Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One- Prince Charming 

Five years old. The birthday that changes every wizard or witch's life forever. At five years old, a magical child's hormones will shift and present the kid's second gender- Alpha, Beta, or Omega. 

Alphas will start to show dominating traits, as well as begin to gain muscle, strength, bravery. Beta is the most neutral second gender- Not much changing physically or mentally within the child. Giving them almost complete control of their future. Finally, Omegas. The rarest of them all. Omegas are natural caregivers, possessing extreme maternal traits that will only help them grow a loving family. Physically they are daintier, with softer feminine features. 

But, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy don't need to go on worrying about omegas. 

For, there has never been a male omega presenting in the history of Malfoy AND Black family trees. Since their only heir is a strong, stubborn little boy… What could go wrong? 

-*-*-*-*-*

June 5th, 1985

" What do you mean he presented OMEGA-"

The newly appointed healer winced back at Mr. Malfoy's sharp tone, " Um- Well, we did the standardized Gender Classification test, and… The results came back as omega, sir." 

At this point, Narcissa was in tears- Holding her five year old son with fear. While smoke was nearly coming out of Lucius's ears. 

This was it- Narcissa's greatest fear. The pure blood society would never approve of the Malfoy Omega boy. And Lucius would never do anything to sabotage his reputation. 

The whole way back to the manor, Cissy held her boy close. Whispering sweet nothings into the confused child's ear. 

" Why you cwying, Mama?" 

The tears poured harder. 

" Oh, dragon. It is nothing… Mother is just so proud of you, You're going to make a lovely omega someday. "

The platinum blonde boy gleamed at the praise- Rarely did Malfoys show such affection. 

" I'll the bestest om-omaga there is! And mama will be the mostest proud!!" 

Narcissa smiled sadly at her offspring. For, she knew exactly what she had to do. 

-*-*-*-*-*

That night, Narcissa Malfoy escaped the manor with her son. 

She convinced a house elf, Dobby, to apparate them to Muggle London. Dobby was weary at first- To go against his master's blatant orders, but one look at the fear in Cissy's eyes, and they were off. 

You see, Narcissa had a plan. She knew the minute the doctor said the word 'Omega' that her boy was a goner. Lucius would never allow their heir to be omega, but Narcissa wasn't going to let him be killed. 

That brings her here, at the doorstep of the local orphanage in Muggle London. With tears in her eyes, she crouches down to eye level with the five year old. 

She meets his gaze, his sparkling slate gray eyes and feels her soul slowly disappear. 

" Dragon, hunny. I need you to be brave for me, alright? You need to remember that Mother loves you, and is only doing this to try and protect you." 

The blonde boy only grins, " Of course Mama loves me, silly! But Imma big boy. I pwotect myself!" 

A broken laugh escapes her mouth, all she wants to do is cry. Yet, the tears are no more. 

" Yes you do, Dragon. You are the bravest boy there is, I'll always love you." 

With one last kiss on his forehead, Narcissa reaches into her robe pocket and pulls out a wand and- 

Obliviate 

.

.

.

She runs, leaving the small five year old boy no memories of his past life, except for the first name

Draco. 

*-*-*-*-*-*

July 28th, 1985

A month. A whole month since Draco was found by the Orphanage director, Anne Walt. A whole month of questioning the scared boy.

'Where's your parents?' ' Do you know where you live?' ' What is your whole name?' 

A whole month of nothing. Nothing but tears and the name 'Draco'. A whole month before the boy's case was finally removed from Missing and switched to Abandoned. 

A whole month of lonely nights, frightful encounters with other kids, and confusing questions Draco knew no answers to. 

A whole month before Draco met a girl with bushy hair. 

.

.

.

" Hi! What's your name?' 

Draco jumped from his position on the frumpy bed. He paled in shock as he looked up to the stranger. 

It was a girl. She looked slightly older than Draco, ( Not that Draco actually KNEW his age), and slightly taller too.

She had dark skin with even darker giant brown eyes. And when she smiled, she revealed a set of buck teeth. 

Draco took a minute- Studying the girl, trying to figure out if she'd hurt him like the older kids.

Reluctantly, he declared her harmless. 

" M' Draco…" The blonde whispered shyly, fear lacing his words. 

" Draco? Like the constellation? Oh, I read about that in a book my Daddy got me! It's a wonderful name, really. Means Dragon in Latin!" The bushy haired girl rambled, her speech far more sophisticated than her years. 

" I guess…" 

" I'm Granger, by the way. Hermione Granger, but you can call me 'Mione. Sorry about the ramble, I just really enjoy reading and well… I don't have many friends so I got excited and well-" 

Draco felt himself perk up. Friends? She doesn't have friends either? 

" You… You don't have fwiends?" 

Draco's crassness caused Hermione's ears to tint red. A sign of embarrassment. 

"U-uh, yeah. Kids don't like me very much. They call me a Know-it-all or bossy, but I'm just trying to fit in, really." 

Draco let out a sheepish smile for the first time since meeting the girl. 

He looks down, scratching the back of his neck nervously, " The kids here called me a fweak cause I can't wememmber my family…" 

Hermione's eyes widen in surprise, before her buck teeth form an ear to ear grin. 

" We can be each other's friends! We could be like the fairy tales about best friends who stick with each other through it all!" 

The fear and nerves Draco was feeling before have long since vanished. A new feeling fills its place.  

Excitement? Longing? Happiness?

Acceptance? 

"... I'd like that."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

So, it began. 

An unlikely duo, yes. But an unbreakable one. Hermione and Draco spent hours talking, laughing, finally feeling understood. Two souls lost and lonely found comfort in each other's company. 

" W-What are you dwoing here anyway?" The tiny blonde questioned after Hermione's long rant about her parents dentistry practice. 

"Oh! My parents and I are here to find a new brother or sister! Well, I actually kind of wandered off- Their probably looking for me." 

And as if Hermione's words were a summoning, The Granger couple came bustling through the heavy doors into the boy's living quarters. 

" Hermione Jean Granger! How dare you run off like that! We were worried sick!" The petite woman with long, beautiful curls screams.  

This caused Draco to shrink back in terror, obviously afraid that the woman would punish him for talking to her daughter. 

The ungodly tall man happened to take notice of this action, " Marcy, calm down. You're scaring this poor boy." 

The curly haired woman, Marcy, immediately softens. Her fierce eyes move from her daughter and onto the widened eyes of the blonde. 

" Oh dear, I apologize. I was so focused on my runaway daughter to notice company. I'm not mad at you, sweetheart," Marcy says guiltily. 

Hermione cuts in before Draco can manage a stuttery response. 

" Mum, I'm sorry! I was just so excited to find a new sibling! And when I met Draco I totally forgot to tell you."

Hermione swelled with an urge to protect the boy that she didn't quite understand, but she knew she wouldn't let anything harm Draco. 

Hermione's defensiveness shocked the couple, since she always chose reason over feelings. Why would she care so much about some boy? 

Macy sighs, letting her anger subside drastically, "Well then, might as well introduce us to the young man." 

Hermione perked up, " Of course! Mum, Daddy, this is Draco- My new best friend!" 

Draco's heart grew at the words 'Best friend', the comfort of her voice fighting his fear away. 

The tall man smiled at his daughter, " Best friend, huh? Well Draco, my name is Charles and this is my lovely wife Macy." 

Charles held out a hand, which Draco reluctantly took. For the first time, Draco decided to meet the man's gaze. 

That's when Charles felt it. 

The overwhelming emotion to never let this boy, his son, look at him with teary silver eyes ever again. To never look at him in fear again. 

"H-Hi Mister Charles, I didn't mean for Hermwone to get in trouble…" 

"Hunny, Hermione isn't in trouble. We were just a little scared when we couldn't find her. I'm glad she was able to find such a sweet boy to keep her company." 

Draco brightened at the praise. He didn't understand why he enjoyed the compliment so much, but he didn't care. 

"Mhm! Hermwone is the good co-company!" 

Charles shared a look with his wife. Macy happened to have the same loving expression as him, they knew what they had to do. 

Macy looked the blonde in the eyes and asked, 

" Hermione IS good company, isn't she? How would you feel to live with that company?" 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

June 20th, 1991

Draco Granger spent the last six years adjusting to the life of having a loving family. 

He loves his life. He has a father that teaches him about dentistry and how cars work, a mother that makes sure he is safe and healthy, and an older sister to annoy and teach him wonderful facts. 

He isn't the shy boy the Grangers met at the orphanage all those years ago. Now, he is a snarky young man with a love for painting. His walls tumbled down and now he barely cares about what his life was like before meeting his family. 

Draco enjoys the simplicity of this life. Sure, some odd things happen every so often- Like his hair growing six inches overnight, or sweets appearing in his pockets at the slightest craving.

His family never treats him like a freak when this happens, like his father always says, " We love you, quirks and all." 

So, when an owl comes flying into the kitchen one fateful morning, with two letters tied to its ankle. He isn't the slightest bit scared. 

" Hogwarts? School of WIZARDRY? Magic's real?" 

Of course his sister is immediately questioning everything, while he's more focused on a different piece of information. 

" I'm eleven?!" 

A pregnant silence follows, as the Granger Family stare at Draco as if he'd grown two heads. 

Hermione scoffs, " You're not eleven, Draco. It's impossible! You're just a tiny thing- nine at most!" 

"Nuh uh! Says so right here- Draco Granger, born the fifth of June, nineteen eighty. How do they know that? I didn't even know that?" 

The parents share a shocked look before breaking out into giggles. It isn't long before Draco and Hermione join in on the family laughter. 

" I guess we might need to burn your old witch Halloween costume, Hermione."

" Oh, definitely! I do not support stereotypes!"

The blonde omega just rolled his eyes, already picturing the mass amounts of wizarding books that will soon pile into the house. 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

September 1st, 1991 

" 'Mione! Wait up! Why are we even looking for this stupid toad, we don't know this Neville guy," the smaller whined at his sister. 

"Dray, the whole point of going away for school is to make friends, and everyone knows kindness is the best way to meet new people."

"KiNdnEsS mAkEs FrIeNds." 

That earned Draco a hard slap to the back of the head. 

" Whatever, just hurry up. " 

Soon enough, Hermione was opening up the next compartment.

 Inside held a lanky red headed boy with too many freckles, and a slightly smaller boy with messy black locks. Both seemed lost in conversation- Laughing, chocolate smudges littering the pairs' faces. 

" Have any of you seen a toad? A boy- Neville, lost his" 

The two turn to face the Granger children, and Draco sees the brightest green eyes he has ever seen- The color of gemstones that litter cave walls. 

The lanky redhead is first to speak, "No- We haven't, Neville already came looking." 

Hermione hummed a reply, but ultimately turned her attention toward the boy with a bird's nest for hair. 

" Say, you don't happen to be Harry Potter? The boy-who-lived? " 

Crimson shades the tan boy, answering Hermione's question for him. 

Suddenly, the petite blonde's face lifts. He jumps over to the two boys and starts rambling. 

" Harry Potter?? Like the boy who killed the evil snake man!? YOU'RE Harry Potter?" 

The red lining Harry's cheeks simply darkened more. 

"Uh- I guess?" 

Draco's smile grew impossibly wider. 

"Wow! That's so cool! You're basically Prince Charming- Defeating bad guys, saving kingdoms and all that!" 

Harry's eyes widened and he sputtered, cheeks darkened even more. The freckled boy simply looked confused though. 

"Prince Charming-? Who's he?" 

Draco gasped, " YOU DON'T KNOW WHO PRINCE CHARMING IS?!" 

Hermione could only stifle a laugh at her younger brother's reaction.

 " Quite down, Dray. The entire wizarding world can hear your whining," Hermione paused to clear her throat, " Anyway, where are my manners? My name is Hermione Granger, and this is my imbecile brother Draco." 

A shrieked Hey! was directed before the lanky redhead took Hermione's hand. 

" Good to meet you, names Ron Weasley. Seems you already know Prince Charming over there," Ron said with a cheeky grin tainting his face. 

" Oh yeah, Prince Charming is this Muggle story book character my brother loves, he saves the princess from her evil stepmother." 

"Oh- That does sound a lot like the great Harry Potter. Say, Draco was it?" 

Draco only rolled his eyes, already annoyed due to his sister's prissy attitude, " What, Weasley?" 

Ron ignored the blonde's sneer, " You and Hermione are actually twins? Cause you got the looks and attitude of a Malfoy." 

Draco tilted his head in confusion. Malfoy? What's a Malfoy? And why did that sound so familiar? 

Yet, before the boy could get his questions answered, the taller girl interrupted his thoughts by pointing out the window. 

" Look! There's the castle! We better hurry and put our robes on." 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The Great Hall was astonishing. The spelled ceiling to glisten stars, rows of eager wizards and witches waiting to start a new year of magic learning. Yet, the magical room only made the butterflies in the blonde's stomach worsen. 

Draco stood shyly behind the girl Granger. The bustling energy frightened the boy and he was desperate for familiarity. 

"Draco, don't you worry. All we have to do is get sorted and then we get to eat!" 

He tilted his head up to see his sister's reassuring smile. Hermione was always able to calm Draco's nerves, ever since they were tiny tots. 

Ron snorted in the background, " My brothers said we have to fight a troll as the sorting test." 

The eyes on the tiny boy's head grew comically, " a troll?! Mione! I can't fight a troll!" 

The bushy haired girl glared daggers at the lanky redhead. 

" There's no troll fighting. Look, all they do is put a hat on your head. " 

Sure enough, Draco turned his attention to the front of the room and saw the stern lady, Professor McGonagall, shouting out names to sit in a stool.

But, Draco would never give his sister that pleasure. So, he grumbled about 'Having a stuffy hat on his head ten times worse than a troll'. 

"ABBOTT, HANNAH" 

A blonde girl with pigtails reluctantly made her way towards the front and sat on the leather chair. A dusty hat was placed on her head before screaming, "HUFFLEPUFF". 

The girl gleamed before happily skipped her way to the table decorated in yellow and black. This process continued in alphabetical orders as kids got sorted in different houses. 

"GRANGER, DRACO" 

Draco froze. Shit. Why did his name have to come before Hermione's?! He was just going to ask for her house- 

"Draco! Get up there!" Hissed his sister, as she pushed him forward. 

Draco stumbled his way to the chair, watching the faces of whispering children in fear. Soon, the saggy hat was placed on his head, but shockingly, began to speak. 

-Well well well, another Malfoy. Years of slytherin heritage- sly and cunning… I find none of this trait in you though… Could it be you were not raised as the Malfoy heir?

Draco’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Malfoy? What is a Malfoy? Why do people keep saying that!” 

Ah, there’s that Malfoy attitude. Your blood says cruelty and power, mind eager and ready to learn. Yet, your heart. Your heart is filled with untainted love and loyalty to your chosen family. As they say, follow the heart. For this I put you in-

“HUFFLEPUFF”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Draco Granger was nervous. 

You see, Draco hasn't been away from his sister for more than ten minutes since the moment they met. So, it's understandable the fear he feels when Hermione is sorted into Gryffindor. 

Draco peers up from his isolated spot at the Hufflepuff table to look at Hermione. There she sat laughing away with Potter and the Weasel. Draco's stomach churned with jealousy. How dare they steal his best friend?!

"Hey, need some company?" 

Draco's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of a young girl- Susan Bones. He remembers she is also in his year due to the sorting. She is a pretty girl, long mousy brown hair and delicate features. Though, her eyes glistened with mischief. 

" Help yourself," Draco grunted, gesturing toward the vacant seat next to him. 

" Good, cause I was gonna sit down no matter what. My name's Susan Bones. What's yours?" 

"...Draco. Draco Granger." 

Chapter Text

Chapter Two- Gryffindorks in Training 

Draco Granger was in fact, a brat. 

It wasn't a secret. Ask any of the kids from his nursery school and they'll agree wholeheartedly. Ask his parents and they'll have no choice but to agree. Ask his sister, well, you'll get an eight hour lecture on 'Why Dray needs to be less picky about friends.' 

So, when Draco got his acceptance letter he knew he'd be a loner. A lone wolf clinging onto the only living organism he can actually tolerate- his sister. 

That was until he was sorted into Hufflepuff. His sister?... Not so much. Left alone, Draco knew he'd spend the next seven years sad and lonely. 

Then, he met Susan. 

Susan and Draco become friends. After a bit of reluctance (and a whole lot of sulking) Draco admits defeat to Bones's pestering and lets her in.

Susan was raised in the wizarding world, so she took it upon herself to become Draco's official 'Guide Witch' as she calls it. 

She spent the welcoming feast lecturing Draco about wizarding history, etiquette, social classes, and many other mind numbing things. 

"Wait, let me get this straight. Full blood wixen are pure bloods, wixen born to a pureblood and muggle born are half bloods, and muggles with magic are muggleborn?" 

Bones smiled brightly, "Look at you, Blondie. Getting the drift already!" 

The 'Blondie' narrowed his eyes. 

"First off, don't call me that. Second, does that make me a muggleborn?" 

"Right again, Granger! Which makes sense since you don't have any magic knowledge. Honestly, when I first saw you I thought you'd be a hidden pureblood or something, on account how sweet you smell."

"...My scent?" 

Susan only furrowed her brows in confusion, "Well yeah, you smell awfully sweet. Like lemon bars and flowers! It's obvious that your omega. I've never met an omega! Ma told me only purebloods have omegas due to how rare they are, so I'm surprised you are one!" 

Draco stared at her blankly, as if she just spoke in elvish. 

"What the hell is an Omega? Beta? Are you insane?!"

Susan froze. Being raised by wixen caused her to forget not everyone knows about second genders-

"Alright first years, follow me!" A feminine voice hollered. 

The children looked up at their new prefects, Gabriel and Natalie. 

They lead them down into the dungeons where their dorms were. They were beautiful- Soft pastel yellow walls covered in different types of greenery. Matte black furniture that was plush and comfortable looking. 

A home Draco could become used to. 

"Alright," Gabriel got their attention, "Boys dorms to the left, Girls to the right- Are there any omegas?"

There's that word again! What's an omega already? 

"The blonde boy is, sir! I can smell him from here!" Interrupted a boy with a pinched nose, like he was better than everyone. 

As if the words were a command, the sea of first years parted to showcase the Granger boy. 

Natalie's eyes softened, "Oh hello, why don't you follow me. Everyone else, your luggage should be at your assigned bed already. Lights out by ten o'clock and enjoy your first night at Hogwarts!"

Reluctantly, Draco followed with his head down. Trying, and failing, to avoid the states. 

Natalie led him to a door farther down than the girls' dorms, and at least two-hundred feet from the boys'.  

The door revealed a beautiful room. The walls were painted a pale purple covered in windows showcasing the Black Lake. There were three white canopy beds with the fluffiest white pillows.

There were vintage rugs piled one on another across the floor, making the whole room appear… Innocent.  

Draco was obsessed already. 

"Okay, here are the omega dorms. Sorry, I don't think you'll have any roommates this year- There hasn't been an omega at Hogwarts for at least ten years… Oh, rules. So, obviously, no alphas are allowed in the room- There are wards preventing that. Beta are okay, but maybe be careful with the male bettas because your scent is like SUPER strong-"

"Um, excuse me…"

"Oh! Yeah?"

"....What's an omega?" 

Natalie gave the eleven year old a look of understanding. 

"Muggleborn?"

Draco sheepishly nodded. 

"Don't feel bad, I didn't know what they were either when I first got accepted! I'll give you the rundown-

Everyone presents their second gender at five- Alpha, Beta Omega. Alphas are physically stronger, more dominating, and natural born leaders. Betas are the most neutral with little changing besides becoming a little more intelligent. Omegas are the rarest, the population dwindling as the years go by. They tend to be smaller, dainter, and well, prettier."

"Oh… What does that smell thingy mean then?"

Draco noted that red that crawled up Natalie's neck at the question. 

"That… Well, every omega has reproductive organs- Male or female- and to make sure they work properly, after puberty omegas will go through heat every three-five months. 

Heat is when omegas are at their most fertile and will produce something called slick that will basically call an alpha to mate with them. 

That can be really dangerous, so biology has adapted omegas having a sweet smell that will help them court an alpha before their heat." 

"I can get pregnant!?!" 

Natalie's blush deepened. She coughed, trying to break the awkward tension. 

" Yes, but no need to worry about that now. You're still young and Hogwarts is the safest place an omega can be, hence the private dorms… Well! I'll leave you to it. Goodnight!" 

The door slammed shut before Draco could even make a sound. 

The blonde was once again alone, left with piles of new information to process. 

What a weird welcome into the wizarding world.. 

*-*-*-*-*

So, life at Hogwarts began. It wasn't too difficult- Draco had Susan to keep him company, the food was delicious, and this whole 'omega thing' had upperclassmen being nice to him. 

That was, until Halloween. 

The day started out as normal. Susan busting into his private dorm waking him far too early. 

"Dray, it's literally 8:30, you already don't have time for breakfast- If you don't get up now you'll be late for morning classes!" 

Muffled whines could be heard for the mountain of blankets Draco called a bed. 

Bones sighed, already accustomed to the omega's spoiled brat behavior. She made quick work towards the bed and ripped the covers off. 

Granger tumbled to the floor in a very unattractive manner. 

"Ah! Suuusan, why'd you have to do that?! I was literally dreaming that Tom Cruise was-"

"Good, now get your lazy arse up and be in the common room in fifteen, I'll be waiting." 

The door slammed shut behind her. 

*-*-*-*-*-*-

The day was pretty bland after that. Like most days. 

Sure, Draco was excited to discover new things about the magical world, and having new friends- well… ONE new friend- but he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss the muggle world. 

Especially his sister. 

Draco and Hermione used to do everything together. Quite literally, their parents had to force them to sleep in different beds at night. 

Hermione taught her little brother everything he knows. How to read, what articles were actually factual, what type of Jell-O was the best ( It's green by the way). 

They were best friends. She was the one who saved Draco from the orphanage. She's the one who beat up the fourth graders that called him a freak. She's the one who reads him to sleep after nightmares. 

Hermione was Draco's everything. 

So, you can imagine what happened when Draco heard what Ron fucking Weasley said about HIS sister. 

"THAT WEASEL SAID WHAT?!" 

Hannah flinched at his tone. That five foot nothing bad of bones sure can get scary when made. 

"I told you! Carly said she overheard Parkison and Bulstrode gossiping about those no good Gryffindor boys calling Hermione mean names behind her back!" 

The tiny blonde was red with rage, smoke nearly coming out of his ears. 

His eyes scanned the room menacingly, making note of the lack of bushy hair at the Gryffindor table. 

"Excuse me, I'll be right back."

Draco jumped out of his seat and started his walk towards the redhead stuffing his face. 

"Ronald Weasley! What did I hear you say about my sister?! What you got nothing better to do then pick on girls that happen to be better than you?!" 

The red and gold table froze, staring at the first year commotion. Ron stopped in his tracks- white as a ghost. 

Yet, he could let himself be scared of an omega, could he? He was supposed to be an alpha, and alpha are strong…right? 

"Yeah I did, what are you gonna do about it? Cry?" 

Draco just stood there, staring at Ron, for what felt like years. 

Before he ponced. 

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU FRECKLED FACED TOAD!!" 

The Granger boy leaped across the table, throwing food on the ground in the process. 

He landed on Weasley, ready to beat him into next Tuesday-

.

.

.

If it wasn't for Professor Quirrell. 

"Troll! Troll in the dungeon!!" 

The Great Hall erupted into chaos. Students panicking, Teachers attempting to escort them back to the dorms. 

Harry looked at Ron, who was newly let go due to the noise scaring Draco. 

They went to follow their Prefect when-

"Where do you think you're going?" 

They turned to meet a very angry blonde. 

… Harry was the one to say the dumb answer. 

"Um… Back to our dorms? There IS a troll loose, so…" 

"Not without Hermione you're not! She's still in the bathroom, and it was YOUR idiotic lackey that put her there." 

The taller boys glanced at each other with guilt riddled faces. They really did screw up didn't they? 

*-*-*-*-*

Two Gryffindors and one temperamental Hufflepuff found themselves hiding behind a pillar- Watching an ugly troll stalk the halls. 

"Ew, smells like dead fish!" 

"What's it doing up here, anyway?" 

"Look at the mug on that thing!" 

The troll was looking into rooms, breaking things left and right. It was so hilarious it almost distracted them from-

Professor Snape. 

"Ron, look! It's Snape coming out of the room with Fluffy! AND a limp! Do you think-" 

Draco wasn't even going to question what that was about. He was too busy watching the troll enter the girls bathroom! 

"GRYFFINDORKS HURRY!!" 

The trio rushed to Hermione's aid, finding her cowering under broken sinks- Water flooding the porcelain floors. 

The look of pure fear on Hermione's face will haunt Draco forever. The look of relief as she made eye contact with him, though. Definitely softens the blow. 

"Oh Dray, get out of here! It's too dangerous!" 

"Mione, you can reprimand me later. Now get behind me!!" 

Hermione makes quick work to run behind Draco. The scene would have looked funny- The obviously taller girl hiding behind the dainty boy, if they weren't about to die. 

If it weren't for the Gryffindor boys. 

Alpha genes mixed with Gryffindor stupidity had them defending the Granger kids within minutes. Potter distracts the giant thing and Ronald performs a perfect 'Leviosa' to knock it out. 

Oh what wonders will this do to their egos. 

Minutes later the Hogwarts staff comes rushing in, drilling questions by the millisecond. 

Hermione, being the brilliant sister she was, took full blame and saved everyone's sorry arses. 

God, did Draco love her. 

That wasn't it though, because the traumatic event seemed to turn a new page- The boys apologizing to Hermione. 

All was forgiven, and Draco seemed to owe them a thanks… maybe. 

Draco makes his way to the others. He smiles bright, showing forgiveness with his eyes. 

"Well, I suppose you are useful for something… Thanks for being my heroes." 

With that, Draco pulls them into a group hug. Warmth radiates off the omega- absorbing them into a lovely peace.

Granger Mini says a goodbye to his sister (promising to beat up anyone who makes her cry) and goes to find his Hufflepuff Bestie. 

What he didn't see was one Harry Potter. A flustered red mess from the beautiful boy's words. 

For the first time ever, being called a hero wasn't so bad…

Chapter Text

Chapter Three- Body Pillow Snape 

The days passed and the ground began to freeze in the Scotland winter. Draco started to find a home within Hogwarts, finally spreading his wings into his own. 

He still was his sister's tag along, but now he had his own friend. His own achievements (best in potions in all his year). His own life. 

He was the furthest from that scared little orphan he has ever been. And it was exhilarating. 

He finally had control of his own life. 

Yet, sometimes, he feels everyone knows something he doesn't. Like, why won't Hermione meet his gaze when he brings up potions class? Why does Professor Snape stare at him with a look of guilt when he thinks Draco doesn't notice? Why did people keep mistaking him for a Malfoy? 

What even IS a Malfoy? 

Draco shook the thoughts out of his head. He didn't have time to think about the unknown. It was midnight and he was hungry. 

Good thing he's a Hufflepuff. 

*-*-*-*-

The tiny boy strolled down the halls, bare feet making patter noises on the stone ground. That didn't stop him though, for he was a man on a mission. 

Draco found the kitchens within the second week at the boarding school. Curiosity mixed with insomnia had its perks sometimes. 

It became a routine- At least three times a week Granger would find himself being pampered by elves. Gorging himself on hot chocolate and the latest house elf gossip. 

That was the plan for tonight as well, Draco couldn't wait to find out if Wissy was going to accept Gokry's mating proposal-

Except, what awaited him was something else entirely. 

"What are you two doing here?" 

Twin redheads snapped their heads at the omega's voice. Immediately shoving their hands into their pockets- A sorry excuse to hide the suspicious looking vials. 

"Oh-"

"If it isn't"

"The blonde bombshell," the older boys said in unison. 

Draco blushed at the pet name, but soon caught his composure. He wasn't going to let a couple blunderbusses distract from the scene of the crime. 

The omega made his way to the Weasley twins in quick strides, stealing the vials right from their grasps. 

He examined the bottle- Hours of studying allowing him to identify it as Veritaserum easily. 

Now, just what would a couple Weasleys need truth serum in a kitchen- 

Draco audibly gasped, " Oh my gosh, is this a prank?!" 

The twins made uneasy eye contact. Guilt riddled their faces from being caught. 

"It's not-"

"What it looks-"

"I want in!" 

George and Fred froze in the middle of the sentence. The pretty boy wasn't going to tattle? 

George smiles in relief, "Sorry, kid. We are a two person team."

"Well, and Lee," Fred adds. 

George glares at his partner in crime, unimpress with his 'helping' of the situation. 

"Two people and Lee team." 

Draco pouted- kicked puppy expression turned to full force. He doesn't say anything though, just backs away with red rimmed eyes. 

The twins faces' fall right on cue, falling into Draco's trap. 

"Okay then….I guess you'll convince the elves to let you put the potion into the food without my help… Good luck I suppose." 

With one more sniffle, Draco pushes the door open an-

"W-Wait!"

Bingo. 

"Yeah?" Draco bats his eyelashes. 

Fred and George exchange looks. There was no way they could let the adorable kid leave crying. They'll look like monsters. They're pranksters not Monsters! 

It's not like they're plan was working anyway. 

Fred and George had been planning the prank for months- Weeks to brew the illegal serum, days to find ways to smuggle it in, hours to convince the elves to join in the prank…

Well, the latter was still a work in progress. 

They were stuck, and not even Lee had a suggestion. 

What harm could the boy do? 

Fred let out an exaggerated sigh, "Fiiiiine. Go ahead, try and accomplish what not even the-"

"Magnificent Gred and Forge could master," George finished for his other half. 

Draco could only grin, his Innocent facade slipping into a mischievous glint. 

"Brilliant! Wait right here!" 

The blonde Granger ran to the other side of the kitchen where all the elves are located- truth potion still in hand. Twins watching with amusement. 

"Wissy! Groky! Zispy! Ninny!" 

Four elves dress in tailored bed sheets glance over at the omega, letting a smile appear on their faces! 

"Oh! Little Omega Granger! Wissy is happy to see Draco, yes she is!" 

"Little Omega be wanting chili chocolate drink now?" Zispy questioned. 

The others nodded in acknowledgement, going back to the tasks at hand. 

Draco couldn't help but goofily smile, basking in the loving praise. 

"Not today, I was actually wanting some help. You see, I've been so homesick this week. And I would really like something to cheer me up-" 

"Ninny is honored to make Little Granger feel better! Anything at all!"

Draco's smile only grew, "Could you maybe… Let the twins put this vial into the breakfast feast?" 

Groky screamed, "Not good! Not good at all! Those rotten boys be getting Little Omega in trouble, yes they is!" 

The other elves seemed to agree as they erupted into panicked chaos. 

"But pleeeeease? I promise it would get us into any trouble, it will only cause a few chuckles- Brighten manys' day? For me? Your little Omega Granger?" 

The house elves tried to resist, they really did. But no one was a match for the blonde's convincing pleads. 

Reluctantly, they agreed. 

"For Little Omega Granger." 

This happened all the while Fred and George watched in awe, completely shocked at Draco's accomplishment. 

Draco gleamed, hugging each elf and kissing them on their cheeks. He skipped back to the twins- absolutely thrilled with being able to help with the prank. 

They could barely listen though, too busy trying to process what just happened. 

Truthfully, it was scary. Not only was Draco Granger cute, he was deadly. 

AND he knows how to use it. 

*-*-*-*-*-

Hermione Granger woke up feeling off. 

She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but from the moment she opened her eyes she knew something was wrong. 

She brushed her teeth with a sense of dread. She revised her homework feeling as if she'd forgotten something. She greeted the other two of her trio awkwardly. She made it all the way to her seat in the Great Hall and readied her breakfast of oats and strawberries. Maybe it was all in her-

Then, she made eye contact with her spawn of Satan of a brother.

He was sitting poshly in his own designated spot. Not reaching for the food, even though the boy usually ate like a black hole. 

Not only that, but he had the Baby Brother look on. Draco's hail Mary gets out of jail free card with their Dad. Whenever the little devil pranked his bullies, he'd just puff out his cheeks and-

It hit her. 

She grabbed the arms of his boy beside her with lightning speed. Gripping hard enough to halt their forks in the air. 

"DON'T eat the food!" 

Harry looked confused, while Ron looked ready to cry in protest… Yet, both complied not so willingly. 

"Why? Is everything okay?" 

Hermione huffed, already thinking of the one-hundred ways she's going to kill her brother. 

"No! Draco's got THAT look-" 

A shout across the hall interrupted,

"I PRETEND MY PILLOW IS PROFESSOR SNAPE AND PRACTICE KISSING WITH IT!" 

. 

. 

. 

The golden trio froze as they watched dozens upon dozens of residents in Hogwarts confess their most embarrassing secrets. 

"I WET THE BED TILL I WAS TWELVE"

"I thought hugging long enough made babies till last year!" 

Ron looked around baffled, "W-What's going on?! Is this why we couldn't eat?!" 

"It seems my idiot brother finally met yours," groaned Hermione. 

At the mention of Harry's beloved crush, his eyes zoomed in search of Draco. 

Until they found him,

Huddled in a corner- laughing adorably. 

With the Weasley twins. 

Harry Potter didn't fully understand what jealousy was yet, but he was sure it felt something like the white hot boiling rage filling his veins. 

The fucking Weasley twins. 

Of course Draco would want to hang out with the older, funnier, more handsome Weasley boys. 

Harry's grip impossibly tightened as he imagined made up scenarios of the three planning this prank- Draco in their dorms, milky skin flushed pink from laughter. 

Finally, Professor McGonagall noticed the redheads and accomplice blonde and shouted after them. 

Upon instinct, Fred swooped the younger boy into his arms and ran for it, his twin not far behind. There was no way the omega's tiny legs were going to keep up. 

Harry was sure steam was coming out of his ears by now. 

Blinded by jealousy, Harry dragged his best friends to follow the wanted criminals. 

*-*-*-*-*-*

"GET BACK HERE! So help me, you three will be scrubbing cauldrons till you graduate when we catch you!" 

Hours of brutal Quidditch practice sure did come in handy at times like these. 

"Hah, F-Fred! Put me down, I have an idea," Draco managed in between fits of giggles. 

The freckled third year complied with ease. 

The omega hurriedly skipped in front of the other kids, rushing to a nearby corner. 

"Watch this," Granger put his delicate hand on the stone wall of Hogwarts, until a secret passage appeared. 

George and Fred needed to learn THAT trick. 

"Hurry!" Granger pulled the Weasleys' into the tunnel with him.

The three stood there for a moment, desperately trying to catch their breath. 

It took the Gryffindor beaters a few more seconds to notice their surroundings. 

Holy 

Shit. 

It was a big room- The size of a sitting room. It was filled with multi-colored bean bags, fluffy carpet, enough quilted blankets to rival Molly Weasley herself. And fair lights setting the mood of the room to one of playfulness. 

"Well, dumb and dumber. Welcome to my hideout!" 

"Merlin, small fry. Where have you been hiding this place," answered George as he made his way to the blue sectional. 

"I don't know, I got lost one day and it just 'poof!' out of nowhere!" Draco made himself comfortable on the floor, cross legged. 

"Quite the abode. Great lab for future mischief." 

Granger perked at the mention, "Oh yes! I have some wonderful ideas saved up, just you wait!" 

The occupants barked in hysterics, completely oblivious to the newcomers of the room. 

"DRACO AVERY GRANGER! Just wait till Ma here's out this! Oh, NO amount of 'I'm just a baby' looks will save you now!" 

Draco's eyes widened in fear, turning whiter than ever. 

"Blonde bombshell, your-"

"Middle name is-"

"Avery!?" 

Said blonde slammed to the floor with a whine. 

"Miooooone, why'd you have to tell them that! They thought I was cool for a minute!!" 

Hermione only rolled her eyes, shoving her way to the little menace. Flicking his head repeatedly. 

"Ugh, I hate to admit it. But that was pretty good brewing work."

A

"You thought so! Oh I'm so glad, Sis. It was really hard work, thanks for noticing" 

The siblings' dispute settled, and the air calmed once more. Ron made his way to his older brothers, congratulating them on an amazing job. 

Hermione cuddled up next to her omega counterpart, laying a blanket on top of them.

And Harry just stood tense near the door, skin itching with envy. Everyone looked so comfortable, and he didn't even know where he stood in the most of it all. 

"Potter! How's my favorite hero doing? Did you enjoy the spectacular show?" Draco gleamed, patting the spot next to him. 

Harry was stunned at the gesture. Not used to common affection, especially from pretty boys like him. 

Yet, Draco Granger did it naturally. As if it wasn't a big deal. 

All that anger, that jealousy dissolved with the omega's welcoming smile. Cause it wasn't a big deal to Draco. 

But it meant the world to Harry. 

"Yeah, it was quite the show, wasn't it?" 

Chapter Text

Thus, the gang was formed.

The Weasley twins couldn't possibly let such a persistent little shit go and Hermione wasn't just going to leave her little angel with the Twin Devils.

Of course Susan and Ron followed soon after, they go wherever the Granger kids go.

And Harry…

Well, seeing the blonde beacon of light smile whenever Harry entered the room…

That was enough to have Harry chasing after him.

Everyone found comfort in Draco's little room- Going there to study, take naps, meet up with their friends in other houses.

Honestly, Draco couldn't be happier.

He finally had it all, friends of his own AND his sister's love.

Plus, the Quidditch boys' muscles weren't too bad either…

It was heaven. So good, infact, it almost had Draco missing his sister's odd behavior.

Almost.

Boy Granger is suspicious of his female counterpart. Hermione has been avoiding his eyes and sweating at his questions ever since Harry's game.

Draco was suspicious and he WAS going to figure it out.

*-*-*-*

"Hey Mio?" Draco asked one day, as the gang was huddled in the mountain of blankets he called a 'fort'.

"Mhm, Bub?" Hermione murmurs, without even looking up from her book of advanced transfigurations.

"Do you like Hogwarts?"

"Of course!"

"Being a witch?"

"Yes."

"Having friends?"

"Yes."

"Cuddling me?"

"Yes."

"Are you suspicious of Professor Snape?"

"Yes-" Hermione began before she could slap a hand over her mouth.

Draco jumped for joy, standing on his own two feet. He points at her accusingly.

"I knew it! You and your dufus duo are up to no good again! And you have the AUDACITY to call me a troublemaker-"

Hermione groaned, face growing redder by the minute.

" You absolute BRAT! You tricked me!!"

"You aren't denying it~" her little brother taunted.

"I'm not- Augh!" The bookworm fumed.

It was a crazy sight to see for the other occupants of the room- The ever level headed girl got flustered. On the other hand, it wasn't so crazy to see the tempting blonde do the instigating.

The three redheads and bird nest raven just watched in shock.

After what felt like twenty minutes of taunting, Hermione finally gave in with a sigh.

"You know what? Fine! But don't even THINK about getting involved. I mean it, Draco Avery!"

Draco's eyes widened, as he shoved his hands over his ears.

"Oh my gosh, whatever! Don't you dare speak the ratchet name ever again!"

"And no notes either!"

Draco gasped, pushing into the taller's space.

"Now I never agreed to tha-"

*-*-*-*-*

"Okay, so let me get this straight. There is a THREE HEADED DOG living in the school- which, by the way, I'm super offended I was not informed-"

Mione only rolled her eyes, "Oh shush, Brat-"

Draco simply ignored Hermione's complain and continued his rant,

"And you suspect our professor, OUR professor is trying to get some crazy stone the puppy is guarding and do something evil with it?"

Ron replies from the other side of the couch, and a mouth full of food.

"Mhmm, pwetty much smums it-"

"Yeah?" Draco steals the crisps from his lap, " and what caused you to come to this amazing conclusion?"

Draco settles back into the cushion corner, nustling his back right near Harry's shoulder.

Completely oblivious to the taller boy dying at the contact.

"U-uh, well he had a limp… And H-hermione saw him muttering while my broom went wack-"

The two other Gryffindors nodded in agreement.

Draco couldn't only stare back.

"Did you ask him?"

Harry's eyes widened dramatically, "Are you serious? Of course not! We suspect he wants to help VOLDEMORT!"

"Well how else will you know?!"

Hermione scoffed, "We'll figure something out, like follow hi-" she paused in her tracks, " Draco."

" Yes my darling sister?" Boy Granger replied innocently.

"Don't even think about it."

"About what? "

"Do NOT go and ask Snape."

"Me?" Draco let out an awfully cute gasp, "I would never!"

*-*-*-*-*

*Knock Knock*

"Professor Snape? Are you in there? Can I come in?"

No reply.

"Professor! I must speak with you!"

Still silent.

The pesty blonde huffed in annoyance. Who knew a teacher could be so dramatic?

Draco inhaled a deep breathe and, "PRO-"

The door flew open, nearly taking Draco down with it.

Standing in the doorway, Draco met his beloved, pissed off, greasy haired teacher.

"What. Could be, so, important you disturb me, you insolent child?" Professor Snape drew out.

He looked mad, Draco noted, his jaw was tight, knuckles whitened. His face was sharp and tense, all clear identifiers. Yet, his eyes.

Snape held a look of question, one filled with longing and sadness. As if he was succumbing with echoes of the past.

The look he always seemed to give Draco Granger.

Heh, that's a problem for another day.

"Are you, or are you not trying to steal the Sorcerer's stone to execute a plan for Moldy Voldy?"

The jaw on Snape's pasty white face seemed to drop in slow motion. He appeared… almost offended by the accusation.

But he concealed it almost as quickly as it was asked. "Do you go around asking your Professors such incriminating questions every night, or is it just the disgruntled ones?"

"Nah," the omega began, shoving his way into Snape's private chambers without so much as a 'please', "Just the ones that walk around looking up to no good."

The teacher could only do his, in Draco's opinion 'trademarked', exaggerated eye roll. That didn't stop him though, from pouring the pretty blonde boy a cup of tea.

"To answer your, dare I say, blunt accusation- No, I am not in the process of stealing a priceless artifact to resurrect whom you call 'Moldy Voldy'."

Draco took a sip of his REALLY good tea ( Holy shit was Snape a chef or something, was that NUTMEG he put in there?!?! ) before answering,

"So why are you acting so… suspicious?"

The older man gave out a hearty laugh, which was simply down right odd on the stone cold man.

"Not that you deserve to know my private affairs, Mr. Granger. But, I can't deny that it seems someone is after the stone. It may not be me, but I can't help to find out who."

The wordsy quote floated around Draco's head, it felt honest. Yes, Professor Snape was mean, but would the man who gave even the most annoying kid an answer and a cup of tea, try and start a war?

No, thought Draco, he would not.

"Thank you, Professor," Draco smiled sweetly and set his empty tea cup down, " For not only proving me wrong, but the delicious tea as well."

With that, Draco made his exit. That wasn't without being stopped however.

"Mr. Granger?"

"Yes, Professor?" Draco turned to look into the uncertain eyes of his professor.

"Perhaps you know of the Malfoys"

Draco's eyebrows knit together in confusion, "No? Why does everyone keep saying that? What's a Mal-er-oi?"

That earned another laugh, this one slightly more pained then the last though,

"It means nothing at all, at least not to you."

Chapter Text

Draco was certain- Hermione was ungrateful.

The omega goes out of his way to prove his sister's theory wrong- which she WAS- and how does she repay him?

Kicks him out of the investigation, that's what!

And after all that hard work too! He sat outside Professor-Twisted-Panties's door for two hours. All for her to shun him, like some..some harl-

"What pissed in your Warlock-Oats this morning, Blondie?"

Draco turns his attention up from his breakfast (that he's been glaring at for the last ten minutes) and to his designated accomplice.

"It was Hermione, Susan! That buck-toothed beaver had no right to banish me for the Super Secret Stone Discovery!" Draco wailed, throwing his head in Susan's lap.

The girl could only roll her eyes. Sifting her hands through his icy locks without even thinking.

"I heard that, Ferret! Now stop moping and pack your trunks already- We must get home!" Called the bushy haired girl across the hall.

Susan had to physically stop her throaty chuckles as Draco flipped the taller of.

"I'm working on it! Geez, you're not Mama, Mione!"

The blonde groaned, turning his head to look up at his best friend.

"Are you packed for Winter Hols?"

"Not even close," Draco smirked back.

"You're impossible, Granger."

"And you're lucky to have me, Bones."

There's a moment of silence between the two, as they stare with fondness at each other.

"I'll miss you."

Draco giggled, pulling Susan down into a hug.

"I'll owl you about all the presents I got, maybe I'll even burn you one of my Nirvana CDs."

"You better!"

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Even if Hermione and him weren't on the best of terms, Draco sure was glad to be home.

The train ride there was quiet- The Granger kids cuddled up and whispered about what shops to visit once they arrived.

It seems they happened to come to an agreement- Home is the safe space.

By the time the Hogwarts Express pulled in, the two were shoving into each other to be the first to greet their parents.

"Ma! Ma! I missed you!"

An energetic bundle of blonde hair jumped into Marcy Granger's arms. Oh, how Draco missed being held by his mother.

"Oh, darling. I missed you the most. Oh! I don't think I'll be able to leave you again," Marcy spoke softly, squeezing her son tighter with every word.

"You'll miss him a little less when you realize how big of a nuisance he's been," Hermione cut in, already stealing their mama bear's attention.

That attention whore.

"My little lady! You are just as beautiful as ever! I take it you've been looking out for your angel brother?"

The know-it-all snorted, "Yeah, angel."

Just as the omega was about to respond, a deep voice broke the chain of thought.

"What am I, chopped liver?"

The Granger siblings turned to the voice in sync, immediately running into the man's burly arms after confirming it was their father.

"Daddy!!"

"There you are! Say, learn anything useful at that magic-do-what's-it school of yours?"

Draco laughed, snuggling further into his father's arms. The love swarming him.

"It's Hogwarts, Daddy. And I learned ALL kinds of things; Spells, potions, second gen-"

Littlest Granger stopped his rambled mid speech. He met Hermione's, understanding flickering in her chocolate browns almost instantly.

"Drake, I don't think you shoul-"

"Ma! Pa! I learned I'm an omega!"

*-*-*-*-*-*-

Okay, so Draco never claimed to be the smartest, but he sure did mess up telling his dad about this whole omega business.

"Heat!? Like a cat! What even- No. No! You won't go back there, I forbid it! Keep those disgusting wizard people away!"

Charles fumed, ranting the whole carride home as Marcy attempted to cool his raging temper.

Hermione and Draco were stuck in the backseat, listening to the trouble the boy caused.

Mione turned to her counterpart, the look that told look-what-you-did-stupid shining in her eyes.

Yet, even with the rocky start, as Draco entered the threshold of his family's three bed bungalow one thought filled his mind.

It sure is good to be home.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The rest of the break went smoothly- Marcy showering her kids in the love they'd been missing, Charles warning Draco about 'filthy rotten men', and the children catching up the Muggle things they'd been lacking.

Expecially Tom Cruise. Oh how Draco missed Tom Cruise.

But like all things, it ended in a blink of the eyes and the Granger duo was back at their beloved castle.

And Harry had news.

"Draco! Hermione! Follow me, you'll never guess what I found."

Hermione's brows scrunched in confusion, and Draco didn't even have time to complain about his non existent 'jet lag' before being dragged into an empty hallway by the Gryffindor Duffuses.

"Let go of me! I literally JUST got a manicure for Christmas, I swear if it's messed up-"

He was abruptly cut off by the force pulling him stopping infront of a vintage looking mirror.

It was a beautiful mirror, really. Yet, the aura surrounding it felt off- Almost dark.

And as if she was reading his mind, Hermione was first to break the silence.

"Ron, Harry, what is this?"

Harry just gave a goofy grin, urging her closer. With a little hesitation, Hermione met her own gaze in the mirror.

She gasped, eyes widening. Her entire face lit up, she had a glow like she was seeing what could only be a dream.

"Oh my, Is- Is this real? Wow, look at me! I'm Head Girl. Draco, look!"

Now this was odd, Draco knew his sister wasn't this dumb.

"Um, Sis. Don't mean to burst your bubble, but there's nothing there."

"What are you talking about? It's right there!"

Before a yelling match could begin, Ron caught in.

"It's different for everyone. We believe it's what people want most. I saw myself on the Quidditch team and Harry saw himself with y-"

"Nothing! U-h Nothing important, just with my family and nothing else- Seriously."

Now this peaked Draco's interest, "Seriously! That's sick! Out of my way- I bet it's me riding in a Porsche!"

Draco pushed his way to the front of the mirror, but froze upon seeing his one true desire. He did not plan for this.

It was him- yet…not.

Draco Granger stood there, with his family behind him filled with love for him. Draco Granger stood there smiling, with curly brown hair like his father. Hazel green eyes like his mother. Lightly dusted freckles like his sister.

Draco Granger was finally, truly, a Granger.

The realization is what caused him to fall to his knees, quiet sobs filling the room.

His friends are at his side in an instance, scooping him up in a group hug. They don't ask questions, just hold him tight till the tears dry.

It was hours before they left that room, emotionally exhausted and a little confused on the Gryffindors part, but Draco has never felt better.

Because, the mirror was right- He wasn't a real Granger. He might not be Hermione's real brother, but he's her real friend.

He is Draco. Smart, funny, loving Draco.

Not even memory loss could take that away.

Chapter Text

The days were calmer- For Draco at least. The Golden Trio seemed to be at their wits end with stress- What? Hell if Draco knew. Hermione was determined to play bossy older sister and keep pests like him out of it.

So, Draco busied himself by being a normal eleven year old (as normal as Draco can be). He judged puberty-stricken fourth-years' with Susan, pulled brilliant pranks with his Mischief Mentors, and ate far too much chocolate during meal times.

He even convinced Bones to join him with teasing
the Gryffindors during breakfast. Fortunately, that was what he was doing when Harry got the letter.

"Oh, looks like Hagrid needs us to meet him at his hut- Seems urgent."

Draco perked up at the mention of the Big Friendly Half-Giant, abandoning his position of tying tiny little braids into Longbottom's hair.

"Hagrid? Awesome! I'm coming, he always has something cute and deadly for us to deal with!"

"Cute and deadly?" scoffed Ron, "Please, he'd never invite us over to see something DEADLY."

*-*-*-*-*-

"A dragon!" screeched Hermione, already shoving the littlest omega behind her. She didn't even have a glance at him to know Draco was planning to hug the beast.

"Oh. My. Mer-whatever you pure bloods say. Look at that adorable babe! Mione- Get your bony arms off of me. Oh my, Hagrid, why didn't you show us sooner!"

The blonde pried his sister's hand away from his waist and rushed over to the baby dragon. Ignoring the group's warnings, he hugged the little demon. Surprisingly, the scaly creature didn't attack. Instead curled up into Draco's embrace.

"Draco Avery! What in the wor- What? Hagrid, why isn't Draco dead yet? I read that sudden movements are dangerous to dragon youth…"

The hairy man smiled, eyes filled with mirth as he watched the feisty pair, "Well, as odd as it sounds, Mother dragons and Wixen omegas have the same comforting aura, so it's hard for baby dragons to differentiate the two."

"Really?!? They think I'm their mother? That is so cool! Mione look- I'm a mama!!"

"You are not a mother, Draco. You are an idiot child, you happen to always get lucky."

Draco rolled his eyes, going back to stroke the baby's gleaming scales, "Don't listen to Aunty Mione, darling. She's just a depressed old hag."

"We're eleven for crying out loud!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, as negative as ever."

*-*-*

Arguing with Draco in 'Mother Hen Mode' was an impossible task, so the boys + Hermione went back to discussing what to do with the killer crup.

Something Harry seemed all too eager to get rid of.

"Hey, Charlie works with dragons, we'll just call him and he can take Norbert," thought Ron.

"Ron, that's brilliant!"

The redhead redden even more from the bushy haired girl's comment, craving the attention he seemed to lack.

On the other hand, her little brother was less than thrilled with the idea.

"You can't take my baby!"

Harry scoffed, annoyed with Norbert taking his omega's love, "It's not your baby, it's a dragon- And it'll burn down Hagrid's hut if it stays here!"

The blonde's frown only deepened when the said giant nodded his in agreement.

"Sorry, Draco. But Harry's right- even if I've always wanted a tiny dragon."

Draco's face fell, puppy dog eyes if action, what couldn't he get with those icy blues?

*-*-*-*

He couldn't keep a dragon, that's for sure. Yes, the others caved and let him come to deliver the dragon, but not even the fake cry let him keep his baby.

Making it to the tower was easy, Ron, Harry, Draco, and Norbert fit under the invisibility coat nicely.

And much to Draco's dismay, meeting Charlie wasn't too bad either.

"HE'S your brother?!" Hollard Draco, pointed at the buff redhead, with tattoos and scars littering his body.

"Yeah, so?"

"You didn't tell me he was hot! I didn't even comb my hair," he whines, attempting to flatten the fluffball Harry loved dearly.

Man, if Draco kept this up Harry would have all the Weasley brothers on his hit list.

Charlie laughed, clearly assumed with the child's panic.

"You must be Ron's omega friend. Nice to meet you, glad I'm already in good graces."

Draco's face darkened incredibly so, almost dying when the tanned, burly man shook his hand.

"N-nice to meet you too!"

While Granger was dying of admiration, Potter was dying of jealousy.

" I'm done with this- Here's your stupid dragon, good to meet, let's go."

Harry grabbed Ron and Draco's wrists, completely forgetting to put on the cloak.

*-*-*-*

"I can't believe we got detention because you were jealous of my brother," moaned Ron.

Currently, The Dragon Smugglers are stuck looking for injured unicorns with Hagrid, after being caught by Filch after curfew.

It was dreadful- For everyone except Draco who was far too concerned with helping the dying horses.

And then Harry when they split up- Draco and him alone with Fang.

Finally, all Harry's anger paid off as the beauty snuggled up next to him, looking for protection from the frightful noises of the Forbidden Forest.

Then they saw it.

A hooded silhouette, drinking the blood of a dying unicorn.

Immediately Draco screamed, running away in the opposite direction. Harry's alpha instinct kicked in though, and stayed put so the omega could run away safely.

Draco wasn't too sure what happened after that, Harry being brought to the group by centaur twenty minutes later.

He never felt so ashamed as when he jumped into Potter's crying, "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry- I just left you. You are so brave, there's a reason you are a Gryffindor."

This was it, thought Harry.

Because even though he had just witnessed what could only be Voldemort he couldn't be happier.

Because Draco was in his arms- Harry had his hands on the blondes waist! The smaller fit perfectly in the crook of his neck- The sweet smell of warm cinnamon milk overwhelmingly close.

It was intoxicating- The warm love he felt whenever Draco was near.

If he had to face Voldemort a thousand more time just to have Draco treat him like a man.

Well, Snake Face better be ready.

Chapter Text

It was clear that Draco was done with almost dying that year as his pestering of the Gryffindors dramatically decreased.

Was it boring? Of course! But the little omega wanted to live long enough to adopt his own dragon (Charlie says you can become a dragon tamer at seventeen) and hanging with the danger junkies was a death sentence!

So he turned to his Puff Pals.

Draco knew all the Hufflepuff first years well enough– he did live with them— but he was yet to get to know the older students in yellow.

The blonde beauty recruited his brunette bestie and made his way to the older years’ side of the table.

There he saw a couple fourth years rough housing near the middle, sixth year girls gossiping about summer plans, and at the end a couple in seventh sneaking hits of a smuggled in joint.

Okay maybe a little too far left.

He scanned the grand table till he spotted them- A group of fifth year jocks. They were bulky and attractive, laughing and laid-back.

Bingo.

hauling Susan behind him, he made his way over to the smiling teens. The confident kid didn't even introduce themselves. Simply sat down in the midst of the chaos.

The first to size them up was a strong redhead- Diana. Instantly she recognized the duo, but who didn't with them being the talk of the town. Draco being the only omega in decades did that to a person.

“Guys, look, a couple pups wanted to join the party.”

The remainder of the group gave their attention to the kids- welcoming grins painted on their faces. Chorus of ‘hellos’ and ‘aren’t you precious' followed.

Man, was it good to be a Hufflepuff.

Susan and Draco felt right at home, accepted into the conversation, treated like they were mature enough to be listening to the scandals.

It was easy to forget about the Hufflepuffs, being the ‘leftovers’ and all. Yet, they were always there for you- protecting you at all times.

It was nice.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“Merlin, Dragon, hurry up! We'll be late to the match!” moaned Susan, flopping into the boy’s bed.

Said boy fumbled with his quill, adding the finishing touches to his poster.

“One minute, Susie. Let me just-” he scribbled the last letter down, “And done! Let's go, I want to get a front row seat!”

The omega threw on his scarf and rushed out the door, leaving Bones in the dust.

She couldn't help but laugh at her friend's silly little crush.

The Puffs met up with Hermione and Ron in the Hufflepuff section of the Quidditch pitch. The two weren't really there for the sport considering Gryffindor wasn't scheduled today, but to support Draco.

Ron sat down beside the omega, and ruffled his hair, “ Sup, twerp. What is so important that I have to watch the Badgers’s play?”

The blonde rolled his eyes, but showed the reason anyway. High above his head, Draco held a giant poster board covered in puffy paint. It read-

‘DREAMY DIGGORY’

Ron burst out in heartfelt laughter. He almost falls off the bench trying to wipe the tears from his eyes.

Embarrassment swarms the omega as he shoves freckled face into Hermione, letting the domino effect take over.

“O-oh Merlin, You can't be serious- Wait till Harry hears about this! Baby Granger crushing on Cedric Diggory!”

“Shove off, Weasel! You're just mad that you're not nearly as dreamy as Cedric.”

“You insolent children, Ron, stop teasing my brother! Draco- You are too young to be crushing on-On Men!”

“We are the same age! Stop acting like you're older!”

“Draco Avery, I spent six years thinking you were at least two years younger than me, I have protected you from bullies, read to bedtime stories, and kept you from getting in trouble. You are and always will be my little brother!”

“Now, I am not sitting here so you can fawn over a guy WAY too old for you. Let's go back to the tower- We can work on your essay, Ron.”

That caught the redhead’s attention..

“What!? No way! I thought we were teasing Draco- Aw man!”

*-*-*-*-*-*-

So Draco never got to see Diggory win against Ravenclaw. He never showed the handsome teen his sign. And he never got to progress his feelings for the man.

Instead, Draco spent the night in the Gryffindor commons hanging out with his best friends. He got to cuddle up with Susan and listen to Hermione scold Ron.

Harry even ended up showing and joined the party- Ready with tales of his cauldron scrubbing detention.

It was warm and cozy, loving enough that the omega fell asleep halfway through beating Ron at chess.

Susan left for the night while Hermione had Harry and Ron carry the blonde up to her room for bed. There he slept- Safe and sound next to his sister. Just like when they were five.

Who knows what would have happened if he stayed to watch the game. Who knows if that would have helped him get to know Cedric.

All that will ever be is a mystery. Because instead he got another night of security, surrounded by people he didn't need to impress with flashy gestures.

Yeah, who needed to grow up anyway.

Chapter Text

"I can't believe it's the end of our first year already!”

Draco turned his attention away from his painting and over to the brunette sprawled on top of his duvet.

She was right, it was the end of the year- The end of his second semester of magical learning.

To be honest, he wasn't quite sure this wasn't all a dream.

“I know, I can't believe I'm actually gonna miss school for the summer.”

The beta laughed, eyeing the petite boy with fondness. Silently praying the world never takes this boy’s innocence away.

“Write to me?”

Susan meets Draco’s sparkling grays- the boy grinning in mirth.

“I'll write till you're sick of me, Bones.”

.
.
.

The farewell feast was buzzing in anticipation. Everyone saying goodbyes and hugging their friends. The pure love in the air was overwhelming.

Even if the Slytherins DID win the house cup.

Draco sat with his Puff Pals and stuffed his face to the brim with cake- Savoring his last moments of sweets before a very healthy summer.

Sometimes leaving with dentists sucked.

“Did your parents even teach you how to be an omega? No alpha will want you with table manners like that.”

The blonde looked away from his piled plate and toward the snot-nosed boy speaking.

Justin Finch-Fletchy.

Draco felt his neck flare with embarrassment. It was true, he was new to all this omega stuff. And in the wizarding community it seemed omega were all graceful and elegant. Maybe Draco didn't bel-

“Shut up, butt chin. Just because no omega would ever choose YOU to be their alpha doesn't mean you can belittle them.”

That's why Susan was so hot.

Draco smiled dazedly as the feisty girl continued to insult the posh prick, soaking in the drama he always longed for.

This truly WAS a good year.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Hermione Jean Granger, you have officially lost Best Sister privileges FOREVER.”

The bushy haired girl rolled her eyes, tired of the complaining. The omega had been at it since she'd taken away from the feast- Explaining the whole ‘Slithering Scandal'.

“I wasn't about to let you go into harm’s wa-”

“The points! Oh Lord, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POINTS!! Ravenclaw could have won!!”

If she hadn't known Draco since he still peed the bed- She'd probably be offended by his sneering. Yet, this was her brother.

And Hermione knew that snarky remarks were his defense mechanism- Draco was worried about her.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm horrid and shall be banished from attending your birthday party- I love you too, now let's go see Harry.”

“Huh? What's wrong with Harry?”

“He's still in the hospital wing, just woke up from his sleep.”

*-*-*-*-*

Harry couldn't have wished to be out of bed more.

Ron had left to go catch the morning breakfast and Hermione to go console the blonde beauty, so Harry was stuck alone.

He hated being alone. Yes, he knew he finally had people that care about him, but sometimes it was hard to remember this wasn't a dream.

Merlin, did Harry hope this wasn't a dream.

Never before did he want something more.

When he was seven he had found a cat- Harry managed to keep it hidden for a month before Dudley took it- He cried himself to sleep that night, begging God to give him his only friend back.

That? Didn't even compare.

“Harry! Oh good, you're not asleep- I brought you some food. Watermelon for hydration, Chicken for protein-”

Green eyes met the Granger kids walking toward him- One carrying a tray for him.

For him.

Hermione set the brunch on the bedside table, while Draco made himself comfortable next to Harry in bed.

“So… How's my world class hero? Heard you survived the Evil Queen again?”

Harry blushed at the name, “Eh- I did my best.”

The alpha’s crush snorted, snuggling closer in his arms. Draco might not have said it, but it was clear how happy he was that Harry was safe.

“Good, cause I would have brought you back and killed you myself if you died.”

Hermione smiled- shuffling to the foot of the bed as well. They all laughed as Draco took the buck toothed girl’s role in scolding the boy.

After a while Ron joined as well, and they all huddled up together till it was time to go- Madame Pomfrey claiming ‘You young-ins have to be up bright in early to make it home on time- Now, shoo!’

Freckles and Ms. Know-it-all were first to leave, but Draco stayed behind with the patient.

Harry looked down nervously, avoiding his beloved’s gaze.

Before Harry could realize it, his arms were full of blonde hair as Draco hugged him tight.

“I’m gonna miss you, Potter. Try not to get into trouble this break? I still need to beat you at Quidditch.”

The alpha laughed, causing Draco’s head to bounce with the movement.

“No promises, Granger.”

Draco huffed, but the glitter in his eyes acted as a tell- Showing the true amusement.

Mesmerized by the sparkling gray, Harry didn't even notice Draco lean down and kiss him softly on the corner of his lips- So quick it could be mistaken as an accident.

“ Till next time, Hero.”

Harry Potter was left holding his lips as he watched the tiny omega leave the room, entranced by the sway of his hips.

This will be the longest fucking summer ever.

Chapter Text

The summer was spent in a daze- Heat Waves and melted ice lollies. Playing at the park and lazy afternoons reading with ‘Mione. Conspiring with the Twin Troubles through owls and being left on delivered by friends- more specifically- Harry Bloody Potter.

But it's fine- Draco isn't angry. Well, he WAS, but that was before he met with the Gryffindorks for supplies shopping.

“An elf stole your letters, and you thought we'd abandoned you?!”

The tiny blonde stood in front of the alpha with a scowl. Delicate hands gripping his hips, mimicking the posture of a ticked off mother- Or Hermione.

The raven haired boy nodded his head with exaggeration, a clear sign of his fear for upsetting his crush.

“I swear! His name was Dobby and he said I couldn't go back to Hogwarts. Something about danger awaiting- I don't know, but he almost got me in a lot of trouble-”

Draco cut off Harry's rant by stepping closer- engulfing him in a hug.

“It's fine, you dufus- Just never doubt our friendship again. I mean, the weasel stole his dad's car to help you escape! That's what I call dedication.”

Harry's face flushed bright red at the boy's words, completely ignoring his best mate’s ‘Hey!’ at the insult from a distance.

Unfortunately, after what felt like mere seconds, the hug was interrupted by a certain redheaded girl.

“Sooo, Harry! I heard you made the Quidditch team- That's awesome! I can't wait to…”

Aaannd that's when the omega stopped listening, opting to greet the rest of his friends instead. Everyone was there- Susan, Ron, The twins, Hermione, Ginny, and even Neville- and Draco couldn't be happier at the fact.

Eventually the group decided to go get their books. What they didn't expect though, was a never ending line formed outside the shop.

Ginny groaned, “Ugh, what's taking so long?”

“It looks like there's a book signing,” Hermione went on her tiptoes, attempting to see the commotion, “ Oh! It's Professor Lockhart, he's doing a book signing!”

The girl with bushy hair gleamed, already spewing about the man’s great accomplishments. The three gryffindor second year boys looked a little confused, but Draco only rolled his eyes.

“You're lucky you don't leave with the girl. All summer it was ‘Lockhart is sooo smart… blah blah blah’. I swear, this is Hermione’s biggest crush yet.”

Ron looked a little green at the news, but Hermione was simply offended.

“I do not! I simply admire his advanced research, and you can't say anything, Dray. Remember when you found out Risky Business existed? Yeah, one summer of ENJOYING SOMEONE'S RESEARCH doesn't even come close to your four year Tom Cruise obsession.”

“Um- Who's Tom Cruise?” questioned the innocent alpha with emerald green eyes.

Draco simply radiated with excitement at the question, immediately jumping into a descriptive analog of the ‘Greatest Heartthrob of All Time’.

Even though talking about the man with washboard abs banged at Harry's heart, he too couldn't help getting excited at getting the blonde’s full attention.

The kids quickly found Mr and Mrs Weasley amidst the crowd and huddled with them.

“Oh good,” Mrs. Weasley sighed, “ I saved us a spot in line to get your books signed!”

Hermione beamed at the gesture, but Draco could hear the twins snickering in the background- Mrs. Weasley was also Lockhart obsessed.

Mrs. Weasley, Hermione, Neville, and the twins left to go to the front of the line (and attempting to save Potter from Professor Lockhart).

Draco was about to follow to watch the chaos. Yet, was stopped by the sound of a voice talking to Arthur.

“Well, well, well, Weasley Senior.”

Mr. Weasley stood a little taller at the name.

“Lucius.”

Hidden behind Ron, it was hard for Draco to see. He did manage to make a tall, attractive couple standing in front of the Weasley clan.

It was quite odd- How familiar, yet foreign the two look. The man was lean, so tall he towered over people, with pale skin and white hair.

Kind of like Draco’s.

However, he looked mean. As if associating with a hardworking man like Arthur was a punishment. The beautiful woman standing beside him wasn't openly sneering, but also gave off an aura of superiority.

Draco Granger did not like them.

“Busy time at the Ministry, Arthur. All those extra raids; I do hope they're paying you overtime.”

The scary man, Lucius, stated. Leaning down to pluck a book from Ginny’s cauldron. The action caused the omega to escape the man's line of sight.

Which then caused him to bump into the women.

Draco met the women's crystal blue eyes with fear. Surprisingly, her eyes widened too.

“D-Draco?”

The blonde’s brows furrowed in confusion. “How do you know my name?”

The woman froze, her breath catching noticeably. She looked at Draco with longing, just like Snape.

The magical world sure is odd.

At a few awkward moments, she regains movement. She scans the room- Relaxing after relaxing Lucius was still distracted by Arthur, and didn't even notice the omega.

“Mr. Weasley told me, dear. My name is Narcissa, but you can call me Cissy.” She offered, smiling warmly at Draco.

The blonde called bullshit- frowning at Narcissa.

“That man you're here with sure is rude, Cissy.”

The woman laughed, if a little sadly, and led Draco away from the scene. Shielding him from the man’s view.

“Feisty. A soul on fire, do be sure to never lose that. To answer your query, that man is my husband- Lucius Malfoy. Not the most pleasant company, but some decisions we cannot control.”

The woman knelt to Draco's level, keeping eye contact. It was calming- The way she treated him like an adult.

Maybe SHE wasn't so bad.

“Well, I am a sucker for compliments- so you're fine I guess- I still think your husband's a right prat though.”

Narcissa caressed his cheek, for some reason treating Draco like a son.

“I will not deny the obvious, Draco. Now, why don't you wait for your posse outside? No reason to add fuel to the fire.”

The omega couldn't help but agree, and left the women to wait outside. When he turned to thank her, however, she was gone.

Before Draco had the chance to question it, his family was back next to him.

Thousands of words ran at him at once; The twins reenacting the brawl, Neville making fun of Lockhart, and Harry wondering about why he was outside.

He wasn't paying attention. Instead, focused on a new book in Ginny’s cauldron.

“Hey, Ginny- Where did you get the book?”

The freckled girl looked down and picked up the worn looking book, “I don't know, it isn't mine though.”

She handed it to Draco and he inspected it. It was a journal, never written in. Which was just what the omega needed.

“Can I have it?”

“Sure.”

*-*-*-*-*-

So it began, again. The Grangers made it safely to a quiet cart in the back; after what felt like years of searching for Dumb and Dumber.

“Where could they be?”

Hermione hummed thoughtfully, “I haven't a clue, but as soon as I find them, they'll wish they had made it here!”

Draco laughed, “Yeah, you're probably right- Must’ve simply gotten lost.”

The duo spent most of the train ride like that- Discussing what they might learn during the upcoming year. That was, until a little blonde showed up at the door.

“Do you mind if I sit? The nargles seem to simmer around here.”

Standing in the doorway was a tiny girl- shorter than Draco- with hair rivaling the snow, and a pair of glasses that could've been made by the Mad Hatter himself.

“Oh yay! Another blonde! It's so nice to meet you- Sit down!- The names Draco, and this is my annoying sister, Hermione.”

Luna looked down shyly, overwhelmed with happiness. Truth be told, this was the fifth compartment she'd asked to join- And the first to agree.

Luna sat down timidly next to Draco- who was sprawled out along most of the seat.

“I'm Luna, and might I say- I've never seen someone have so little nargles hanging around. What's your secret?”

Instead of being creeped out like most, the omega basked in the compliment. While his sister pondered the phrase.

“What's a nargles? Is it a magical being not in Hogwarts: A History?”

That's how the newest addition to the gang was recruited- A first year whose creativity sparked interest in all. Well, the cool ones at least.

The three talked the whole way there, the whole carriage ride, cheered Luna’s acceptance into Ravenclaw, AND switched tables to talk during the whole welcoming feast.

They talked so much- They almost didn't notice their lovable idiot come tumbling into the grand hall.

Almost.

Chapter Text

Ever since he was a tiny tot, Draco always craved chaos- Addicted to mayhem. The omega couldn't remember a time he didn't find enjoyment in the drama.

Then he met Fred and George Weasley.

The three of them found friendship in their common love for screwing with people's lives. The previous year could be considered their pilot- Yet, this year?

This year was going to be huge.

“Is it done brewing?”

Draco grinned, proudly displaying the salve he spent the entire summer groveling over. It was clear and smelt of nothing.

Perfect for their plan.

“Way to go, Bombshell. Knew you had it in you!” Cheered George, and ruffled the omega’s white blonde locks.

“Yeah yeah- I know I'm awesome, no need for praise. Now, you two got the traps set?”

The blonde was met with twin evil grins.

“Why-”

“Of-”

“Course!” The ginger genius said in unison.

Fred flopped next to Draco, pulling out his messy, tea stained notes to showcase.

“It was simply really- Gred and I stole all the antidote serums from the medic AND Professor Greaser’s storeroom, so don't worry about that. Then, we made sure to plant…”

“Nuisance,” supplied ‘Gred’.

“Ah, yes,” agreed ‘Forge’, “ Nuisances were planted in Snape’s quarters, which will cause him to be exactly two minutes later than usual- Giving your cute butt time to replace his hair gel with the magical salve.”

Fred finally lifted his head to meet Draco’s eyes, hope obvious on his freckled face. Even if the boy didn't find Draco romantically attractive- He definitely still craved his approval.

George made his way over to the two as well, swinging his arms around them both, “Think it will work?”

By this point, the petite boy was bouncing in his seat with excitement. Face flushed with anticipation.

“Will it work?! Of course it will! They don't call you the Double Disasters for nothing!!”

The gingers laughed, already knowing how to reply.

“Well, they might have to-”

“Change that name to-”

“The Terrible Three-”

“Because we sure couldn't-”

“Do it-”

“Without you!”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

So far, so good, thought Draco. The plan has been panning out perfectly- Snape being two minutes late to class with flushed cheeks and shortened breath.

It had given Granger the time to switch the sleek-eze the man used everyday during potions with his special recipe.

To say Susan wasn't suspicious was an understatement.

“You're up to something.”

Draco turned, mustering up his best innocent face.

“Me? Never.”

The brunette narrowed her eyes, calling her best mate’s bull.

“I may not be Hermione's level of bullshit calling, but I can tell a prank when I see one.”

Draco only hummed in response, eyes trained on dicing the Devil’s Snare root precisely.

“Then you better wait and see, dear friend.”

As if the words were a command, a loud POOF shot through the dungeon, causing every second year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw to turn their heads to the teacher.

There, in a cloud of smoke, stood Professor Snape.

Professor Snape with his greasy black hair.

And fluffy cat ears upon his head.

Like it was time, every student burst out laughing. Wall to wall giggles only increase in volume every time Snape’s face rose in color.

“Enough! All you that find this humorous, you have a 30- inch parchment about Devil's Snare due by tomorrow. One more laugh and it's 40 house points.”

The giggles replaced with grumbles of complaints, and the prank suddenly wasn't that funny-

To everyone besides Draco.

The threat never stopped his tread, as his adorable little laughter kept echoing through the room.

And it would have continued if Susan hadn't slapped a hand over his mouth.

“I swear to Merlin, Draco- If you cause us to lose house points- AGAIN- I will throw you into the lake with the mermaids,” whisper- shouted Bones.

Message received, Draco shut his fat mouth and waited for the professor to dismiss them quietly.

And eventually, with a glare, he did.

Well, he dismissed everyone besides Draco of course.

“Granger, you are to stay.”

“But Professor Snape,” whined Draco, “I'll be late to Trans-”

“I said, you are to stay, Mr. Granger,” repeated Snape menacingly- Tone so commanding, the omega didn't think twice to sit his ass back down.

After all the other kids left, Draco was alone with Snape.

“Don't try to deny it, you insolent boy. I know you switched the salves.”

Now, the alpha really did sound serious. But it was hard to take anyone with respect when they sported a pair of soft cat ears.

“Whatever are you on about, sir?”

Snape sneered, “Of course you chose the denial route- I KNOW it was you, because who else would have brewed a perfect potion master’s level amigus imitation potion, and altered it enough to mimic Sleek-eze?”

Even though it was an accusation, Draco Granger just couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit proud about his creation. It truly was a masterpiece.

“Why, professor- Silly old me could never muster up a potion quite as good as that. It must have been a seventh year then…”

Draco twiddled his thumbs, doe-ing up his gray irises and peering through his long blonde lashes.

If Draco did anything well, it was looking cute.

Severus groaned, annoyed at his godson- It HAD to be his godson. For, only a descendant of Narcissa Black could be that manipulative.

Severus sighed, defeated-

“Very well, obviously someone this capable would pass up on praise- Run along, hooligan.”

The omega smiled sweetly, making his way out of the classroom- Yet, just before leaving, Draco turned to look at the teacher.

“And, professor?”

“What now, Mr. Granger?” Drawled Severus.

“Oh nothing,” chuckled the blonde, “I just thought you like to know that I quite enjoy the feline look on you.”
.
.
.
With that, Severus Snape was left alone- Stuck with cat ears and no antidote. All thanks to his brat of a godson.

Merlin, was it good to have the little devil back.

Chapter Text

Weeks have gone by since the ‘Cat-astrophe’ and Draco has yet to get in trouble. Hermione calls it luck, The twins call it unfair (considering they got caught in less than an hour), and Susan calls it ‘omega privilege’. 

It was quite odd, especially since Snape had seemed to be on to him as soon as it happened. Yet, he wasn’t going to question good fortune, so he chose to ignore the obvious favoritism. So, life went all- That was, until Blaise Zambini showed up. 

Draco had been late to class in the morning; dashing through the halls attempting to make it in time before Professor McGonagall gave him ‘the look’. The omega wasn't paying attention when he slammed into the warm body of a snake. 

“Watch it, omega.” 

Granger looked up from where he was on the floor, books and papers scattered around. Blaise Zambini stood above him. His alpha aura overwhelming the hall, belittling Draco. 

Great, thought Draco, I'm definitely late. 

“Sorry, I wasn't paying attention,” Draco apologized, simply wanting to end this altercation nicely. 

“I bet you weren't- Not enough space in that ditsy brain of yours,” snarled Zambini. 

Draco felt his blood rise, anger mixed with hurt from the obvious attack on his inheritance. 

“At least I'm not a smelly alpha like you!” 

Zambini laughed, looking down on the blonde. It honestly scared him- He'd been attending this school for two years now and this is the first time an alpha treated him like this. 

“Learn your place, mudblood. You are nothing but a weak, little omega. I could just,” Blaise reached for Draco- grabbing his shoulder hard. Baby Granger couldn't help but flinch in terror. 

It only made Zambini laugh harder, “Hah, see- I could just break you.”

Suddenly Draco felt a searing pain coming from his shoulder blade. Blaise was twisting his arm, pulling in a direction it shouldn't go. 

He was pushed to the ground- Lip busting at the impact. 

Draco didn't dare look up.

“Pathetic- can't even stand a little bit of pain. You don't deserve to be a wizard, mudblood.”

.

.

.

And with that, he was left by himself with only his thoughts as company. 

Surrounded by his books. In an empty hall. The only warmth- His own blood dripping down his chin. 

Draco Granger has never felt more alone. 

*-*-*-*-*

Draco never did show up to class. Never did see McGonagall’s disappointed look. He did, however, dash right back to his dorm- leaving a trail of tears behind him. 

When he finally made it to his room, he went straight to the bay window to wallow in self pity with the mermaids. 

It was scary- How all the evil thoughts consumed him. 

Pathetic, Weak, Useless- No wonder his own mother gave him up. 

He’s supposed to be tough- Tough enough to protect his sister, his friends. 

And he can't even protect himself. 

With no one to vent to, he picked up the old journal Ginny gave him. 

“Journaling,” Draco laughed, voice cracking sadly, “How Hermione would be proud.”

.

.

.

Dear Diary, My Names Draco Granger- 

Hello, Draco. 

What?! My journal can write back!?

Of course- I do have a soul. 

Oh wow! That is narly- Some real wizard shit right there. 

Hah, I suppose so- Wizard shit, indeed. So, what brings you to right in my ‘dear diary'. 

Oh, well- Some alpha was picking on me- It's stupid really. 

I don't think you're stupid, Draco. 

You don't? 

Of course not, I bet you're smart, and strong- Let's be friends. 

You want to be my friend? 

Definitely!

Even though I'm just a weak omega? 

Draco, I don't have eyes-

Oh yeah, then I guess we can be friends! 

Perfect.

What's your name, by the way. 

Oh, It's Tom Riddle. 

Heh, Nice to meet you, Tom Riddle. 

Draco smiled to himself- tears dried and stained to his cheeks. 

Finally, someone who doesn't just see a weak omega. Someone who sees past his pretty face. Someone to talk to about his fears. Someone who understands his embarrassment. 

This was perfect! Draco can still be the happy, snarky blonde everyone knows and loves, all while letting his feelings out. 

It feels better to let the feelings out- All the scary thoughts disappeared when he talked to Tom. And he wasn't a burden anymore! 

It truly was a win-win situation. 

Plus, it's just a journal. 

Right?

Chapter Text

The days sort of blend together- day and night mixing like wine on carpet. Yet, pieces go missing in between- chunks of blank space where the omega should remember things. 

And that's what Draco fears most. 

Tom comforts him though, reassures the blonde that, ‘It’s a part of growing into your inheritance- You're maturing, Draco.’ 

And he believes Riddle, why would a trusted friend lie? Draco's a muggleborn, so it's not like he knows what is what. 

With that, Granger pushes that fear into the deepest corners of his mind, because it's irrational. 

He paints to cope. 

It's been a while, he'll admit, with the whole “You're a wizard and also can get pregnant” thing consuming the majority of his time. But it was once his passion. 

When Draco was five, he had nightmares. Nightmares about not being able to remember, the absolute loneliness and the fear that comes with that. 

His mama suggested painting- She brought him to the local art center and the rest is history. 

It's the only thing that allows Draco to connect to that life before being a Granger. 

So, when Draco gets lonely, gets a little scared- He breaks out the crusted over jars of paint. 

Draco will be the first to say, he's rusty- His stroke a little too short, the paint streaky. But, it helps. 

Till he runs out of oil paints. 

“Why does God hate me?” 

Covered head-to-toe in ink, Draco begrudgingly makes his way through the castle’s magic halls in hopes of tricking an elf into getting him more paint. 

Halfway there, Draco runs into a familiar face. Luna Lovegood, with a dreamily look in her eyes- who appeared to be in search of something. 

“Everything good, Lovely Luna?” 

The little blonde girl turns her attention to Draco and her clouded eyes widen with excitement.

“Oh, Draco! It's splendid to see you! Oh dear! It seems the nargles have been duplicated since I've last seen you.” 

Draco scrunches his eyebrows in confusion, worried about Luna’s serious expression.

“Yeah… It's wonderful to see you too. Say, what brings you wandering around at this hour?”

Luna looked down sheepishly, swirls of ivory hair cascading to hide her pinked cheeks. 

Draco also pointed his gaze down and was met with the girl’s bare feet. 

Instantly outraged, Draco stomps over and gives the girl his fluffy bunny slippers. 

“Those bastards! I can't believe those barbarians in that disgusting excuse of a house would pick on a little girl For what?!”

“Draco-”

“Cause she has a brilliant sense of wisdom and creativity that they don't?!”

“Draco!-”

“Ooh, how I'm gonna WHACK them with their stupid books-”

“DRACO,” screamed Luna (which was honestly odd to hear)

Draco Granger finally snapped his trap shut and looked at his friend. Oh how broken she looked; tear stained cheeks she tried to hide, messy blonde hair, eyes full of lost hope. 

Draco never wanted her to look like that again. 

“Say, Luna- have you ever painted?” 

*-*-*-*-*

It was a normal morning for Susan Bones; Get up at six, brush her teeth, put on her uniform, and then go wake up Draco-

Well, that's what normally happened. 

Today, however, she was met with a surprise. 

Today, she was met with two (quite adorable) blondes with eye bags and painted noses. 

“Susie Cue!! You came to join us, quick! Quick!”

Draco was up on his feet, bouncing on his soles, waiting to show the brunette his creation with the pride of a five year old. 

Bones rolled her eyes, allowing herself to be dragged over to Luna. 

“Alright, alright- Show me what you two cuties have been- HOLY SHIT.”

When Susan Bones woke up this morning, she did not expect to witness a masterpiece. 

Lying before her was a canvas as wide as one of the carpets on Draco’s floor. It was beautiful- The swirls of colors, the contour lines bold yet delicate, the way the people in it almost seemed real-

“It's us,” Susan whispered with an air of Idiocracy. 

 It truly was them. The whole gang: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Fred, George, Susan, Draco, and Luna.

 They were all huddled together in the hideout- Fred and George whispering in the corner, Ron shoveling biscuits in his mouth while laying around a recliner, Susan basking in the sunlight under giant magicked window, The Grangers and Luna squished together under a single blanket in the midst of laughing, and Harry. 

Harry in the center of it all smiling happily. 

“So,” It was Luna interrupting the silence, “What are your thoughts?”

“My thoughts?!” gushed the strong beta, “I'm thinking how wonderful this painting is!! I mean, did you spend the night on this?!” 

Draco and Luna ducked their heads guiltily in unison. 

“Ehh, give or take a few hours,” Draco tried to be nonchalant. 

Susan squinted her eyes, disapproving of the pair’s actions. 

“Mhmm, and did Luna even go back to her dorm?”

The omega huffed in disgust while the alpha simply rolled her eyes fondly. 

“Those dunderheads up in that tower don't deserve Lovely Luna’s elegance- so I stole her for myself.” 

Quickly, Susan caught on and dismissed the topic altogether- silently proud of her best friend for protecting a helpless first year. 

“Couldn't agree more- Wanna head to breakfast? I betcha we can sneak Lovegood at our table.” 

White hair flashes before her eyes, and soon she is being whisked away by the cutest couple of blonde known to mankind. 

Chapter Text

It wasn't supposed to happen, Draco reasoned, so why is he obligated to inform his friends? 

It was an accident really, wrong place right time so to speak. The omega simply happened to be watching the Hufflepuff team do their daily drills (for no dirty reasons, obviously) when the team got in a dispute. 

“Of course I can still play!” Hollard team captain, Cedric Diggory. 

Diana, whom Draco recognized from his time with the Puff Pals, scoffed. 

“You're as sicker than the Dickens, Diggory- I refuse to lose this match because of you!”

Draco inched closer, following drama like a god. The blonde beauty just knew this was going to be good. 

“It's not my fault those snakes got scared of the rain and now we have to play Gryffindor!”

Diana huffed, “I know that! That doesn't mean you're not sick though!” 

“What do you expect we will do then?” 

“Call in the rookie- Seriously, Cedric, is the flu going to your hea-”

“What rookie?” Deadpanned Cedric, causing Diana to freeze and look around.

There was no rookie. 

“What? He was right-”

“You mean Micky? The one who's been in St. Mungos for dragon pox?”

A moment of silence swarms the space between them, suddenly the Quidditch field felt ten times smaller. 

“Oh.”

So, there comes in Draco- ego so full he felt it was right for him to step in. 

“I can do it!”

The commotion ceases, all eyes now on the second year omega- most in bewilderment. 

“Hey squirt- I don't think you heard us right…” Diana responded, clearly doubting Draco’s abilities. 

“I heard loud and clear, I can do it- I can play as a seeker!!” Exclaimed the blue eyed boy, smiling so clearly displaying hope. 

The whole team just stands there, avoiding Granger’s puppy dog look, not wanting to crush his dreams. 

Cedric and Diana glance at each other, silently arguing on if they should allow Draco to stand in. 

Cedric wearily sighs (after what seemed like five minutes of Diana’s heated stare) and nods, begrudgingly accepting his benched fate. 

Proudly, Diana turns to face the now worried blonde- diminishing his fears with her motherly look. 

“Can you even play, Granger?”

“You bet!” Shouted Draco, simply excited to be given the opportunity, “I mean… I’m okay?”

The beaters in the back groan, “The kid can't even play!” 

Diana shushes the seventh year up immediately, “Shut it you two! Give the kid a chance, Plus- I have an idea.”

The smile on the redhead's face slowly turned sinister, and Cedric began to worry. 

“Oh no, what now?”

Diana laughed a little too evilly for comfort, strolling over to the littlest blonde. She engulfed the boy into an embrace- wrapping her long, tan arm over his shoulder. 

“Say, Draco?”

“Yeah?” Squeaked the blonde, absolutely bubbling with excitement. 

“That scrawny alpha- the one that worships the ground you walk on?”

Granger eyed her with a look of puzzlement, “Who?”

“Y’know,” drawled Diana- a twinkle in her eyes, “Harry Potter.”

Recognition reigned through the entire team's faces. Why hadn't they thought of that? Potter would obviously be too distracted by the cute omega to search for the snitch! 

Well, all understood with the expectation of Draco Granger. 

“Harry? What about him? He doesn't worship me- Honestly, I think he only stands me for Mione’s sake.”

That earned the boy a squeeze closer, Diana leaning to hold the blonde’s head dramatically,

“Oh, you innocent thing you, just listen to the big kids- You'll see.”

Of course Draco didn't believe the older girl, but who cares! He's on the team!

-

That was then, and this is now- Draco Granger would be lying if he said the nerves weren't getting to him. 

Don't get the boy wrong, this had been the best five days of his life; running drills, Diana teaching him to bat his eyelashes for some reason?, and just feeling a part of a team. 

Yet, as he sits in the locker room, in the midst of the chaos, Draco realizes he has to face his Gryffindor gang.

The very one he plays against. 

“It'll be fine, Small Fry,” reassures Cedric, who happens to be sitting on a bench surrounded by used tissues. 

Gross, Draco noted silently to himself. 

“Easy for you to say, you don't have a bossy older sister who just HAS to know everything.”

Diggory laughed nasally, slapping Draco's shoulder. 

“Then you better make it worth it- Go out there and win!”

With that, the team pushes out the giant doors.

And the games begin.

*-*-*-*-

“Are you sure you haven't seen him?”

Hermione groaned, dropping her head onto her book. The movement caused Ron to choke on his chicken leg from laughter. 

“Harry Potter, I’ve about had enough of you whining after my little brother!” 

The boy with the bird's nest of hair blushed, shying away from Hermione stating the obvious. 

“She's got a point, mate,” grumbled Ron, who had already resumed stuffing his face, “You're border lining stalking at this point!”

Harry’s blush darkened with ferocity,

 “I am not a stalker. I simply wanted to see our FRIEND before the game, which we're playing against his house by the way, and you should be more concerned, Hermione! We haven't seen him in a week!” 

Unfortunately for Potter, all that defending still came across as whining to his best friends. 

“I'm sure Draco's fine,” Hermione reasoned, “He does this sometimes-” 

“What, hide like a ferret?” mumbled Ron in the back. 

The buck toothed girl folded her book and swatted the freckled boy, always ready to defend her brother. 

“No, Ronald. Draco just gets lost in his head and forgets about reality sometimes. I'm honestly surprised he hadn't done it at all in first year.” 

“He is alright?” questioned Harry, worrying about his omega. 

Hermione waved him off though, “It's nothing serious, more creativity driven really. Draco is probably huddled in his room, fussing over one of his paintings.”

“Draco paints?”

“Of course he paints,” Hermione replies, face drawn to a point. “You didn't know?” 

“No I didn't! He doesn't tell me anything!” 

Harry slumped, letting himself feel self conscious. Did Draco even like him? It's not like the blonde told him about his interest- All he did was let Harry yap about himself. 

Wow, now that he thought about it, the alpha probably looked like a complete douche around Draco. 

“Cheer up,” Ron consoled, “I'm sure the pointy got likes you plenty.”

“Really he doesn't tell me-”

“Harry!!”

The golden trio looked over across the field and saw the talked about beauty. He was standing on his tiptoes, waving like a madman. He was wearing quidditch robes and had his long, elegant fingers around a broomstick-

Wait, quidditch robes? 

“Draco Avery, what. Are. You. Wearing?” Scolded Hermione as they made their way over. 

Draco rolled his eyes playfully, threading his hands through his golden locks. 

Was his hair longer, is he purposefully growing it out? Or is this more of a too-busy-to-care thing? I mean, either way Harry thinks it looks Hot-

“Are you going to explain the get up, ferret?”

“Not to you, Weasel. But, look!! I made backup for the Hufflepuff seeker!”

The friendly banter continued as the raven headed boy processed what he just heard. 

“You're the new seeker?”

Draco met Harry’s emerald eyes, “Well, I'm understudy, but Cedric’s sick, so…” 

“I'm playing against you?!” Sputtered Harry. 

“Don't go easy on me, alpha.” Draco winked, before running off to his teammates. 

Harry Potter stood there in shock, jaw to the floor as he watched the blonde sway his hips away.

And he would have continued if his best mate didn't clap his shoulder. 

“Good luck with that one, Harry. This might just be a bleak day for Gryffindor.” 

-

Twenty minutes in, and Gryffindor was sweaty in their boots. Hufflepuff might be laid back, but on the field they sure are hell. 

Their chasers were flying loops around the lions, twisting and turning just to put their minds through a spin. 

Even the Weasley Twins could barely keep up with the Puff’s beaters- the burly seventh years who ran on built up agitation. 

Worst of all, they couldn't even count on their very own boy-who-lived. 

“Are you even looking for the snitch, Potter?” The boy with rays of sunshine for air gave his signature grin, teasing Harry. 

In return, Harry Potter blushed- gripping his Nimbus 2000 tighter. 

Play it cool, Play it cool, Play it cool. 

“And let you win? Never, Granger.” 

The omega giggled, peering at the Chosen One through his thick, blonde lashes. 

“ Then you better get moving!” 

With that, Draco dashed down- leaving Potter in the dust behind him. While the two were flirting, Diana signaled from the goalpost that the snitch was low to the ground. 

They were neck in neck, after Harry quickly recovered from staring at Draco’s rosy lips, and were steadily heading to the grass. 

They both reached out at the same time, wrists bumping into each other. It was so close, who was going to make it-

BAM! 

Just as Granger’s fingers closed around the snitch, Harry spun to the right- getting hit directly by the blunger. 

The Hufflepuff stands were ecstatic, but Draco had no time to celebrate- too busy dashing over to were his friend was down. 

“Harry! Harry! Are you okay?”

He wasn't the only one crowding the alpha, both Hermione and the entire Weasley clan were there by his side. 

Harry was on the ground, slightly dirty but otherwise fine. Well, except for his arm bent in the completely wrong direction. 

“Holy merlin’s saggy balls- your arm! Quick, Mione, what do we do!!” 

Draco frantically turned to Hermione for support, but before she couldn't answer, Professor With The Perfect Hair came bustling in. 

“Stand back, Stand back! Let the professional through!”

“Oh no,” moaned Ron, blue eyes widened. 

“No!” Yelped Harry, “Don't let him do anything!” 

And maybe they should have listened,

But they didn't. 

So Draco watched solemnly as Harry was carried by Hagrid to the hospital wing, Gryffindor in tow. The omega couldn't help but feel as if this was all his fault. 

Only if he didn't like watching Quidditch players run around so much. 

*-*-*-*-

Tom? 

Yes, Draco? 

I think it's my fault a friend got hurt. 

Why's that?

Well, I joined the Quidditch team, and we were pl aying against each other- He got hurt and I just keep thinking if only I didn't play so tough-

Draco, It's not your fault- Fate rules us all, you couldn't have predicted this would happen. 

Really?

Most certainly . 

Thanks, Tom- I really needed that. 

Chapter Text

As the days get colder, Draco seems to remember less and less- but that can simply be seasonal depression, right? 

To distract himself, the boy took a page from his adopted sister's book- Throw himself into his studies. 

Instead of pranks, he began using his skill on potions for, well, potions class. Draco would slice each root precisely, mix at a perfect 90 degree angle, and he even added his own notes to each outdated recipe. 

Such dedication didn't go unnoticed, however, when Professor Snape held him back after class. 

“You seem to have…found a sudden interest in potions, Mr. Granger.”

The omega threw his head back, wishing that his teacher didn't enjoy talking in tongues. 

“That I have, Professor- Now, can we hurry this up? I have a HUGE parchment due for Herbology-”

“As I was saying, I have noticed this sudden change in ambitions and find your skill shouldn't be wasted.”

“Oh, it's not to be wasted, Sir. I have BIG plans for future-”

“Your future endeavors shall be kept to yourself, Mr. Granger! I'm merely proposing that I take you on as an apprentice!” 

That caused the blonde to freeze, staring at the greasy haired man in shock- Was this a joke? Certainly not when Snape had such sincerity written on his face. 

“Really? Me? I get to help with potions and stuff?!” Beamed the beauty, already shaking with the possibility of all the sick things he'd be able to experience. 

“Nothing of the sort your mind is inventing, Mr. Granger,” sneered Snape, “It will be far tamer- Tutoring the students who are too incompetent to pass the class.”

“I get to TEACH?!” Draco screeched, jumping into the man’s personal space. The omega wrapped his arms around the professor’s middle- trapping him in an appreciative hug. 

“Thank you, Professor Snape!! I'll make you proud!” 

He didn't show it, as he kept his face schooled and cold, but Severus truly did enjoy making his godson so happy. 

-

Two days before Halloween, Draco was spending his night in the library. He was to be tutoring a fellow second year who'll fail without his help. 

He probably should feel empathetic for this failing student, but Draco was honestly thrilled with the thought of helping someone succeed. Call it the omega in him. 

Or the narcissist. 

“Draco?” 

Taking his focus off the textbooks he had laid out, Granger looked up to find Neville Longbottom calling his name- Book bag in tow. 

“Neville? What are you doing here?” The blonde questioned, already pulling out a seat next to him for his much softer friend. 

Neville kept his gaze on the floorboards as he felt embarrassed flood his senses. 

“Oh, I-I’m supposed to be meeting with my tutor.” 

Instead of laughing at Longbottom for requiring a tutor, Draco perked up, “Really? Say, it isn't for potions, is it?” 

“Y-yeah, it is.” Neville stuttered back. 

“Well, then I guess that's me! Honestly, you could've just asked me- I’d be happy to help!” 

“You're not gonna make fun of me? F-for needing a tutor?” 

Draco looked at the dirty blonde haired boy offendedly, as if questioning Neville’s audacity, 

“Heavens No! I would be a horrible friend if I did that! Plus, everyone needs a little help sometimes- I'm not the best at Charms myself.” 

Neville sank back in his chair in relief, the fear of having someone make fun of him for being stupid disappearing. Longbottom knows Draco would never make fun of him.

Maybe these study dates won't be so bad after all. 

-

They spent hours holding up in the little nook of the library- going over everything they learned that year. It wasn't easy, there were a lot of mistakes along the way. 

Yet, at the end of their study session, they were closer than ever. 

It was expected, truly. Seeing how the pair was forced to be vulnerable in front of one another. Neville had to show the side of him he wanted no one to notice- What he thought of as ‘shameful stupidity’. 

“Don't be ludicrous, Nev,” responded Draco when the brunette shared his insecurity, “You don't have ‘shameful stupidity', all you have is a skill gone unpracticed.”

“You're only saying that because you're an omega, Draco. It's your biology to be all Mother Hen like.”

That seemed to be the wrong answer, as Neville felt a rolled up parchment hit him in the head. 

“It is not!!” 

Neville rolled his eyes, “Look, I know I'm not from the smartest lot-”

“You are!” The blonde cut in, but was ignored. 

“Yet, I AM a pureblood. Gran is determined to raise me as such, so I do know quite a bit about second gender classifications.”

Draco brightened at the mention. He really was interested in the subject, but could never find someone willing to share. 

“You do?” 

“Mhm,” Neville hummed in acknowledgment, “And it IS in your biology to care for others- Do you really this omegas would go through all that trauma of childbirth without it?” 

“I… I suppose not…”

“It's charming, really. Gran told me hundreds of stories on how omegas act, but I've never met one until you.”

Draco hummed curiously, getting lost in thought as he braided Neville's hair- they abandoned studying a forever ago. 

“Are omegas really that rare?”

“Oh definitely! You see, back when muggleborns were uncommon, there were tons. But when wixen started mating with muggles, beta became more prominent. Slowly but surely, omegas have basically died out. Infact, only purebloods have omegas anymore (considering the gene is still so dominant).”

“But I'm a muggleborns?” Worried Draco. 

“Yeah, you are,” confirmed Longbottom, very nonchalantly, “You must have had a very powerful omega ancestor or something.” 

Like that, the topic was dismissed. And they resumed the carefree conversations. 

“Hey, Nev?”

“Yeah?”

“Nearly Headless Nick invited the Golden Trio to his Death Day party, and obviously the invitation extended to me (because I'm so cool) and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me?” 

Neville froze in Draco's lap, Was he really inviting him? 

Neville was used to being forgotten at this point, with him not nearly confident enough to be a true Gryffindor. It was heartwarming to have a friend who cared enough to think of him. 

Maybe Gran was right- Omegas sure do make the best loved ones. 

“Ehh, why not?” 

-

Sure enough, Halloween night rolled around. And sure enough, Draco was sick. 

“Susaaaaaan,” whined the blonde. Who wasn't so pretty with sickly pale skin, “I'm far too Ill to go to that party thing!” 

The day after Draco had spent the afternoon with Neville he started to feel faint: blacking out, random dizzy spells, and just constant fatigue. 

It was odd, considering Draco never got sick, but he guesses nature simply caught up with him. Hermione said it was most likely puberty (ew) and when he consulted Tom, the boy in the book even said it was normal. 

Sadly, as normal as it may be, it still affected his ability to go to the Death Day celebration. 

“Hush now,” his best friend scolded, as she wiped Draco's temple with a wet cloth, “All you need is rest- Then you'll be good enough to judge people again!” 

The omega let out a strangled laugh at the joke, “Will you go with Neville? I don't want him all alone…”

Susan’s gaze softened, proud of her bff’s empathy, “Luna and I both we'll accompany Neville.” 

“Great! He'll be the most popular guy there, with two pretty girls on his arm!” 

They giggled at the thought and continued to do so till the blonde slowly drifted to sleep. 

-

Susan left Draco all alone to attend the party, having a good time with the whole gang.

That was until a hissing pulled Harry away, causing the whole group to follow. 

They were met with a petrified Norris, dangling in front of a message that read ‘Enemies of the Heir… Beware’ in blood.

The Chamber of Secrets had been open. 

-

Draco didn't awaken till the next morning, and was met with a shock. Not knowing what to do, he asked his friend. 

Tom?

Yes, Draco?

I'm scared, I woke up with blood in my sheets and cat hair on my clothes! What could this mean?!?

Chapter Text

People tend to skim over just how they solve things- Always skipping from question to answer. They never express exactly how they get to there conclusions,

How many hours did you gruel over this? 

Were you scared you'd never find the answer?

How did you come to this solution? 

For Draco, it simply… clicked. 

As if all the days he spent confused, sickly, and scared were an act- Blindfolding him from the reason behind his growing insanity. 

It was Tom. 

The omega was sure of it: The diary always had negative views on blood status, his dismissal of any discomfort Draco felt, and the most obvious of all how the Heir of Slytherin only rose after the journal was open. 

After the omega had woken to his friends’ worried expression the day the Chamber of Secrets was open- he knew. 

And finding blood soaked through his bedsheets only confirmed it. 

His heart sank- drowning in thick waves of betrayal. Draco trusted Tom- confided in him with all his deepest worries. 

And to find out the Boy-in-the-Diary was using him as a vessel for evil? 

That one was personal. 

So,-heartbroken and filled in anger- Draco Granger sets off to destroy the foul journal. 

The day after Halloween, the omega tried his best to appear normal: joke with Susan during breakfast, brew his assigned potion to perfection in Potions, and kept his usual laid-back smile plastered on his face. All while the key to ending the school wide fear was held under his robes. 

Now, it is easy to forget that Draco is only twelve. Twelve and easily swayed by emotions. Twelve and scared of authority.

Yes, Draco was twelve- still immature enough for the idea of turning the blood-purist, cat petrifying journal to a teacher never crossed his mind. 

The next best thing, however, happened to be the Great Lake. 

Draco scurried his way toward the shore, going unnoticed after Transfigurations. Finally, the omega released a breath he didn't know he was holding. 

“It will all be over soon,” he whispered to himself, a sad attempt at comforting the hurt in his heart. 

“It will all be over, and no one else will be hurt!” He shouted, rage bubbling in his veins. 

Rage to mask his guilt. 

Ever since Draco was adopted, he'd always felt guilt. Guilt for stealing the Grangers’ love, Guilt for not remembering his life before. 

Guilt for simply existing. 

He tried to overcome this guilt- working hard, making people laugh, anything to have a purpose.

All those attempts result in nothing when he messes up though. 

Draco lets that rage consume him as he takes a couple steps back from the edge of the lake. He reels his arm back and chucks that diary far far into the Black Lake.

Never to be seen again. 

At last, the pressure that weighed heavy on Draco’s chest vanished with his rage. It wasn't perfect, he still felt shame for resulting in such terrible schemes. 

But it helped- because soon the Chamber of Secrets will be closed.

For good. 

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Pansy Parkinson was everything a pure blood witch was supposed to be. 

She was poised- never showing distress in dangerous situations. Even when a mad man tried to steal her when she was seven. 

She was beautiful- spending hours in the evening applying countless potions, most of which burn. Each meal was spent calculating how many calories were acceptable for her ‘figure’, just as she was taught. 

She was smart- taking dozens upon dozens of summer classes- most of which consisting of Dark Arts- only to take dozens more that fall. 

She was obedient- never talking back to those in charge, those higher up than her. Pansy already disappointed her parents by being a beta, it would be a shame to do so further by disrespecting an alpha. 

Pansy Parkinson was everything a pure blood witch is meant to be. 

Yet, she is nothing that she wants to be. 

Pansy Parkinson may be poised, but she has never let herself go. Resulting in never making real friends. 

Pansy Parkinson may be beautiful, but she didn't think so. Refusing to look in mirrors, afraid of what she might see. 

Pansy Parkinson may be smart, but she must repeatedly ‘dumber herself down’ everytime a pure blood guy deems necessary.

Pansy Parkinson may be obedient, but she lacks all self respect. Never will she amount to anything more than a heiress. 

Pansy Parkinson found an escape at the Black Lake. She found peace within the chill of a sea breeze. 

So that's where she found herself after lunch, sitting alone by the shoreline. 

Well, she was alone. 

“What's this?” She questioned into the wind, as she knelt down to pick up a waterlogged book. 

No, not a book. For, when she opened the pages, she was met with nothing but blankness. 

It was a journal then, one belonging to a T.M according to the initials engraved into the front cover. 

Pansy couldn't explain why she felt drawn to the journal- She had plenty of galleons to go buy a new one. 

But she was, and she couldn't help but to stuff the diary into her robes. 

It's just a journal, anyway. 

.

.

.

Right?

Chapter Text

It was wonderful- how light Draco finally felt inside. After all those months of feeling self conscious and alone, he was now back to his old self. 

No more stupid journal, No more stupid Tom,

And no more Heir to Slytherin. 

Of course the blonde hadn't ACTUALLY told anyone what happened- but they'd find out soon enough once the school realizes the petrifying stopped. 

That brings Draco Granger to now, as he sits at the Gryffindor table, failing at keeping his cool. 

“Drake, you seriously need to calm down,” huffed Susan- agitated after spending the whole day of classes dealing with the energy ball. 

“I can't help it!” Moaned Draco, “I'm just too excited!” 

He jumped up and down in his seat before resting his head on Luna’s shoulder, who happened to sit on the other side of him. 

The dazed girl smiles at Draco, petting his hair quietly.

“I do agree with Draco, I find the entire event rather enticing.” 

Susan rolled her eyes, giving up on winning the argument with the team of blondes. Like anyone could make Draco Granger settle down.

The brunette grumbled as she stabbed her food, but who could blame her? She'd been listening to Draco's rants about break since NOVEMBER. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a pat on her shoulder. Peering up, Susan was met with a sympathetic Hermione. 

The golden trio had been kept late to help Professor Lockhart secure the pixies back in the cage, and just now made it to dinner. 

“Finally met the real Draco?”

“Is he always this annoying?” 

That earned a laugh from the bushy haired girl, “I suppose so, but only this annoying when antsy.” 

The boy seemed to hear the insults and turned to his sister. Draco furrowed his eyebrows and pouted. 

“Heeey! It's not my fault I've never had a party before!!” 

Even as he complained, Draco was pushing fourth-year Gryffindors out of the way so the three could sit across from them. 

Why are they hoarding the red and gold table? Who knows, but it sure was fun for the whole gang to be together. 

Hermione accepted the seat gracefully before slamming her books on the table, as always, 

“It's not a party, Draco. Mom and Dad simply said we could invite some of our ‘magically pals’ over for an EDUCATIONAL experience-” 

“Wha Par-ty?” Questioned Ron- whose speech was muffled by a mouthful of bread.

The beautiful omega lit up at the mention-

“Oh? Mione forgot to tell you? We're hosting a HUGE party in the muggle world for the whole gang. We got Neville, Luna, Susan, The twins- They were to tell you, Ron, but oh well- Harry-”

The mentioned alpha brightened, as he attempted to ‘casually’ fix his hair- 

What a goner, thought Susan humorously. 

“Me too?” The Boy-who-lived whispered softly. 

Draco laughed, too naive to realize his friend wasn't kidding, “Well duh- It wouldn't be the GANG without the- y’know- whole gang!” 

“And I didn't forget to tell you two, I was simply going to wait until after dinner.”

“Yeah yeah,” dismissed Draco, “We totally believe you. Now, you are all coming, right?”

-

No matter what Hermione said, Draco knew this party was a huge deal. 

The Granger kids had been home for a total of 36 hours and more than half of that was spent with the omega decorating. 

“Avery, sweetie,” called his father as he passed, “The carpet does NOT need vacuumed again.”

“But, Daddy-” insisted the man’s son, “ The house needs to be perfect- Most have never met muggles before!”

“Remind me, what's a muggle again?”

“It's someone without magic, Pa” replied Mione, who was busy doing the twelve inch parchment for Potions. 

What weirdo actually does their homework? 

“Oh, right right-” answered Charles, before snatching the hoover from the blonde. Draco didn't have the chance to complain, however, for he was being thrown his the burly man’s shoulder without further debate. 

“D-dad!” Giggled the son, as his father swung him in the air. 

“Now, now, son-” Charles demanded, catching Draco in the air between each word, “Listen to your old man, I said no more!” 

“Okay okay, you win!!” Hollered Draco, face flushed from exhilaration. 

Eventually the girl Granger joined in- Helping Charles tickle the omega. 

And Macy simply stood in the doorway, soaking up the warmth of a full house. 

Her kids were finally home.

-

“Eeee! Ma! They're here! They're here!” 

Macy heard the distance shouting from across the house, followed by two pairs of stumbling footsteps. 

Shaking her head, she gave the go ahead to open the door to the visitors. 

The first ones there were Neville and Luna, who traveled together, and were accompanied by Lovegood’s father. 

The pair was greeted with hugs and praises from the Grangers- The kids leading their friends to the Den while Luna’s dad was taken to the dining room with the adults. 

Neville was awestruck by all the muggle items. His Gran was a firm believer in staying ‘true to tradition’ and not indulging in the muggle way, so all this was new to him. 

“What's this?” 

Draco perked up from his position on the couch; which happened to be piled with all his nail lacquers. Since Luna was semi-used to life outside the wizarding world, the omega decided to paint her nails and leave the touring to Mione and Neville. 

Hermione showed the golden locked boy the whole house, but eventually dropped him off back at the Den to greet Ron and Harry at the door. 

“The TV?” 

“T…V?” The word stumbled off Neville's tongue, foreign in his mouth. 

“Yeah-,” continued Draco, not even looking away from the tiny eagles he was attempting to paint on Luna’s nails, “It's kinda like a mix between wizarding pictures and plays: The shows are pre recorded and aired on television.” 

“Woah,” 

…And Draco lost the chubby boy to the enthrall of the program. 

“We're back- Brought the slackers with me- Oh and Susan's here, too.” 

Hermione walked into the room, leading the mess of gingers, Harry and Bones. 

“Ooh, yeah! Susan- want me to paint badgers on your nails?” 

The brunette looked over to her blonde friends, amused. The eagles on Lovegood's fingers were actually pretty good, not great, but legible. 

“Why the hell not- Bring it over?” 

-

So it was- Draco's first party. 

Ron and Neville spent the whole night following Mione like puppy dogs (she was totally into bossy people around), listening to her rant about the mechanics of washing machines. 

Macy, Charles, Xenophilius Lovegood, Arthur and Molly Weasley hide away in the kitchen- drinking muggle wine and discussing the differences growing up in separate worlds. 

The Terrible Twins had even snuck in their newest inventions- Binding mistletoe that forced Neville to kiss Luna on the cheek (he about died). 

Draco was able to practice his artistic skills- Painting Luna, Susan, AND Harry's nails their house colors. 

They were having so much fun, that when the adults shoved them upstairs for sleep, they all huddled in Draco's room to whisper the night away. 

“Wait who's this?” 

The omega looked up to see Harry staring at his Tom Cruise poster with blazing eyes. 

Draco didn't get the chance to respond though, it was Hermione who interrupted with giggles. 

“Hah, That's Draco's Tom Cruise poster- He's had it for years, it's his biggest crush.”

“Shut up, Mione Jean!!” Shouted the blushing blonde, shooting a throw pillow across the room and straight into her face. 

Everyone laughed at the siblings, forgetting about the embarrassing secret almost immediately. 

Well, everyone except Harry Potter. He

kept glaring at the stupid poster of the stupid, raven haired man with ripped abs. 

Great, now he had to add American Heartthrobs to his hit list as well?!

Chapter Text

December 27th, 1992

After the Grangers’ Christmas Party, when the chaos ceased, the children of the household begged their parents to let them return to Hogwarts early. A task far harder than expected, especially with a mother as sensitive as Marcy Granger. 

“Do you not love us anymore?” the greying woman accused, her tone so serious it could’ve been confused with one used in a court of law. 

“Of course we do, Ma!” dismissed her omega son with an equal amount of dramatics, “We love you unconditionally!”

Hermione nodded in agreement, but the mother simply shook her head at the pair, “Then why would you want to leave the security of home in place of a dreary, old castel?” 

The little girl Granger frowned at the wording, clearly stumped on how exactly to respond. 

“Well, Harry informed us about a club hosted by Professor Lockhart happening over break, and we just thought…” she drawled off when she noticed how upset the explanation was making Marcy. 

“A club?!” Marcy screeched, “My children would rather go to a club than be with me?!” 

Hermione threw her head into her head, a sign of defeat if Draco’s ever seen one. One man down, the blonde decided to bring out their secret weapon. 

“Mama,” whined the omega with his best puppy dog eyes, “Daddy said we could!” 

The mentioned man who was attempting to hide in the kitchen poked his head out to hollar, “Don’t drag me into this!” 

“But Daddy!!” The adopted twins complained in unison. 

“Don't ‘But Daddy’ me, I agree with whatever your mother decides,” Charles said firmly as he entered the room, resting his hands on the back of his wife's shoulders, who responded by smiling back at the older man. 

“And that was the right answer. Good job, Sweetheart,” teased Marcy, before reaching up to kiss her husband affectionately. 

“Eurgh, gross!” Grimaced Draco. 

“Gross, huh?” Charles raised his eyebrow in question, “Whatever happened to ‘Please, Mommy, Please?” 

“It's not like you'd agree anyway!” 

-

Yet, by some miracle, the pair managed to successfully wear down Marcy and get permission to head back to Hogwarts. 

Greeted by Harry and Ron (who also had trouble convincing Molly to let him back early), the four of them headed to the DAD classroom where the club was being held. 

Surprisingly, at least three dozen kids also stayed back for the meeting- most of which were thirteen year old girls- and filled the space to the brim. 

Professor Lockhart stood at the front wearing his signature beaming, pearly white grin. The club must've been a ploy to inflate the man’s ego, because the amount of autographs he was signing wasn't harming it. 

To make the day even more shocking, Severus Snape stood beside the golden locked man, even if he didn't seem glad to be there. 

“Alrighty! I'm so happy to see so many fans show up- if you stay after I'll be more than compliant to take photos- to the first annual Defense Against the Dark Arts club!” A boastful voice boomed across the crowded room. 

Ron turned to face his friends, a goofy imitation of the man prepped on his face, but was sadly met with a girl who was far too entranced by the professor. 

So he frowned instead. 

“Now,” Professor Lockhart interrupted once more, “I'll be the instructor, but I'm proud to say that after some convincing, Professor Snape agreed to be my trusty assistant.”

Draco couldn't stop himself from giggling at the declaration. Professor Snape being that fraud’s assistant? 

Oh, how this will be fun. 

“To begin, we shall demonstrate a simple disarming charm.” 

With that, the teachers took their stances. Lockhart had a cocky grin, but Snape could only roll his eyes. As if this whole ordeal was a simple waste of time. 

Lockhart drew his wand, ready to cast, but before the first syllable could escape his lips, Snape was shouting Expelliamrus. 

The golden haired star was knocked into the opposing stone wall with the force of a tsunami, leaving the professor shaken and out of breath. 

The boys were dying of laughter and at this point even Hermione lost her lovely dovey look, it instead was replaced with one of disappointment.

Severus took notes of this, and even let a slight, proud grin slip at his godson’s tears of laughter.  

“Eurgh,” The forgotten teacher drew the attention back to himself. Looking far more composed than a few moments ago. 

“You see, class, that was a marvelous example of what not to do! In a real duel, I would have been far faster than Professor Snape.” 

The man with inky black hair rolled his eyes at the excuse, abandoning his post beside the fool before he did something he would regret. 

“But enough demonstration. Everyone pair up- get ready your best Expelliarmus!” 

The students parted, splitting up their groups into twos. Hermione went with her freckled lackey, leaving Draco with his own bumbling alpha. 

“Ready to get your arse whipped, Potter?” Instigated the omega. 

“You wish, Granger” the boy with crooked glasses flirted back. 

Before anyone could notice, the boys were shooting every jinx in the book at each other-besides the one they were told to cast- and left one another in states of chaos.

Draco, a soaking mess from the alpha’s Aguamenti and Harry in a fit of giggles caused by a wicked Rictusempra. 

Severus Snape plucked the Chosen One from the beautiful blonde and shoved him into the crowd. 

“That is enough! Ten points from Gryffindor for soiling a classmate's uniform!” 

A drying spell was delivered over the omega before he could even tease his friend for taking the fault. 

“Class!” Lockhart scolded, “I instructed you to perform only the disarming charm!” 

“Since some people can't follow simple orders, maybe another demonstration is required. Perhaps the misfit Potter himself?” Suggested Severus with his frightening drawl. 

“Excellent idea, Snape!” Approved Lockhart. 

Potter was pushed to the front of the room. However, so was Blaise Zabini. 

The raven haired boy glared at the hated Slytherin, who simply smirked in response. 

“Now, boys, I want a fair fight! I expect sportsmanship!” 

Nothing sportsman is gonna come from a slimy Slytherin, Harry thought to himself. 

Yet, when Potter thought they were to begin, Professor Snape went over to the chocolate skinned boy and whispered something in his ears. 

Something that made Blaise’s smirk turn sinister. 

“Begin!” 

Harry flicked his wand in the studied movement, “Expell-”

“Serpensortia!” 

A giant, black mamba snake came flying out of the tip of Zabini’s wand, causing the mass of children to burst out screaming. 

Everyone stood in shock as the slimy creature slithered its way to a first year Hufflepuff, Justin Finch-Fletchy. 

The poor boy looked ready to wet himself as the snake stretched to its full length about to pounce-

Then Harry Potter started to hiss. 

Truthfully, is Draco Granger wasn't a wizard, he'd have thought of the Boy-Who-Lived as a weird kid and moved on, but the way Ron's eyes widened told a different story. 

“Blimey- Harry’s a Parslemouth!” 

The omega’s bushy haired sister scrunched her nose in confusion, “Isn't that language ext-” 

“The one You-Know-Who speaks? Yeah.” 

Hermione froze in realization. Oh, how the rumors will get out! 

“Why do you think he kept this from us?” Questioned Ron, whose voice was laced with hurt. 

Draco rolled his eyes at the self- doubt, however, “Oh geez, not everything is about you, Weasel! I mean, look at him! I bet he doesn't even know!” 

For once, Draco seemed to be right. For when the two Gryffindors looked over to their friend, he seemed to be lost in a completely different world, unaware of the chaos this is causing. 

“I guess you'r

e right…” admitted the pale boy skeptically. 

“Doesn't mean everyone else will believe you, though…” 

-*-*-*-*-*-

Chapter Text

It was as if Draco Granger’s body was thrown into the Black Lake. 

The icy shallow engulfing his skin, dragging him to the sandy floor. Water was filling his lungs, teasingly slow, taking his breath with it. Draco couldn’t breath, couldn’t think, couldn’t even feel his fingertips as they went numb. 

He was lost in the sea of insanity that was his mind- his own company? The weighted guilt that consumed him whole. 

It didn’t work. 

Was the only thought that taunted the omega’s brain ever since the morning. Ever since Dumbledore interrupted the communal breakfast with the heartbreaking news. 

“Justin Finch-Fletchy was attacked late yesterday evening,” Draco lost his appetite there and then, wishing to empty it had entered his stomach before, “He is in the hospital wing, being treated for petrification. Don’t worry, however, the culprit will be caught.” 

It didn’t work. 

Raced on repeat as he was led out of the Great Hall. As his fellow classmates sneered and whispered about one of his closest friends. No, the thought wouldn’t cease long enough for the blonde to defend the boy. 

It didn’t work. 

Were the words chanted in the child’s brain after his classes, never-ending as he found himself unable to leave the empty Potion’s lab. The focus of his concentration, and the only thing keeping him from breaking down. 

It didn’t work. 

It didn’t work. 

It didn’t wor-

“Bombshell?” Draco’s spiral of anxiety was halted by the worried voice of Fred Weasley, “You doing alright? We’ve been calling your name-”

“For atleast ten minutes,” finished his twin, who looked equally concerned. 

Oh, right, The omega acknowledged to himself, Chaos Club. In the midst of his panic, Draco had completely forgotten he’d agreed to meet his Mischief Mentors for a little prank planning. The beautiful, woeful boy casted a quick Tempus only to discover he was thirty minutes late to the gathering. 

Swiftly, Draco composed himself and threw on his fakest, most charming smile to mask his fears. From where he was sitting, the blonde gazed up to meet his twin’s eyes. Mustering all his courage he spoke, “No need to worry, boys. I was just-”

Then, Draco lost it. 

The floodgates were opened, and the omega found himself sobbing. All the pent up emotions he’d spent the entirety of the day hiding were releashed out of the closet and into the matching redheads’ unexpecting arms. 

“I-I’m fine!” the boy managed between deep, shaky breaths. Nonetheless, George understood immediately, sweeping the younger into a bear hug. Fred followed not long after, and soon the three were cuddling on the floor as Draco wept. 

“It’s okay, Mini Granger,” consoled the slightly taller freckled boy- Fred. 

“Yeah, we’ve got you now- Let it all out,” George supported. 

The affection only made the tears pour harder, “Y-you don’t want to hear a-about some stupid fears..” 

“Of course we do, Small Fry!” George exclaimed, rubbing his back determinly. 

“We’re your friends!”

“Your pals-” continued Fred, tickling Draco’s sides to try and make him giggle. He succeeded, shortening the omega’s wails in the process. 

“Your lab assistant,” they teased together. The comment caused Draco’s to roll his eyes into George’s shoulder- who responded by pinching the boy’s cheek- and forcing his tears to dry. 

“Okay, okay- You two win! Your badgering has defeated me!” 

The redheaded fourth-years let out an exaggerated cheer, throwing their hands in the air and shaking the omega cheerfully. The blonde scoffed at the intimacy, shoving the older boy’s back snarkily. 

Eventually, the trio’s chaos turned into calamity and the three made it to the Club House without any trouble. They spent the rest of the night discussing their postponed invention ideas with laughter, with jokes, with fondness. 

It was when the omega boy was distracted by the automatic Tempus system he was developing to act as a warning for their future…ethically questionable… pranks that Fred finally stated the question that burdened his mind, “Hey, Blondie?”

“Mhm?” replied the boy without paying attention, if he had even might’ve scolded the taller. 

“What caused the water works earlier?” Fred reluctantly answered, afraid his words were causing another round of the newly recovered blonde’s desperation. 

Draco froze in place at the reminder, his hands hovering over his, now, abandoned creation. The twins were a great distraction, but it was only a matter of time before his nerves returned once more. 

However, now armed with the support of his friend, Draco was confident that he could overcome this. The omega would find out why the distruction of the dreadful journal didn’t work, and he would bring the Heir of Slytherin down, for good.

“Eh, don’t worry your tiny, weasel brain about it- I’m good now.”

Both beaters laughed at the joking insult good naturely, but still, Fred craved the reassurance.

“Really?”

“Yes, Fred, really.”

-

February 14th, 1993

Weeks. It had been weeks since Justin Finch-Fletchy and Nearly Headless Nick had been petrified. It had been weeks and Draco was no closer to solving the mystery than before. 

Not without a lack of trying, of course. The omega had started with the mermaid: conversing through the little BSL he knew about if they’d seen anything with the journal, who replied with frantic dismissal. Then, Draco attempted to eavesdrop on the Golden Trio’s plans- he was certain they too were trying to figure out the heir- but was instantly found out and shoved away. 

So, here he was, weeks later and still had no lead. The blonde wasn’t going to let that get to him though. For, he was twelve years old on Valentine’s Day. 

“Will you be quiet!” screamed Susan from her spot beside Draco at the Hufflepuff table. 

“I can’t help it!” squealed Draco, “It’s the day of love! Don’t you love love, Susie-Cue?”

Bones rolled her eyes, “Not if it makes you act like this.”

The omega boy chose to ignore his bestfried’s lack of excitement and watch the doves carrying valentines to each table instead. By his surprise, what could’nt be less than a flock of doves came charging right to the black and yellow table.

And right to him. 

Draco’s eyes widened in shock as every one of those birds dropped the cards and gifts on his plates. The Puff’s surrounding him went silent and all eyes were on him. Fortunately, before the omega could embarrass himself even more, Susan took the attention with her snort filled laughter. 

“Pfft-” The brunette sputtered out, keeling over, “Oh Merlin, look at the amount of cards! Still loving Valentine’s Day, Loverboy?”

Draco narrowed his slate grays and punched Bones’ as hard as he could in the arm, “Shush, you! This must be some joke-”

With that, the five foot nothing blonde rose from his seat and zoned in on his sister, who was in the middle of yet another book. 

“Mione!”

The bushy haired girl’s gaze left her text and met Draco’s, “What!” she yelled back.

“Is this some sick joke?”

Hermione’s brows furrowed in confusion, but eventually she noticed the mountain of chocolates near her brother and broke out into a grin.

“Looks like you have some secret admirers, Drake.”

To try and not draw any more attention than they already had, Susan dragged the omega back into his seat to stop him from continuing the yelling match across the hall. 

“Sit down, Blondie,” intrustced Susan, “Why don’t you just open them to find out who sent them?” 

“Oh…” Draco stared stupidly, “Yeah, I guess I can do that…”

-

The team had recruited Luna and taken the mass back to the Omega dorms earlier, an hour later and they were finally finished sifting through the gifted hearts. 

“Whew,” Susan huffed dramatically, pretending to wipe sweat from her brow, “That was a lot of obsessed girls’ we had to reject. Be careful, Blondie, before you know it, you’ll have a fan club.” 

The dreamy girl beside the brunette giggled at the joke, while Draco only rolled his eyes distractedly. 

“You’re just jealous no one beside Luna and I sent you any-”

“ Ooh, I found another one!” Luna interrupted, holding out the last unopened card in the pile. 

Already drained from the dozen other exaggerated confessions, Draco roughly tore open the letter. Yet, what he was met with wasn’t what he expected. 

Dear Draco, 

Your hair holds the sun’s rays in every strand, bringing its warmth wherever you go. Your eyes are the color of volcanic rock and just as intense- ready to erupt with passion at every passbyer. Your smile glistens like a full moon night, making whoever looks feel anything but alone. Your hands are that of an artisan, calloused from countless hours of perfecting your craft.

Oh, what I wouldn’t give to hold one of those hands. 

I think of you day and night, replaying your laugh on repeat. I can’t be blamed, however, for you make everyone feel at home in your presence. How I desperately crave to have a home. 

Will you be my home?

Forever Yours, 

James

“What the-” Susan began, stunned.

“That was…” gasped Draco in response. 

“So romantic!” finished Luna, who had her usual dazed expression. 

“Woah, Blondie,” even Bones seemed to be at a loss for words, “Someone really likes the stuff you're packing.” 

The vulgar remark was enough to bring the omega back to reality, as he hit his bestfriend’s shoulder. The two girls laughed it off, already forgetting about the love note. 

Draco, however, couldn’t stop thinking about it. Even hours later, when he was alone in his dorm, the blonde would take out the poem and reread its beautiful words. 

He was loved. 

Even if he didn’t know by who, 

He was loved. 

-*-*-*-*-*-

Chapter Text

Draco Granger wasn’t quite sure what was happening. 

Yes, he was aware that he was currently being dragged into the Forbidden Forest against his will by one of his least favorite Weasleys. 

But, why?  Not a clue. 

Ten minutes ago, the omega boy was sleeping peacefully in the common room (after falling asleep doing homework) when he was being shaken awake by none other than Harry Potter. 

The boy with ruffled hair seemed panicked, and so did the worried ginger and his sister standing behind him. With little to no explanation besides, “We need your help!” He followed the alphas immediately. 

“So, what exactly was so important that you had to drag me away from my dreams?”

Harry and Ron made suspicious eye contact before answering, “We were at Hagrids-”

“Oh! Is Hagrid here?” Hagrid is the best, maybe this is some sort of animal expedition!

“No-”

“Are we looking for unicorns again?!”

“Not exactly-”

“I hope it’s bunnies this time-”

“For crying out loud!” shouted the fiery redhead over everyone, “Draco, would you stop interrupting Harry?!”

The blonde snapped his mouth shut, but not without a spiteful glare, “Geez, no need to be moody…”

A few moments pass before the scared boy sighs, “Look, remember the blonde dude we ran into at the beginning of the year?”

“Lucius Malfoy,” Ron supplied. 

Not really, Draco wanted to say, but instead, “Yeah, I guess.”

“Well, it turns out he’s an influential person of some sort, and he came to arrest Hagrid for being the Heir to Slytherin…”

Draco gasped dramatically, “That- That’s preposterous! Hagrid would nev-”

“ We know!” grumbled Ron, who seemed to haven’t gotten over his moodiness, “That's why we are off to follow some stupid spiders!”

“Spiders?”

This time, it was Hermione who replied, as educational as ever, “Yes, Drake, spiders. Right before Hagrid was swept away, he told us to ‘Follow the spiders’ so that is what we are doing.”

Oh, well that isn’t any fun! 

“Hey! I don’t want to get involved with any creepy crawlers!”

A Me neither could be heard from the background, but the buck-toothed girl chose to ignore it. Instead, she put her on her best ‘Dad when he is serious’ voice, 

“I know, but we need to see if you, being an omega, would somehow convince the spiders to help us.” 

The way the smarter worded it made it seem obvious, so Draco didn’t dare to argue. The quartet wearily made their way through the woods, deeper and deeper, until the lights of the castle couldn’t be seen. 

It almost became rhythmic- the way they all strolled along without uttering a word. The group was so lost in their own thoughts, in fact, that it was frightening when Ron began to scream.

A very girly scream, at that. 

“Aaah!!” the freckled boy shouted, “Sp-Spiders!!” 

Just as the blonde was about to poke fun at the other boy’s fears- Draco came face to face with a bundle of giant, grotesque spiders. 

“H-Holy shit!!” The omega was ducking behind his sister in an instant, “Get those things aw-away!!” 

Draco Granger wasn't the most adventurous child. Boys his age liked mud, while he preferred mud masks. His dad tried to buy him a bike… and he chose to stay indoors. It wasn't a problem, however, simply a preference. If Granger wanted to try out the whole dirt, trucks, and getting hurt thing, he would!

Bugs, on the other hand, were a non-negotiable HELL NO! 

So, it was safe to say that Harry and Hermione were left to face the giant spiders by themselves as the two ‘enemies’ hugged each other whilst screaming. The raven haired boy immediately started to question the spiders- How do you know Hagrid? Why did he send us here? Are you the beast of the Chambers?- which, unsurprisingly, offended the large creatures. As a result issues with trapping the four children in their silky webs- secure for a nice meal. 

And that is what they would’ve been, if not for Hermione’s quick thinking. 

“ Wait!” 

The leader of the giant spiders stopped in its tracks, inches away from sinking its teeth into Potter’s tanned flesh. Unproportional, wide yellow eyes met the bushy haired girl’s, a sign to tell her to proceed. 

“Y-you are friends with Hagrid, r-right?” even an articulate person like Hermione couldn’t keep her voice from quivering as she awaits her death, hoping her last ditch effort is enough. 

The biggest spider of them all seemed perplexed, as if he was truly processing the little girl’s words. 

“Yes…yes, he was a friend. Good man, always brought food.”

“W-well,” the oldest of the quartet relaxed slightly after getting the thing’s attention, “If we don’t prove who the Heir of Slyhterin really is, and what beast actually guards it- Hagrid will be stuck in Azkaban for life.”

“Az..? Azkaban?”

“Worse than death!” chimed in Harry, in a squeaky voice. 

“De…Death.” It wasn’t a question. More so a realization that a good friend would face terrible circumstances, “And you children… come to save man with food?” 

“Precisely!” the bucked-tooth girl puffed her chest out, standing tall. The real ‘Gryffindor’ pose. 

The air was still like water on a summer’s day as the spiders pondered their decision. Harry was raking his eyes back and forth nervously, Ron was near frozen in fear, Draco had already passed out from the whole thing, and even Hermione started to second guess herself. Maybe this wasn’t the best coarse to action-

“Go.”

“W-what?” 

"Go. Children. Release them.”

With that, the smaller- still ginormous- spiders scattered, quickly undoing the intricate weaving and letting the Hogwarts students go. 

Harry quickly picked up Draco, who was still asleep, andd tossed the blonde over his shoulder while Hermione shook Ron out of his trance. The boys left as fast as they came, but the girl with melted chocolate skin stayed back, meeting those yellow eyes once more. 

“Thank you- We’ll save Hagrid.”

“Better…Man, good man.”

-

How could she?

Blood filled Draco’s ears as he ran as fast as he could through the halls. Causing them to ring like a broken radio. 

Why did she go alone?

Cursing, from other students as the omega ran into them went ignored.

She knew the risk, she of all people knew what could happen!

On his trail, two boys. Two Gryffindors running after their bestfriend’s younger brother as he rushed to the hospital wing. 

Why’d she have to try and be a hero?!

For, Hermione Granger, brightest witch of her age, had been petrified. 

Chapter Text

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Draco Granger destroyed the journal, so why were people still in danger? Why was he sitting beside his sister while she laid petrified? 

Her skin was bleached. The once mocha-colored flesh was whitened by the gleaming white lights of the Beastly Infection Unit ward in St. Mungos. Her frizzy curls made ripples along the white pillow cases. Her brown eyes closed, hiding away her comforting gaze. 

“She’ll be okay.”

Draco was pulled from his trance by the voice, Ron Weasley. He too looked distraught, but a sliver of his alpha comfort remained. It was easy to forget the redhead was an alpha- with his clumsy, carefree attitude and worry-wart personality. Yet, in times of despair, he was there protecting like always. He protected Harry during the chess game, Hermione whenever she got panicked about getting in trouble, and Draco.

When his sister wasn’t there to be his mentor. 

Harry Potter stood beside him- Raven locks a chaos on top of his head. He definitely lacked that protecting aura, with his wide, anxious emerald eyes. Yet, he stood strong as he closed the gap between him and the omega. The tanned boy sat next to Draco, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, causing Ron to join them as well. 

“Ron’s right- There is no way Hermione would let this be her end.”

It did little to comfort the blonde, as he brought the comatose girl’s hand into his own. It was chilled, a clear contradiction to Hermione’s usual warm grasp. Carefully, the omega began to lace their fingers together, an action they used to practice as toddlers, but was met with a crumpled barrier. 

“What? What is this?”

Ron and Harry locked eyes confusedly before training their line of sight on the platinum blonde. Draco still sat in his chair, but was looking down at his hands where a piece of crumpled paper remained. It was a tattered, yellow sheet, as if it came straight from a library book. 

“Where’d you get that?” stated Harry at the same time the freckled boy said, “Of course Hermione would still have papers in hand when she’s about to die!” 

Both comments went ignored, however, when Draco’s attention remained on the sheet, “It’s talking about Bal-sil-isk? What’s a Basilisk?” 

Harry looked equally as lost, but Ron showed little understanding, “Like the snake? Charlie mentioned it once, something about it’s eyes being able to-”

“Kill people who gaze into them, but non-direct connection may still lead to petrification,” Draco finished as he read the words on the ripped piece of paper. 

Suddenly time stopped as the trio looked at each other in shock. Hermione Granger, who had left yesterday night to research in the library, had actually figured out what the beast of the Secret Chambers was before being caught. 

“Oh, that genius!” cried Draco, breaking the silence. 

Like a command, the three booked it out of the hospital room. They ran as fast as they could, through the floo back to Hogwarts, and all the way to the Headmaster’s Office. Just as Harry Potter was about to whisper the password to the gargoyle, the boys heard commotion down the hall. 

It was the teachers: McGonagall and Snape. They pair seemed to be arguing about the very reason they rushed back to school. 

“Professor Lockhart boasted about knowing where the entrance lies-” 

“That bumbling fool is nothing but a lier!” Severus bit back, “You know as well as I do that we haven’t a clue where you access the Secret Chambers!”

The raven haired boy heard the omega beside him gasp quietly from their hidden spot.

“But the girl-”

“The girl is in grave danger if we don’t act.”

“What girl?” Ron questioned, quietly to the others. Yet, no one had time to answer as McGonagall exclaimed, “She will die down there!”

“Someone was taken into the chambers,” concluded Draco.

“What do we do?!” worried Ron. 

Harry Potter wouldn’t call himself a smart boy. Never did he care for homework like Hermione, never was able to master the strategy of chess like Ron, never had the artistic ability like Draco. Harry Potter never was too smart in tough situations. Yet, like clockwork, his natural instinct would kick in and he’d always just know what to do. 

Now is one of those times. 

“Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.”

“Moaning Who Now?!” whisper-shouted Draco, but Ron seemed to connect it immediately. 

“That’s how she died!” exclaimed the ginger boy as if it was the most obvious thing in the whole wizarding world. 

Choosing to not question the boys, Draco let himself be dragged all the way to the women’s loo where a ghost greeted them. She was a sorrowful thing, couldn’t have been older than fifteen when she died. The pigtailed ghost instantly turned angry when acknowledging the boys, however. 

“You’ve come to mess up my bathroom, too!” wailed the ghost. 

“Again?” all three questioned at the same time. 

“Yes, again! That snot-nosed girl was just in here causing a commotion! I swear, no one appreciates the only home of whiny, Moaning Myrtle!”

“The girl! She was in here!” Harry pointed out estactly. 

“But where is she now?” The blonde omega sassed back. 

Instead of waiting for an answer, Draco turned his attention to the transparent girl. She feel directed, he noted, Won’t be any help if we continue to treat her like that. 

“I’m sorry she treated you like that.”

“ Huh?” Myrtle seemed awestruck by the apology, so Draco repeated himself. 

“I said I’m sorry, no one should disrespect you like that, we just wanted to ask a few questions- Say, I’m Draco Granger,” and with that, the blonde reached his hand out to shake her hand.

Unfortunately, the girl couldn’t return the gesture but that didn’t mean she wasn’t moved to tears. 

“ You care about my feelings?! A pretty boy cares about me?!” 

Just like that, Draco was on her good side, “O-Of course you can ask you questions, pretty boy!” 

The omega smiled his charming white grin, “Well, we just wanted to ask you to point us in the direction she went- And I’m not nearly as beautiful as you, Myrtle.” 

The compliment seemed to break the ghost as she turned bright red, pointed at a sink, and rushed away leaving the second years alone. The boys went over to the vanity Myrtle pointed at but were only met with disappointment. 

“It’s just a sink!” complained Draco. 

“It can’t be! Look harder!” ordered Ron in a voice the omega didn’t know he possessed. 

Following orders, Draco checked under the sink as the two Gryffindors checked above. To his dissatisfaction at Ron being right, he was met with markings that appeared to be in a different language. 

“Found something!”

Harry crouched down to the smaller boy’s level at his words. While Draco saw symbols, Potter saw words, “Heir of Slytherin?”

“You can read that!?” gawked Ron, who was to the tanned boy’s right. 

“Must be in Parseltongue,” confirmed Draco before Harry had the chance to say something ignorant like ‘It’s in English.’

“If it’s in Parseltongue…” the youngest Granger drifted off into a different world that so much so reminded the other boys of his sister, “Then maybe the password is as well!” 

“Maybe… Hey Har, what don’t you say ‘open’ in snake mouth,” Ron joked. 

“I don’t know how to, it just happens!” Harry responded, ignoring the obvious joke. 

Draco drew closer to the chosen boy, reaching out to touch his shoulder. Harry would have died at the omega’s encouraging smile if not for the serious circumstances, “You can do it, Harry. Just treated like you do with snakes!”

“O-okay…” 

Harry was skeptically, but it was their best bet, so he straightened his back, looked directly at the sink and-

“Open.”

It was in English. 

“Still can understand you, mate.” 

“Oh.”

Again, the disheveled haired boy closed his eyes, took a deep breath and began to hiss softly. The alpha and omega hanging behind him wasn’t exactly sure what he was saying, but it seemed to work as the sink slowly began to reveal a secret passage. It was a tunnel, dark and never-ending, but they were on a mission. So, even though the dank chambers were filled with spider webs- Draco and Ron proceeded anyway.

It was a maze: a labyrinth that no boy knew the way out of. It was old, so much so that it looked like the tunnel would crumble at any sudden movement. Looks didn't precede themselves as the walls started shaking ever so slightly. 

“W-what’s happening?!” screamed the palest boy with a shaky voice. 

Harry looked up to see pieces of the stone ceiling chip off. Suddenly, what could only be described as most of the place fell, creating a barrier between Ronald the other two boys. 

“ Are you guys okay?”

It was faint, the small voice of the redhead travelling through the thick rock, but it was legible, “We’re good! You?”

“ ...Not a scratch…What…we do?”

“I don’t know, but we gotta continue!”

It was seconds before Ron responded, “ Go on… I… get help!”

It was a plan, as the lanky kid ran back to get teachers while the others continued down the trail. Felt like mere seconds, but suddenly the condensed tunnel opened into a room. It was as cold as a dungeon and twice as big. It was the cold that froze Draco from the inside out, but the monstrous snake lurking over none other than Pansy Parkinson. 

The second year girl looked so small compared to the beastly thing: a dainty flower about to be crushed by a storm. Pansy was asleep, seemingly in a state comparable to Hermione’s petrified one. Right across from her position on the floor was an open journal, and that's when Draco realized. 

“ Tom.”

Barely a whisper into the daunting scene, yet it was enough to awaken the hidden spirit. Emerging from its confides within the leather-bound book was the ghost of Tom Riddle, the man who betrayed Draco’s trust. A tall boy, that of sixteen if the omega remembered correctly, with limp brown hair, soulless eyes, and a smile lined with malice. 

“Tom? You know that thing, Draco-”

The shadowed teen turned away from the little girl and towards the boys. His expression was angry at first, a natural reaction to being caught red handed, yet once recognizing Draco his face shifted to something far more sly. 

“In the flesh, Draco.”

His voice was sharp like a rocky shoreline, cutting deep into the blonde’s heart. Granger had thought he put the journal behind him, but seeing Tom in real form brought back all the suppressed hurt. Nevertheless, Draco was more than his pain, and he refused to let that define his actions. 

So, mustering up all his courage, Draco put on his best sneer, “Flesh? Don’t be crass, you’re only that of a figment, darling.” 

Fiery hatred filled Riddle’s eyes as he prepared to harm the omega, about to command the basilisk to attack, if not for an interruption that is. 

“ How do you know each other?” 

All eyes were now on Harry. All vicious thoughts faded from the evil spirit as malintent to its place. Yes, physical harm would be the omega’s fate, but not without pure embarrassment first. Tom Riddle was nothing if not a braggart. 

“Alpha, aren’t you? I can smell you from here- you reek of unsecure leadership,” The well over sixty-year-old soul laughed, a sound that will forever haunt Draco’s nightmares. 

“Wanting to be big and brave for your little omega, don’t we?”

The Boy-Who-Lived blushed at the comment, but continued to stand tall. Harry has already lost two people who loved him, and he wasn’t going to let the boy who showed him what love felt like be called little. 

“I don’t know who you are-”

“Oh,” Tom Riddle faked a dramatic gasp, “But your omega does.”

Emerald eyes widened in Draco’s direction as the blonde lowered his head in shame. 

“You see, it was he who awoke my ghost. A soul forever to be trapped in that dusty old journal. He should’ve ran when I wrote back, but poor little Draco wanted a friend. So, I became one. ‘Oh, Tom, I feel so alone,’ ‘Tom, my sister hides things from me!’ ‘ Oh, Tom’-” 

“He did not!” it was a lie, even Harry knew that, but a small part of the alpha would never accept the fact that he let his omega be in pain for so long. 

Tom’s sinisterly handsome face widened in a grin, “But he did. And I played the part of a caring friend, consoling the little mudblood whenever he wept. Gained his trust, I did. It was all going to plan until I possessed him- had him open the Chamber of Secrets.”

Potter turned slightly pale, while Draco only slumped further into himself. 

“He figured it out, smarter than expected for an omega. Through me into the black lake, foolish enough to think that would stop me,” The spirit stopped his rant to chuckle, as if this was some sick joke. 

“But helpless, pureblood Pansy found me, and she took over my bidding. Her devotion will be praised, of course.”

The air around them dropped in degrees. 

“By giving her body to me as a vessel, so I shall rise again.”

“Again?” Harry gritted out between clenched teeth, “Why would some kid want to come back for? A party? ”

The ‘some kid’s’ eye twitched, clearly not used to being taunted, “ Some kid? SOME KID? I’ll let you know I am Tom Riddle.” 

He swished his arm, allowing letters to appear above his head spelling ‘Tom Marvolo Riddle’. But before Potter could  express his lack of care, the glowing symbols began to rearrange.

‘ I am Lord Voldemort.’

The raven haired boy’s bored gaze was immediately angered upon reading the words, “It’s you!”

“Right again,” Voldemort agreed, “And I will ruin you, boy. Starting with your little omega-”

The teen snapped his fingers, causing the basilisk to attack. The giant beast went charging at Draco, who helplessly ran in the other direction. It wasn’t the most ‘Hermione-level’ of plans but it did act as distraction, leading the killer monster away from Harry and Pansy. 

It was gaining speed, slithering across the floor quicker by the second. Fear began to swell inside the young boy as his legs started to feel like gelatin, feet too big for his body as he tripped; landing face first on the dusty floor. Scrapes and bruises aside, Draco instantly tucked himself behind a half broken pillar, away from the murderous thing’s sight. 

Blood rushed through his ears, the only sound was his shaky breath. In, out, in, out, in. Draco couldn’t even consider the idea of poking his head out to see the whereabouts of the basilisk. He wouldn’t have to, fortunately. 

For Harry Potter, upon noticing his true love’s fate, had jumped into action. 

The boy with circular glasses had followed the basilisk as it chased Draco, grabbing hold of its tail. Slowly but surely, Harry climbed his way up the beast, reaching towards the head. Raising the broken piece of rock he had kept in his pocket from the tunnel, he slashed the stone into the grotesque creature’s eye- blinding it. 

Immediately, the basilisk lost focus as it screamed out in pain. The giant snake thrashed around causing Harry to lose his balance, falling to the ground. Tom Riddle, who had been watching the entire thing, hollered a command to the hurt beast. 

“ Kill him!”

It was in Parseltongue, but the Chosen One was far too concerned with not dying to notice. The snake, who was already angered by its master, was on a warpath- zoning into Harry. The boy refused to look into its remaining eye, but that didn’t stop it from attacking. Inhumane speed as the snake sunk its front tooth into Potter’s arm. 

The child dropped to the ground in agony, watching the poison fills his veins. The once blue vessels now tainted with midnight black. It was that scream, that terror that polluted the air that woke Draco from his paralyzed behind the pillar. 

The hero, his sister’s best friend, his friend, someone who he’d call family was about to die. 

It must’ve been the omega in him, the motherly warmth within, that gave him strength. It was like a possession as Draco rose from that pillar and walked toward the very man who’d caused him, his family so much pain. 

“ Voldemort? The supposed Dark Lord who preyed on the innocent lives of muggles. Voldemort? Who’s real name is Tom Riddle, a name that is as muggle as the people you killed. I’m no skilled wizard, no expert, but I know that today is the day your reign of terror ceases to exist” 

The chambers began to shake, but not like the rockfall that was before, but the shake off magic coursing through the walls. Draco felt it to his very fingertips as he forced that raw magic towards the spirit, wand long forgotten. His anger was the channel as a blind light aimed at the basilisk, just as a phoenix entered the room. 

The bird ended up saving Harry, tears granting him a second chance, but it was the omega who killed the giant snake. With the sword of Gryffindor in hand, the raven haired boy dipped it into the venom lining the floor where the basilisk lay mutilated, and penetrated the journal. 

Tom Riddle was gone, just like that, in a sinister red cloud of smoke. 

Up in flames. 

Harry dropped the sword, Draco dropped to his knees. They sat, for what felt like years, gasping for breath in a pool of snake blood. Eventually, silver met emerald- red rimmed eyes met fiery ones. 

“Your omega, huh?”

Draco had a smirk on his face as he said it, and Harry couldn’t help but to return in with a raspy laugh. Angelic, like a daydream. One to replace that of nightmares. 

“Y’know, I’m the big, strong alpha-”

The skinny boy flexed his non-existent muscles as he bragged. The omega rolled his eyes, punching Harry in the shoulder softly. 

“Whatever, Alpha. Why don’t you go grab Pansy with those big, strong arms then.”

And that he did, and the three victims made the treacherous journey out of the Secret Chambers. They were swarmed as soon as they emerged by friends and family. Draco had lost Harry in the crowd and he didn’t try to find him either, instead going to his newly recovered sister in the hospital instead. 

Later, Harry Potter would recall the tale of ‘freeing a house elf from Lucius Malfoy’ to him, but the omega still didn’t know who he was. He didn’t want to, because a man who would prey on the innocent, like Hagrid, like Draco was no better than Voldemort himself. 

.

.

.

And we already know what happens to men like Voldemort that mess with Draco’s family. 

Chapter Text

For the past two years, Harry has been called nothing but ‘The Boy Who Lived’. A title given to him by events he couldn’t even remember. Events that killed his parents, stunted all hope for a happy childhood, and ruined any chance at actually being able to live. 

Ironic, right? 

Harry was nothing but ‘The Boy Who Survives’. He survives the desperation of being an orphan, survived the confusion in learning a maniac murder was- and will forever be- trying to kill him, and he will continue to survive, no matter how excruciating it will be. 

Now, for instance, will be one of the many times Harry Potter will survive. 

His cheek, still red and swollen, stung with pain as he made his way through Diagon Alley. Tears blinded his already poor vision, threatening to poor at any moment. 

He couldn’t stop running, forcing his way through the crowded bodies of wizards. He wouldn’t stop running, not until he knew for certain that Vernon Dursley couldn’t lay one more of his grotesque hands on Harry ever again. 

Vernon Dursley was far from a saint, a monster truly, hiding behind the facade of a proud, English man. He had never been nice, alway treating his nephew like scuff under his shoe. He had never been quiet, yelling orders at Harry loud enough to rattle the walls- send dust falling into his curls from under the stairs. 

No, Vernon Dursley was never a saint. Any chance of ever becoming one, however, died the moment he hit the wizard boy.

Harry Potter had been disrespected, neglected, bullied his entire life- but never abused.

Not until tonight, that is. It wasn’t the nearly-twelve-year-old’s fault either, who could blame a literal child for not being able to control his magic? It wasn’t like Harry intentionally blew up his Aunt Marge.

Yet, no amount of pleas could convince Vernon of that fact as he threw plates at the stunted boy. The pigish man was fuming- face so red Harry was half concerned he, too would blow up. Harry had tried to cower, make himself small enough to not be noticed by the man. All attempts were in vain, however, as the fine china came crashing down on ink black hair. Potter was in shock as he stared at his hands, slowly filling with the dripping blood of his forehead. His emerald green eyes meet dark beady ones. Eyes so full of hatred that it caused the poor boy to realize something he never  really noticed before. 

Uncle Vernon despises me. 

It was as if a ton of brick came crashing down on his shoulders. Sure, Harry knew Vernon disliked him, Aunt Petunia too. The whole Dursley family found disgust in his wizarding heiratige, but hate?

So, Harry Potter ran. 

All the way to Diagon Alley, where he rented a room at the Leaky Couldren. It was a shabby, dank little space, but it was still better than anything the Dursley’s ever provided him. It also gave him the chance to think- about all the years of torment, the never ending danger at Hogwarts, and about Dumbledore. 

Harry adored the man. Why wouldn’t he? He was one of the few adults that showed him kindness, showed him love. His parents trusted him, it was only natural that he would as well. 

Yet, that trust is what led them to their graves. 

That trust is what gave Dumbledore the power to hand Harry over to the Dursleys’ all those years ago. And the worst part was that Dumbledore knew what was happening. Throughout it all, Dumbledore had the power to save him from it, and he didn’t.

He didn’t save Harry. Why wouldn’t he save Harry? The man didn’t save his parents from Voldemort. He didn’t save Harry from Voldemort, three times! Time and time again, the man has chosen the fate of some war over the ones fighting it. Over and over. 

The more the raven haired boy’s mind raced the hotter his blood grew, his hands unconciously tightened, and- Suddenly, the lights of that shabby, little room shattered simultaneously. The chipped, wooden desk across the room- knocking into the door with a bang. Paper, quills, bookbags, and knickknacks all flew into the air and came  crashing down. Loud chaos flourished around Harry, swarming in like the anger within. 

As quickly as it began, it stopped. Alone in the dark, Harry felt his heart grow cold. His childlike innocence slipping from his grasp. He felt… angry. At the world, his situation, the Dursleys’, his parents, Dumbledore. Potter wanted them to feel the pain, loneliness, self-hatred that he felt for all thirteen years of his life. 

Harry Potter was a loose cannon of emotion, and no one was safe from feeling his wrath. 

Chapter Text

Two weeks. It took two weeks grovling away at that dingy motel before Harry finally gave in and owled the Weasleys. Wasn’t half the morning before the familiar redheads were knocking at the door. 

“Was it nice?”

The raven haired boy turned from his position on the plush, velvety couch, and towards the lanky redhead. 

“Nice? You think slumming it in a motel for two weeks, so your crazy uncle can’t find you is nice?” 

It was hurtful, the way Harry’s words seemed to bite at Ron, bruising his pale skin. It made his best mate’s brows furrow, his eyes sadden. 

It made the seed of bitterness in Potter’s chest grow. 

“Merlin, I was just asking- Thought maybe the freedom would be nice. What I wouldn’t give to get away from this lot for a week or two.” 

It was good-natured, what Ron had said. He, himself, hasn't spent more than a day in soliditude. Whether it be his chaotic family or a dorm room full of boys, Ron was never alone. And it could be a burden, to always be in the eyes of others, never getting the chance to be whole heartedly yourself, but Harry wouldn’t be able to see that. 

For, Harry was always alone growing up and wanted nothing more than to be near love, which he so little got. 

So, yes, what Ron said was filled with lightness, all good intentions. But it was a blatant insult to the Boy-Without. 

“Sure, Ron.. Freedom.”

-

The anger doesn’t leave all summer, infact, it only seems to grow. After a few weeks feeling sorry for himself, Harry decided to put the anger towards something useful- Quidditch, 

He practiced day and night, whenever he could. It was the only time he could truly relax, as he felt the hatred lining his bones release into the air he swarmed passed. It helped,

A little. 

Ron, of course, being a good friend, was also out there playing Quidditch. Day and night, even if Harry tried his best to ignore the boy. The redhead had made a pack, to never leave his friends when in need, and some jerky behavior wasn’t about to change that. 

As Harry pushed Ron further and further away, he got closer and closer to Ginny. She was a year younger, and completely infatuated with Harry. The boy could find her long, red lock following him wherever he went, always trying to get his attention. She’d leave baked goods by his door, or little love notes in his summer reading. 

It felt good, if he’s being completely honest, to have someone’s sole focus on only him. It was the exact opposite kind of affection he was used to with Draco, who was everyone’s everything, and forced Harry to share his attention. 

Why work hard for the blonde’s love when Ginny was up for grabs? 

So, Harry let her. He’d eat the goods, smile at the letters, pretend like he didn’t notice her spying on his practice. 

Because it was easier than being alone. 

-

One night, a few days before the gang of redheads and their honory member were set to get their school supplies, Ron asked Harry,

“So, this year- Hopefully no evil DAD teacher is out to kill us.” he laughed akwardly. Even though Harry has been nothing but cold, Ron never stops trying to get his best mate back, 

“Hopefully.” It was short, but better than nothing. 

“Are you excited to see the Grangers this weekend? Hermione says she misses you, that you haven’t been writing to her.” 

It was true, Potter has all but thrown her letters directly in the trash. He wasn’t in the mood to be scolded. 

“Yeah, let’s pray Herm won’t be too mad, I’ll buy her a book or something.”

For a second, the air felt lighter. It was almost like they were back at Hogwarts, laughing the night away, complaining about Hermione’s need for excellence. 

Then, Ron had to go and ruin it. 

“And Draco? Are you excited to see that brat?”

The seed in Harry’s chest throbbed at the mention. Draco, who had a loving family and sister who did nothing but care for him. Draco, who is too busy getting everyone’s attention to even notice Harry. Draco, who doesn’t love Harry back, even though the raven haired boy spent two years chasing after him. 

“Draco? Couldn’t care less.”

With that, Harry turned over on his mattress and went to sleep. Ron, on the other hand, stayed up, staring at the ceiling. 

All summer, Harry has been nothing but plain mean, purposefully trying to get Ron mad. The freckled boy didn’t care, though, because he knew Harry didn’t mean it and it was just Ron’s feelings anyway. 

Yet, for some reason, it dug deep when Harry spat out Draco’s name with disgust. Sure, there were times Ron found the boy annoying himself, even somewhat disliked him. But after last year, after the petite boy sobbed into Ron’s shoulder as Hermione laid in the hospital bed, it felt like Ron’s duty to protect Draco. 

Call it his alpha hormones, but attacking Draco felt like an attack on Ron too. 

Chapter Text

“YEAR III, PART III- ‘A Joke Taken Seriously’”

It was finally time for the Weasley clan to go supply shopping in Diagon, and to say Ron was excited would be an understatement. After an entire summer of nothing but Harry’s cold shoulder and siblings who’s sole entertainment was Ron’s misery, it was safe to say that Hermione’s loving concern and Draco’s giddy personality was more than welcomed. 

The family was nearing the agreed meeting spot with the Granger ‘twins’ when Ron spotted the familiar frizzy curls that starkly contrasted with white blond locks. Immediately, the freckled boy ran past his moppey mate and towards the others of their quartet. 

Ron had grown atleast half a foot during break, all long legs and knobby knees. What hadn’t grown, may even have decreased, was his control over said limbs. So, when he tried to stop as he made it to the pair, he instead tripped right into the older of the two. It was a distinct crash as he landed on top of Hermione, bones clashing with bones. The poor boy tried to not, y’know crush the smaller girl by supporting his weight with his hand on either side of her head, but ultimately failed as Hermione started to jab her pointy elbows into his side. 

“Ronald! So help me, if you don’t get off me this instant I will tie you to a chair and force you to read the entirety of Hogwarts: A History cover to cover!!” It was slightly strained, given she had a boy twice her weight compressing her chest, but the point was made. 

Ron laughed, moving from on top of her to her side, “Merlin, is it good to hear your academic threats.”

The bucked-tooth girl could only let out a humph, before she completely bypassed the redhead and made her way towards the final boy of their group. Ron let his gaze follow her movement, smiling in amusement, before he laid eyes on the girl’s younger brother. 

Draco, whose confidence has always been unmatched, had his eyes a little wide as he stared at Ron’s shoulders. His milky white skin was slightly pink around his full cheeks. The lanky redhead couldn’t help but find it positively adorable. 

“Draco, good to see your bratty ass.”

It was a joke, when meant to make the blonde omega furrowed his eyebrows and start spouting insults about his crash landing, but it seemed to have an opposite effect as Draco only seemed to get redder. 

“Ron,” Draco finally broke the awkward silence, “Since when did you get hot-” 

Before Ron had the chance to respond, Twin Terror appeared and tackled the delicate Granger into a bear hug. 

“My my my, Bombshell. Who would’ve thought-”

“You’d have the hots for-”

“The dorkiest Weasley!” 

The strong beaters laughed in unison as Draco began to fight at the insult, throwing useless punches at Fred, “I do not have the hots for him, we all know Tom Cruise already has the key to my heart. And can you blame me? It’s like he became a mini Charlie overnight!”

“Whatever-”

“You say-”

The faux agreement only made the boy angrier, his punches harder, and the twins’ jokes more ruthless. 

And… Honestly, Ron couldn’t tell you what happened after that. For, the only thing racing through his head was that Draco thinks he’s attractive. It wasn’t even the fact that it was Draco who called him cute, per say. Ron knew he had gained some muscle over the summer (a result of chasing Harry around the Quidditch pitch). More so the fact that someone was giving him the attention. 

All his life, Ron has been over showered by his siblings. Smart and Successful Bill, Quidditch Star Charlie, Headboy Percy, Only Girl Ginny, and even the Class Clown Twins. It was always them who got their parents’ attention, Ron had accepted that. The freckled boy thought life at Hogwarts would be different, but imagine his surprise when he made the smart idea to befriend the Boy-Who-Lived and the Smartest-Witch-Of-Her-Age. 

And no, Ron didn’t regret being their friend, but it was lonely always being the lackey. So, to have the only omega in the entirety of Hogwarts, prettiest blonde to ever walk the halls, Harry freaking Potter’s all time crush’s admiration was the greatest thing to ever happen to Ron Billius Weasley.

“Ronald, are you okay?”

The redhead turned to the noise, which happened to be Hermione. She looked worried, as if she had been trying to get Ron’s attention for a while. Ron felt his heart beating like crazy, his ego touching the clouds, and could only come to one conclusion. 

“Bloody hell, Mione. I don’t think I’ll ever be okay again!?”

Chapter Text

If Draco could only describe the meet up at Diagon Alley with one word, it would be 

Weird.

Whether it be the Twins teasing, Hermione’s puzzled expression, Ron’s unexpected muscles which Draco was totally not staring at, even if they did look absolutely mesmerizing with the constellations of freckles lining-

It was all weird, okay?!

So, it was safe to say that Draco’s usual nonchalant demeanor was replaced with that of an awkward teen on the Hogwarts Express.

“So, Draco, how was your summer?”

Speaking of the devil, Draco thought as Ron sat down beside the blonde. A new development entirely, which only fueled Draco’s already sweaty hands. 

“U-uhm, It was good…Yeah! I dragged Mione and Susie to the new Tom Cruise movie, it was totally worth the wait. I honestly couldn’t tell you much about the plot, but-,”

The omega began to ramble nonsense to the redhead, a trait that reminded Ron so much of the blonde's sister. It caused the freckled boy to smile and lean closer, slowly easing the awkward tension between the two. 

A wonderful scene, truly, was what Susan Bones thought to herself as she began laughing hysterically from the other side of the compartment. 

“Oh, look at the love birds!”

It earned her a well earned punch in the shoulder from Hermione, but ultimately caused the pair to break away- both blushing red.

“Shut up, Bones” hissed Draco, his attempt to save face.

Ron could only chuckle awkwardly, scooting back next to the omega. Chalk it up to alpha courage, or maybe even luck, but something compelled the redhead to say,

“Come on, Dray. There are worse things than being accused of dating me.”

Dray. He just called Draco ‘Dray’. Muscled, Burly Ronald Weasley just called Draco a pet name. The blonde thought he was about to die, as his fair skin turned a concerning red. 

It took a shockingly long time before Draco couldn’t even come close to getting his signature arrogance back. Yet, before he had the chance to say something snarky, Ron took his chance.

Before his blind confidence ran out, Ron decided to move his arm behind Draco’s head, resting on the headrest. A move he learned from some movie Arthur was able to rig with magic when the freckled boy was younger. 

A move that completely ruined any chance of Draco’s recovery, as he instead sat frozen in shock. The silence was a bit awkward, as the two boys uncomfortably, kinda cuddled in the compartment.

Susan was about to say something to cut the tension, or more like save the others occupying the space from such puberty stricken tragedies, but it seemed Harry beat her to it.

Harry Potter, fuming with anger, dramatically stormed out of the room, trampling over luggage in the process. He slammed the door shut, causing Ron to groan in annoyance.

Reluctantly, the redhead shifted out of his position of trying to woo the beautiful boy, and followed the Boy-Who-Lived-To-Cause-A-Scene.

And Draco, for the life of him, couldn’t figure out why the raven haired boy could be so angry…

Chapter Text

Ron had to follow Harry. Of course he did, the angry boy was his best mate after all. The freckled boy couldn’t blame him, either. There was no denying that he was flirting with Draco, even though Ron knew Harry had liked him.

Had, was the key word. For, Harry was the one to say he didn’t care for the omega anymore, and it wasn’t like they even dated! 

Harry had a right to be angry, but that still didn’t mean Ron had to set aside his own feelings for the boy.

The Raven haired boy made a sharp turn into a compartment, which Ron quickly followed. It was almost completely empty, aside from a lanky man covered in scars, who slept peacefully with his head leaning on the window.

 He wore a tattered suit, a type of threadbare that Ron was used to, wore himself at many weddings and gatherings as a kid. A suitcase was perched beside, written in neat, gold cursive with the name ‘Remus Lupin’. 

Normally, Ron would’ve been more considerate with the man’s presence, but Harry was just too fuming in rage for the redhead to care.

“You just had to sweep in and take him, didn’t you? All doe eyes at each other. I don’t even think he knew I was there! Why him? Why Draco? You already have everything else!”

The boy with glasses was red in anger, shouting hysterically at Ron. It was a surprise the Remus guy was awakened in shock. The freckled boy felt his own anger begin to rise, but confusion moreso.

“Everything else?- What are you talking about? You’re the one you killed V-…Y’know who three bloody times! I literally passed out because of a spider. A SPIDER!”

Ron took a breath, his own hurt completely taking control. All summer, the boy has dealt with Harry’s rudeness, but even friendship couldn’t ease Ron’s pain. 

“And I didn’t take Draco. No one can, because he’s his own person. Bloody hell, I know you’re new to this whole Alpha thing, but keep saying shit like that and you’ll never get a partner, let alone Draco.”

The ginger drew closer to Harry, looking down on him with boiling blue eyes. As if daring those emerald green ones to argue back.

Potter clenched his fists so hard they turned white.

“You said it yourself, Harry. You don’t care about him anymore- So stop getting mad when someone else does.”

Harry’s green eyes showed offense, as he took a step back. The teen readied himself to retort his own statement when the room suddenly drew cold.

It happened in a flash as all emotions drained from the room, leaving only fear. Suddenly, Harry dropped to the ground in pain, shouting in agony as he covered his ears.

Ron fell down beside, ready to help ease the pain. Yet, before he got to ask what’s wrong Harry was already out cold. 

It was a split second decision, as Ron set his own fear aside and shook Remus awake. 

An adult’s got to help somehow in the situation.

Remus was up in an instant, taking only a second to recognize Harry before turning towards the door.

Ron hadn’t even realized it was being pushed opening, revealing what he could only describe as nightmare fuel. 

Ron let out a scream in terror, trying to push Harry behind him. His wand trembled in his hand, but was otherwise useless as Remus yelled out a spell.

A beautiful, wispy wolf appeared- shunning the Dementor away. And just like that, the room was silent once more.

The redhead let out a sigh of relief, regaining his sense of calm. He was about to thank the man, but was interrupted by an intrusion of children.

Hermione, Draco, Neville, and Luna all surround the unconscious boy, all expressing their concern at the same time. In the midst of all the chaos, Harry spirited awake.

Gasping, “W-What happened?” 

Remus was the first to respond, “ A dementor, nasty creatures truly. Sucked out all your happiness in moments. Here eat this,” handing Harry a piece of chocolate, 

“Now excuse me as I go see who else needs help. Pleasure meeting you, J-“

He never finished his sentence, choosing to stop abruptly instead. He existed swiftly after that.

“Who was that?” Harry asked with furrowed brows, having recovered thanks to the chocolate.

“I’m not too sure,” Hermione replied, “Most likely a new professor of sorts..”

“Who cares! Harry, are you okay?” 

It was Draco this time, seemingly finally noticing the Boy-Who-Lived. The blonde tried to comfort the boy by placing a hand on his shoulder, but Harry pulled back as if he’d been scalded.

“I’m fine. Go back to your Hufflepuffs, Granger. I don’t need you here.” 

With that, Harry Potter ignored Draco for the rest of the ride, and during the Great Feast back, and as they were readying to go to separate dorms. Not even Ron’s sympathetic smile could console the omega’s confusion.

It’s not a big deal though, because it’s not like Draco thought Harry liked him anyway. For, he’s simply the annoying kid brother,

Right?

Chapter Text

“I have a crush on Draco.”

The declaration was enough to make Fred and George stop tinkering with their latest invention. The awkward silence was blaring, densely filling the empty fifth year dorms: It's only occupants, a trio of gingers.

.

.

.

“Draco? As in-”

“Blonde Bombshell-”

“Our hidden weapon?”

“The Chosen Boy's only true love?”

Well, that certainly didn't sit well with the twin's younger brother. Ron tried to protest, but the freckled boy went ignored as Fred went on,

“The most innocent omega ever?”

George rolled his eyes, “You only know one omega, Feorge, how can he be the most innocent?”

“That's not true, Lee's great aunt is one!”

“No she's not, remember? She was faking it to get some pureblood’s galleons-”

“Really? How'd you think she managed that, Fred?”

“A couple scent enhancers mixed with muggle-”

“YES! That Draco! The only omega in school AND the only one you two doofuses know! Now, can we get back to talking about me, already!”

The pair of identical faces staring at Ron stopped talking, staring dumbfounded at the younger boy for a moment. In sync the twins look at each other and begin laughing hysterically, causing Ron to go bright red in embarrassment.

“looks like your beloved is rubbing off on you,” George teased, punching the lanky boy in the arm lightly.

“Finally grown a pair, huh, Ronikins?” 

‘Ronikins’ freezes, seemingly realizes his near fate, “Don't you dare call me that in front of Draco, or I'll-”

“Whatever you say, dear brother of mine, but you-”

“Better make it quick before-”

“The golden boy snatches him up!”

As lighthearted as the joke may be, Ron couldn't help the frown that painted his face. His mind flooded with flashbacks of the train ride. Ever since the fight, Potter was acting even more of a dickwad than usual- Completely icing Ron out. 

Instead he'd trade the Weasley in for a younger, more feminine model. You'd think two years and a half dozen near death experiences would mean more to the emerald eyed boy…

Oh well.

“Harry? He'd lost his chance long ago, and I'm not going to miss mine while too busy being a lackey, either.” 

Fred wolf whistles in his normal charismatic way, but his eyes shone with pride,

“Ooo, looks like our bombshell has a different, redder Prince coming his way.”

-

Ronald had made his decision: He wasn't going to let his chance with Draco go to waste. Yet, just because he was going to break ‘bro-code’ didn't mean he wasn't going to give Harry a warning first. 

So, on his way to supper, he cornered the boy. 

“I'm going to ask Draco to Hogsmeade, like, as a date.” 

The already pale boy grew two shades whiter. Harry's face was twisted in anger, before he attempted to school his facial expressions to the point of a messy, cold facade.

Ron knew his best mate better than to believe that. 

“I don't care, it's not like I can go anyway- that probably stunts your whole plan, doesn't it? You don't get to show off what I'm ‘missing’ or whatever-”

Harry created space between them with each word. His voice was laced with venom, as if he knew the accusations would go straight to Ron's heart. 

“Well, too bad, because I talked to Ginny-” 

Potter didn't have a chance to finish his sentence before he was cut off abruptly. The raven haired boy stumbled back as a freckled fist made contact with Harry's nose, his face overwhelmed in sharp pain. 

It wasn't like that of Vernon, which made him feel powerless. Moreso, it caused Harry to lose his confidence. 

“Stop trying to use my sister against me, jackass.”

Ron's brows were furrowed in rage, a look Harry's beginning to grow accustomed to,

“And this ‘whole thing' isn't some evil plan to make you look jealous and rude- you're accomplishing that plenty fine yourself. I was simply letting you know before you make a fool out of yourself if Draco says yes.”

Ron's fist was still clench, as if ready to hit Harry again at any moment, but it never came. Instead, Ron spared one last glance at Harry, who was cradling his cheek in shock, before walking away. 

.

.

.

It was a different kind of pain to be hit by your best friend. At least Vernon didn't like Harry in the first place. The raven haired boy didn't intentionally mean to hurt Ron , he was just so angry. And if a bruised cheek was enough to soothe the seed in his chest,

Harry supposed he'd be like this forever. 

-

It was finally Saturday, and Ron was sweeting in his mucked up sneakers. He was set to meet with the girls- Draco would murder the redhead if he ever found out Ron grouped him in with ‘the girls’- to all go to Honey Duke’s, but what they didn't know was Ron had other intentions. 

“Ronald! Over here!” 

It was Hermione's sophisticated voice that broke Ron from his panic attack. The bushy haired girl was huddled with the other third years: Susan's silky straight hair and Draco's bright blonde contrast artfully with the older girl's frizzy curls. 

“Oh,” Ron stopped in his tracks, “You brought the cat.”

The lanky boy could feel Scabbers scramble in fear through Ron's thick cloak. An act the boy had witnessed many times ever since the trio went and brought Crookshanks over the summer. 

The fluffy cat looked at Ron sluggishly, before zoning into his left pocket. And he would have pounced too, if he wasn't caged in to Hermione's iron grip. 

“Of course I brought Crookshanks, Ronald. You bring Scabbers everywhere.”

“Well, Scabbers isn't actively trying to murder other people's pets!”

Hermione tried to argue, but Draco cut in with an eye roll that could rival Snape’s.

“This isn't an episode of Tom and Jerry- Let's go get candy already! Susan and I've been saving up our allowances for this since the first year. We’re gonna eat till we throw up!”

The auburn haired girl collared in agreement, and suddenly they all began walking down the cobblestone road. 

The animal feud made Ron forget his original mission, but Draco’s smile that rivals the sun causes him to suddenly remember. 

“W-wait! Draco, can we, uh,” Oh merlin, what was Ron doing? He can't do this! 

“Talk in, like… Private?” The redhead cringed at his own words, bright red in embarrassment. 

Draco stopped walking, standing directly in front of Ron instead. He looked confused, but equally interesting as his own cheeks were tinted pink. 

The girls seemed to understand more than Draco, as they wished them well and finished the trek to Honey Duke's alone. 

“Did you need something, Ron?” Giant silver eyes glimmered up at the alpha, protruding an image of innocence only a saint could. 

“I was, uh, wondering if you'd want to, er-” Why was Ron such a dork? Of course Draco wasn't going to say yes! 

“Like, go to the Three Broomsticks with me, n-not as friends though. More like- bloody hell what am i doing?- The opposite of just friends?”

Recognition shone on the omega’s face, and suddenly he too seemed just as awkward as Ron. 

“Are you asking me out on a date, Ronald Weasley?”

It was teasing, familiar. A nice change from the never ending embarrassment the two seemed to share recently. It was enough for Ron to regain some of his own confidence. 

“I suppose I am, Draco Granger.”

Draco grinned sinisterly, much like the one Fred and George had after an especially elaborate prank, 

“Well, let's go.”

“R-right now?” Ron gulped nervously. Truthfully, he didn't know he'd make it this far. 

“Well when else? I'm not going to postpone my first date any longer.”

And with that the smaller boy gripped Ron’s wrist tightly, a grip much like Hermione's, and dragged the freckled boy away, spewing nonsense about how Ron had to hold the door open for him, like in the movies. 

Ron could feel his heart beating a million miles a minute, his palms sweating in the omega’s own, soft ones. He supposed he should have felt nervous about messing up what's to come, but all he could think about was how Ron was finally the first at something. 

The first to take Draco out on a date. 

He was so starry-eyed he didn't even notice the familiar stomping of a pair of too-big shoes following in the distance. 

Chapter Text

The halls were lonely, tainted with the bitter cold of October nights in Scotland. It was to be expected, especially since the late nature of Draco’s venture through the Hufflepuff corridors.

 Far passed curfew,

 Far passed an excuse that would save the omega from trouble if caught. 

Yet, the blonde couldn’t care less as he happily strolled to his own private dorm. A lazy smile was permanent on his face as he reminisced on the day’s journey. 

The boys had gone to the Leaky, with Draco practically dragging the alpha through the door. All confidence dispersed, however, as he too realized that he didn’t know how to act on a date. 

Silence followed. The boys standing in the doorway, neither brave enough to make the next move. Onlookers viewing the scene wouldn’t find the independent, strong young adults about to go on a date. 

Only children, scared and uncertain, awkwardly awaiting the parents they had lost. 

What felt like a rather harsh gust of a wind broke the tension, leading the pair to take refuge in a sticky, cigar drenched booth. 

The lighting was dim, almost enough to set the mood if not for the enchanted candles being so finicky- Consistently going out and relighting itself every few seconds, a result of worn out charms. The pub was eerily quiet. A change in pace of the hustle and bustle that the dinner shift usually brought. The Tempus charm stuck to the wall had just struck one, and the only occupants were them, a very drunk, old guy sobbing at the bar, and a few professors chatting away quietly- too far away to recognize. The candles overwhelming each table made the air surrounding them hot, uncomfortably so. 

Draco shed his overcloak. 

Ron wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans. 

“Eurm, you look very nice-”

“Where’s my flowers?”

The petite boy regretted the words as soon as they flew out of his mouth; hitting Ron dead on. A joke that didn’t land caused the redhead to freeze in dread, and now Draco had to commit. 

“F-flowers?” The muscled boy gulped nervously. 

“Well, yeah,” The omega tried to play his embarrassment off as cockiness, “The guys who asked the girls on dates in the movies, always bring flowers.” 

Ron never claimed to understand Draco Granger. The blonde was too chaotic, too self assured to be able to read properly. And the wizard was never too good at reading people in the first place. Yet, even a boy as dense as him could take a hint. 

Ron winked at the omega before clumsy shuffling out of the booth, knocking over their glasses of butter beer in the process. Flustered, covered in the sticky drink, the redhead determinedly made his way over to the bar. 

Strategically put every four or so placemats was a vase of nearly dead yellow tulips, ones that hid their beauty amongst the crud of the Leaky. Before the barmaid had a chance to argue, Ron swiftly stole the flowers from the nearest vase and rushed back to his date. 

Draco simply stared in awe as Ron presented him with the mediocre gift, but it was the thought that counts and the blonde just couldn’t help but to blush. 

“My, what a gentleman you are, Mr. Weasley.” A sad excuse of flirting, but Draco fluttered his eyelashes anyway. 

Ronald’s chest pounded in pride, his ego through the roof. He made the omega smile, a charming white grin that for some reason was timed perfectly with a glass breaking in the distance. 

“Only the best for you, or else Mione just might sick her scruffed up cat on me.” 

It made Draco giggle, for it was a reminder that this wasn’t just a date, but a time shared between boys who have spent the last two years arguing, hanging out, and simply existing among each other. 

It was nice.

-

Harry wasn’t as mad as he’d expected. 

Nor was he exactly happy, either… 

He wasn’t fuming like he had been when he first threw on his invisibility cloak and followed Ron out of the dorm, but he wasn’t exactly cheering his best mate on as Draco leaned in closer, touching the redhead’s arm sweetly. 

Harry Potter was just sad. 

Sad that Ron took the place the green eyed boy was convinced to be his, sad that no one really understood what he was going through, sad that he pushed away all chances of them trying to understand. 

The Boy-Who-Lived had been alone all his life, and the one time he actually had friends who cared, he ruined it; Too busy focused on hating those who left, not appreciating those who chose to stay. Even Ron stayed, he’d even gone as far as to save him from spending his summer alone.

Twice. 

And as Harry learned the truth about Sirius Black, and what he’d done to his parents, he’d thought of only one thing: Ron had to hear about this. 

So, the raven haired boy waited for his friends to finish up, let them flirt and giggle and tease. Even though it made the seed in his chest ache, he ignored it. And when the alpha and omega exited the Leaky, and Draco left to go find his sister, Harry chased after the freckled boy. 

For, Harry Potter was done being alone. 

-

So, there Draco was, smiling dopey, as he silently gushed about what had happened only hours before. It wasn’t like the movies claimed- Perfect, and timeless. No, it was awkward and rushed, yet charming and everything the blonde could’ve hoped for. 

Ron had even gotten him flowers. 

And with that thought, the omega opened the door to the omega dorms’, blissfully unaware of what was waiting for him on the other side. Too focused on touching the delicate petals of the wilting, yellow tulips lining his pockets to notice the

escaped convicted sitting on his bed in the dark. 

“R-Reg? Is that you?”

Chapter Text

An ear-piercing scream could be heard three rooms down, if not for the apparent lack thereof. The sound seemed to startle the escaped prisoner back into reality, realizing that Draco was not, in fact, ‘Reg’.

The omega froze in terror as the dirty, unkempt man rushed towards him- attempting to silence the child. It only made matters worse, however, as the man stumbled over one of the many rugs lining the cold, stone ground and fell directly on top of the blonde.

Which, of course, made Draco scream louder.

“I’m not going to hurt you!” Sirius Black, the man who had just escaped Azkaban only to sneak into the omega dorms, hissed through gritted teeth.

“Yeah, right, pervert! Help! Someo-” Draco begged on the top of his lungs, causing Black to wrap a dirt ridden hand around his mouth.

“Pervert? I’m not a perv-,” Sirius caught himself off, as he realized his defense was only making him seem more like the accusation, “Just- Please, listen for a moment. It’s about that rat your redheaded alpha keeps hanging on!”

The mention of Ron made the boy cease his thrashing, silver eye widening in fear. It was in that moment, with Draco looking up at him with all the innocence in the world, that Sirius finally stopped seeing Reg’s face.

He saw Narcissa’s, instead.

-

Sirius Black had grown up quite close to his cousins, some of his fondest memories before Hogwarts were a result of them; The three Black sisters only being a few years older than himself. He could recall dozens of forced dinner parties, where he'd sneak off with Narcissa- The youngest of the three, and the closest in age to Sirius- to… appreciate her father’s firewhiskey collection.

That was before he was sorted into Gryffindor.

Before that rebellious teen was beaten out of her.

Before Lucius Malfoy declared her as his.

It was hard to connect the teenage girl with that of the women Sirius remembered in his later years of Hogwarts. For, Narcissa was once so,

Alive.

She was as fierce as a hippogriff- always defying the pureblood way. She consistently fought with tradition: she was loud and outgoing and refused to be silenced, she had opinions and wasn’t afraid to share them. Yet, she was cunning and manipulative- breaking in and out of the Black estate.

Beautiful, too, and she knew how to use it. Giant doe eyes fluttering innocently at unexpected victims- Time and time again that look had saved the pair from aurors, after sneaking around Diagon Alley far past curfew.

If Sirius was being honest, it was probably her that influenced him getting into Gryffindor.

What the man could remember admiring most of all, was how she protected her family at all costs.

Cissy was always the one to take the blame for her younger cousins. Even went as far to take a curse from Sirius’s own mother- A tragic incident that resulted in an entire winter without contact.

Once Sirius was sorted the care surprisingly continued, just far more secretive. Answer keys to tests found in his bag, the lack of Prefects whenever the marauders would cause mischief.

Then, she was married.

It was Sirius’s last year of Hogwarts, and by then the young adult had no contact with his family. But for the Blacks’ to marry into the purest bloodline after centuries of trying, well, it flooded the papers.

Sirius remembered thinking that Narcissa looked out of place in her wedding dress. A floor-length ball gown, covered with the traditional ivory dress robes. The color clashed with her yellow tinted hair, washing out her milky skin. Her body too bony for that much fabric.

And her eyes bore a regret Sirius knew deeply.

It was the last time he’d ever heard about her.

So, for all he knew, this boy before him- with the signature Malfoy hair, and doe eyes that could get him out of anything- could very well be the product of Narcissa Black.

-

“Get off!” Sirius jumped up from where he laid on top of the boy, snapping back to reality. The fear in Draco’s eyes was replaced with heavy irritation.

“What do you want with Ron?!”

“Ron? Who’s Ron?”

Sirius Black was never the smartest person, he had Moony for that.
The blonde omega rolled his eyes, clearly having lost all intimidation for the Black heir.

“My redhead alpha.”

“Him,” Sirius hissed with venom, “He’s carrying around the rat that framed me?”

“Rat that framed you?...” Draco furrowed his brows, skeptically, “Do you mean Scabbers?”

“Oh is that what that rat bastard is going by now? Living lavishly as some kid’s pet-”

“Can you please explain what you’re talking about before I go call for Professor Sprout!?”

That shut the grimy man up fast.

“That rat your boy is carrying around is actually a man,” Draco’s barely-there eyebrows rose to his hairline, “Peter Pettigrew, specifically.”

The name rang the bell in the boy’s head. Peter Pettigrew, the man killed along with twelve muggles by Sirius Black. Hermione had shown him the flier during their trip for school supplies earlier that year.With specific instruction to go and hide if Draco saw anyone following Black’s description.

Too late now, The teen snorted to himself.

“You’re telling me the man you killed is actually a rat, who has been hiding at the Weasleys’ for years..”

The raggedy man blush slightly, hearing how insane he sounded, “Well, yeah. Pretty much… And he’s not a real rat, he’s an animagus like the rest of us.”

“The rest of us?”

“Yeah,” Sirius’s eyes filled with sorrow, a pain that almost made Draco retract his question, “The rest of us; Peter, Me, and James.”

“James?...” Draco let out an understanding gasp, “James Potter? You were friends with Harry’s Dad? And you..You lead Voldemort to them-”

The boy backed up slowly, moving a shaky hand to the handle behind him. Sirius panicked and grabbed the wand Draco had left of his bed prior to Hogsmeade, swiftly locking the door Draco was so desperately trying to escape out of.

The omega’s breath hitched- suffocating in Sirius’s panicked pheromones. It was a strong, sour scent- Like cigarette smoke lingering on clothes for far too long.

“I would never hurt them!” It was yell, one that the man couldn’t even control coming out of his mouth. One that sounded as raw as the man looked.

“T-Then how did Voldemort f-find them!?” It was a sob, a plea, as if an explanation would solve Draco’s fear.

Sirius wanted to yell, to fight, to scream out a defense, but he heard Mooney’s voice in his head. His voice of reasoning while in Azkaban, the only reason he’d escaped.

Don’t. He won’t believe you if you freak out. He’s your only chance. The only way you can get back to me.

Sirius drew in a long, shaky breath before he threw Draco’s wand back to him- sitting on the floor in complete submission. The omega wouldn’t understand it at the time, but for an alpha to submit was a great deal- A sign of unwavering loyalty.

“I didn’t lead that no-nose bastard to the Potters, trust me,” Black met Draco’s eyes, with a little so fierce it caused the blonde to stumble back slightly,

“James was my best friend- Hell, I was the best man at his wedding for Merlin’s sake. And I was Harry’s Godfather too, y’know,”

The small teen gasped slightly, but went ignored as Sirius went on, “So, it made sense for me to be their secret keeper when they went into hiding. But, I-I got paranoid. Thought Voldemort would assume it to be me, and that he’d find a way to force it out of me. So, w-we”

Black’s voice broke, tears falling, mixing with the dirt lingerie on his face. A sight so sad that Draco couldn’t help but to let his guard down. The omega skeptically left his position by the door, and slowly came close enough to sit beside the man. Wordlessly, he patted Sirius on the shoulder.

Sirius laughed pathetically, clearing his throat, “We changed the secret keeper to Peter last minute- We told no one in hopes of buying more time. I should’ve known the twitchy man was working for the other side- I should’ve known.”

Black was in full blown, body shaking, sobs at this point. Draco drew him in close. A funny sight, truly, a grown man being comforted by a tiny child.

The blonde shushed him, “It’s okay- I believe you- Peter did it.”

“You do?!,” Sirius looked up at him in shock.

Draco laughed nervously, “Well, yeah- I mean, you just feel trustworthy- I can’t explain it- And it makes sense, Scabbers has been alive for, like, a bazillion years-”

“Oh thank, Godric!” Black shoved the omega to his chest, squeezing tight.

No one has believed a word out of his mouth for twelve years.

“Now,” Draco pulled away, looking at Black sternly, “Where have I heard ‘Cissy’ before?..”

Chapter Text

Harry had never been this nervous in his life- Not even boarding the Hogwarts’ Express for the first time was as nerve-inducing as this. 

It was Valentines’ and the boy had made an awful mistake. 

Professor Lockhart had been talking all week about sending Valentines’ grams to someone you like- bragging about all the ones he’ll get, more like, but nevertheless- and all the lovey-dovey talk had just sent the most terrible, embarrassing idea into Potter’s head. 

He decided to send Draco a Valentine. 

Harry slammed his head down on his desk at the thought, silencing the class in the process. When the raven haired boy arose from between his arms, a blush followed as he saw his peers staring back at him.

Great, now will be a weirdo to everyone, not just Draco. 

Nothing could help Harry from overthinking throughout the day, not even the fact that he didn’t sign the Valentine; opting for the pinname ‘James’ instead. But, Draco had to figure it out, he wasn’t that dense.

Right? 

Draco would notice immediately and would confront Harry. Oh, it will be humiliating- To have Draco call him a freak. The boy really shouldn’t have sent it… Maybe if he snuck his letter from Draco during lunch he could- 

“Harry Potter?”

The Chosen One was interrupted by a sudden, annoyed voice. The preteen looked down to see a trio of grumpy dwarves holding what looked like a prepared sheet of parchment. 

“Ugh, yes? That’s… me?”

It happened so fast Harry didn’t have the chance to stop, or believe him, he would’ve. The men erupted in embarrassing, humiliating, song!

His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad, 

His hair is a dark as a blackboard, 

I wish he was mine,

The hero who conquered

The Dark Lord!

Harry was frozen in shock, Ron was actively swearing at the dwarves, while Hermione just pretended to not know them. The poem was almost insulting, if not catchy. It was creative, and a prank that had the Terrible Trio written all over it. 

The pickled-toad eyed boy looked over to the Huffle table only to see a sneaky little blonde rolled over in a fit of giggles. It would have been infuriating if it was not Draco, but since it was the whole thing simply made Harry’s heart pound.

The omega finally noticed the boy’s heated gaze. 

Silver met green, 

A sly smirk to a dropped-jaw,

And as if confirming Harry’s suspicions,

Draco winked. 

Oh, sweet merlin, prank or not. Draco wanted Harry to be his! The raven haired boy almost jumped for joy, his entire body on fire. It was simply the best Valentines’ in history! Wow, Draco wanted Harry to be his! Forget about Potter’s stupid poem, should he start planning their wedding? Or was that too soon? Maybe Draco wants kids, oh Harry hoped he wanted kids. They could name their son James-

Harry Potter was so lost in thought he didn’t notice a certain first year, blushing nervously as she watched for any signs that her hero liked her Valentine…

A misunderstanding that will drag on for years too long. 

-

“So, did you write that song for Harry?”

Draco turned towards Susan confused, “Of course not, I may be a prankster, but I’m a romantic first. I’d never mess with love.”

Bones rolled her eyes, looking over at a Gryffindor who looked on the verge of fainting, 

Tell that to Potter. 

Chapter Text

“What? What do you mean who is Cissy? Cissy? Narcissa? Your mother?”

Each word out of Sirius’s mouth made the wrinkles in the omega's brow draw closer together. Yet, it couldn’t be possible, the boy before him was a carbon copy of his cousin. 

“Are… Are you not a Malfoy? But that can’t be possible, I mean- you look exactly like her, smell like Reg-” 

The desperation in the rugged man’s voice was almost tragic, as if Draco not being this… Malfoy would be like losing what little sanity he had left-

Oh, there it was again; Malfoy. 

Draco hasn't heard that a million times over. 

“Wait, Malfoy? Why does everyone keep saying that?! What even is a Malfoy?” 

Sirius Black had never been the thoughtful sort- That was always Moony’s job. He was the one to act fast, deal with the repercussions later. Yet, amidst the confusion, the boy who Sirius knew was a Malfoy told his blood claiming to not even know what a Malfoy is, Sirius became quite the detective. 

“What’s your name, kid?” 

Draco groaned in frustration- Great, another adult avoiding his questions, “Draco Granger, but that’s besides the point-” 

“Granger?” The silver eyes man’s voice pitched, almost offended, “Like, muggleborn?”

The petite boy could handle his anger no longer, practically screaming, “Do you want my whole life story too?! Of course I’m a muggleborn! I was adopted at five years old by the Grangers-” 

It… All but clicked in Sirius’s head. 

“Adopted?” 

“WHY does that matter?!” 

Calloused hands met delicate shoulders as the man crouched to Draco’s levels. Silver met silver- colors far too similar to be coincidence.

“Kid, don’t you get it?”

It should’ve felt condescending- His tone- would’ve too, if the edge on the end of tongue didn’t seem as if someone, anyone was finally letting Draco in on a secret. The blonde relaxed, ever so slightly- something that Sirius couldn’t help but freeze at. 

Oh, how it almost felt like Regulus- relaxing in Sirius’s arms after months apart at Hogwarts. Funny, how it’s the little things that take you back.

“You’re an omega- something muggles are never, by the way- AND you're the perfect image of a woman who’s finally is known for exiling omegas after presentation… Say, when did you get adopted, again?”

“Well… Five-” 

Spiteful- superior, was the tone of the cackle that followed. 

“You mean the year almost every wixen in Europe gets their inheritance?” 

Sirius didn’t mean to taunt, but old habits die hard- even after twelve years to repent. Yet, the tears silently falling off of Draco’s cheeks- salt and molded laundry filling the air, sure was a wake up call. 

“Hey, hey- Hey, don’t do that?!” 

Sirius’s unsure demeanor did nothing to soothe the sobs, but the man never moved. 

And neither did Draco. 

“Look, if I’m right, Cissy would’ve never given you up willingly. The Malfoys? They’re…powerful, prideful people. One wrong move and they’ll break your bloody board. Narcissa, she…. She was once strong, but not even she could take on that family.” 

“So she gave me up?!”

“You’re lucky you’re not dead.” 

It was a fierce, harsh, statement even Draco couldn’t argue. 

“I don't know what Cissy did to smuggle you into a muggle orphanage, or why no one mentions a missing Malfoy Heir, but what I do know- Is her love for you is how she accomplished the impossible, how she saved you.”

Suddenly, it was like looking in a mirror. The innocence so much like Reggie's sharpened around the omega’s eyes, his pointy little Malfoy chin raised. He looked a little less of Cissy, a little more black- 

A little more Sirius. 

A little scared, a little doubtful, a little too proud to ever admit it. 

“You really think so? You think my mother loved me?” 

Sirius has made a lot of mistakes in his past. He shouldn't have been such a bully, shouldn't have taken his anger out on those younger than him, shouldn't have left his little brother, should have changed secret keeper. Hell, there were more actions he regretted than he made in the first place. Yet, what he said next, he was certain he would never forget.

“Kid, Narcissa loves like an ocean- strong waves that try to carry away the bad. She couldn't protect you from the bad, so she carried you away instead.”  

Maybe, just maybe- 

Draco Granger wasn't so unlovable after all. 

Chapter Text

The decision was far from perfect, if not irrational entirely, but Draco decided to take a page out of the Boy-He-Definitely-Could-Not-Inform-Of-Such-Plan’s book. 

Draco Granger was going to help his To Be Determined, maybe cousin, find Peter Pettigrew. Therefore, stealing his talking stage’s rat. 

“Why’d it have to be Ron’s rat?” 

The blonde quietly moaned to himself as he made his way back from the kitchens. Sirius had left hours ago, after successfully convincing the boy of the plan. Draco wasn’t really sure why he agreed- Maybe to strengthen the lost heritage he was itching to know, or maybe it was the odd way his bones chilled looking into the grey eyes he only ever found staring at him through a mirror- but all he knows is he immediately regretted it. 

So, he stress ate. 

It was the walk of shame that followed, with a full belly, and a hard task in mind, that caused the plagued thoughts to cross his mind. 

“It is just a rat, and a half-dead one at that! Ron would be happy he's gone, I’m sure of it!” 

“....He does love that ratchet thing.” 

Shrieks filled the halls as Draco turned to face a boy he hadn’t expected in the slightest- Neville. 

“Neville! You cannot sneak up on me like that!” 

The plump boy only furrowed his brows in confusion, skeptically eyeing his surroundings as if he was being pranked. 

Wouldn’t put it past the Terrible Trio anyway. 

“Uh, Draco? I’ve been calling your name three corridors down- I didn’t sneak up on you?”

“Oh.” 

The blonde could feel his nerves crawling through his skin, itching at the chance to reach the surface. Draco Granger was a fool under pressure. 

“Sorry, Nev, I’ve just been out of it recently- Say, what are you doing out past curfew anyway?” 

Crimson. 

The poor gryffindor turned bright. Crimson. Oh, the poor thing- you could roast a turkey on those flaming, red cheeks. 

“Ah, well- You see… It’s been a long summer, and they change the password so often, I kind of-”

Understanding flooded Draco, as he smiled reassuringly, “You got locked out again?” 

.

.

. 

“Maybe”

So, one became two, as the boys ditch the dungeons for the never ending stairs that was Gryffindor Tower. Silent, mostly, as neither boy was in the headspace to make pleasantries, instead find safety in each other's presence. 

That was, until, Draco got one of his brilliant ideas. 

“Neville? My most valuable friend? The most handsome Gryffindor?”

“...Yes?” 

Neville knew this look. The wide, grey eyes that pleaded desperately. The sheepish smile, domestic enough to be taken as humble by the untrained eyes. 

Oh, did Neville know this look. 

THIS is what Hermione warned the dorm about. Yet, she never said it would be this hard to resist. 

.

.

.

“SCABBERS?!” soft, delicate hands were quickly shoved over the boy’s loud mouth. 

“SHhhh! Do you want us to get caught?!?” 

A moment, a huff, a worried nod- and Draco let go. 

“YOU WANT ME TO STEAL RON’S RAT?”

“For Mercy’s sake Neville! Again?’ 

The dirty blonde haired boy reddened slightly, but his look of shock remained. He didn’t even have the confidence to bother an upperclassman for the dorm password, and Draco wanted him to steal one of his best mate’s beloved pet? 

“Neville, please, I need you.”

Grey eyes stared deep into Neville’s worried ones, but it wasn’t Draco’s signature puppy eyes that convinced him, it was that word; needed. 

Neville Longbottom was clumsy. Everyone knew that: his grandmother, his classmates, his teacher. No one trusted the teen to so much as fly a broom with the first years, much less anything we any warrant. 

He was simply too foolish, too clumsy, too brash to be needed. Even if his peers never came out and said it, he knew. 

He knew. 

Neville was an outstander even in his own Hogwarts House, a bystander watching the Golden Trio do things that gave the poor boy nightmares. 

But Draco needed him. 

Needed Neville to be brash, to be foolish, to be everything hated about him. 

Neville Longbottom was not meant to be a Gryffindor, so maybe this once, he could help a Hufflepuff.