One shots/Ideas

"I want you to court me, alpha." The sentence was enough for Harry to lose his self-control. The alpha pulled the omega to him and pressed their lips together. Severus gasped at the action and trembled as Harry moved his lips hungrily against his. The omega held onto the broad shoulders for support, feeling his knees shake. Harry finally separated them when he felt the need for air. They both panted and stared at one another with hooded lids.

"I'm glad. I will start courting you from tonight. Beware that I am possessive and overprotective," Harry whispered huskily. Severus nodded in understanding. "I don't think it's wise for you to release your scent in front of everyone but when we're alone I'd like to be able to smell you," the alpha requested. Severus nodded again in agreement. "One last thing, Severus. Whenever you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for it. If I'm going to court you and be your alpha, it is my job to provide you with anything you need." At that Severus released a lovely whine. He'd never had anyone take care of him this way. Harry was giving him space to decided but also reassuring him that he'll be there when needed. 

"Thank you alpha..." whispered Severus. However he gazed at Harry sadly causing the alpha to tense up.

"What is it, Severus?" Harry asked nervously.

"I don't think it's wise for us to meet alone Harry. If you're courting me, then our feelings will only grow stronger and I...I am not ready for intimacy other than simple things, like kissing and cuddling," he whispered with shame. Harry felt his heart flutter at the words and placed a soft kiss to his omega's lips. Severus stared in surprise at him. 

"I understand and I will be gentle," the alpha whispered. Harry stood up from his chair and smiled widely at the Headmaster. Severus also stood up albeit with difficulty as he was still dazed from the interaction. "I will see you soon, Severus." 

"See you Harry," the man replied and watched as the student left. The second the office door closed behind Harry, Severus collapsed in his chair. 

"What did I get myself into?" He whispered in shock. The portraits all chuckled at the current Headmaster's predicament. They had their own experiences with people like Harry but the attention was rarely for them. Severus on the other hand, had a very powerful alpha courting him and Harry himself had warned of his possessive and protective streaks. Severus would be lucky if he managed a month without an incident. 

On the other side of the door, Harry was practically skipping to his common room. "Woohoo!" He cheered gleefully as he did a little jump. 

"Shhhhh!" The portraits around him scolded as they tried to get some sleep. The alpha didn't care as he rushed to his dorm. When he reached the portrait of the Fat Lady he whispered the password and she allowed him entrance. It was still early so he wasn't really bothering her. When Harry entered the Gryffindor common room, he saw most of his pack sitting there, either with books or chatting. The pack leader smiled widely and walked inside. 

"Hey, I see you're all still awake?" The group of people stared at him and smiled back.

"Some of us have homework, we're helping each other," Ginny explained as she balanced a large book of Charms in her lap. Neville was beside her giving her tips on her essay. 

"You seem extra cheerful Harry, what happened?" Colin asked curiously from his chair. Harry grinned wider, causing the rest of the pack to become intrigued. 

"I think I will explain tomorrow when we're at Grimmauld place with the rest of the pack," Harry said. The school allowed packs to gather at home during Hogsmeade trips. So, Harry's pack was all going to gather at Grimmauld place. The members in the common room hummed with interested but let it go and went back to their activities. Harry walked over to Dennis, who was also sitting in a chair and holding his DADA book. The alpha approached the boy and lifted him up, only to sit down in his place and place the beta on his lap. Dennis was used to this by now. He was small and Harry felt comforted by his scent, so the alpha usually chose to cuddle him whenever he was feeling strong emotions. "Do you need any help Dennis?" Harry whispered as he nuzzled the blonde hair.

"Yes, please." Demnis knew better than to refuse. The Creevey brothers both began asking Harry questions regarding their homework and the alpha was more than happy to help. The pack remained in the common room until after 02:00, when Harry determined they'd stayed up late enough and they should get to bed. The group all grumbled as they packed their things and headed to their respective rooms. Harry and Neville went up to the highest dorm room, where they slept alongside Dean Thomas and Cormac McLaggen. McLaggen had failed his NEWTs two years ago and tried to repeat the year during the war but ultimately needed to resit it again. 

Harry and Neville entered to the loud snores of McLaggen and Dean's exasperated expression. The Muggleborn was sat up in bed with a scowl and sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time. When Dean saw his friends, he groaned and pointed at the intruder of their dorm. "Seriously, he snores like a bloody train!" He complained in a hiss. Dean was too polite to actually wake the annoying man up. Harry and Neville gave sympathetic glances for their friend. The two went straight for the double bed they shared. Harry preferred to sleep with at least one member of his pack by his side. The healers told him it was natural and he'd slowly grow out of it in time and once he gets a mate. Harry was excited by the idea of sharing a bed with Severus and the thought of having the omega's scent in his bed, nearly caused a groan to escape his lips.  

"How do you two sleep?" Dean asked as he saw Neville and Harry getting ready for bed. "I never saw either of you struggle." The Muggleborn was really curious now, as he saw them exchange glances. 

"Well...you can go to Madam Pomfrey and she'll help you," said Neville with a shrug. Dean furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. 

"She gives us calming draughts to help us sleep. They're not addictive like Dreamless Sleep and at the same time they don't knock us out completely," Harry explained. Dean made a noise of understanding and the two chuckled at his expression. Harry pulled Neville to him as they laid in bed.

The next morning Harry and his pack excitedly went down to breakfast. They hadn't overslept because they knew they could rest up back at Grimmauld place with everyone around. The pack leader was the most giddy of the bunch and it was noticeable. Many were giving Harry questioning glances as they saw the bright smile and heard his cheerful tone. Most chalked it up to his excitement at reuniting with his entire pack, others were making assumptions closer to the truth but still mistaking the identity of the person he was courting. 

Severus had also sat down for breakfast and was smiling generously, which for him meant a subtle upward tilt of the lips. No one seemed to notice the headmaster's expression except for those who knew him well or had a keen eye for these things. McGonagall and Pomona were gazing at the Potion's master curiously and giving each other glances, trying to figure out why he was so happy. Harry had spotted his courted omega and gave him a subtle nod. Severus immediately turned red at the gaze and smiled shyly at his plate. Harry smirked at the reaction, enjoying the power he had over his stoic future mate. 

After breakfast, the Potter pack gathered their things and lined up in front of the fireplace at Professor McGonagall's office. They uniformly used the floo to travel to Grimmauld place. One by one they disappeared into the green flames. Harry was the last one but before he could grab a handful of the powder, Minerva held his shoulder to stop him. "Minerva? Is something wrong?" The alpha asked in concern. The deputy only smiled.

"I do not think so, I'm just curious," she said. The student tilted his head in question at her. "Severus has requested my presence this afternoon and he seemed...a little different than yesterday. You were the last person to see him after myself. Do you have a hint as to what this is about?" The woman asked with a twinkle in her eyes. Harry's eyes widened a fraction but he'd learned to school his expression well. Still, he felt too proud to hide all of his satisfaction, so he smiled softly at her.

"I do. But I think it's Severus's right to tell you. I believe he'll be requesting an important task from you," replied the alpha. Minerva's eyes widened, Harry thought that she may have gotten the hint. 

"Well, if it's concerning the thing that I'm thinking of, he better be requesting what I hope he is," she said with a happy tone full of pride. Harry's smile widened and he grabbed the floo powder when she released his shoulder. As the alpha got inside the fireplace, Minerva spoke again. "Oh, and Mr Potter, congratulations." The statement confirmed Harry's suspicion, Minerva knew or had an idea. The alpha couldn't help feeling smug at getting approval from his head of house. 

"Thank you, Mivera," he replied and threw down the powder to be engulfed in the green flames. "No. 12 Grimmauld Place." Harry felt the pull of transportation in the floo. He closed his eyes as he got pulled through the network. He finally slowed down at the required fireplace and he hastily exited to the dining room of his house. His pack were there waiting. Many were already conversing and exchanging stories. Harry saw Andromeda sitting down with Teddy in her lap. The alpha approached them first. "Morning Andy," he greeted the older woman who smiled sweetly at him. 

"Morning Harry," she said. Teddy squealed when he saw his godfather and reached out excitedly to be held by the alpha. Harry smiled as he lifted the small boy into his arms and nuzzled his neck. 

"Morning Teddy," he whispered and placed soft kisses to the boy's head. Teddy squealed and made baby noises at his guardian. After Harry felt satisfied with greeting his pup, he turned to the rest of his pack. The Weasley twins were speaking with Hermione and Ginny. While Angelina and Katie, spoke to Ron and Neville. The Creevey brothers were playing cards on the side with Luna. Harry's alpha instincts immediately urged him to scent those of his pack that haven't been around him. 

He first approached Fred and George who were bragging about their latest invention. Socks that made any shoe fit, as long as it was the same colour. It was rather amusing if Harry was paying attention. The alpha reached them and the two gazed at him with grins. "Morning Harrikins," they said. Harry chuckled and pulled them both into a side hug on each of his sides. The twins chuckled knowingly and leaned down to allow their pack leader access to their necks. Fred was particularly affectionate as he grabbed onto Harry's hand and squeezed while they scented each other.

"You smell sweeter than usual," Harry commented. Fred hummed, too busy nuzzling the younger's neck. 

"His heat is coming next week. He's been a little clingy," George replied. Harry hummed in understanding. Heats came every four months and Omegas began to feel the effect a week or two earlier. Their senses became more heightened, they were more protective and clingy with their pack. On the other hand, ruts came every six months. Alphas also felt effects a week or two earlier. The symptoms were close to heat symptoms with the addition of alphas usually getting into fights if other alphas weren't careful around them. Unfortunately for alphas the heightened senses heightened the aggressiveness. Harry was happy that his rut would only come in December during the holidays. That way he can be surrounded by pack and avoid sending people to the hospital if he grew too possessive. 

Anyway, the alpha finally separated from the twins and went to the rest of his pack. He scented Katie and Angelina who were both very fond of it and loved cuddling. Finally, he reached Ron. Ron was the most uncomfortable with the scenting. Not because he hated it or he found Harry unreasonable but because he still felt weird to be this close to his best friend. Harry didn't just cuddle and nuzzle someone, sometimes he bit their neck on the pack bite or the back of their neck to assert dominance. Ron was very awkward in those situations since he hoped to be a pack leader when he was younger but instead he ended up joining one. He was happy but a little disappointed. 

"Morning Harry," said the youngest male Weasley. Harry smiled at his friend and pulled him into a hug. He knew that Ron felt uncomfortable with the scenting, so he tried to fight the urge and only embrace his friend and inhaled his scent. Ron held Harry tightly and was shocked to be excluded from the scenting. "Mate are you okay?" He asked worriedly. 

"Yeah, I'm perfectly well. I have some great news in fact," replied Harry, though his voice was a little strained. Ron sighed as he pulled his pack leader closer and nuzzled his neck, knowing that Harry was pushing himself to stop the scenting.

"You should do what feels right, alpha," he whispered. Harry grumbled and took what was offered, by nuzzling the pale neck. "Just because I'm an awkward prick doesn't mean you should stop doing what's right for you as my pack leader, Harry," Ron continued to say. Harry relaxed then and released his friend with a smile. 

"Thank you," he replied.

"Nah, don't mention it," said Ron with a shrug and a grin. "Right, what was the news?" 

"Oh yeah, everyone may I have your attention please," Harry called out to the pack. Everyone stopped their activities and gazed at him. "I have some news," he said with a grin. "I proposed a courtship to someone." The words fell into silence. For a few seconds no one said anything, rather shocked and caught off guard by the news. But quickly everyone recovered and they exploded in cheers and congratulations. They patted Harry's back, kissed his cheeks and gave him more hugs. The alpha thanked them for their support.

"Wait, who is it?" Asked Andromeda. The rest of the pack eagerly stared at Harry for the answer.

"Is it professor Snape?" Luna piped in. Everyone was shocked at hearing that answer. 

"What? Harry would never..." Neville began to argue.

"How did you know?" Harry interrupted. This caused everyone's jaws to drop except for Luna's and Hermione's. 

"We kind of saw how you stared at him in the past few days during meals, also your interactions during Potions, and you were so happy when you left his office last night. Luna and I have been discussing it and we kind of had a theory," Hermione explained. Harry was shocked, was he that obvious? 

"You're really courting, Snape?" Ron asked curiously. 

"Yes," Harry replied, staring warily at his pack. 

"Wow mate, honestly good luck. You're going to have your work cut out for you," said Ron with a chuckle as he patted Harry's shoulder. The statement was followed by similar congratulations and chuckles.

"You're really not mad?" Harry asked nervously. 

"Why would we be? Snape has proven to be the most conniving spy in history. He freaking made a fool out of Voldemort. He and you are very similar and I think you both deserve a chance at happiness," said Ron, matter-of-factly. Harry was once again shocked by his friend. It seemed most of his pack approved of his choice. Except for Neville and Ginny, who had their own reasons. Neville still held a bit of a grudge against Severus from their earlier school years. He was beginning to lose it but it was still not gone. Ginny on the other hand still had feelings for Harry and felt a little uncomfortable watching him with someone else.

The next day Harry was called into McGonogall's office. The teen knocked softly on the door and was granted entrance. Harry was fighting back a cocky grin, knowing what Minerva wished to discuss. When he entered the office, the woman was sat at her desk with paperwork. She glanced up at her student and appeared stoic. "Good morning Mr Potter," she greeted. 

"Good morning professor," the man replied politely, knowing this discussion couldn't be taken lightly and Minerva was fulfilling a duty. 

"Yesterday I had a chat with headmaster Snape. He has informed me of your intentions and request," she said. Her eyes betrayed her happiness as she spoke but Harry didn't comment on that and instead tilted his head in confirmation. "Well, as you know the rules of courtship are dependant on the courted and Severus would like a close to traditional courtship, meaning a chaperone on the first couple of meetings and a guardian to negotiate the terms on his behalf." The terms didn't surprise Harry. Severus wished to be careful with his heart and Harry respected that and agreed with it. He enjoyed the idea of taking it slow. 

"I understand professor, does my omega have any particular concerns I should be aware of or certain preferences when it comes to our meetings?" The alpha asked. He needed to know how many times he was allowed to meet Severus and where the omega preferred to go. 

"The reason why Severus requested my guardianship in the matter is to discuss these particular things on his behalf. He...well he doesn't have a lot of experience in this department and feels slightly overwhelmed," explained Minerva with a sigh. The teen nodded in understanding and waited for the beta to continue. "Let us start with the meetings. I propose meeting once every two weeks for the first three months. The meetings shall be in public and in the Muggle world to avoid either of you getting recognised. As for the activities, as long as they're discussed beforehand I believe you'll both learn what the other enjoys." The negotiations went on for the next half an hour. Minerva was thorough in her role, going over gifts and appropriate skin-ship. She wasn't overly strict, seeing as Harry was a gentleman and Severus was a grown man. By the end, the alpha was happy with the results.

Harry exited the room with a clear plan for his first date with Severus and an idea of a gift. Severus loved magic in all its forms and would likely immerse himself in any book that had information on magic. Harry had thought of a book from the Black family library that he’d seen a few times and was intrigued by. It was a book on the Dark Arts and very old. That seemed like the best first gift for Severus. As for the date. Harry had wanted to go to an Italian restaurant in London that the Dursleys went to a long time ago. It was one of the only times he’d been allowed to come with since the place was in London and he was only 8. 

The restaurant was fancy but not snobbish and the smell wafting from the food was incredible. Harry just needed to confirm that Severus enjoyed Italian food and they’d be on their merry way. The alpha headed back to his dorm and grabbed parchment and his quill. He wrote a letter to Severus addressing their date. 

My Dearest Severus,

I’m writing to invite you to dinner on the 20th of this month. I currently have a restaurant in mind, do you enjoy the Italian cuisine? If so, then our plans our clear. If not, please send me a list of your favourite cuisines and I shall pick one of them to dine at. 

Yours Truly

Harry Potter

P.S. you look dashing in your mahogany robes today

Harry reread his letter and smiled confidently before running out of the common room and all the way to the Owlery. He felt more excited than he’d been in a long time. This was an opportunity to start fresh and experience something for himself. He couldn’t wait to spend an entire date with Severus. Although, he knew McGonogall would have to accompany them and sit not too far away. That didn’t stop the alpha from imagining what it’s be like to have Severus all to himself. Trying to be sarcastic and cold but blushing and stuttering instead. 

Harry gave the letter to Hedwig with a treat and ordered her to deliver the letter now. He was impatient to hear the answer. The teen went down from the Owlery and headed to the Quidditch pitch. He wanted to fly a bit so he could waste time instead of constantly pacing back and forth in his room, waiting for Severus’s response. The alpha found a few of his house mates and a few Hufflepuffs on the pitch. He changed into his clothes and grabbed his new Nimbus 2001. He didn’t buy another Firebolt because it seemed irresponsible to spend all that money on a broom he won’t use for professional play. Harry left the changing rooms and went to the pitch. He mounted his broom and lifted off, with thoughts of Severus and their date at the end of the week.