ABO pt. 1
After the war, everyone was busy with getting their lives back together. Hogwarts was getting fixed by the staff with the help of the house-elves and goblins. The ministry voted for Kingsley Shacklebolt as the new minister and he was doing his best to improve the lives of everyone. During all the chaos, Harry finally got time to breathe a sigh of relief. He finally had a moment to himself so he could think carefully about his future, which was now free for interpretation. The idea of becoming an Auror was becoming less appealing by the day, on the other hand, the idea of becoming a DADA professor appealed to him more. That's why Harry decided to return for his NEWT year with Hermione, Neville and a few other year mates. Ron opted to begin Auror training but was supportive of his girlfriend and his pack leader.
Yes, the pack leader. Harry had come into his subgender once he turned Seventeen. He'd woken up that morning with a knot and all it brings with it. The hormones raged in his body as it changed drastically. Being an alpha meant he gained a few inches in height and build. People could also smell him and detect his subgender now. It was out of a fantasy book really. The saviour of the Wizarding World, the chosen one, was also one of the most powerful Alphas to have lived. Harry was immediately recommended to start a pack. Alphas with his power were unstable without a pack and prone to rage outbursts.
So, Harry had to think carefully about who he wanted in his pack and invited them to join as subtly as possible, they were still at war, after all, he couldn't advertise his pack for the Death Eaters to hunt. It was even safer for his subgender to be hidden. Anyway, Harry's pack now consisted of Hermione (Beta), Ron (Alpha), Neville (Omega), Ginny (Alpha), Luna (Omega), Fred (Omega), Angelina (Beta), George (Alpha), Katie Bell (Beta), The Creevey brothers (both Beta), Andromeda (Beta) and Teddy.
Going back to school, shortly after the chaos of the war and having most of his pack away, wasn't ideal but it was unavoidable. Harry grew very overprotective after the war and very, very possessive. If someone so much as glanced in the direction of his pack members, he'd hold the member close to him. Neville, Hermione, Luna, Ginny and the Creevey brothers (those who went back to school), were always scent marked. As for the twins, Angelina, Katie, Ron and Andromeda, they were to always wear something of Harry's if they spoke to him directly, to reassure him that his scent was on them and keeping them safe. Andromeda and Teddy also moved to a small flat in Hogsmeade so that they were always close to Harry. The Alpha always wanted his pup close by to check on him.
The school year began as normally as possible, with how tense the atmosphere was. Many of the students had lost loved ones, while others were faced with the prejudice of their parents following Voldemort. Many Slytherins opted to skip the year and were given permission to take their NEWTs and OWLs at the ministry. The school was rather empty except for the new first years. Harry sat surrounded by his pack as he vigilantly observed his surroundings.
The Alpha glanced at the staff table and smiled softly. At the centre of the table sat Severus Snape, who was able to survive the bite thanks to his own genius and Harry's aid. The teen was able to hand the Potion's master the necessary healing potions from his robes with few instructions. And once he gained his mortality, he handed Harry his memories and ordered him to go to the Pensieve. Severus remained hidden until the actual final battle, after Harry's 'death'. He stood up for Hogwarts with Neville and they both brought the fight back, allowing Harry to resume his hunt for Voldemort. Anyway, the man was exonerated of all his crimes thanks to evidence from Harry and Albus and was given the Order of Merlin first class and allowed to remain Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Harry noticed how carefree Severus appeared to be, or as carefree as a man of his stoicism can be. The Potion's master had a hint of a smile, his face was relaxed showing his young age and he wore navy blue robes instead of his usual black. Severus also had his hair tied in a neat low-ponytail with a silk blue tie. Harry's breath hitched at the appearance of his once hated professor. Severus looked...beautiful. His onyx eyes were captivating and his silky, deep voice was beguiling. Harry couldn't help but be enamoured by the man in front of him. Beside the Headmaster sat the usual heads of houses, including Slughorn and the rest of the staff. This time, they were also joined by Bill Weasley who was the temporary DADA professor.
When dinner was over, everyone headed to their common rooms except for Harry. He had a meeting with the Headmaster and his Head of house. Harry was rather tired from the trip and uncomfortable with leaving his pack without him on the first night. "It'll be alright Harry, we're just heading to the common room," Hermione said to him while hugging him.
"Yeah Harry and the professors gave Luna a pass to allow her in with us. She'll be sleeping with us today to help you," continued Ginny. Harry sighed deeply, knowing his Alpha was still not satisfied but it was unreasonable to demand more from his pack and staff. It was his issue, not theirs. Though they were very understanding of his protective and possessive streaks. After all, Voldemort had nearly managed to take everything from him a few months ago.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I can't help it," he said to them. They all gave him sympathetic smiles. "Neville, you're in charge. Please keep them safe," he ordered the Omega. Neville smiled brightly and nodded.
"Don't worry Captain, the ship is safe with me," he said with a salute, making the rest laugh. Harry grabbed him and held him tightly. Neville gasped when his Alpha bit gently on his scent gland, where he was marked as a member of the pack. Harry growled as he nuzzled Neville for a few seconds to ensure his scent was covering his Omega. When the Alpha deemed it enough, he released his pack and watched them carefully as they exited the Great Hall. His display at the Great Hall had done its job. Now, other alphas were going to be careful in approaching his pack, while those who wished to join understood what to expect.
Harry made his way out of the Great Hall and began the journey to the Headmaster's office. Once he reached the newly repaired Gargoyle he stood waiting, realising he wasn't given the password. Harry stood there for a few seconds contemplating. "Expecto Patronum," he whispered and his stag appeared. "Headmaster I'm downstairs. I wasn't given the password, would you please grant me entrance?" With that, Harry sent Prongs up. He waited for a few more seconds before the Gargoyle moved to show the staircase. Harry walked slowly and stood on the stairs as they went up. Once he reached the office he knocked on the door gently.
"Come in Mr Potter," he heard and the door opened of its own accord. The Alpha entered with an aura of power and vigilance. He saw Snape seated at the desk with McGonagall sitting on the guest seat. They were both conversing with smiles on their faces.
"Good evening Headmaster, Professor," Harry greeted politely as he approached the guest seats but didn't sit down.
"Oh dear, no need for such formalities. Please call me Minerva when we're alone," said his head of house with the fondest of smiles.
"Please Mister Potter, have a seat," said Severus in a soft tone, Harry wasn't accustomed to. The Alpha could sense McGonagall's earthy Beta scent but Severus seemed to have no scent. It bothered the Alpha a lot as he gazed at the older man observantly. Harry sat on the seat and gave a smile to his professors.
"You look well Harry, I'm glad," Minerva commented. She was right. Harry had filled up during the summer and gained a bit of height too, all thanks to Mrs Weasley.
"It's all thanks to Mrs Weasley. She worked to fix our bad diets from the Horcrux hunt and used every opportunity to stuff us. If we couldn't eat anymore she'd feed us nutrition potions," Harry explained with a chuckle at the memory of Molly dragging him with Ron and Hermione to eat. She was the semblance of normality for everyone during the summer. "Thanks for seeing me this evening. I understand that I'm being a little difficult with my demands, especially after the chaos in May but I really cannot help it," the Alpha continued.
McGonagall simply smiled reassuringly at him, while Severus stared in confusion. "I assure you, Mister Potter, your 'demands' aren't difficult to meet. In fact, they're very reasonable after what you experienced," replied Severus with a genuine expression of understanding. Harry breathed a sigh of relief at the consideration. Minerva reached forward to hold Harry's hands in hers, to comfort him. Her smile was sweet and Harry couldn't help relaxing at the expression of his mother figure.
"Thank you, both of you," said Harry in a whisper. He turned to see Albus wide awake with a gentle smile. The mentor and student nodded at each other respectfully. "As there is no problem with my dem..requests, may I ask for just one more Headmaster?" Harry's eyes were filled with hope as they met Snape's. The Headmaster blinked and if Harry didn't know his professor, he'd think that he'd caused Snape to lose his breath.
"Well, if I'm not needed for this request, I shall bid you goodnight. As I still have first-years to attend to," said Minerva in a cheerful tone as she stood up. Both men gazed at her in confusion but she just smiled a knowing smile and went to exit the room. Both Severus and Harry weren't sure of what she had planned but tried to regain the smooth atmosphere, as it now turned awkward between them. They hadn't been alone since the war. They did meet often but they were always surrounded by others, whether Order members or at the ministry with witnesses and Wizengamot members.
"I believe the rest of us also have somewhere to be. If you need anything Severus, simply call," stated Albus with another smile. Harry and Snape jumped at the sound of his voice and were even more confused as the portraits of past Headmasters and Headmistresses all exited their portraits. Phineas Nigellus was the last one to leave, giving the sitting pair a raised eyebrow before departing.
The pair sat in silence for a few seconds, in shock. "Is it just me or was that weird?" Harry asked in amusement as he turned to stare at Severus. The Potion's master seemed just as lost as the student. He blinked rapidly, unable to understand what happened. "Any idea why they'd do this?" Harry asked again.
"No.." Severus drawled. The student chuckled at the strange behaviour that got displayed. "Never mind them. What was your request, Mister Potter?" Severus regained his composure and gazed back at Harry.
"Please call me Harry when we're alone, I have negative memories of you calling me mister Potter and I think we're passed that point," the Alpha stated boldly with a smile. Snape flinched a little at the reminder of his attitude toward his student.
"Was that your request?" Asked the Headmaster with a little snark, causing Harry to chuckle.
"No. I-..." Harry took a deep nervous breath, causing Severus to take the situation a little more seriously. "I was hoping that...if you had any time on your hands...I know you're really busy, especially with Headmaster duties..."
"Get to the point Harry," whispered Severus. Harry took another deep breath, steeling his resolve.
"I wish...I would like to talk about my parents with you. You're the only one, who knew them intimately enough to tell me stories about them. I never had the chance to have a full conversation about them with Remus or Sirius. You're the only one left..." Harry trailed off in a whisper. Severus's eyes were wide. Harry misunderstood the gaze as Severus being uncomfortable. The Alpha stood up and nervously began to back away. "I'm sorry. I know you're busy. I'll-I'll.."
"Harry stop," Severus called out hastily. The man stood up as well and left his desk to reach Harry. The teen gazed at the headmaster with hopeful eyes as the man reached him and held him by the shoulders. "I-I," Severus looked down nervously and with guilt. "I have to apologise." Harry was confused again by the sentence.
"Apologise for what, Headmaster?" The Alpha asked as he reached to lift Severus's chin. The two barely had any height difference now. Harry was perhaps an inch or two shorter but his broadness made up for the difference. The teen was large compared to his professor. As Harry lifted Severus's head, for their eyes to meet, the Potion's master's breath hitched.
"I have to apologise for my misconceptions about you. You...you seem to be unable to ask for basic needs even," explained Severus breathlessly. Harry's eyes widened a fraction. He opened his mouth to retaliate but Severus lifted his hand in a manner reminiscent of Albus. "Please, Harry." The soft tone caused the Alpha to relax a little and listen. Severus stared at the student for a few seconds before smiling subtly. "You're a pack leader and an alpha. Requesting to spend time with your pack is your right." The whispered statement made Harry inhale sharply. Severus was genuinely explaining that Harry wasn't demanding anything unreasonable but due to his childhood, Harry felt that asking for basic needs was too much. "You're also an orphan and it is also your right to ask about your parents."
Harry felt his eyes water at the words and he couldn't help himself, he pulled Severus into a hug. The headmaster was taken aback and tensed up. Harry unconsciously nuzzled the man's neck, searching for a scent. The lack of it was what snapped Harry back. The Alpha stilled as his nose searched for that scent that identified someone to him. Severus lacked any scent...he was like water. The headmaster sensed the alpha's confusion and bit his lip, as he tried to separate them. Harry permitted their separation but was now gazing sharply at Severus. The headmaster cleared his throat and pulled away completely.
"Now Mist-Harry, you're correct in your assumptions that I am busy. I am the headmaster and I teach NEWT level potions. However, most of my work now consists of paperwork," Severus explained. Harry regained his composure at the mention of their previous topic. "I have lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays, other than that, I spend the week mainly in this office to do paperwork. I even stay up late sometimes. So, when you're free, you can send a Patronus to request attendance and if I'm free, I shall tell you." Harry grinned widely at that. Severus chuckled at the alpha's excitement. "If that is all, you're dismissed." Harry made a theatrical bow to the Headmaster, causing the man to laugh before he exited and ran back to his common room.
At the end of the week, Harry was having his first Potion's lesson. Thankfully the year had started much smoother than before. Harry felt a lot more prepared than in any of his previous years, thanks to a certain Beta of his. When Hermione had learned that her pack leader intended to continue his NEWTs, she used every opportunity to study with him. Due to the trials and mess at the beginning of the summer, it was difficult. Thankfully, the past month (August) had been a lot calmer and allowed them to study more frequently. Harry felt genuinely excited for his NEWTs year as it represented the start of a new era for him.
Anyway, the NEWT years were heading to the dungeons for their potions lesson. Harry was talking to Hermione and Terry Boot along the way. The alpha was between them and was holding Hermione's hand, Terry didn't seem offended by the alpha's protectiveness toward his pack member. When the students reached the potions lab they entered and sat in groups of four, due to the increased number of students. There were five groups total. Harry sat with Hermione, Terry and Padma Patil. The students pulled out their equipment to prepare.
Severus showed up a few seconds later; entering the class calmly and closing the door behind him. The professor reached the front desk and faced his students with an expression of nonchalance. He wasn't sneering but he was certainly not smiling. "Good afternoon," he greeted.
"Good afternoon professor," the class echoed.
"This year is a little different than previous ones. I understand that many of you will be struggling due to the events of last May. I will be hosting remedial potions classes with Professor Slughorn, in order to help those of you who struggle," stated the Potion's master in a calm demeanour. The students gazed at their once scary and biased Professor with shock. They had received similar words from the rest of the staff but hadn't expected Snape to be one of them. The Potion's master noticed the expressions and sighed in resignation. "I must apologise for my behaviour in previous years. I have no excuse but now I am trying to do better. It was my idea to provide these sessions to you. I am now headmaster and therefore have no place to be biased." The explanation caused many to gasp and gaze at Severus thoughtfully.
The headmaster gazed at the class. To most it would seem he was unaffected, however, Harry had grown accustomed to the subtle changes in the man's expressions. He knew Severus was feeling unsure at the moment.
"That's very kind of you Professor. We really appreciate your efforts," said the Alpha with a kind smile. Severus gazed at him with an expression of gratitude and nodded in acknowledgement. The rest of the class followed Harry's lead and also voiced their gratitude. Harry could see the twinkle of happiness in Severus's onyx eyes. The alpha couldn't help but gaze longingly at the man. The thoughts made him stutter. Harry James Potter, the chosen one, the saviour was longing for Severus Snape. His father's nemesis. However, Harry's mind also supplied that Severus was as much of a hero as himself. The man was a spy for the Order and a magnificent wizard. The alpha made up his mind, he was going to try to pursue Severus. Even if the man didn't wish to be his mate, perhaps he was willing to join his pack.
"Now, who could tell me how many stirs are required, for a healing salve for hippogriff scratches, after adding the bat wings?" Severus's silky voice snapped Harry back to reality. The alpha realised he knew the answer and lifted his hand. Besides him, Hermione also had her arms up. Severus was startled to see Harry's hands in the air. He expected Hermione's, but Harry's? He was curious.
"Mr Potter?" he asked.
"It requires five stirs in a figure-eight motion," replied Harry, feeling a sense of pride for impressing Severus.
"Could you tell me why?" Asked the Potion's master in a strained voice, although it was unnoticed by any other than Harry. The alpha smiled widely.
"The stirring motion is to allow the salve to take a certain consistency," Harry explained. Severus blinked in surprise before composing himself and quietly clearing his throat.
"That's correct, five points to Gryffindor," he whispered. The rest of the class dropped their jaws at the interaction between the pair. Their eyes went back and forth between Severus and Harry. They couldn't believe their ears. Yes, Severus did state that he wished to start anew and do better but give Harry Potter from Gryffindor, house points? That was unimaginable. Harry smirked as he noticed the expressions of shock on his classmates. Hermione squeezed his hand and grinned just as widely. He could see the pride in her eyes, knowing she was the one who taught him the answer. He grinned back and squeezed her hand too.
The rest of the class continued on that way, with Severus giving more points than he'd ever done for the other houses in his entire career at Hogwarts. The students left the class with smiles and excitement. Harry stayed behind, not before scent-marking Hermione to ensure she was safe. The beta rolled her eyes good-heartedly at Harry, as he instructed her to head straight to the Great Hall and start eating. "Yes, Harry. I promise to make sure everyone is eating well," she said sarcastically before leaving. The alpha glared at her back and sighed in resignation. He then turned to the professor who was packing some of the phials for Madam Pomfrey, since most of them were of a good standard for use.
"Professor," Harry called out. The man gazed up at the teen questioningly. "Are you free tonight?" Harry asked. Severus hummed and thought for a moment.
"I suppose. I may be busy for a few hours but I don't see why I cannot meet you later. Is 21:00 suitable for you?" Replied the professor. It was Harry's turn to think, he had a bit of homework for Transfiguration and Charms but he also had the weekend tomorrow so he saw no objection to staying up late tonight.
"21:00 sounds suitable. Shall I send a Patronus like on Sunday or will you give me a password?"
"Hmm, I suppose it isn't practical for you to send a Patronus every time. Can I trust you with the password?" Severus asked, even though he knew the answer already. Harry smiled.
"Of course Headmaster. I wouldn't share it with anyone unless it was an emergency," replied the student. Severus nodded acceptingly.
"Very well. The password is Albus," said Severus. Harry's smile widened at the information and he nodded before taking his leave.
That night, Harry headed toward the Headmaster's office after saying goodnight to his pack and walking Luna to her common room. The Alpha wasn't too fond of the idea of his little moon being away for more than a few nights a week but he understood that distance was necessary to build trust. Harry reached the Gargoyle and whispered the password. The Gargoyle moved and allowed him passage, up the stairs. Harry knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter. "Come in," called Severus and the office door opened for the alpha. Harry stepped inside and found Severus sitting in the middle of the room with a large table full of paperwork. There was a second chair for Harry, beside the Potion's master.
"Good evening Headmaster. Wow, that's a lot of paperwork," the teen commented as he sat down on the empty chair.
"Please call me Severus and you have no idea," replied the older man with exasperation. Harry chuckled as he read a few titles on the parchments. Most were inquiries from the board of governors or applications for work. "So, Harry, where shall we begin?" asked Severus.
"I'm not too sure really. I've watched a lot of your memories but they didn't really provide an image of personality. Perhaps my father's but not really my mother's," Harry said. He wasn't too sure on how to express his desire. He didn't want descriptions of them, he wanted stories. Most people commented on their personalities during the war but not during school. Yes, he was told of how smart and capable they were but there was no actual recounting of events that provided evidence of their personalities.
"I see," replied Severus. "Well, how about I tell you of the time your mother scolded me for eating too much treacle tart and not enough actual food," said Severus with a chuckle. Harry's eyes widened with curiosity. The expression was enough for Severus to begin the story. That led to multiple ones from childhood. Lily was very brave and stood up to Severus a lot. She also took care of him when he was too busy studying and not paying attention to his own health. The girl clearly had a temper as fiery as her hair and a curiosity that matched Harry's. "Your eyes both twinkle whenever an interesting piece of information is represented to you. You are both too curious and reckless for your own good," Severus commented, making Harry chuckle.
The two continued to speak for about an hour. Harry was immersed in the stories the other told. The alpha unconsciously reached out a hand and traced the strand of hair, pulled up in the half-ponytail of Severus. The action caused the man to freeze and inhale sharply. His eyes were wide as he turned to gaze at Harry. The alpha didn't care and only stared back heatedly at the man. Severus gulped and panted softly. "I know it might be bold to ask, but why do you have no scent?" asked Harry, using his hand to hold the back of Severus's neck and used his thumb to caress the pale earlobe. Severus bit his lip.
"It isn't too bold. I-I have been doing it since the war," explained the Potion's master. Harry his eyebrow in question. "It's a spell that nullifies the scent. I used it because it's easier to sneak around as a spy." Harry hummed with interest and continued his ministrations. Severus's eyes closed as he helplessly leaned into the touch.
"Why do you do it now?" Asked Harry.
"Because it's tradition for a Headmaster and Headmistress," Severus stated. This time the alpha furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Severus chuckled at the expression. "We must be unbiased Harry. We cannot be seen as competition to other alpha, biased toward betas or lenient toward omegas, we must be neutral." The explanation made a lot of sense but it also raised another question for Harry.
"What if you're mated?"
"Most of us never had mates, Mr Potter," Phineas Nigellus chimed, making the pair jump and pull away from each other.
"Why not?" The alpha asked after regaining his composure.
"Well, the job became more and more demanding," stated another Headmistress.
"During the founder's era, there were technically four Headmasters so the work was divided. Not to mention the fact that politics wasn't as complicated," Phineas continued. The sitting pair gazed at him with interest. "As the years passed, the work load increased and even with a deputy most of us struggled to have personal lives."
"What if I want to court Severus?" Harry asked boldly with a determine glare. He heard gasps from around him and a sharp inhale from behind him. Phineas raised an eyebrow at him and was clearly preparing to shut him down.
"I think," Albus interrupted, gaining everyone's attention. Harry and Severus turned to him and saw his fond smile and twinkling eyes. "That you must decide this between you," he stated and gave Harry a pointed gaze. The alpha smirked knowingly and turned his gaze to the man he wanted.
"I think," he said and this time the heads turned to him. Severus was gazing at him with unsure eyes. The alpha leaned closer and held Severus's face in his hands. The Potion's master relaxed into the touch and nuzzled the large palms. "We have both given ourselves to everyone. We followed everyone's instructions for a very long time. I think...it is time for us to be a little selfish." The words made Severus whimper and lean his head against Harry's. "So, Severus. Will you allow me to court you?" Asked the alpha in a whisper.
The potion's master retreated and reached down to pull out his wand. The man whispered an incantation. For a few moments, there was nothing, then slowly, Severus started to regain his scent. The scent kept building up until it reached Harry's nose. The alpha inhaled sharply as the intoxicating scent of a crackling fire and fresh jasmine tea hit him, it was shortly followed by the undeniable scent of Omega. Harry growled as the scent aroused him. He'd never smelled anything so intoxicating during his short time as alpha. Harry licked his lips hungrily as he gazed at the omega with want. Severus bit his lip again to prevent any embarrassing sound from escaping. "I-I want you to court me, alpha."