Chapter 13
The bustling of the Great Hall provided an upbeat score to the drama unfolding before Anne's sardonic gaze. Spoons clanked against porridge bowls, the buzz of boisterous chatter and the screech of owls echoing off the stone walls, the thrumming undercurrent of countless feet shuffling beneath the tables.
From her usual seat at Slytherin's table, Anne studied her friend. The angular lines of his heated face hardened with tension, his lithe body strung tight.
She knew from experience that the sensory world of an Alpha in rut was a cacophony of overwhelming signals - sounds that echoed too loud, smells that seemed too potent. For Ominis, his lack of sight had fine-tuned his other senses to an almost supernatural level. Each whisper of a breeze, every subtle scent was an amplified symphony of stimuli bombarding him in his heightened state.
Yet, he bore it all with a stoic silence that left her in quiet admiration. His clenched jaw and the silent seething behind his sightless gaze were the only sign of the Alpha’s discomfort. He didn't let a single word of protest escape his lips, choosing instead to shroud his discomfort under the thin veil of occasional snappish remarks.
In all her years, she'd never met anyone with such formidable self-restraint. More often than not, she found herself pondering how he managed to merely snap at people when his inner turmoil was enough to incite a barrage of hexes. An enigma wrapped in an Alpha's strength, Ominis was indeed a rare breed of wizard.
Her dark brows arched, half in amusement, half in genuine concern, as her lips curled into a smirk. A mirthful light danced in her eyes as she watched Ominis unravel.
Of course, Anne could have called Prim over from the Hufflepuff table and made a seat for her in front of Anne's dear childhood friend- as Ominis refused to do so himself, so dead set on giving his mate a normal first day of classes- but she wouldn’t.
A restlessness that set him on edge had replaced his usual stoic demeanor like a dragon cooped up in a birdcage.
Sweat beaded on his furrowed brow.
Seeing him like this was fantastic; Anne would have spent all her pin money on an enchanted tintype if a photographer had been available…
Such a shame.
“You’re looking dreich for so early in the morning', you’d think finding your mate would have you chuffed to start the day…” Anne broke the silence, plucking the crust from her Chelsea bun- the last one left after Ominis had laid claim to the pastries in his vicinity. "Och, and your scent’s so tart it’s like lemons. I’ll no’ lie, it’s makin’ my eyes water… sour ! You ken what the suppressant potion is for, no?"
"Do I look daft to you, Anne?" Ominis' words had an edge to them, slicing through the air to cut off her observations.
Och, well, no friendly banter today then…
He raked a hand through his already tousled brown hair, a sign of the storm brewing within him.
“Why’d you ken I asked?” She asked, her prodding unleashed a dam of tangled words. The darkened half-moons marring Ominis’s eyes made his murky orbs even more eerie in contrast.
Anne shivered.
She loved Ominis. He was her brother…
But his eyes were unsettling.
“My rut. I- I’ve taken most of my suppressants and still I couldn’t rest! I spent the night researching and preparing our den- ah, room… It was necessary, Anne. With Primrose and I not officially mated Hogwarts rules forbade us from sharing rooms…Being apart from her even for a night was a special torment...” Anne waited as he sucked in a breath, holding it before sighing. “I didn’t expect the pull to be so... So… Having an Omega, willing to accompany my rut, has put my hormones in a twist. It's as if my Alpha has split from me, a feral creature incessantly scratching at the back of my mind, vying for control."
As if to prove his point, he snatched an apple from the fruit bowl, tucking it away into his pocket like a niffler hoarding a shiny trinket, which was oddly entertaining. Rut had never struck Anne with the urge to hoard food, but she thoroughly enjoyed watching Ominis struggle with it.
If Ominis weathered his rut until Prim’s last class Anne would eat her volume of Monster Book of Monsters…
"Ominis, despite how hilarious I find all this, you cannae ignore your rut through sheer force of will. It’s just no’ possible. You're already struggling and we’ve no’ yet finished the first meal of the day." A snort of derision escaped her. "Stubborn arse. You ken Prim would happily skip classes for you, aye? The lassie would thank you properly for the opportunity, I’d wager. She’s been right chuffed all mornin’ and I doubt she’s skipping about with a wee grin on her face at the prospect of sitting through her history of magic class.”
“She’s that happy, truly? Is she still smiling? Has she been looking at us?” Ominis perked at the name of his Omega, cool gaze shifting beyond Anne as if he might find his mate if he searched the darkness hard enough.
“Och, aye!” Anne said, laughing. She didn't know if Prim had been looking at them, only glancing at her little friend on their way in, but Anne indeed planned on visiting her after she finished with Ominis. “She’s no’ taken her eyes off you since we took our seats.”
“Hmm.” He hummed, nodding, his fierce scowl easing into a tight frow. With renewed vigor and flared nostrils, Ominis reached across the table and plucked the half-eaten Chelsea bun off of Anne’s plate, adding it to his small mountain of food.
Anne watched silently, shoulders trembling with mirth at the thought of him stuffing his horde of food into his meticulously organized school bag. "I must call in that open-ended favor, Anne," he broke the silence, his voice holding an uncharacteristic hint of vulnerability.
“Already?” A chuckle bubbled up from Anne's throat, amusement dancing in her bright eyes as she pinched at the crumbs on her empty plate. "Och, let’s hear it then." She said, leaning forward lips stretched with an expectant grin.
Between snickers, stealing sips of her pumpkin juice, and the tempting game of 'let's not see if Sebastian's still glaring at us,' it was turning out to be quite the morning for Anne.
“At this point, I’m risking overdose if I don’t ration my stock of suppressants. I’ll be lucky to make it through the day without harming someone or hunting Primrose down and ravishing her in the middle of her classes. Finishing this day with my dignity intact will be a minor miracle. I’d like you to…chaperone Primrose and I.” Ominis said.
A Geyser of pumpkin juice exploded from her nose, followed by a fit of raucous laughter that shook her entire body.
She fumbled for her napkin, dabbing at her face as she choked and sputtered amidst her uncontrollable guffaws. The spectacle had drawn the attention of every Slytherin within earshot, their expressions ranging from mild amusement to outright bewilderment.
“Are you quite through?” Ominis hissed, his eyes narrowed in a look that had onlooking Slytherin’s quietly turning back to their plates.
Anne was far from done.
“Aye, ha! Nearly!” Her amusement tainted the lingering smirk on her face as she wiped away the last remnants of juice, “Och, you dinnae need to call in your favor for this, I’d do it anyhow.” Anne chuckled.
“Don’t sound so pleased.” Ominis said, grumbling, “If Sebastian weren’t such an arse I would have asked him, but I can’t allow the brute near Primrose.”
"Nor should you," Anne's smile faded, a shadow passing over her face at the mere mention of Sebastian. She risked a glance in his direction, catching him mid-stab at his bannocks. “Speakin’ of, we’ve a duel scheduled for this week. I intend to knock some sense into him and get him back to normal. It'll help if someone mates and marks Prim by then. I’m sure I don’t have to mention that I expect you to attend with our wee Omega on your arm-.”
"My Omega!" The impact of his clenched fist sent the cutlery and glassware dancing on the table, his voice a guttural growl laced with territorial defiance.
His angular face morphed into an expression of possessiveness that sent a chill down Anne's spine.
“Prim was my friend well before you fooked her, you dafty git.” Her eyes narrowed into slits and she leaned over her plate, matching his intensity with a reverberating growl. “The lassie may be your mate but she is my sister in all but blood. If I were keen on her I’d have had her already. Remember that. She is ‘ours ,’ no’ yours alone.”
He growled, and for a moment Anne braced for a fight.
She bit her lip.
Prim and Ominis had scented each other, after they mated Prim would legally belong to Ominis. Anne had no claim to her at all outside of that of temporary protector and with Ominis’s instincts so close to the fore Anne wouldn’t be surprised if he leapt over the table, teeth bared.
It was well within his right as Anne had no intention of claiming the Omega…
Alpha did not share.
Her back straightened, eyes watering as her lips parted on an apology.
“You're right, Anne.” The words were hollow echoes in the cavernous Great Hall, the lost musings of a man grappling with an inner turmoil.
“Oh!” Anne said, her lips twisted into an ‘o’, brows raised nearly to her hairline.
“You’ve known her longer and Primrose… Her affections for you are as obvious as yours for her… Her platonic affections. I shan’t interfere with a sisterly bond unless you threaten my role as…” Ominis's fingers danced anxiously over the tabletop, diverting to arrange and rearrange the cutlery with a focus that bordered on obsessive.
"I-"
"Forgive me, dear friend…" he said, voice holding a trace of bitterness, like a dash of vinegar in sweet wine. "I'm trying to fend off the hormones. I hadn’t intended to..to come off a... such a..." His voice trailed off, the sentence hanging in the air, a suspended confession of his inner struggle.
“Such a right arsehole? A nafty bampot?” Anne’s face softened into a serene smile, “A posh nob, maybe?”
"... Anne ."His lips pursed into a thin line as if her jests were an unwelcome dish at an already overstocked banquet.
“I could go on but you're forgiven, think nothing of it. I ken how rut goes. Och, and Prim is no’ keen on fruitcake…” She said, snickering as Ominis stiffened.
Pulling his wand he scanned the mound of food before him.
Red light pulsed at its tip before he jerked several cut squares of bread out of the stash.
It teetered dangerously.
Her hands clamped over her mouth, shoulders trembling as he pulled a napkin-wrapped square out of his pocket and unceremoniously unfurled it with a jerk of his wrist.
A square of fruitcake flew through the air in slow motion and thwacked against the wall behind him with a burst of crumbs.
He folded the napkin delicately before dropping it on the table.
Anne loved Ominis, but she could never understand how the wealthy could waste food so blatantly.
She shook her head, snickering.
Feeling an intrusive gaze on her, Anne turned, locking eyes with her brother, Sebastian. His pupils blown, nearly swallowing the familiar ring of golden brown.
He brooded like a lone wolf at the far end of their table, his intense stare akin to the chilliness of the Hogwarts dungeons, directed unrelentingly at Anne and Ominis. His bannock was now a mound of crumbs on his plate, thoroughly smashed. His cheeks were ruddy, curls clinging to his sweat-dotted brow. Other Slytherin gave him a wide berth, casting curious glances between him, Anne, and Ominis.
She couldn’t blame them, the trio had been inseparable until now.
Sebastian’s lips twisted into a snarl, eyes unblinking in a show of dominance.
“Really, now?” She mumbled. Huffing, Anne rolled her eyes and broke contact. Why Sebastian insisted on such childishness when angry was beyond Anne, but one thing was clear- Ominis wasn’t the only Alpha that had no business breaking their fast in public. Sebastian clearly suffered an unexpected rut as well…
A silent thanks sprung in her heart that Sebastian’s heated focus hadn’t strayed to Prim.
Small mercies, indeed.
Between Ominis scent-marking Prim and her web of fibs claiming his territorial rights over her, they'd successfully diverted Sebastian's attention.
The tricky part, of course, was keeping it that way…
Ever since Anne had released him from her spell in the potions classroom, her twin was stiff and prickly with her- in traditional Sebastian fashion. Anne was under no illusion that had Sebastian been beside her, cutlery would have been brandished like weapons, dishes would meet an untimely end, and someone would have ended up with a pox jinx- such was the theatrical personality of her dear twin.
A smirk tugged at her lips as Anne thought, Let him sulk.
He'll thaw eventually…Hopefully.
Indeed, Sebastian was as tenacious as a kneazle, but even he knew when to back off.
As the dance between Prim and Ominis continued, its rhythm convinced Anne more and more of their compatibility. In due time, Sebastian would recognize it too and perhaps even learn to cherish Prim as a sister, just as Anne did.
While Sebastian's silent resentment festered, Ominis waged his own internal battle against the demanding call of an impending rut. The otherwise calm Alpha grew more agitated, shifting plates, food, and utensils around the table with a restless vigor that belied his usual composure.
His collar dampened with perspiration and his occasional sudden stillness- as if he was listening to something only he could hear- gave away his predicament.
Only an hour into the morning and the poor sod was this far gone…
“How much suppressant have you had since waking, and how long ago?” Anne asked. Clearly, the Alpha needed more.
“A spoonful, a couple of hours past.” Ominous said, after a moment.
“Och, a spoonful? Merlin, you're mad! You stubborn git, how much did you drink last night that you need to ration so?” Anne asked, eyes bulging at his revelation, “Leave it to you to push through the day as if rut were a wee annoyance rather than an overwhelming biological phenomenon.”
“...I went through most of my stock. Three vials…I wasn’t…thinking clearly.”
“Does Prim know? Have you seen her this morning?” Concern laced her voice, “And if you make a blind joke I’m going to jump over this table and wallop you!”
“Primrose is aware but I don’t believe she understands what it means.” He said, clearly irritated to be distracted from his inane reorganizing of the tableware. “I owled her. As you well know I have plans for today, so I’ve asked her to wait for me between classes unless there is an emergency.”
“Poor wee thing, I doubt she’d understand your predicament unless you spelled it out for her. Her kin certainly spared no care to inform her. Her Da looked to me to explain any Alpha questions Prim had, and she’d no’ asked many.” Anne sighed. “Och…What a mess we’ve found ourselves in, pal…Well, it’s just a day. I suppose I’ll chaperone the two of you, without using that open-ended favor only if you agree to listen to me when I tell you enough is enough. You and Prim will go into seclusion at my word, aye?”
Ominis bit his lip, brows drawing together. He bristled at the hint of allowing anyone control over him and always had. Huffing a deep sigh he nodded, “Very well, I agree to your terms.”
“Och, pray tell what you intend on doin’ when you got a wee stauner poken’ out?”
“ Anne !” Ominis barked, face crumbling with fury then morphing into horror as the reality clicked that he likely would have to hide a full-blown erection throughout the day, “Merlin's beard, this was a horrible idea! What was I thinking?” His head fell into his hand.
Lips pursed, Anne looked down on her poor friend, hand reaching out to pat his bowed head before jerking back.
Biting her lip, she hummed.
I shouldn’t encourage this, she thought , but eh, Ominis never acts this rash. A wee bit of trouble might do him some good.
“I admit I’d rather you take Prim somewhere safe and secluded, but what you’re doing is admirable, pal. Courting your lassie in what time you have left, It’s truly romantic and for certain a gesture any lass, Omega or no, will appreciate…It’s a selfless thing your doin’, and her Da is likely to be as pleased as Prim for your efforts…It’s just a day, Ominis.” Anne repeated, a strained smile tightening her face, “A bloody long and torturous day for you, but a day all the same. Tonight you will have the lassie in your arms, just keep that in mind and use it as your motivation. You’ve big plans to woo her, remember? You can do this, remember to be subtle since our plans have changed. A good thing you insisted on Prim wearin’ that scarf to hide your bite…Now, everyone knows she is with us, it’s expected for us Alpha to dote on her and even help her through her heat- but donnae get carried away with your affection. Prim’s Da is at risk if he finds you courtin’ her, she’ll no’ be pleased to lose him, Ominis.” She listed points and explanations, more for herself than as a reminder to Ominis.
“I understand, as does she. We've been over this, no need to repeat yourself every few hours. Anne...” He sighed, rearranging his pastries by size and weight over his plate. “Speaking of…” His voice tapered off, lost in his task.
“Speakin’ of what, man?” Anne asked. His murky eyes darted back and forth as she pulled him back to the conversation. “Have on with it, donnae keep me hangin’ on your words...”
“Have you looked at her? How is she?” He asked again, for the fourth time since Anne had taken her seat. Heat splotched his cheeks as his head canted to catch her every word. “Is Primrose eating well? Nurse Blaney suggested she drink more than normal throughout the day to prepare for how much sli- ugh…Forgive me… How much liquid has she had?”
“ ‘How much liquid has she had?’ I’ve no’ been measuring the lassie’s intake of pumpkin juice, Ominis.” Anne’s brows rose into her hairline, lips thinning to trap a bout of laughter as she swiveled around on her bench, peering at the Hufflepuff table. Same as the sorting ceremony the day prior, Prim was swamped with the adoration of her beta Hufflepuff classmates, they preened over her hair sliding her food and drink but Prim waved away all offers of food save for oranges. “Och, popular wee thing, is she no’?”
Anne snorted as Prim stuffed another slice into her mouth, eyes fluttering closed as if savoring it.
Adorable .
A ripple of mirth danced in Anne's chest, bubbling up into a soft chuckle as she caught Prim's wide-eyed gaze darting towards the Slytherin table. The sight of Prim's eager face was a delightful spectacle – her eyes bright and cheeks aglow with youthful excitement.
Prim's hand shot up, and she began to wave frantically. Every inch of her radiated an infectious enthusiasm as if they'd been apart for years instead of mere hours. It was an endearing display, Prim almost bouncing on the bench in her haste to draw Anne's attention, and it brought a warm, amused smile to Anne's face.
“Why are you laughing?” Ominous asked, irritation coloring his voice.
“Nothing.” Anne said, pursing her lips. This was the opportune moment to play a lovely prank on Ominis, her blind friend would trust any narrative she spouted- but she took the high road, cutting the poor frazzled Alpha some slack. “The lassie’s stuffed so many orange slices in her gob she looks to be storing them for winter.”
“Pfft.” A toothy grin split his narrow face, rendering his features predatory, almost shark-like. Anne winced at the sight, her gaze darting to her untouched plate.
Ominis, a valuable companion in Anne's eyes, possessed a particular sort of allure. He stood tall and lean, skin so pale it bordered on the spectral. His narrow face, the epitome of Gaunt lineage, was an array of sharp angles and austere expressions. Even in moments of joy or laughter, his visage refused to yield its stern demeanor. When his laugh erupted too loudly, or his smile stretched a touch too wide, it didn't soften or spread warmth. Rather, it added an uncanny edge to him, an eerie layer that nudged at the boundaries of the unsettling. But that was Ominis, a paradox of sorts, oscillating between his harsh Gaunt lineage and his more amiable, personal traits.
“Is she eating anything else? Her behavior is endearing but she should fill herself on breads, meats, and veg in preparation.” his grin withered into a worried frown that had their Slytherin counterparts recoiling.
The lineage of dark wizarding families often left an eerie imprint, a shadowy aura that stained their physical features, crafting an intimidating spectacle. The Gaunts were a prime example of such a legacy, and Ominis, with his sharp, penetrating gaze and severe angles, was no exception.
His biting wit and quirky humor served to unnerve many rather than endear him, earning Ominis a sparse circle of friends. Anne, however, was proud to count herself among those who saw past the dark veneer to the man beneath.
In stark contrast, dear Primrose looked upon Ominis as though he was bathed in sunlight from their very first encounter. The trust that blossomed in her eyes, the blatant adoration, left Anne baffled. There was a curious comfort in the unlikely match, a harmony that was both unexpected and welcome.
In a motion so swift it made Anne start, Ominis extended an arm to seize a nearby deserted plate. His nostrils twitched as he gave a brief sniff, before he unceremoniously dumped the remaining sausage links onto his formidable mound of pastries.
“You ken those will have gone cold long before they’d be of use?” Anne asked with a chuff of laughter.
“You think I don’t know that?” He growled, stuffing a bannock into his already brimming pocket as he glared in Anne’s direction. “My Alpha…I-I need to provide, to- to anticipate her every need… She’s… I’m in no mood for your teasing, Anne! Look away if it bothers you so.”
“Very well, I ken I’ll pester someone a wee bit more pleasant, seein’ as the lassie can’t seem to keep her eyes off the slytherin table...” Anne said, teasing. Ominis grumbled, pulling from the table as if to follow. “Och, where do you ken your headed, man?”
Ominis frowned at the question, lip curled in a snarl. “Wherever I damned well please.”
“Nae, you settle back down, pal.” Anne knew better than to touch Ominis, he shied away from physical contact- from all but Prim, apparently. Anne would use force to keep him down if necessary. “Prim is no’ the only one who needs to eat. You’ve got to keep your stamina up and I have no’ seen you take anything but a wee nibble of your chelsea roll. What would bonnie Prim think if her mate presented her with naught but a limp tager for how tired and hungry he is when wanderin’ into her nest? You keen on disappointing’ the lassie?”
Ominis growled, thumping back onto the bench with a huff. “Do I truly look so terrible.”
“Och, aye.” Anne said, “Your Omega would be in a right fit if she keeked you in such a state. Lucky for you the Puff table is all the way across the hall. For her and my peace of mind, see that meat and tatties makes it to your gob, aye?” She laughed, heaping boiled potatoes and sausage links from the banquet line onto her crumb-dusted plate.
A loud scrape sounded as she shoved the plate beside Ominis’s and slammed a fork into a cooled potato. “I’m off to visit Prim, but I’ll see that she takes a proper meal before classes start. No’ to mention you’ve still to sort out your plan’s. I wouldnae normally suggest this with how Headmaster Black keep’s an eye on you, but consider leavin’ off classes for today.”
“You’re suggesting I bunk off on the first day back to school?”
“The nurse and Professors ken your in rut, half the school is. I’m fashed they've no’ the foresight to call off classes altogether for the upheaval.” Anne said, “And you ken a few spoonfuls of suppressants is no’ gonna hold off your rut symptoms. It’ll keep you from rutting Prim in public…You’ve got the signs even now... Agitated, sweating, anxious-”
“Merlins bloody beard, I know the blasted symptoms Anne!”
“Och, haud yer wheesht! Do everyone a favor and focus on eating, nesting, and fitting months’ worth of courting into a handful of hours. Class should be the last thing on that rut-fogged brain of yours…”
He sighed, plucking the standing fork from Anne’s offered plate with a precision that Anne marveled at.
“Very well, I’d be a fool to turn down sound advice when I’m not in a proper state of mind. Give Primrose my lo- ugh… My sincerest affections .” His face heated to an alarming shade of beetroot.
He focused on his boiled potatoes as if they held the very secrets of Merlin himself.
“Know that I'll do just that. Now, eat your meat, boy!” She said with mock authority, mimicking her uncle’s voice.
" Yes, Mr. Sallow ." Ominis’s lips quirked up at the impression.
Satisfied with his progress on the potato, Anne pulled away from the bench and dusted the crumbs off her plaid skirt. “And try no’ to bite anyone’s head off, I doubt you or Prim would fancy spendin’ your rut in the detention chamber.” She called over her shoulder.
Her button boots echoed off the stone floor of the Great Hall, a determined rhythm punctuating the clamor. She ignored the widened eyes of the Puff’s as she approached the table, her eyes never leaving the Omega.
Anne adored this hidden dance between Ominis and Prim with the glee of a child privy to a delightful secret.
Their secret courtship was like an unfolding drama, providing a source of endless amusement. Even Sebastian’s ire- as annoying as it was - held a certain appeal for Anne, a divine twist in the everyday humdrum.
Anne's lips curled into a teasing smile when she caught Prim shamelessly staring down Ominis, if he could see Anne had no doubt he would preen under her attentions.
Ominis was certainly no better. His fiery gaze when Prim was mentioned, the way his hand involuntarily clenched as if longing to grab her and pull Prim into his arms, was like watching a riveting performance play out.
Her chuckle turned into a full bout of maniacal laughter that had the Gryfindor and Hufflepuff she passed straighten, clearly on edge, as her black robe swished behind her. Anne couldn’t blame them for being wary. Slytherin usually kept to their own table, a clannish bunch the lot of them, and maniacal laughter from a Slytherin rarely bode well for Puff’s or Gryfindors...
With the same grace and surprise of a shooting star arcing across a starlit sky, Anne slid into the chair next to Prim, injecting a sense of shock into the otherwise ordinary morning.
A smile spread across her face as if she held the school's most delicious secret - which, in fact, she did. The satisfaction that echoed through her drowned out any concerns for Ominis, at least for the moment.
For now, she was content to let the murmurs of surprise rustle through the Great Hall like leaves on a windy day.
Prim startled, her eyes as wide as Galleons, turned towards Anne. The unasked question was almost palpable, a curiosity that was pure Prim. Anne, ever the puppet master in this unique drama, reveled in the moment.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes this morning?" Anne quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she nestled into her seat. Prim blinked at her, and before she could reply, Anne waved her off with a nonchalant gesture. "Dinnae bother denying it, wee Prim. I ken my company is the highlight of your day."
“I’m not denying anything, I’m thrilled to see you, Anne!” Prim graced her with a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes and glanced at the Slytherin table. “B-but I thought Ominis might join you?”
“Och, dinnae fash wee Prim, Ominis is just buildin’ stamina for your big night together.”
“S-stamina?” Prim asked, heat bleeding over her round cheeks. “Oh, is he doing well?”
The concern for Ominis shone in Prim's gaze, and sensing it, Anne sighed dramatically. "Aye, our dear Ominis is doing well for his condition…Hoarding bit’s of food and being jittery like he’s smoked a bad batch of mallowsweet aside… I ken he’s doin’ quite better now that I’m no’ pokin’ at him."
“Oh, Anne! I hope you didn’t tease him!” she faced Anne, her plush lips twisted into a rare frown.
Prim's eyes widened further, but Anne was on a roll, her voice light, her demeanor airy despite the situation. "Don't fret, Prim. He's just wrestling with his hormones. It's like watching a Gryffindor trying to solve an Arithmancy problem - quite entertaining, you ken?"
Prim stifled a giggle, her gaze darting towards the Slytherin table once more.
Anne nodded sagely, the ghost of a grin still tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, don't worry, our stubborn Alpha has a plan. I'm sure he'd rather transfigure himself into a teacup than admit he needs help, but we'll sort him out. Trust me, the laddie intends today to be pleasant for you."
“It’s not me I’m worried about…”
____
As the day stretched out before them, Anne found herself in the role of an unlikely chaperone, her eyes flitting between Ominis and Prim.
The spectacle unfolding between them was a humorous mishmash of shy affection, unmistakable desire, and tender awkwardness that threatened to have Anne bursting into peals of laughter at their expense.
After Potions class, Ominis revealed a bouquet, laden with rare and expensive flowers- leaving Anne to wonder where in the name of Merlin he hid them- and presented it to Prim. His hands, usually steady, trembled ever so slightly as he listened for her reaction, his eyes alight with anticipation.
"For you, dear Primrose," he declared, his voice dropping into an intimate whisper that barely reached Anne's ears. Prim tugged at his sleeve, chirping her approval.
____
Post Defense Against the Dark Arts class, he reached into his bag and presented his meticulously crafted fifth-year notes accompanied by a rare quill sourced from a magical creature.
His hands brushed against Prim's as he handed them over, a flustered blush coloring their cheeks.
The contact lingered, stretching seconds into a brief eternity. He trembled bodily, struggling valiantly not to take hold of his omega.
A burst of applause almost escaped Anne, but she reined it in, hoping to spare them some privacy. Instead, a muffled snicker bubbled forth as a wave of giddy delight washed over her, witnessing their shared joy.
____
History of Magic class ended, and with it, a box of chocolate frogs appeared.
Prim's delight echoed through the hallway, her laughter intertwining with the croaking confections. Anne noted the warm glint in Ominis's eyes, the barely suppressed pride at his gift's reception.
Ominis unfurled surprises from his pockets like a muggle magician, each one chosen with careful thought and presented with a coy grin.
How had she ever considered Sebastian a better match for Prim?
In a riot of skittering legs, frogs erupted from the box, spilling onto the stone floor. With each crunch of chocolate, Primrose's eyes grew rounder before she finally clapped the box shut, her voice a babble of apologies.
"No loss, sweet Primrose," Ominis countered, a soothing hand settling on her shoulder, his voice all velvety assurance. "And I'll get you a fleet of frogs if that’s what you fancy."
His claim hung in the air as Primrose made to kneel, eager to tidy the disaster. Yet, a gentle pull from her Alpha had her straightening up, the words "You really don't need to..." dying on her lips.
Ominis shrugged, nonchalance radiating off him. "The house elves will tend to the mess." A typical Slytherin, Anne mused, a snort of laughter escaping her.
Yet, Primrose gazed at Ominis, her eyes glowing like he'd just gifted her the moon. A smirk toyed with the corners of Anne's mouth, her heart thudding in rhythm with the gentle purr that bubbled up from Primrose's throat.
A wince darted across Ominis’s face, fleeting as a shadow yet stark as a lightning bolt against the jovial façade he had built for Prim. It was like watching an artist trying to conceal the fault lines in a masterpiece, the cracks visible only to the most discerning eye.
His hands, usually steady and assured, clenched into fists, the white knuckles, a stark contrast to the flush of his skin. It was like an unspoken Morse code, a silent distress signal that was lost amidst the cacophony of their day.
____
The school’s hidden alcoves served as the backdrop for their stolen moments, Ominis's towering frame sheltering Prim as he murmured sweet nothings into her ear, licking at her wrists and either side of her neck to thoroughly scent her.
Every touch sent shivers coursing through Prim, every whisper eliciting a soft sigh from her.
Utterly fascinating is what it was, not just that he attempted to court Prim in such a narrow timeframe- during his rut, no less - but that he was succeeding in his impossible endeavor.
Bravo, pal, bravo!
A whirlwind of desperation and determination spun around Ominis. Anne felt it, a savage energy that stirred her glee but tickled the back of her mind with an inkling of concern.
Her eyes landed on Primrose. The scene before her froze her in place. Primrose, pinned to the wall, one leg hitched high against Ominis’s waist, hands lost in his dark hair as they kissed with a voracity that had Anne's eyebrows climbing her forehead.
Och, how’d they go from shy touches to this in the blink of an eye?
"Alright ye two, separate!" The words burst from her, an amused interruption to the lovers' passionate rendezvous. "Och, Ominis! She's no’ a treacle tart, quit gobblin' her face." Her light-hearted jest bounced off them without effect. "Ominis!"
Within four long strides, Anne was prying Ominis off Primrose, fingers pressing into the fabric of his robes. His deep, protesting growl laced with Primrose's high-pitched keen, discordant melody that buzzed in the air. Tension whipped around them, electric and tangible.
Gathering her resolve, Anne called on her Alpha voice, a tool she rarely liked to use. But with the classroom waiting for Primrose, she had no choice. "Primrose, class," she commanded, her voice ringing with an authority that sliced through their heated bubble.
Her command echoed down the hallway, pulling Ominis out of his fervor.
“Didnae ken you were one for putin’ on a show, pal.”
Ominis unleashed a growl, a thunderous warning that reverberated in the air, his unseen gaze firmly rooted on Anne. Yet, despite his rigid posture, he didn't resist her hold. Primrose blinked a startled deer, before scampering off, her hurried footsteps leaving a hollow echo behind. Anne exhaled, her pulse slowing as Ominis deflated, the tense lines of his form softening.
With the power of the Alpha voice still reverberating in the air, Anne watched as Primrose disappeared around a corner, a small, satisfied smirk playing at her lips.
“Alpha voice, Anne?” The words slipped through gritted teeth, each syllable heavy with reproach. "That was unnecessary."
Anne scoffed, “Was it?”
____
As the bustling energy of the Herbology class faded, the hallowed hour of lunch beckoned.
Ominis, ever the gallant Alpha, stood outside the door awaiting his Omega, Anne lingered behind him out of the way.
The epitome of a sophisticated gentleman, Ominis offered a genteel nod to the nearing Primrose. "I've prepared a bit of a picnic for us, f it's to your liking," he proposed, his voice smooth as velvet, a beguiling purr that elicited a flutter of cheery chirps from Prim. Anne managed to swallow her chuckle just in time.
"Oh, goodness, that sounds fantastic! I'd be delighted," Prim said, her steps springing forth to close the gap, a delicate hand linking with his awaiting arm.
Anne followed suit, intertwining her fingers with Prim's other hand. As much as she'd prefer not to, they were all partaking in a delicate dance of appearances and upholding the charade was crucial.
Guided by Ominis, they meandered into a scene as if lifted from a painting. A vibrant carpet of verdant green, a short walk from the Forbidden Forest, formed their idyllic setting. An old, knotted tree stood watch over their picnic blanket, laden to the brim with the mouthwatering bounty. Thick brush and bushes made for a perfect privacy fence to the dirt road connecting Hogsmead to Hogwarts.
Anne's brows quirked upward, surprise edging into her features. Ominis had spared no effort in ensuring a luxurious spread for his dear Omega.
When did he have the time to set this up?
She trailed a few steps behind, her eyes constantly flicking towards the couple, though she remained at a respectful distance. A testament to Ominis' forethought, there was plenty for three, sandwiches, teacakes, and a pitcher of pumpkin juice adorning the blanket.
"Anne, wouldn't you care to join us?" Ominis extended the invitation once he and Primrose had comfortably nestled on the blanket. Anne appraised him, her gaze skimming over his features. The authenticity of his offer came as a pleasant surprise, particularly considering the picnic's initial purpose was to foster a deeper connection between Ominis and his mate.
“Och, I’m no’ particularly hungry. I fancy a wee walk, see if I cannae find some herb for potions and what have you.”
“If you’re certain, but don’t go too far…”
“You’ve no need to worry about me.” Anne bristled, she may be a woman, but she was still an Alpha.
“You know what I meant, Anne.” Ominis said.
Relaxing she shot him a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of her neck and avoiding Prim’s gaze.
With a nonchalant wave of her hand, Anne excused herself. "Aye, I’ll be back in ten or so…” she said, already wandering off. As she put distance between them, an odd sensation of being trailed pricked at her senses. That familiar shadow...
Could it be… Sebastian?
Her curiosity peaked, Anne veered off towards the lurking shadow. Just shy of stepping into the forest she leaned, peering. The forest sprawled before her, a lush expanse of towering trees, their branches stretching towards the sky. Among them, the scent of fir hung in the air, adding a suspicious hint of freshness to the surroundings. Anne couldn't help the twinge of unease that rode up her spine like a cold chill. ,
Anne wrinkled her nose, brows creased. Was her caution justified?
Probably not…
A clatter and a soft moan carried on the wind, drawing Anne back to the picnic earlier than intended.
“Alpha, please-”
Huffs and moans echoed through the air as Prim made her way around the hill and through the tall brush. Anne, hiding behind a large tree, couldn't help but steal a glance back at the picnic scene unfolding before her. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she quickly covered her mouth to stifle a gasp. If she were a delicate lady instead of Anne Sallow, she might have been scandalized.
But as it was, Anne was anything but surprised…
The array of tea cakes and sandwiches, once meticulously arranged, lay haphazardly strewn across the grass. Ominis, oblivious to the world around him, was wholly consumed by Prim.
Ominis, lost in his own world, was completely consumed by Prim. His head nestled between her parted thighs, his strong hands gripping her spread legs to hold her open and exposed. The uninhibited and raw expressions of passion, accompanied by the most decadent and provocative sounds emanating from Ominis, created a scene that was impossible to ignore. Prim arched her back, pale hair and skirt splayed about her as she clenched fistfuls of the picnic blanket, her eyes half-closed, a picture of blissful surrender.
Swallowing her laughter, Anne performed a series of swift, adept wand movements, casting silencio and privacy spells over the pair.
"No' even ten seconds with my back turned, and they're at it…" Anne's voice dripped with a mix of disbelief and amusement, her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
Standing there, caught between shock and intrigue, she found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the mesmerizing scene unfolding before her.
Why should she interrupt?
After all, what harm was there in indulging her curiosity, in relishing this forbidden glimpse into their passionate encounter?
Leaning against the sturdy tree, Anne's eyes remained glued to her friends, her mischievous intent clear in her gaze.
Heat coiled low in her belly, a delicious ache building with each silent gasp and moan that twisted Prim's lips. The subtle flicker of desire danced in Anne's eyes as she watched, her lips pursed, arms crossing in a display of nonchalance.
Voyeurism was not something she had ever expected to enjoy, but here she was, caught up in the tantalizing display of raw passion.
Ominis would be furious when he realized they had an observer, but he should have thought about before…
Prim silently thrashed beneath Ominis's expert ministrations, her body responding with unrestrained fervor. Anne's mind wandered, conjuring vivid images of their entangled bodies, each movement fueling the fire within her own desires.
With an arsenal of teasing material secured in her mind, Anne silently wished that Sebastian had caught a glimpse of Ominis's audacious claim on Prim. Perhaps it would serve as a wake-up call, thwarting any misguided intentions he may have harbored for their dear Prim.
“Ehem!” Anne cleared her throat as Ominis crawled intently over Prim’s body, his mouth and chin pinkened and glistening with slick. Prim tugged at the buttons of his straining trousers and he dove down capturing her lips in a sloppy kiss. “I said EHEM, you randy bastard!”
____
Ominis stalked the dimly lit corners of the Undercroft, a tempest of untamed energy swirling within him. His presence radiated an aura of danger, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to pounce. With each step, his fists clenched and his eyes blazed with raw anticipation, preparing for a primal confrontation.
But just as quickly as the ferocity overtook him, a gentler side emerged. His gaze softened, the intensity in his eyes giving way to a vulnerable longing. Restlessness consumed him and he paced back and forth, lost in his own turbulent thoughts.
The name 'Primrose' escaped his lips like a sacred vow, carrying with it the weight of unspoken desires and unfulfilled dreams.
And then, in a moment of quiet torment, Ominis surrendered to his inner turmoil.
He folded himself onto the cold, unforgiving floor, his body trembling with the ache of unrequited passion. The vulnerability that emanated from him was palpable, an unspoken plea for solace and release.
The rapid mood shifts threatened to give Anne whiplash as he bounced between them, a victim of his own hormones.
She’d fed him the last of his rationed potion an hour ago, any more suppressants bore the risk of permanent harm to his body- as a friend it was a risk Anne refused to allow.
“It will be fine, Anne.” He argued in a moment of lucidity, desperate to finish the day and his curated plans to woo his Omega. “The chances of a few more doses doing harm are-”
“Are you dafty?” Anne turned on him, a fierce glare twisting her features- no matter that he couldn’t see her face. “I’ll no’ allow it. I kept my word to you, and now you will do the same.”
“Anne-”
“From what I keeked of your picnic your wooing is a resounding success as it is.” Anne chortled, Ominis’s eyes widened comically. "Nevermind the rest."
“Anne, I still can’t believe you stood there and watched like a true degenerate! I’d expect such a thing from Sebastian, but you, Anne?”
“I wasnae the one tumblin’ the lassie out in the open, you’d nary a care at the time so why fash now?”
“I didn’t notice at the time! Did anyone else see?”
“As if I’d allow any old git to walk away after stumbling over the lot of you in the heat of passion. No, I’m the only one and I’d nearly scratched my own eyes out after. Horrified, I was.” Anne said, rubbing her eyes as if to rub the memory from her mind. “Prim looked well pleased with you makin' a meal of her, where did you learn such a thing, Ominis?”
“Well, I’ll tell you. Long story thought, I-” Wow, Anne never thought he would willingly offer up such information…
“ Wait !” Anne said, back straightening. She pointed a finger at him, eyes squinting, “Your tryin’ to distract me. I’ll no’ be takin’ your bait, you sly dog!”
“Anne, I’ll be quite alright-”
"Enough! Seclusion. Now." The command, laced with an undercurrent of irrefutable authority, sliced through Ominis's tumultuous whirlwind of emotions. A flare of resistance sparked in his eyes, the need to prove his dominance no doubt, but he wilted under Anne's unwavering gaze. He yielded, his lithe form disappearing into the elevator.
"Very well, Anne." Ominis said, huffing. "You recall witch hall to leave her at?"
“Of course, pal. Ill collect Prim quickly and have her to you in no time."
As the lift groaned and creaked closed, Anne stood alone in the cavernous Undercroft, a sense of relief washing over her. The pillows and nest from earlier were gone, likely whisked away by Ominis to their new room- wherever that may be.
The undercroft was empty now, a strange feeling of being left out by her two closest friends gripped her chest but it was fleeting.
She’d followed Ominis, leaving the undercroft behind. The lift trembled around her until she emerged from the grandfather clock into the dimly lit hallway.
The distinct prickling sensation of eyes upon her was finally gone.
Had it been... Sebastian?
She pushed the thought away, dismissing it as paranoia.
Her responsibility now lay with Prim, and her every instinct was bent on ensuring the young Omega's safety. With a final glance cast over her shoulder, Anne slipped out into the quiet hallway, the unease gnawing at the corners of her mind not strong enough to derail her focus.
____
With a quickened heartbeat, Anne turned to fetch Prim, only to be met with an echo of silence bouncing off the empty classroom walls.
Where once was the chatter of students and the hum of activity, there now lay an unsettling emptiness. A wave of panic, sharp as the sting of a Bludger, whirled through Anne, threatening to consume her rationality.
“Not to worry, wee Prim’s class must have just released early.” She said to herself, words echoing off the stone wall.
Anne's senses switched into overdrive. Lifting her face, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
The myriad of Hogwarts' smells cascaded around her, each distinctive scent fighting for her attention. Then, she caught it - the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls intertwined with the rustic scent of fir.
It was a scent signature that she knew all too well, a trail she was all too familiar with.
Damn him!
Sebastian, that damn villain must have been waiting for a chance to get her alone!
With a surge of adrenaline propelling her, Anne traced the scent to another classroom, her heart pounding a frantic tattoo against her ribs. She whipped out her wand as she pushed open the heavy wooden door.
The door shuddered under Anne's forceful grip, swinging open with an abruptness that matched her pounding heart, she stuttered to a stop with a gasp.
The scene that unfolded before her eyes was a snapshot from a nightmare, its characters stark and painfully real.
Prim, her Prim…
An iridescent bubble shimmered around them, Silencio bubble, Anne thought distantly.
Fragile as a glass doll in the flickering glow of the room, Prim sprawled across the worn surface of a desk, frighteningly still, her skirt bunched up around her hips as her feet dangled over the floor.
Wide green eyes glazed, frozen with horrified tears that refused to fall.
Looming over her with his trousers pulled to his knees, startled eyes wide, and stiffened cock in hand- was Sebastian.