had heard someone mention a pack
nest. Severus slipped his hand through an opening in Harry’s robes and scratched lightly at his
back. Harry had begun trying to keep his wings “up,” as he called it. Pushing them back into his
body with his magic. It had taken a few more heats, but his alphas had helped him find the balance
to start really trying. It still felt nice to have them out, though. To stretch them. To let his alphas
brush and massage them. But they would have only gotten in the way while cleaning.

The worst part was that they tended to itch while they were put away. Blaise said it would pass,
eventually. But right, Severus ran his nails over just the right places and….

It was bliss.

“It looks nice here. How are you feeling?”

He didn’t have to ask. Everyone knew it would be hard to pack away his godfather’s things, but.
Harry looked to the last crate and couldn’t help but smile. “He hated this place as it was. He would
be happy that we’re making it a real home.” He turned back to Severus with a bright smile, tucking
himself close to his alpha’s chest. His stomach growled loudly before he could say more, causing
the rumble in Severus’ chest to turn into a rolling laugh.

“Come on, little bird. I think they’re nearly finished with lunch.” Severus wrapped an arm around
his shoulders and led him from the room and down to the main floor. The halls were painted a
cheery sky blue, the floorboards were resurfaced and polished to a high sheen, and fluffy rugs now
dotted the halls, creating warmth where there had been none before. They descended stairs that no
longer creaked, and the paintings on the walls were now portraits or photos of Harry’s alphas from
their childhood and a few that had been taken of all of them over the last year as well.

As they descended the stairs to the kitchen, the voices of the others came into focus, and it
sounded amicable enough. They had taken to doing a majority of the chores, freeing up Harry to fix
up rooms and his nest at his own pace. The sight that greeted them as they entered the large
kitchen was one that he was quickly growing used to. And found that he rather enjoyed.

Blaise and Draco moved around the table, laying out plates, silverware, and freshly pressed cloth
napkins. Ron stood at one end of the counter filling glasses with water and wine to be placed on the
table, Neville was close by chopping up some greens and delicious-looking vegetables for salads,
and the twins worked together to finish up the cooking. Harry didn’t need to be told that Severus
ran the kitchen before he came up to get him. Though as far as cooking was concerned, the twins
were actually quite skilled themselves.

Harry purred at the sight of all his alphas getting along, allowing himself to be guided to the head
of the table. He settled in the chair as the conversation continued.

“All I’m saying is it’s unfair,” Draco said with a pout. As he passed Harry to grab more forks, he
bestowed a chaste kiss on his messy black locks. “Everyone else will be able to come back at the
end of the day. There will be nesting, bonding, and sex, and I won’t be here.”
Harry turned his head to hide his smile, meeting Severus’ shining eyes in the process. However,
when Severus spoke, he sounded far more stern and serious than Harry knew he was feeling. “You
did not have to accept the position, Draco. There were plenty of other candidates, I’m sure.”

Draco went so far as to growl lightly at the head alpha, “you don’t get to talk, Mr. Now that I’m
Mated, I Guess I’ll Quit!”

“When did you change your name?” Fred asked, pointing an oven mitted hand at Severus in
accusation. “George, did you know about this?”

“It’s a hiatus,” Severus said smoothly. He crossed the room and took up the platter of roast chicken
to bring to the table. “It isn’t permanent yet.”

“You knew I was going to accept the position as Potions Master, and now I’m the only Slytherin
professor in the whole school! So I have no choice but to be there constantly to fill in as Head of
House.” Draco huffed. Much to his frustration, this outbreak was simply met with a round of
giggling and light-hearted ribbing.

When everything had settled down, but Draco was still fuming silently, Harry cleared his throat. “I
think it’s time you told him, Neville.”

Neville paused in setting down a plate of salad in front of Harry but gave him a small smile before
making his way to Draco, wrapping his arms around him and propping his chin on Draco’s
shoulder.

“Don’t pout, Draco. You aren’t going to be left alone.”

Draco’s shoulders had stiffened when he first felt Neville at his back, but he quickly relaxed into
the hold. He gave Neville a curious look over his shoulder. “Oh, and how’s that?”

Neville smiled and nuzzled into Draco’s neck, “because I accepted the position as the new
Herbology professor and the new Head of House for Gryffindor,” he squeezed Draco tightly, “so,
how do you feel about coming home to me when we can’t make it back to the pack?”

Harry swore he could smell Draco’s scent get sweeter from across the room. He shared a smile
with Severus, leaned next to him for a kiss, and cuddled into his side. Harry and Severus had been
the only ones to know that Neville had accepted the position and that he had been waiting for the
right moment to tell the others, especially Draco, that he wouldn’t be around as much.

“I suppose that means we’re settled then,” George said, bringing over a tureen of gravy to sit on the
table, “Draco and Neville will be together at Hogwart. Kudos on going back there after finally
getting free, you funky weirdos.”

“Ronnikins will come to work with us,” Fred cut in, placing a bowl of potatoes down, “good choice
there, brother.”

“Yeah, well, helping you expand your shop is better than trudging through ministry work, so…”
He trailed off, sitting a basket of rolls within reach for Harry before sitting down on his other side.

“And Blaise has modeling,” George said as he and Fred took their places on either side of Blaise.

Blaise sighed in fond exasperation as he clarified for the hundredth time, “I’m a consultant.”

“For Witch Weekly, Wizard Talk, and teen mag, what’s it called?” Fred asked.
George filled in, “The Cauldron.”

“That’s it!”

“I’m just a consultant,” Blaise said again.

“A consultant who ends up with his photo in every issue he works on.” Draco teased as he and
Neville took up seats next to Severus.

“That’s not my doing,” Blaise said emphatically, leading to a mildly heated discussion over
semantics and Blaise needing to just accept his career as a heart throbby model.

Severus picked up the knife and began carving the chicken, giving the first piece to Harry. No one
else would reach for the food until he was served, a rule of etiquette that Severus hadn’t needed to
work too hard to enforce.

Harry really did have the best alphas.

“Have you thought about what you might want to do?” He asked, reaching for the potatoes to ladle
onto Harry’s plate.

Harry cast his gaze over the table, the twins cuddling up with a blushing Blaise, Draco leaning into
Neville’s side as they laughed good-naturedly at the trio. Ron watched them all with a fond smile.
And Severus. His rock. If Harry was the center of the pack, Severus was the foundation they all
relied on.

His heart was full. He was loved, cherished, and taken care of. His dreams of being an auror had
faded quite a bit. It turned out that not having to worry about dark wizards was better than he had
thought it could be. He knew that he could probably get a job at Hogwarts if he wanted. He was
more than qualified to become the next DADA professor, yet…taking a break from it all to settle
with his loves sounded like a much better idea.

Really, there was only one thing Harry could think of that might make life even better, as
magnificent as it was.

He smiled up at Severus, “well…now that Sirius’ room is put away, I had some thoughts.”

“Oh, about making a pack nest?” Blaise, sensing a safe topic changer, leaned towards Harry. “I
have some catalogs I’d like to show you!”

Severus set his full plate in front of him and took up another, dolling out chicken before passing it
off to Draco next to him. Then, working together, the alphas filled up and passed out plates among
each other.

Harry wiggled in his chair, a little nervous but very excited to finally voice something that had
been on his mind for a while now.

“I think a pack nest is a great idea. But Sirius’ room is too far from everything else. So I was
thinking we could turn one of the less-used rooms into the pack nest.”

Everyone nodded. Fred said, “the drawing room on the second floor is bigger, and it will be closer
to everyone’s rooms.”

“Well,” Harry bit his lip, “I was actually thinking we could move the music room from the first
floor into Sirius’ old room.” At the questioning looks, he said, “no one really plays the piano or
 whatever, and it's rather centrally located….besides.” He took a deep breath, “I thought the second-
floor drawing room….Well, I thought it would make a great nursery.”

Silence followed his words. Everyone’s eyes had grown large and wide. Then, finally, Harry
rushed on, “not, you know, for right now! I’m not…not yet. Maybe not for a while. I was just
thinking.”

Suddenly the room erupted, and Harry was surrounded by a hoard of excited, over-eager alphas.
There were lips on his face, neck, and arms, hands and arms touching and squeezing him from all
sides, and countless growls and praises. Harry started and lost control of his wings in the
excitement, causing them to spring up from the sleek tattoos on his back.

Their arrival deterred no one.

Harry wasn’t sure he was ready to be a parent right at that moment, but it was something he wanted
to genuinely consider now that he was safe, stable, and surrounded by love. He knew whenever he
chose to bring life into the world, they would be cherished just as he was, and that, for the moment,
was enough.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you everyone for sticking with us on this journey with omega Harry and his
harem of alphas. It has been a fun ride and both Matron and I have had a lot of fun
writing this story. We hope to see you all back for our newest stories, but also for next
year's Harry Potter Omegaverse week!

We love you all!! Thank you!

End Notes

Kudos and comments are always welcome. (They give us life. Like a flower needing
sunshine and water!)

You can find Ars Matron over here: Ars_Matron

And you can find me on Tumblr: Diamond Winters or Twitter Diamond Winters

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