It wasn't like Harry hadn't expected these turn of events but he really hadn't expected these turn of events. Since his official presentation at fourteen his mother had started to hound him more and more to be the proper omega he was. This, of course, infuriated his father who then told his mother (in nicer terms because that's just who he was) to go fuck herself and if she even thought of pimping his son out before his seventeenth birthday then she had another thing coming to her. Harry learned all of this through a fortuitous lapse in judgement.
Harry had grown up the oldest of three children. Charles was the middle child and only a year and a half younger, while Henry was five years younger and in Harry's humble opinion, a real prick. Where Charles and Harry were relatively close, Henry had a hard time accepting Harry and would only associate with Charles. Harry suspected it was because Henry and Charles had had an extra year together but the truth was that Henry was their mother's favorite. Something that usually wouldn't have been a problem if Lily Potter had actually liked Harry. As it stood, the woman had become blatant in her disgust and disregard of her omega son and the five years that spanned between Henry and Harry had allowed Lily's rants on Harry's 'unfortunate biology' to pass onto her favorite child. It didn't help matters that Henry was a beta and thus had risen in their mother's great esteem.
Charles, on the other hand, was their father's favorite. Not just because he had his looks or temperament, but because he willingly and frequently called their mother out on her deplorable behaviour against Harry. Being a beta herself, their mother only snorted at his behaviour, believing herself above it all, and tolerated his rants, which naturally only made both father and son angrier.
Harry hadn't ever minded not being either of his parent's favorite. He had never felt any less loved by either of them. Right up until he had understood that his being an omega was something inevitable. His father had never had a problem with it, his brother had never had a problem with, pureblood society never had a problem with it, but Lily fucking Potter sure had a problem with it.
It had started small. Forgetting to invite Harry to parties, get togethers, family outings. She had pretended ignorance when confronted with an enraged husband but the ploy hadn't lasted long after that. Harry had been seven when it had all started. He hadn't understood why his mother was suddenly acting differently towards him so he had tried harder to be good. The more he tried, however, the worse it got.
It had taken his first year at Hogwarts before Harry had given up any and all hope that his mother would come to like him. All he ever saw were his mother's glares, snide comments, hurtful gestures. If it hadn't been for his father, he wasn't sure what he would have become. James Potter loved his son, loved all of his sons equally and fiercely. The fact that his wife had even dared to treat any of his children differently in the face of their presentation made him erupt in rage. Harry had been witness to several arguments over the years that had him convinced they would either separate or break their bond. Seeing as it was frowned upon to break a bond, he was betting on separation.
None of that hurt more than his fortuitous lapse in judgement one winter evening two weeks into his sixth year Yule holidays. He had woken up in the early hours of the morning and decided that he wouldn't be getting back to sleep if he couldn't settle down. What better way to settle down than a nice hot cup of cocoa? So he had sleepily gotten out of bed and wandered through the mansion to get to the kitchens. If he had been even just a little more awake he would have simply called on a house-elf to bring him a cup, but he was still too sleep stupid to think straight and thus decided getting it himself was the thing to do. Which led him to pass by his father's study (where he heard a muffled conversation so he tried to make even less sound as he tip-toed by) and stop abruptly when he heard his name.
Now that wasn't all that unusual, what was unusual was that his godfather, Sirius Black, had been in the room along with his mother and they were both discussing his future. As in, his future bonding. Which wasn't supposed to even be spoken about until his seventeenth birthday when he was finally allowed to be presented to pureblood society.. He couldn't quite remember the exact words, but standing outside that room (with his ear firmly over the keyhole) he learned quite a lot of unpleasant things.
- His mother had already started to put out feelers on who might take her failure of an omega (his mother's words, not his. Harry was top of his class for Merlin's sake).
- Sirius had agreed (why was Sirius even involved?).
- His father didn't know anything about what his mother was doing because she had kept it quiet after he found out the first time and made her sleep in another room for three months.
- They absolutely refused to have him 'mated' with anything even resembling a Slytherin.
Harry could have listened on but he had heard more than enough. He had known that his mother wouldn't keep to his father's rules but he hadn't seen this coming. Not the defiance nor the blatant disregard of both Harry and the rules set by the Ministry as well as pureblood society. It wasn't proper to send out feelers as his mother was doing, not anymore at least. It (and his mother had to know this) sent out the message that Harry was either ineligible (looks, talent, temperament) or that the Lord of his house wanted to get rid of him.
Harry had figured it was likely both and that angered him more than made him sad. Did she even know who Harry was? Of course she didn't because if she had known then she would have made sure the room was silenced. Harry, above all else, was a contrary little shit and the Potter luck loved to mix with his Peverell heritage in the worst of ways. Trouble always knew where he was and he was no stranger to the whims of fate. He didn't like being told what to do and being told he was not, under any circumstances, to 'mate' a Slytherin made him want to do exactly that.
And who better to marry than the most Slytherin of all Slytherins: Thomas Slytherin himself (formerly known as Tom Riddle, but if you liked your health you would conveniently forget that part).
So Harry had hardened his heart and, after some deeply conflicting thoughts, decided not to tell his father or his brother. Not for fear of discovery (of his own plan) but more so the chance to really find out what he wanted. It wasn't quite frowned upon to take one's time to find a partner, but it was frowned upon, heavily, if you waited too long. Lily's plan, and Sirius' for that matter, was equally as appalling for the same reason. He was, for all intents and purposes, a child in the eyes of the law and pureblood society. A child being sold off to the highest bidder, he was sure. He might, might, also be a little bitter about it. Knowing his darling mother, he was sure she would choose someone with good standing but horrible in nature. Ernie Macmillan, for example. Sacred twenty-eight, and a real wanker. There was, perhaps, one redeeming quality about him and it always occurred to Harry what it could be when Ernie shut his mouth. Which wasn't often.
Needless to say, it made Harry take a hard look at himself and what he wanted from his future even if he was three years too young to even start contemplating this, but needs must. He made himself a list, crossed most everyone off of it, and settled once again on Slytherin. He was guarding his heart since he knew little of Slytherin other than the fact he was a prefect and already a Lord. He was also entirely unapproachable and cold. Harry had considered all outcomes and decided the easiest way to make contact was on the train back after the holidays were over. Less pressure and less people who could possibly gossip about it which inevitably would make it back to Henry, and thus, his mother.
~~~~~~
“I know I haven't had the chance to say this yet, but congratulations on gaining your Lordship, Lord Slytherin.” Harry said with a small smile.
Slytherin looked unimpressed. “You've had all year to congratulate me, why now? If this is because of your omega sensibilities-” he started before Harry interrupted him.
“I'm the Potter Heir, this has nothing to do with presentation, merely timing. Can you honestly say we've had the opportunity to speak before now?” Slytherin snorted derisively and Harry narrowed his eyes. “Are you slighting House Potter's genuine well-wishes?” He asked frostily.
Slytherin narrowed his eyes as the silence between them stretched thin. “I thank you for the well-wishes, Mr. Potter.” He said finally but for Harry the damage had been done.
“Mr. Potter. You know,” he started softly as he shook his head in sadness, “you were the top alpha on my list for the courting season.”
“And why would I want an omega that doesn't even know his place? You're too weak-willed, uneducated, and clearly lack respect in all areas. Omega's like you are next to worthless.”
“His place?” Harry asked, suddenly fully aware that he was seeing his mother as he looked at Slytherin.
“You know nothing of politics, know even less of etiquette, and seem to have no problems flaunting your assets to the whole student body.” Slytherin stated coldly.
Harry gaped at him. He hadn't thought he'd ever meet a bigger prick than his brother but he had obviously been wrong. Is this really what the student body thought of him? Harry had known he had put up a fairly good front when he mingled because he had still been trying to please his mother, but this?! This was a slight he would never forgive.
Harry nodded. “And that's why you're possibly the worst alpha in the whole school.” He said pleasantly, knowing the possible enemy he was making.
“Excuse me?” Slytherin asked, his voice soft and deadly.
Harry stared back at him in a way he knew was a challenge despite his being an omega. “What kind of alpha are you if you don't even know what an omega is hiding beneath pureblood pleasantries? Beyond that, you have not only insulted my honor and my intelligence, you have also shown enough disdain that I formally state here and now with Mother Magic as my witness that no member of House Potter will ever wed anyone of the Slytherin line until such time as proper reparations have been made. So mote it be.” Magic roared around them and settled into Harry's bones, the weight of his proclamation light and magic thrummed in justice.
Slytherin's eyes flashed red in anger as Harry's flashed blue in response, refusing to back down.
“There you are!” Charlie called out loudly, coming up behind Slytherin. “Slytherin.” He stated with a firm nod before putting his arm around Harry's shoulders in a protective move that had Harry rolling his eyes as he allowed his little brother to steer him away from a furious Slytherin.
“What was that?” Charlie hissed. “I have no doubt father will be sending a letter this very minute, and if you think he won't-”
“Charlie!” Harry moaned. “Calm down would you! You're not even letting me explain anything!”
“Well, go on then! Out.” He demanded as he dragged Harry into a full compartment and then ordered everyone there out. They looked at him before he brandished his wand and screamed “Out! Now! This is a House matter.”
Harry rolled his eyes as they all scampered out. “Was that really necessary? And must I remind you I am the heir and know full well what I'm doing?”
“I'm quite sure you do.” Charlie stated as he plopped his wand back in its holder. “What I have less belief in is you holding onto your temper. So why don't you tell me what Slyterin said and then why I feel the family magic is bordering on a blood feud when he's near.”
“Which was only seconds ago.” Harry pointed out.
“Tell me before Henry finds us, would you. I don't need his temper on top of yours.”
“I was offering Slytherin my congratulations on his Lordship and he told me I was the worst omega he could possibly lay eyes on and I was a disgrace to omega's around the world.”
“He didn't actually say that?” Charlie asked aghast.
“Not in those words, no, but close enough. He insulted me, then House Potter. So I made a vow to Mother Magic that no one of Line Potter would ever wed a Slytherin until reparations were made.”
“Well.” Charlie said slowly. “You're a lot nicer than I would have been about it.”
“You're also an alpha, Charlie.” Harry pointed out in exasperation.
“No one cares about that and that has nothing to do with it.” His brother snorted. “Only to mother and Henry, maybe. And Slytherin now too, I suppose.”
“What was that?!” Henry yelled as he yanked the door open and screamed at both of his brothers.
“Speak of the devil.” Harry muttered darkly to his brother and he flicked his wand to close and ward the door. After a quick second of thinking, he also made sure to muffle the sound in case someone, everyone, could hear Henry's dulcet tones.
“Do shut up, Henry.” Charlie groaned as he plopped down onto the seat.
‘Shut up?! The family magics have practically forbidden me from speaking to Lord Slytherin!”
“And how is that a problem?” Harry asked as he rolled his eyes. “You yell on nearly a weekly basis how he's the next dark lord in the making because he descended from Salazar Slytherin himself. You sound like Ronald Weasley.”
“I-well.” Henry paused, clearly forgetting that he disliked Slytherin on principle. “You're not quite wrong, but I don't like you being right.”
“Par for the course.” Charlie sighed. “I've already written mother, no need to fret.” Charlie lied. “Just be polite, as much as you can, and leave Slytherin be. He needs to apologize first.”
Henry looked practically gleeful. “Oh this is gold.”
“And also House matters.” Harry warned him. “You are not to say or do anything that would lead anyone to imagen issues between our two Houses.”
“Yes, yes. You don't need to be a baby about it.”
“I will bind you.” Harry threatened.
“You can try.” Henry sneered back.
“Fucks sake!” Charlie screamed. “Can you two just not? I've got the worst headache, Yule was a nightmare, and OWLS are next year! Can I have one train ride where I don't have to hear anything from you,” he pointed at Henry, “about what a shite omega Harry is, and you,” he pointed at Harry, “what a shite brother Henry is? Please?”
“He is a shite brother.” Harry muttered but, with a warning glare from Charlie, sighed loudly. “Fine. Fine, I'll keep away from Henry and Henry will pretend I don't exist, his favorite pastime.”
Henry frowned at that but Charlie's glare became dangerous so he held up his hands. “I didn't even say anything! But fine! I'm going to find my friends and pretend nothing happened”! He declared before backing out of the compartment and disappearing from sight.
Charlie huffed and stood up, glaring at Harry once more before leaving the compartment as well, leaving Harry all alone and wondering what he was going to now that Slytherin most definitely wasn't an option anymore.
What he needed, he mused silently as he looked out the compartment and watched Charlie push Henry out of the way, was a new plan. And he knew just the person to help him.
~~~~~~
“Thanks for meeting me, Uncle Regulus.” Harry said with a soft voice and a blindingly happy smile as he looked at his favorite uncle.
“Anything for my favorite nephew.” Regulus said as he gave his very round belly a fond pat. “So what did you bring me here for? Not just to see me and your new family member I assume.”
“Lily and Sirius started to send out 'feelers'.” Harry said after a deep breath. Regulus' eyes flashed green and Harry nodded. “Yeah, that's what I thought about that too.”
"Those fucking bastards!" He hissed out. "Does your father know?"
“Of course not. He caught them at it once and they made sure to keep him out of the loop. It's a miracle I even caught them at it.”
“And you, of course, told your father all about it.” Regulus stated in a warning tone.
“Erm.” Harry hesitated.
“Harry.” Regulus warned again.
“You know I trust him, I do. But this isn’t the first time nor do I think it will be the last. I got wind of this by pure chance. What happens next time when there isn’t any warning? If I tell father now, and he repreminds them, mother will find another, more sinister way of ‘dealing’ with me.” Harry explained.
Regulus stared hard at Harry before relenting. “So what's the plan here pup?”
“Lily is going to try and sell me once I hit my presentation at seventeen. I don't know if she's even going to let me go to the official courting season before she pawns me off, but I'm not doing it.”
Regulus snorted in amusement. “Of course you're not. So what am I here for?”
“I'm determined to find myself a love match and I need your help in figuring out which Slytherin is the best match for me. Doesn't have to be love right now, but it had better turn into love somewhere down the line.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow in surprise. “That's quite the wish list there, nephew. Any reason it has to specifically be a Slytherin?”
Harry nodded. “That's the only thing Sirius and Lily demanded not be included in the list of potentials.”
Regulus laughed at that. “So of course it has to be the only one on your list. Merlin Harry, any alpha will have his hands full with you.” Harry only smiled at him brightly. “Right.” Regulus said, getting down to business. “I'd say top of that list is Lord Slytherin. He's going to become a major player in the political world, has an astounding amount of power already, and is guaranteed to treat you fairly.”
Harry snorted and rolled his eyes. “No.” He stated firmly.
Regulus frowned and scanned his face before sighing deeply. “If you insulted him, you've just made this search ten times more difficult.” He warned.
“Maybe for the potentials still in Hogwarts but maybe not those already out in the real world.”
“Real world.” Regulus muttered under his breath with a shake of his head.
Harry sighed deeply and looked up at the ceiling. “I know, ok? I went up to him on the train back and congratulated him on his Lordship and he basically told me I was the worst omega out there.”
“He did what?!” Regulus yelled out in anger.
“Shhhhhhhh!” Harry hissed at him. “What are you doing?! Lower your voice!”
“He insulted you!”
“I know! That's why he's not on the list.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes. “I've never known you not to take someone off your list for simply insulting you.”
Harry winced. “He sounded exactly like Lily did when he told me off for not being the 'perfect omega'.”
Regulus closed his eyes and pinched his nose. “Right.” He said after a short silence. “Right, so Slytherin is off the list.” He stated firmly as he opened his eyes and looked Harry over, almost as if to check he was alright. “Who is on the list?”
“Lestrange, Higgs, Nott, Flint, Rosier, Pucey, Warrington.” Harry listed off.
“Not the Malfoys?” Regulus interrupted.
Harry shook his head. “Gregory is too old.”
“He's only 31.” Regulus said with a pointed look. “That's not too far off.”
Harry was already shaking his head. “For me it is. If we get to the bare bones I can put him back on the list but for now let's not add him.”
“He's not the only Malfoy. What of Lucius?”
Harry wrinkled his nose. “No, no way. Besides the fact that Cissa is betrothed to him and would probably wring my neck, he's like a brother to me.”
“That's right, I would.” A female voice stated before a body elegantly plopped down in the seat next to him.
“I find I'm more offended not to be on this 'list' while my brother might still get a chance.” Lucius stated as he slid in next to Regulus. Harry rolled his eyes as they both greeted Narcissa and Lucius. “Still, it's nice to know you wouldn't purposefully destroy my happiness in your desperation.” Lucius said with a small smile.
Harry blinked. “Oh no.” He said on a breath. “You know.”
Both Lucius and Cissa had the decency to wince. They shared a look before Lucius continued. “I've heard...rumors.”
Harry closed his eyes as his throat became tight. If there were already rumors circulating the pureblood circles, Harry had even less options than before. A hand on his arm startled him back into the present.
“It has done nothing to your reputation. The ones who know you have been fierce in their rebuttals.” Lucius stated in a sincere voice. Harry gripped his hand in return and squeezed it in thanks.
“Your mother on the other hand…” Cissa stated leadingly.
“Let me guess, her standing has fallen?” Regulus asked.
“Harry is only sixteen, it's done more than fallen. Although I'm not sure yet if she's been made aware of it yet since she hasn't attended a dark event since Lord Potter’s mother's passing.” Lucius stated in a thoughtful tone.
“It might take a while to reach the light, but in the dark circles your mother is done. We've done plenty to save your reputation.” Narcissa said as she leaned into Harry and gave him a hug. “It's helped that you take the time to go to every function. Merlin, Lucius' father adores you. If he gets word that you're looking, you might very well see Gregory far more often. You're a prize!”
Lucius couldn't help but groan at that. “Please don't marry into the family, I couldn't bare Gregory's smug face!” He begged Harry with big puppy eyes.
Harry laughed in delight. “I don't know Luc, it's starting to sound like a really good idea.”
Regulus snorted. “If I wasn't bonded I would have offered myself, Harry. I'm not sure you understand how good of a catch you are.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “You can't offer for me, you're already bonded.”
His three companions snorted.
“Way to avoid the compliment there, Harry dear.” Cissa said, poking him in the side.
“Can I help it if Lily completely ruined my self-esteem?” He said in mock anger, the truth of the statement far more heavy than he was willing to own up to.
“So what about Slytherin?” Lucius asked, bypassing the awkward silence that would have gotten far more uncomfortable if he hadn't jumped in.
Regulus laughed. “The dolt insulted our Harry here.”
Lucius and Cissa turned their wide eyes to Harry.
“He told me he didn't want an omega that wasn't even smart enough to know his place.” Harry said with a shrug. They all winced at that.
“He's a bloody moron.” Cissa mumbled loud enough that only Harry heard her. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it in appreciation. “Alright, who is next on the list?” She asked loud enough for everyone to hear her.
“We were just about to figure that out.” Regulus said with a look Harry’s way.
“Lestrange?” Lucius offered.
“I don't know if I could be Bellatrix's brother-in-law.” Harry said hesitantly. “And I like Rabastan too much as a friend to consider him.”
“Who would?” Cissa asked. “She's the worst. Warrington?”
“Already in a contract.” Regulus shook his head. “Flint?”
“Looks like a troll.” Cissa stated with a frown. “Think of their children.”
“That's not a 'no'.” Harry pointed out.
"Merlin you're too nice." Regulus complained as he wrote down Flint's name on their list of potentials. "Fine, he's on the list but he's not at the top."
“Pucey?”
“Only into women.” Lucius said factually.
“Higgs?”
Cissa hesitated. “If you insulted Slytherin like I know you did, don't even try to deny it, then he's out because he wouldn't want to go against his House alliances.”
“Alright, then we only have Nott and Rosier.” Harry said, feeling slightly despondent.
“Nott might work depending on his father's wishes and Rosier doesn't currently have any attachments so he should be safe to put on the list.” Regulus said with a nod.
“So I have a list of three potentials?” Harry asked, a little disheartened.
“Are Slytherins the only ones on your list?” Lucius asked with a frown as he looked at the list.
“They were the only ones Lily refused outright.” Regulus informed them.
“Of course she did, which means of course you did.” Lucius muttered fondly. “I may know of a couple of older gentlemen that might be interested.” Lucius said slowly. “Don't give me that look.” He said firmly when Harry gave him a scrunched nose look. “They aren't Gregory old.
They're in their mid twenties, twenty-four if I remember correctly.”
Harry hesitated. “I don't know.”
“You can always scratch them off your list, no harm no foul. You're not even supposed to be looking right now.” Cissa chimed in soothingly.
“I don't know what Lily is planning, I need to do this now before I go home after seventh year and find out she's planned my homecoming with a bloody bonding.” Harry said darkly.
“You think she'd go that far?” Cissa asked worriedly
“She's already looking for a match and I'm only just sixteen. I think my only saving grace is that it's the law that omega's aren't allowed to be bonded before eighteen, and that's only in very special cases such as an early heat.”
“You just said she'd have you married right out of Hogwarts.” Lucius pointed out.
Harry rolled his eyes. “My mother is currently still a respected member of society and Lady Potter, the Ministry wouldn't care what she does with her only omega son.”
“They'd care.” Regulus said darkly. “I'll make sure of it.”
“It would probably help more if I wasn't going to be seventeen before seventh year starts. She's got the whole summer on her side to make it work.” Harry added.
“So how would you like to go about this? You've got less than two years.” Narcissa pointed out.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. “Lily never does anything for my birthday, so it wouldn't be hard to slip away. Actually,” Harry pondered thoughtfully, “I hardly think she's ever noticed whether or not I was there before.” Ignoring the winces on his companions' faces he barrelled on. “How about we set up some informal social activities where I could meet the potentials and we could go from there? It's all well and good to have the list, but if we don't spark there's very little reason to keep them on and it's not like I'm allowed to go to any of the sanctioned outings just yet.”
Narcissa nodded. “That would work. It would also help me as we're in the last stages of our courtship and setting up activities would help and everyone knows I would always invite you so it wouldn't be odd to see you there.”
“Mother is being positively horrid.” Lucius replied at Harry and Regulus' questioning looks. “She's been very vocal in her hesitance of Cissa's ability to be the next Lady Malfoy and everything that comes with the title.”
“Your mother is a bitch though.” Regulus pointed out. “Oh don't give me that look!” He snorted when Lucius glared at him. “We both know how she can be and she practically drove a spike into my heart when she thought you were interested in me.”
Lucius winced and nodded. “True. Just don't say it any louder. It might get back to her.”
“You're not worried about it getting back to your mother?” Cissa asked, turning back to Harry while the other two joked.
Harry sighed and shook his head. “You said it yourself, she hasn't been to a pureblood function for the dark since she became Lady Potter and father became too busy as Head Auror. The only way she would hear about it is through rumors and by the time it would get back to her, hopefully I'll have someone to court and it will be out of her hands.”
Cissa smiled. “You realise they are supposed to court you, yes?”
Harry rolled his eyes. “At this point I'm not sure I care.”
“Well then, let's get planning.”
~~~~~~
"You did what?" Avery choked out in shock. "Merlin, I can't imagine slighting Heir Potter like that. I'd watch my back if I were you."
"Meaning what?" Thomas Slytherin asked sharply.
“Not only is he the top of his year, he's also got the connections you could only dream of. He's the darling of the dark.”
Slytherin frowned in thought. “The omega no one can stop praising?”
“That'll be Harry.” Avery said with a nod of confirmation.
“Harry? The Potter Heir is Henry Potter.” The other boy looked at him with pity and Slytherin clenched his jaw in aggravation, wanting the answer more than wanting to hex Avery.
“You've been listening to the light gossip. Omega Harry Potter is the Heir of the Noble House of Potter.”
“Then why is Henry Potter touted as the Heir?”
“He's not.” Avery said simply. “Lily Potter despises her omega son, everyone knows this. He's grown up spoon fed that he's the worst of the worst so when he got to school he set out to prove his mother wrong. Not that it worked, it just pissed his mother off all the more. She knows that Harry's been flawless and she can't find fault with the Heir in any way, not that she could really do anything about it. There's some suspicion that she's been telling her gullible beta son that she intends to disinherit Harry and pass the title on to him when the time is right.”
“What about Charles? Wouldn't he get the title?”
Avery rolled his eyes. “Lady Potter knows Charles wouldn't go against his older brother, they're thick as thieves and Charles is very protective of Harry. They were both raised in the light and dark circles so Charles knows the truth.”
“What truth?”
“That Lord Potter would never pass the title on. If she said that in front of Henry while Charles was there, Charles would set the record straight and then let his Lord father know, something Lady Potter will do anything to avoid.”
Slytherin raised an eyebrow. “Afraid of her husband?”
“You would be too if you understood the Potter history. But that's all beside the point.”
“And what is the point?”
“That you not only insulted the darling of the dark using the very words his mother likes to throw at him, but you outright rejected his courting proposal when he came to you.”
“He did no such thing.” Slytherin hissed.
“He approached you, something he's never done before, then spoke to you, something he's avoided since it could get back to his mother, and then offered his sincere congratulations on you gaining one of the most renowned dark titles in centuries.”
“That sounds...problematic.” Slytherin allowed slowly.
“I would be worried if I was you. I've heard that Lady Potter is trying to get Harry mated with a light alpha as soon as possible.”
“He's not of age, that's illegal.” Slytherin pointed out.
Avery snorted. “Lady Potter has never cared about laws, she cares about things that suit her needs, her own version of right and wrong. I heard whispers that Harry's decided he needs to find his own mate instead of letting his mother damn him to the underworlds, so he's been hunting in the dark circles. I heard he's looking to mate for love.”
“Love?” Slytherin sneered.
Avery nodded. “I also heard you rejected him without even listening to him despite being his first choice.”
“How did you hear about that?” Slytherin asked slowly, feeling uneasy.
“The dark gossips.” Avery shrugged. “They also hold grudges.”
“Meaning?”
“You rejected the darling of the dark. What did you think would happen?” Avery asked in disbelief.
“Are you telling me that because I rejected the suit of an omega, my standing in the social circles of the dark has declined?”
“Oh yeah, heavily. I think you'll be lucky if you get invited anywhere important anymore, at least for a good long time.”
“All because of an omega?”
“Not 'just' an omega, the darling o-”
“-Of the dark, yes, thank you for reminding me yet again.” Slytherin sneered in frustration.
Avery shrugged in a helpless sort of way. Slytherin tried his best not to sigh and decided he would wait to see if Avery’s words held weight. What could one little omega do to the great House Slytherin anyway?