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Chapter Text

Severus stood with his elbows propped on the stone bannister, looking out over the edge of the Astronomy Tower. Orange and pink hues illuminated the mountains and a warm breeze blew a strand of hair into his face. Severus irritably swatted it away. He ought to still be studying. OWLs were less than a fortnight away, but he’d already spent all day holed away in the library and his brain felt like mush after hours of working on Arthminancy problems, so when Lily had declared she was done for the day, Severus had meandered up to the Tower. Truthfully, a break was likely good for him, but he still felt antsy without his nose shoved in a book. 

“Oi, Snivellus,” called a voice that sent Severus’ blood pressure rocketing and his stomach plummeting. 

Severus whipped around to see Black strutting onto the landing with a Hufflepuff girl in their year - who Severus was fairly certain was a Beta - hanging off his arm. 

“Get lost,” Black ordered.

“I was here first. Find another place to snog,” Severus sneered, drawing his wand. There was little chance this didn’t end in spells flying.

“Let’s just go, Sirius. I don’t want any trouble,” the girl said, worrying her bottom lip as she eyed Severus nervously. It wasn’t exactly a secret that Severus’ repertoire of hexes and curses was nasty, to say the least.

Black eyes’, however, stayed fixed on Severus and the little hope he’d had Black would bend to his date’s wishes promptly vanished.

“I was hoping you would be a stubborn git,” Black grinned, an almost feral glint in his eyes as he drew his wand and pointed it at Severus.

The girl huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, mumbling something about Alpha’s and pissing contests. It wasn’t that most assumed Severus was an Alpha - an aggressive, quick-witted Beta more like as he certainly didn’t have a typical Alpha physique - but he certainly went toe to toe with a band of Alphas and their Beta sidekick, Pettigrew, on a far more frequent basis than he’d like. 

“Doesn’t seem like a good idea to get your date all pissed with you,” Severus drawled, jerking his head at the sour-faced Hufflepuff as he made one last stab at convincing Black to leave him alone.

“What would you know about dates?” Black jeered, a cruel gleam in his eyes. 

The barb hit harder than Severus would ever admit and he snarled at Black, blood pounding in his ears. The Gryffindor fired a bright blue hex at Severus and he spun out of the way, already flinging a hex back at the other boy.

“I’m going before you two land yourselves in detention and me along with you,” cried the Hufflepuff girl, sending Black a sharp glare before fleeing down the stairs.

“You’re an idiot,” Severus scoffed, as he deflected a bolt of white headed for his midsection. 

“Better than Death Eater wannabe scum like you,” Black retorted hotly.

Severus growled, the heat flooding through him increasing in intensity. 

“What’s that smell?” Black gasped, stumbling into the stone bannister as his silvery eyes began to swim with… could that be desire ?

Ice flooded Severus’ veins. He was simultaneously burning up - a feverish heat overtaking him - and deeply chilled. He was going into heat. This couldn’t be happening now, not in front of Black. It was three days early. He’d had his first heat about a year and a half ago, and they’d been fairly consistent for a year now. Severus fumbled for the vial of heat suppressant in his robes, his fingers trembling and damp with sweat. He yanked the cork out with his teeth, not daring to holster his wand. 

“What’s that?” Black demanded, lunging at Severus.

The vial slipped from his fingers, smashing into the stone beneath their feet. Severus could only watch in horror as the potion hissed and fizzed. It was a finicky brew; there was nothing to do now but vanish it. The potion could no longer be consumed. 

This couldn’t be happening. It felt like a troll was sitting on his chest, slowly crushing him. Severus couldn’t breathe and his vision darkened at the edges. The thought of going through that agony again made his heart pound erratically in his throat, every pulse sending a hot wave flooding through him down to his fingertips. 

Severus had only been through one heat without a heat suppressant. His first and it had been hell. He’d spent it locked away in a spare classroom, sweating and shivering for hours as everything blurred around him, a dull ache permeating through every inch of his body. He was pretty sure he'd fainted at least once while his body had been ablaze for that awful, horribly long two days. By the end, every drop of energy had been sucked out of him and it had taken him hours more to muster the strength to stagger back to the Slytherin dorms.

“Snape,” Black called, cutting through the fog. “Was that a heat suppressant?”

Severus shook his head frantically, his heart clenching. No one knew his secret except for Lily and Regulus; it needed to stay that way. If it got out his life would be ruined, but with the way Black was looking at him… The Alpha knew. It had hardly been a surprise when Potter and Black - and Lupin too just to make it sting a little more - presented as Alphas mere weeks after Severus’ first heat given that they’d always been arrogant, egotistical twats, but it had still felt like another cruel, sick joke. The only saving grace had been that the quartet of Gryffindor hellions hadn’t known he was an Omega, but now…

“Blimey, I didn’t mean… let me take you to the Hospital Wing,” Black said urgently, sounding almost pleading, almost desperate. 

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Severus spat, shuffling backwards on legs that already felt like they were turning to jello. 

“I can’t leave you here like this,” Black argued, widely waving his arm about in Severus’ direction.

“Oh, spare me your Alpha bullshit,” Severus sneered, “We hate each, remember?”

“Er, yeah, right,” Black mumbled, but he remained rooted to the spot, his eyes glued to Severus.

“Leave,” Severus ordered through gritted teeth. The heat curling in his stomach was becoming increasingly unbearable and the smell wafting off Black only made him dizzier. 

“I can’t,” Black whispered, his fingers clenching around a jagged rock protruding from the bannister. The Alpha quite honestly looked nearly as unsteady on his feet as Severus felt. 

Black took a step closer. Severus tried to take one backwards, but his legs refused to move.

“Bloody hell,” Black murmured, “Your smell it’s -” he broke off, a dark flush creeping up his neck and painting his cheeks.

“Intoxicating,” Severus breathed, his voice barely audible, but Black clearly heard him as the Alpha nodded, looking almost like he was in a trance. 

Black’s hand wrapped around Severus’ bicep, tugging him closer.  

Fuck . Rationally Severus knew he should flee, but he could barely think past the heat coursing through him and the smell drawing him to Black. 

“Shit,” Black cursed, releasing Severus and stumbling backwards. 

Good. This was good, Severus told himself. Black was still in control enough to know they shouldn’t let this go any further. Severus was the one in heat. Black should be able to maintain at least some of the shreds of the limited sanity the moron normally possessed. 

Severus squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to breathe through the agony engulfing him. 

“I still think we should go to the Hospital Wing, but if you won’t then let’s at least sit down. You look like you’re about to topple over.”

Severus pried his eyes open. Why the hell was Black still here? He willed himself to move, but his legs were terribly wobbly. It was a rather monumental feat that he was still standing.

The Alpha grabbed Severus’ hand and pulled him to the floor with mortifying ease. Severus slumped against the bannister, turning his head away from Black. It was unwise to look at the Gryffindor and his stupidly handsome face right now, but he couldn’t bring himself to rip his hand from the other boy’s grasp. 

“You okay?” Black asked softly.

“Bloody fantastic,” Severus spat, digging his fingernails into his palm with his free hand.

“I didn’t know you were an Omega,” Black mumbled, his thumb brushing over the back of Severus’ hand.

Severus wrenched his hand away from Black and pinned him with a glare. “What does it matter?” he snarled.

“Well, um…” Black rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“I’m not weak or some bloody damsel in distress. I don’t need anyone to take care of me, so get your head out of your arse and leave me alo-”

Lips smashed into Severus’ mouth, cutting him off. Severus gasped into Black’s mouth, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Snogging Black felt so good, so right. Sparks of heat jolted through him and his skin tingled. 

Strong arms wrapped around Severus yanking him closer until he was practically sitting on Black's lap. One of Black’s arms stayed fastened around Severus’ waist while the other reached up, his fingers tangling in Severus’ hair, tugging lightly. Severus melted into Black as the Alpha’s scent engulfed him, snuffing out all coherent thought. Black’s tongue flicked against Severus’ lips and he parted his lips, allowing Black to shove his tongue down his throat.

“Fuck, sorry,” Black gasped, pulling back, but not letting go of Severus. “We really should go to the Hospital Wing. I can carry you if -”

“No,” Severus exclaimed, the sound of Black’s voice dragging him out of his haze - well, somewhat - and he futilely attempted to wriggle out of Black’s grasp. 

“Snape, I can't,” Black ground out, his eyes gleaming hungrily. “We’re going to the Hospital Wing. Even if I have to drag your arse there kicking and screaming.”

“I thought Alphas took what they wanted,” Severus goaded, jutting his chin out defiantly.  

A shiver ran down Severus’ spine at the barely restrained desire rolling off the Alpha. Perhaps, the barb was unwise. This was still Black - one of the boys who thought it was brilliant fun to make his life hell - even if the feeling of his hands and lips eased the burning and suffocating heat.

“Oof.” Severus’ back smacked against the ground, the air wrenched from his lungs. Before he could catch his breath Black was on top of him, kissing him so roughly he could taste blood.

Black fumbled with Severus’ robes, reaching inside. Severus whimpered and clutched at Black’s robes.

“Tell me to stop,” Black breathed into Severus’ ear, as his teeth grazed along the sensitive skin.

It was an unfair ask — an impossible ask. His head spun and heat pooled in his stomach, rising and demanding to be quenched. He couldn’t tell Black to stop, not right now. Severus could only frantically kiss Black as his hand was guided into the Alpha's robes, his trembling fingers wrapping around Black’s hard length. There was no stopping this now.

Chapter Text

Sirius awoke with a start. He was hard. 

Fuck . 

It wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t for the image and bloody scent that refused to budge from his mind. 

Snivellus. 

Sirius had always been a tad obsessed with the slimy git, but since that night he hadn’t been able to get the Slytherin out of his head. How could someone like Snivellus smell so bloody good? And how could he be an Omega in the first place? 

Sirius hadn’t thought the other boy was an Alpha - in fact, he’d taken great joy in rubbing it in Snape’s face that he, James, and Remus were Alphas - but he certainly hadn’t suspected Snape was an Omega. Even if he had, he would’ve laughed in anyone’s face if they tried to claim he would find Snape’s scent pleasant. Pleasant. If only. Pleasant was such an understatement, it was ridiculous to even call it that. 

Sirius had tried to go back to normal and pretend he hadn’t fucked the Slytherin until the Omega passed out and then snuck him down to the Room of Requirement where he wrapped Snape in cooling blankets and coaxed some water into him when he blearily half-woke-up. 

It had been a mostly successful endeavour, but a tiny traitorous part of Sirius craved Snape despite everything wrong with the Slytherin. Thank Merlin, by the time Sirius saw Snape in class, he seemed to have recovered and no longer smelled like a flower bouquet that had been hit repeatedly with an amplifier charm. He had to be using scent blockers - something Sirius fully supported for various reasons including that Mother thought they were blasphemous and most importantly it prevented him from losing his mind over Snape’s scent. 

Sirius had even turned the Slytherin’s skin pink with the other Marauders a week later and egged James on at the lake after their Charms OWL until a feeling he didn’t care to identify swelled up inside him and words came tumbling out of his lips. Fortunately, those words were suggesting James dump Snivellus in the lake and not something that would have made him look completely barmy like ‘Don’t you ever touch him again. He’s m-’ Nope, absolutely not. He refused to even think it. 

Sirius hopped to his feet and stormed into the bathroom. He turned the water on as cold as it went and stood underneath the frigid spray until he was shivering and decidedly not hard. Wanking was not an option, not after the dream he woke up from.

Sirius collapsed back onto his bed, staring at the posters of motorcycles and bikini-clad muggle women he’d stuck to his walls. He’d gotten them from a muggle-born on the Gryffindor Quidditch team; he and the other Marauders spent ages layering protective charms over them then he’d stuck them to his walls using both a sticking charm and highly adhesive potion. When Regulus had first seen them his face had drained of colour and he shakily told Sirius that Mother was going to kill him. The punishment had been worth watching Mother howl and shriek at the sight of them, especially when her initial attempts to remove them failed. 

Sirius sighed and picked up a Quidditch book James had given him off his nightstand and began to thumb through it. On good days summer was mind-numbingly boring. On bad days… Well, it was best not to dwell on bad days. 

Around noon Kreacher called Sirius for lunch and he grudgingly slouched downstairs. Mother wrinkled her nose at his wrinkled robes. Regulus - the pompous little prick - was dressed in freshly pressed deep blue robes. Mother too looked like she thought she was dining with the bloody Queen and not having lunch in their dining room. 

“You will need to change before we meet with Mister Tannehill,” Mother sniffed, peering down her nose at him disdainfully. 

Sirius groaned and slumped in his chair. Tannehill managed their investment properties and was a bigot, not to mention a complete bore. “Can’t you just take Regulus?”

Mother pinned him with a stern glare. When he’d sorted Gryffindor, his parents had started shifting more of their focus onto Regulus, but after he presented as an Alpha they’d rejuvenated their efforts of attempting to make him into a proper heir. If Regulus presented as an Alpha, they’d likely return to looking for an excuse to disinherit him if he didn’t fall in line, which Sirius had no intention of doing.  Admittedly Sirius found it increasingly unlikely his brother was an Alpha the longer Regulus remained lithe and a head shorter than him. He could only hope his baby brother was a Beta — no matter how insufferable he was — given what being an Omega would mean for his little brother’s future in a family like theirs.

“You will both attend and behave,” Mother ordered.

“Yes, Mother,” Regulus said quickly.

Sirius repressed a snort. The thinly veiled threat wasn’t even directed at Regulus.

“Sirius?” Mother prompted, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“Yes, Mother,” Sirius muttered darkly. 

The meeting was dreadfully boring as Sirius suspected it would be. At least it only took two hours. Often the tedious rubbish Mother or Father dragged him to went on for ages. As soon as Sirius stumbled out of the fireplace, he darted up the stairs and flung himself onto his crimson bedspread. He stared at the picture of himself and the other Marauders on his bedside table fantasizing about being back at Hogwarts; away from his horrid family and this wretched house.

“Sirius Orion Black, downstairs now!” Mother’s shriek pierced through the air, carrying up easily through the floorboards.

Sirius groaned and didn’t move for a beat and then another before rolling off the bed.

“What?” Sirius called testily as he thudded down the stairs.

Mother and Regulus stood in the foyer, Mother’s face twisted with rage and Regulus sickly pale, but it was the third person that made Sirius’ mouth drop open — Snivellus.

***

Three Hours Earlier

Severus sat on the cracked toilet lid, digging his fingernails into his palm until they left indentations. His stomach lurched again and he dropped to the grimy, cracked tiled floor, flinging the toilet lid open and retching. He squeezed his eyes shut, trembling hands clutching the toilet seat as if clinging tight enough would somehow save him. 

This couldn’t be happening. It had been one bloody time and now his heat was over a fortnight late and he couldn’t stop sicking up. 

Severus slumped down and banged his head against the drawer door under the sink that refused to stay closed. His fingers itched to check the stick, but it hadn’t been long enough yet. Thirty blood minutes. Severus knew he should be grateful; a few short years ago it would’ve taken two hours and only if he could get his hands on the stuff, but he wasn’t. At school, he could’ve brewed a potion to test. At school, he could brew the potion to get rid of it. 

Severus sat staring up at the ceiling with its peeling paint and layer of mould. He hated it here. Hogwarts was hell, but here was infinitely worse, especially since Lily was still refusing to speak to him. 

After what felt like ages, Severus reached up and snatched the pregnancy stick he’d nicked from the shop off the rim of the sink. 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

It was blue. He couldn’t breathe; his throat was closing up; his heart was going to rip out of his chest. 

He was pregnant, and not only was he pregnant, but he was pregnant with Black’s spawn and not the Black who was his friend. Severus hurled the ruddy pregnancy test across the bathroom, letting out a deranged howl. He didn’t have the money for a muggle abortion and by the time he was back at Hogwarts it would be too late for the potion… but he couldn’t keep it. He couldn’t be a parent and he certainly couldn’t tie himself to the boy who had spent the last five years tormenting him. 

How could he have been so stupid? How could he have let this happen? Well, he knew the answer to those questions, but he didn’t want to think about what happened that night. It was all a haze anyway blurred by his heat and Black’s scent, which infuriatingly refused to budge from his mind, calling him to like a bloody siren song. 

Ugh, he should've hexed Black or gone to the Hospital Wing even if it meant his Omega status being registered. Hell, he should’ve chucked himself off the Astronomy Tower or done anything other than shag his mortal enemy. 

Severus staggered to his feet and plodded down the stairs. Mum was still curled up on the couch, her eyes glazed over; clearly strung out. Severus curled his bottom lip in disgust and slunk outside. 

Lily. His former best friend was the only option he had. Severus knew Lily was pissed with him, but surely this was more important. If he could just get her to listen, maybe she’d help. Severus hurried along the familiar winding roads towards the Evans house. Once he crossed the bridge that divided their town in two - the well-to-do and the rubbish - the houses he passed no longer had holes in the roofs, smashed-in windows, or missing bricks. He came to a halt in the Evans backyard. 

Severus crept through the garden until he was below Lily’s window. He curled his fingers around a small rock and tossed it at the window. It made a soft clinking sound. Nothing. Severus threw another rock; this time with a bit more force. 

Severus gritted his teeth and called, “Lily, Lily please!”

There was no answer, but Severus saw a shadow move. Lily was there. She was just refusing to answer. Severus collapsed against bricks warmed by the late afternoon sun, willing himself not to cry. 

‘That’s what you call every one of my kind!’

‘We’re done, Snape.’

Lily’s words echoed in Severus’ ears, stabbing at his chest mercilessly. If Potter and Black hadn’t been utter wankers, he wouldn’t have said it . Well, mostly Potter, but Black had been there too, egging Potter on as the arse hung Severus upside down, his robes falling above his head despite his struggle to cover himself. 

It had only been when Potter had suggested removing Severus’ pants that Black had faltered. Their eyes met, something flickering between them, and for a brief foolish moment Severus thought Black was going to tell Potter off, but then Black was laughing and telling Potter to drop him in the lake instead because no one wanted to see that - the wanker certainly hadn’t been of that opinion a couple of weeks prior when he fucked Severus. Being tossed in the lake was hardly a grand time, but it was better than the alternative. Severus knew better than to mistake it as a kindness on Black’s part though. It was probably some sort of twisted possessive Alpha rubbish. 

Even with all that, if Severus hadn’t seen a hint of a smile on Lily’s face… he still shouldn’t have called his best mate a mudblood and now he was going to pay dearly for it. 

“Snape,” a shrill voice called.

“Tuney,” Severus drawled, rising to his feet to face Lily’s bitchy older sister.

“You’re stinking up the place,” Petunia sniffed, “Lily doesn’t want to see you. Seems she’s finally realized you’re a nasty blighter like I’ve always told her, so get lost.”

“I just need to speak with her for a few minutes,” Severus said, trying to hide the desperation in his voice.

Petunia snickered, “Riff-raff like you isn’t welcome here. Scram before I call the coppers.”

“Careful, Tuney, next time I might not miss,” Severus sneered, eyeing the tree branch hanging above them.

Petunia paled and stumbled backwards. “I’m not scared of you, Snape,” she snarled.

“You should be,” Severus hissed back before storming off, blood pounding in his ears. 

Even the fear shining in Petunia’s eyes didn’t improve Severus’s mood. He was royally fucked. If Lily wouldn't help him then what next?

Severus banged into the house with more noise than wise, stomping through the living room.

“Why isn’t dinner on, brat?” Da snarled.

Severus groaned and spun on his heel to face his father as he lumbered out of the kitchen, a bottle of whiskey already half-empty in one of his beefy hands. 

Probably because there’s next to nothing in the kitchen, Severus thought snidely. He managed to bite his tongue before those particular words spilt out.

“Sorry, sir,” Severus ground out. 

“Useless welp,” grumbled Da as he lurched over to the couch, collapsing onto it. “Get to work, bitch,” he growled, grabbing Mum roughly by the arm and yanking her forward and off the couch.

Mum dazedly got to her feet and followed Severus into the kitchen. Her eyes were less dilated than when Severus left and she actually began to chop an onion while Severus put on rice. The pungent sulfur smell wafting from the onions was too much. Severus’s vision blurred and he stumbled to the sink, sicking up the meagre contents of his stomach then proceeded to dry heave for a good thirty seconds after.

“You stupid little whore,” Mum spat, a rare clarity in her eyes, “Who did you open your legs up for?”

Severus whipped his mouth off with his sleeve and glared at Mum coldly. “No one.”

“Don’t lie to me, you think I don’t know the signs.” Mum’s hands were suddenly grabbing at Severus’s stomach and nipples, pressing and prodding as if it would provide her with some sort of answer. Severus grabbed her wrist, pushing her hand away as he suppressed a wince. How had Mum known? Severus hadn’t even told his parents he was an Omega. Only Lily and Regulus knew, and unfortunately Black. At least Black had shockingly kept his trap shut. Severus had numbly stumbled through the days after they’d shagged - barely able to sleep or eat - waiting for his secret to spread through the school like wildfire and for all his plans to go up in smoke.

“Whose spawn?” Mum demanded again.

Before Severus could say anything else a bottle came soaring through the air. Severus ducked out of the way and it smashed into the cupboard. 

“Suppose I should’ve known you were a pathetic little Omega — what with how much of a sissy you’ve always been,” Da bellowed, his face rapidly going from deep red to a violent purple. “But how dare you get knocked up? Was it with another one of your sort?”

Da advanced on Severus. He stumbled backwards, but there was nowhere to go. Da’s large calloused hand closed around Severus’ bicep; if he squeezed much tighter the bone might snap. 

“Black’s,” Severus whimpered, uttering the name, making him want to sob as much as the vice-like grip on his arm. 

“I will not have more demon spawn in this house,” roared Da, slamming Severus into the wall, “Get out!” he shouted, flinging him to the floor. 

Severus cast a pleading look up at Mum. He wasn’t expecting much; Mum was generally completely useless, but…

Mum turned and rummaged around in the drawers, pulling out a small pouch. She withdrew seven sickles and tossed them on the floor. Severus stared at them as they rolled along the rotting floorboards. A note was thrust into his face with an address scribbled on it.

“For the Knight Bus. Let the Black’s deal with the half-breed bastard,” Mum sneered. 

Severus dug his fingernails into his palm. Hypocrite — as if she wasn’t the one who had sullied her lineage when she ran off with a muggle.

“And don’t you come crawling back, you hear?” Da added with a snarl. 

Severus clamoured to his feet, scooping up the coins and fleeing. Iron bands were constricting around his chest and the world was spinning. His arm ached and there was dull throbbing in his head. The sharp, stabbing pain in his wrist told him it was probably sprained to boot. 

What was he supposed to do? He had seven sickles, his wand, a couple vials of scent blockers and a vial of heat suppressant - not that the heat suppressant had much use at this point - and the ratty clothes on his back. He didn’t even have his trunk. He could climb back in through the window and try to sneak it out, but if he was caught… Severus shuddered. 

Besides, his trunk would slow him down. If he was going to have to fend for himself on the streets, he couldn’t afford to lug around a trunk. He would need to be quick. The streets were dangerous, but when he ran out of scent blockers they would be deadly. Was going to the Blacks truly the best option he had? Severus nearly laughed, picturing the horror on Black’s face if he showed up claiming he was carrying the Gryffindor’s child. From what Regulus had told her the Black matriarch would be nearly as appalled at the sight of him. Perhaps, he should go just to see the look on Black’s face when he told him. Couldn’t hide that he’d shagged Snivellus if he was pregnant with the arsehole’s spawn. 

Severus threw his wand in the air, spurred by desperation and a crazed desire to see Black suffer.

Bang!

A triple-decker, disgustingly purple bus materialized in front of Severus. He quickly handed over the sickles and told the conductor his destination. Severus sighed and took a seat in one of the mismatched chairs by the window. He hoped there wouldn’t be many stops on the way to Grimmauld Place, as he looked at the several witches and wizards who were picking themselves up off the floor having been flung from their seats when the bus abruptly stopped at Spinner's End. Grimmauld Place wasn’t too far away, but the Knight Bus’s pathing seemed largely incoherent. 

Severus wrinkled his nose at the unpleasant mixture of frog spawn, cockroaches, and custard creams that were scattered over the floor the row behind him. 

The bus started off again swaying ominously. Severus preemptively grabbed a hold of a candle holder and was grateful he did when with another tremendous bang they were all flung backwards. They were now barreling down a motorway, swerving past a line of cars. Severus’s stomach revolted, but fortunately, there was nothing left to sick up, so he merely doubled over, gagging as he clung to the candle holder. 

At long last the Knight Bus rolled to a halt in front of a line of unassuming houses. Severus hurriedly disembarked, relieved to be off the wretched bus. He stared at the line of houses, his breathing growing panicked as he saw no Number Twelve. There was Number Eleven and then Thirteen. The other side didn’t have a Number Twelve either. Had Mum been playing one last cruel joke, Severus wondered, but as he stepped closer, Numbers Eleven and Thirteen appeared to be pushed to the side as another house popped into existence. 

Severus nervously approached the door. Who knew what sort of jinxes and curses a family like the Black’s had even on their front porch. He made it up to the door without being smited out of existence; probably, the best thing that had happened to him all day. He hesitantly grasped the twisted serpent-shaped silver knocker and slammed it down firmly twice, holding his breath. 

A moment later the door swung open to reveal Regulus.

“Severus,” Regulus gasped, his eyes flying wide and his jaw going slack.

“I -I,” Severus began, but couldn’t make his mouth form any more words. 

Regulus’ eyes flicked to his clothes and Severus felt a sudden intense humiliation. Regulus was dressed in dark blue silk robes while he was wearing muggles rags. He should’ve at least attempted a gambit to snag a pair of his school robes even if the whole trunk was too risky.

“Regulus, who is it?” called a shrill voice. 

Regulus’ face drained of colour and his eyes darted around frantically, but before he could say anything further a dark-haired stern-faced woman swept into the doorway next to him. Her face twisted with disgust at the sight of Severus. 

“Do you know this — this creature ?” the Black matriarch demanded harshly.

Regulus winced, “He’s in Slytherin, the year above me.” 

“A Slytherin?” the woman gasped, sounding as if she’d been gravely offended. “And what is your family name, boy?”

“Snape, he’s a half-blood, Mother,” Regulus said quickly before Severus could answer. “A Prince through his mother’s side.”

“And what is it that you want, half-breed?”

Severus’s palms felt damp and he rubbed them on his tattered trousers. He opened his mouth, but it felt like a snitch was lodged in his throat. 

“Well?” the Black matriarch promoted. 

“I'mpregnant,” Severus blurted out, the words blending together.

Regulus somehow grew even paler and his mouth dropped open; his mother's eyes narrowed and her nose twitched.

“Inside,” she hissed.

Severus darted inside and the woman slammed the door shut behind him.

“You’re claiming to be pregnant with Regulus’ child?” Lady Black snarled, whirling to face her son. 

Regulus shook his head frantically and stuttered, “I-I d-didn’t, right?” He turned to Severus, eyes wide and panicked as if they could have somehow accidentally shagged and he'd forgotten. 

“Not yours,” Severus whispered, unable to meet Regulus’ eyes. 

“Sirius?” Regulus sputtered. 

Severus nodded; a swarm of pixies taking up residence in his stomach again. 

“That’s - how - that's,” gaped Regulus. 

“I'll get rid of it. I just need the potion,” Severus said hurriedly. Surely, the Black’s wouldn’t want a child with even a hint of dirty blood. 

The Black matriarch's face turned a deep scarlet. “How dare you suggest such a barbaric act, you little chit?” she shrieked, “If you truly carry my son’s child, then it is a child of the Black line even if its blood will be impure.” She turned and bellowed up the stairs, “Sirius Orion Black, downstairs now!”

There was a moment of silence and then thumping on the stairs. 

“What?” Black called irritably. The Gryffindor skidded to a halt in the foyer and his jaw unhinged. “What the hell are you doing here, Snivellus?” he growled. 

“This little half-blood brat is claiming to be pregnant with your child,” Lady Black spat. 

“That can't be… I - we,” Black ran a hand through his hair, aggressively pulling at it, “you're lying.”

“I'm not, you're the only one I've slept with,” Severus hissed, clenching his fists at his side and pinning Black with a ferocious glare. 

Black went a milky white, tinged with a putrid green. “You sure, you're pregnant?” he demanded shakily.

“Yes,” Severus snarled.

Black groaned, “Bloody hell, get rid of it then.”

A bolt of white light flew at Black; he danced out of the way only to trip over a peculiar-shaped cloak rack. His mother snarled and grabbed him by the arm, jabbing her wand into his side. 

“Say that again and I will stick your tongue to the roof for the rest of the summer holiday,” Lady Black shouted into her son’s ear. “Every child with Black blood is precious, as is every child born from an Omega of one of the old Houses even with his sullied blood.”

Black yelped and wrenched his arm free, stumbling backwards and clutching his side where his mother had hexed him. 

“You have disgraced our family again, but I will not allow you to escape your responsibility and I will ensure your heir is a proper Black unlike you,” Lady Black snapped, “You will marry the Omega -”

“I’m not marrying Snivellus!” Black bellowed, “He’s an evil, creepy -”

“Like I want to marry a tosser like you,” Severus interjected snidely, “I’d take the giant squid or a troll over you!”

The floor rushed up at Severus and he threw out an arm, pain spasming through his elbow and down his forearm. Black was half on top of him, panting. His smell crashed into Severus, knocking the little air still in his lungs out of him. At least it wasn’t as overwhelming as during his heat, the scent blockers somewhat muting it without his heat overpowering their effects.

“Leave him alone,” Black growled.

Severus felt like he’d taken a bludger to the gut. Black hadn’t tackled him to hurt him, but to protect him. The bloody Gryffindor was bodily shielding him from his mother who was pointing her wand at the pair of them, fury swirling in her eyes. 

Chapter Text

Sirius glared up at Mother defiantly, his chin jutted out and arms flung wide. A nasty boil oozed and pulsed on his shoulder. 

“You wish to protect that insolent Omega when he speaks to you in a manner so ill-befitting of someone of his status?” Mother sneered.

“Our way of flirting, Mother,” Sirius jeered. 

Mother scoffed and sheathed her wand. “Listen carefully, half-breed, my son may be a disgrace, but he is a pureblood Alpha of the finest breeding. You will be grateful and know your place.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Snape muttered darkly. 

“Now apologize to your Alpha,” Mother ordered.

For a brief glorious moment, Sirius thought Snape was going to fling a hex at Mother, but then a blank mask slipped over his face.

“Apologies,” Snape said in an impressively bland voice.

Mother tutted. 

Snape’s mask slipped and his fists clenched. “Apologies, Alpha ,” he hissed.

“All good,” Sirius said hurriedly, shoving down the possessive warmth frothing low in his belly. He refused to play Mother’s game and it wasn’t like he had any desire to be Snape’s Alpha.

Sirius glanced at Regulus. Their eyes met and Regulus blinked in understanding, sending a small measure of relief flooding through Sirius.

“Mother, if I may,” Regulus began, bowing his head respectfully - the bloody brown-noser. At least, right now his bootlicking was helpful. 

“Go on,” Mother allowed.

“May I take Severus upstairs and get him more suitable attire?”

Mother pursed her lips, but then nodded curtly. Regulus grabbed Snape by the wrist and he scrambled to his feet. The pair hurried down the hallway and up the stairs, leaving Sirius alone with Mother.

“Kreacher,” Mother barked. There was a loud crack and their wretched house elf appeared, immediately dropping into a low bow. “We require a paternity potion at once.”

“Yes, Mistress,” Kreacher said, bowing again. His beady eyes narrowed on Sirius and he glared back at the house elf before Kreacher disapperated with a pop. 

“Get out of my sight, you despicable boy,” Mother spat, turning back to Sirius.

Sirius jumped to his feet and darted up the stairs, nearly breaking into a run. He barrelled past Regulus’ room, doubling back when he heard Regulus curse - an unusual occurrence from his prim and proper brother. Sirius tip-toed closer and pressed his ear to the slim gap between the door and the wall.

“Why?” Regulus demanded, his voice shaking, “Unless…” his voice grew soft, “Did he rape you?” 

Sirius felt like a snitch had been jammed down his throat and he had to clamp a hand over his mouth to muffle the gagging sound. Snape hadn’t said anything back yet. Sirius’ heart was beating so loudly he could barely hear anything over the rushing in his ears and feared the Slytherins would hear it too. One minute they’d been snarling insults at each other, wands raised and then the smell had hit Sirius like a bloody train. It had been so sweet, so intoxicating Sirius could barely breathe, barely think. A mistake. The worst mistake of Sirius’ life. 

“No,” Snape groaned, “I - It didn’t mean anything. An accident.”

“An accident?” Regulus laughed harshly, “What did you slip and fall?” 

“Don’t think I won’t hex you, Regulus Black,” Snape hissed. 

“Seems like you should be hexing Sirius, not me,” Regulus grumbled. 

“Fair, but I always want to hex your brother,” Snape snorted. 

“Exactly my point. You hate each other. I don’t understand,” Regulus said more gently. ‘Sev -”

“I went into heat, okay?” Snape spat, his voice going up an octave.

“You were in heat?” Regulus demanded, “How dare he?”

“Regulus, he didn’t -” Snape began.

“You were vulnerable and he took advantage of you,” Regulus hissed.

“I’m not some damsel in distress,” Snape retorted sharply. “Besides, I never took you as a beacon of Omega rights.”

Sirius couldn’t see Regulus, but he could practically feel him wincing. “I don’t necessarily agree with all the rhetoric, especially in Slytherin, but -” Regulus wavered.

“I understand. You don’t want anything to get back to your parents," Snape sighed.

“I’m sorry and look I know you’re brilliant and tough, but when an Omega is in heat… what happened to your potion anyway?”

‘Vial broke,” Snape groaned, “Can we please stop talking about this now?”

“Alright, I'll drop it for now. Come on, let’s pick you out a pair of robes. Most of mine should fit you well enough,” Regulus said in a soft sweet voice he hadn’t used with Sirius in years. 

“First,” drawled Snape, “we have a rat.” 

The door smacked Sirius in the face and he staggered backwards, rubbing his nose. 

“It’s impolite to eavesdrop, Black,” Snape smirked. 

“Now, that's no way to talk to an Alpha, little Omega,” Sirius tutted mockingly, a jeer aimed to hit where he knew it would hurt slipping out of his lips on instinct. 

Snape’s cheeks flushed, but before he could respond, Regulus stepped between them.

“What a chivalrous Gryffindor you are mocking the boy you knocked up and here I thought you were all progressive ,” Regulus taunted.

Sirius opened his mouth but then snapped it shut again. 

“No clever retort, hmm?” Regulus grinned smugly, “Now scram.” 

Regulus slammed the door shut and Sirius stared at it for a moment before snapping out of it and trudging to his room, his stomach twisting. It had been a low blow - something Mother would say, practically had said less than five minutes ago. He should’ve just made a jab about the muggle rags Snape had shown up wearing or his greasy hair, but years of rivalry had the barb he knew would sting the most flying out of his mouth. 

He’d never seen Snape wear anything other than second-hand school robes before, but today he had shown up in muggle clothes. Sirius knew Snape was a half-blood, but he’d never actually pictured the Slytherin wearing anything muggle. Snape was a blood-purist prick, the same as nearly every other Slytherin. Seeing his tattered, grease-stained trousers and dark cotton shirt that went to his wrists with what looked like a muggle band on the front was disconcerting. Of course, Snape’s clothes paled in comparison to what was supposedly growing inside him.

With that awful thought, Sirius collapsed onto his bed, seizing his pillow and punching it repeatedly. This couldn’t be happening. It had been one night. It wasn’t fair. 

It wasn’t like Sirius went around shagging people left and right. Sure, he’d snogged plenty of birds and blokes over the last few years and had even gotten a couple to blow him this last year, but never further than that. 

He’d never wanted it quite like he had that night. He’d never smelled an Omega so bloody tantalizing, and he’d caught whiffs of quite a few even if most of his rendezvous were with Betas. Most Omegas whose parents allowed them to continue at Hogwarts after they presented used heat suppressants but far fewer opted to use scent blockers.

Ugh, he should’ve fled the moment the scent hit him, but it hadn’t just been desire that had washed over him, but a surge of protectiveness. Leaving the Omega there alone and vulnerable would've gone against every instinct coursing through him. Even seeing Snape today, that feeling was far more prevalent than he’d like, considering he’d prefer it to be non-existent.

Sirius screamed into his pillow until he was hoarse and then chucked it at the wall. Panting, Sirius slumped down. He felt utterly drained; like he’d just come from a gruelling five-hour Quidditch practice, but without the accompanying ravenous hunger. His stomach was churning like it did right before the full moon back during that tortuous time span where they knew about Remus but weren’t yet animagus. How could he survive this? And if Mother truly made Snape keep it, how was Sirius supposed to explain to his mates that he’d knocked up Snivellus? He couldn’t marry Snape. He refused. At least he and Snape agreed on that .  Sirius closed his eyes, desperately hoping this was some fucked up nightmare he would wake up from.

***

“Young Master,” sneered Kreacher, yanking Sirius out of his half-asleep state.

“What?” Sirius grumbled, glowering at Kreacher who was staring at him with an almost manic gleam in his eyes. How Regulus liked the little beast, Sirius didn’t have a clue. 

“Mistress is wanting you. Kreacher suggests young Master obey.”

Sirius shot Kreacher the bird but rolled out of bed and trudged downstairs. Regulus and Snape were already waiting with Mother. Snape was wearing Regulus’ emerald and black robes, his customary scowl on his face. 

Mother held out a vial to Sirius and another to Snape. 

“Bottoms up,” Sirius said wryly before throwing the potion back, gagging at the vile taste.

Snape cautiously sniffed the potion before tipping it back. The four of them stood in heavy silence as the seconds ticked past. Perhaps, Snape was wrong and he wasn’t even pregnant, Sirius thought, a burst of hope rushing through him. 

Snape gasped and clutched his stomach, which was glowing. Sirius watched in horror as slowly a strand of light extended and floated towards him; eventually connecting to his chest. 

Snape was pregnant and it was his. Sirius felt like he’d been hit in the knees with a jelly-leg jinx; he nearly toppled over, but Regulus grabbed his arm keeping him upright. 

“A perpetual disappointment,” scoffed Mother, and for once Sirius agreed with her. 

The golden glow faded, but Sirius couldn’t stop seeing it. He wanted Snape to disappear. He wanted to disappear. He wanted to go back to this morning before his life had been shattered into a million pieces. 

The floo burst to life and Father appeared in a whirl of green. He nodded in greeting at them before catching sight of Snape.

“Who might this young man be?” Father asked with his politician's smile. 

“Father,” Regulus said before Sirius or Mother could speak, “this is my friend Severus Snape.”

Sirius had to clench his teeth to keep his mouth from dropping open. He knew his little brother was friends with Snape, but he hadn’t expected him to claim it in front of Father and especially not Mother. 

“He’s a Slytherin, the year above me. Top of his year,” Regulus continued, a touch of desperation in his voice, “A Prince through his mother’s side.” 

“A pleasure, Mister Snape,” Father said, only a hint of disdain bleeding into his voice, “Might I ask the reason for our unexpected guest?”

“Our son,” Mother spat, sending Sirius a disgusted glare, “continues to disgrace himself and our family. Sirius has foolishly impregnated Mister Snape .” 

Sirius stiffened as Father’s cold eyes landed on him. Mother’s wrath was like a Hungarian Horntail; fiery, loud, violent. Father’s was more akin to a dementor; frigid and unyielding. 

Father let out a long-suffering sigh. “Given the deplorable company the boy keeps, I suppose we should be thankful he’s a Slytherin and not a mudblood. Omegas are a rarer commodity these days, there are worse matches.” 

Sirius ground his teeth, fighting back the words that threatened to spill out. He hated them all and their bigoted doctrine. 

“As I am certain your Mother has already told you, Sirius, you will take responsibility for your actions. This child will be a Black,” Father said coldly. He took several steps closer to Sirius until they were nearly touching. “Clearly, we have been too lenient with you. We will not make such a mistake again.” 

The air in Sirius’ lungs froze and he felt like he was suffocating. Lenient is not a word he would ever use to describe Mother or Father. His vision was darkening at the edges. Father’s hand came down heavily on his neck, squeezing painfully tight as he steered Sirius towards the table and shoved him into his seat.

“Now, tell me, Mister Snape, how is your mother?” Father asked once they’d all sat.

“She is quite unwell, sir. That’s why she…” Snape trailed off, nervously fiddling with his robes. 

“Sent you here,” Father finished.

Snape nodded.

“The first wise decision she has made in nearly two decades,” Father drawled, “At least her grandchild will not have to suffer your fate. What a waste of pureblood Omega. The Princes are a fine family. Rest assured we will educate you on how to conduct yourself as a proper Omega as I doubt your mother did.” 

Snape bobbed his head again, but Sirius didn’t miss the way his shoulder twitched. Sirius knew Snape’s tells and the smaller boy was right to be scared. Traditionalists like his parents had very harsh expectations for how they expected Omegas to conduct themselves. 

Sirius reckoned one of the only times he hadn’t disappointed his parents was when he’d presented as an Alpha, the same as both of them. Before the plague, it would have been blasphemous for two Alphas to marry, but desperate times call for desperate measures and neither of his parents would have lowered themselves to marrying someone with less than pure blood - though unfortunately, their Gryffindor fuck up could apparently marry a half-blood if said half-blood was already pregnant. His parents’ marriage was not one of love, hell it didn't even have scent or instinct to bind it together, instead, it was sealed by shared hatred and disdain for most everyone else. Some poor half-blood Omega - his parents would have never used a muggle-born - had carried him and Regulus, but their blood was pure. An Alpha female still had eggs even if she couldn’t carry so with that, the donation from the father, and a complicated potion - voila a pureblood baby. 

Food popped onto the table courtesy of Kreacher. If there was one positive thing you could say about their blasted house elf was that he was a damn good cook, but Sirius didn’t want to look at food right now. Conversation continued to buzz around him, but Sirius couldn’t pay attention even though he knew they were talking about him. 

A stinging hex clipped his shoulder as Mother shrieked, “Sirius.”

He grudgingly lifted his head. 

“Mister Snape has much to learn about our family. You will teach him. Regulus has requested to assist and I have permitted it. Hopefully, his presence will keep on track.” 

“Yes, Mother,” Sirius said, trying to keep his voice bland. 

Mother turned back to Snape. “My brother has three daughters. Unfortunately one of them has lost her way. His oldest though is an Alpha - very powerful and with the right mindset."  Sirius met Mother's pointed glare with a glower. The last thing he wanted was to be more like Bella. "And his youngest is a proper pureblood Omega. Perhaps you are acquainted with Narcissa and her Alpha Lucius?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Snape said stiffly. 

“Narcissa and Lucius think very highly of Severus,” Regulus interjected, jumping on the topic like a niffler after something shiny. Obviously, attempting to convince their parents that Snape was one of the good half-bloods. “I’m sure they would tell you themselves if you asked

Father nodded approvingly and Sirius had to fight to keep from rolling his eyes. Blood purist bigots, the lot of them. Sirius returned to shoving his food around on his plate, taking a grudging bit when Mother clicked her tongue at him. 

Screech!

Sirius jerked upright to see Snape dashing across the room with his hand clamped over his mouth. Snape convulsed and stumbled into Mother’s stain-glass ornate vase, heaving again and sicking up into it. Regulus was wide-eyed and pale, Father looked a touch green himself, and Mother’s face was growing an increasingly deep shade of red. 

A small chuckle escaped Sirius’ lips. Mother whirled to face him.

“If you think it’s so funny, boy, you can clean it by hand,” Mother roared. 

Sirius tried to hold in the laughter, but the harder he tried, the more laughter tumbled out until he was doubled over howling. Snivellus was at his house puking into one of Mother’s favourite vases, and his entire family looked positively ill. It was surreal; in a nightmarish sort of way.

Snape staggered to his feet, took one look at Sirius’ family, and fled. 

“If I may, I’ll go see if he’s alright,” Regulus said, cutting through Sirius’ laughter.

“Omega business, Regulus,” Mother said, pursing her lips, her face still beet red. 

Regulus nodded but cast an apprehensive look at the doorway. 

“I’m going to check on Snape,” Sirius declared, abruptly standing as he finally managed to get his laughter mostly under control. 

“It’s not something you need to concern yourself with, son,” Father said.

Blood pounded in Sirius’ ears. What rubbish. He felt oddly offended on Snape’s behalf. No not Snape; Omegas. Omegas that weren't Snape. 

Sirius marched out of the room, ignoring Mother’s threats of sticking his bottom to the chair. He found Snape slumped over the toilet, breathing heavily. His archnemesis was always terribly pale, but every bit of colour was drained from his face. 

“Go away, Black,” Snape whispered, shooting what Sirius was certain was supposed to be a venomous glare at him. He looked vulnerable - deliciously so - and Sirius felt a warmth that hovered somewhere between protective and predatory bubbling low in his stomach. 

“Nah,” Sirius grinned, dropping to the floor a couple of paces away from the Slytherin. 

“You want me to vomit all over you next?” Snape hissed, his voice stronger and less wavering now. 

“I’d rather you didn’t,” Sirius chuckled, “But it would still be better than being out there.”

Snape snorted and leaned back against the wall. “I shouldn’t have come here. Should’ve gotten wasted and chucked myself down the stairs a handful of times. Might’ve done the trick.”

“When we get back to Hogwarts -”

“Too late,” Snape interjected, his face settling into its usual scowl. 

Sirius slumped against the cabinet. There was little chance they could get their hands on the potion before then. You couldn’t buy it if you weren’t of age - well, Snape couldn’t legally buy it at all as an Omega - and Sirius wouldn't be seventeen until November. Mother probably wouldn’t let either of them out of the house anyway. 

“Do muggles not have a way of handling it?”

“Don’t have the money,” Snape shrugged, a faint flush creeping up his neck.

“Couldn’t nick some from your folks? This seems worth the risk,” Sirius argued.

“Ah, yes, the whole five quid in the mason jar would have made a world of difference,” Snape sneered.

Sirius didn’t have the faintest idea how much a quid was worth or even what it was other than some sort of muggle money, but it didn’t sound like much. 

“Oh,” Sirius sighed. 

Snape hauled himself to his feet and leaned over Sirius to reach the faucet. He scooted out of the way. Snape scooped water into his mouth, swishing it around and spitting it back out. 

“Five quid is about a dozen sickles,” Snape informed him after finishing at the sink. 

“I knew that,” Sirius muttered.

“No, you didn’t,” Snape smirked. 

 Sirius swiped a kick at Snape’s ankles. The git danced nimbly out of the way with a sneer. 

“That shirt you showed up in, didn’t take you as a muggle band fanatic,” Sirius jeered because he couldn’t let Snape have the last word.

“I’m not,” Snape scoffed, “just something I found at the thrift shop.”

Sirius had thought as much. A wannabe Death Eater like Snape wouldn’t be an avid fan of a muggle band or anything muggle period, but there was something about the look in his eyes that made Sirius doubt. He dismissed the thought quickly and put on a cruel smile.  

“Figured since you’re always cosying up with those blood supremacist bigots,” Sirius taunted. 

A knee came flying at his face. Sirius dove to the left, reaching out and grabbing Snape’s other leg and yanking, sending the smaller teen toppling to the floor, swearing. Sirius grinned viciously at him. Snape snarled and lunged, slamming him into the floor. Sirius seized the Slytherin’s robes and threw his weight hard right, rolling them both over and pinning Snape beneath him. He squirmed beneath Sirius, bucking his hips in an attempt to toss him off. 

“Get off, Black,” Snape spat, spraying spit in his face.

“Ask nicely, Snivellus,” Sirius crooned, pressing Snape’s wrists into the hard tile floor. The last time he had the Slytherin like this he wasn’t fighting wildly - no he was needy and soft as Sirius turned him into putty. Snape’s soft, pink lips were so close.

Pain exploded in Sirius’ nose and he felt blood trickling down his lips. 

“Sirius, what the hell are you doing?”

Sirius turned his head to see Regulus standing in the doorway, his wand clenched in his hand and his eyes blazing. 

“Just having a little chat,” Sirius replied smoothly, releasing Snape and standing. He grabbed a wad of tissues and held them to his nose. “Is your head made of stone?” Sirius grumbled in Snape’s direction. 

Snape shot him the bird as he scrambled to his feet. 

“Mother and Father want you,” Regulus said tersely to Sirius before turning to Snape, “Let’s go, Severus. I’ll show you to your room.” 

Sirius glowered at the pair’s retreating backs. They looked rather coupley. Sirius snorted but immediately regretted it as his nose throbbed. Regulus may be willing to claim Snape as a friend, but his snobby blood-purist little brother would never sully himself with a half-blood. He didn’t have anything to worry about. Wait, what? He didn’t want Snape. He didn’t. He refused to want Snape.

Chapter Text

Severus lay on his back staring up at the ceiling, messaging his aching wrist. He wouldn’t be surprised if it was blue and black or perhaps an off-putting yellow by morning. He landed on it hard twice today and Black’s grip was no joke. He still could faintly feel Black’s calloused hand against his skin and smell his warm fiery scent. A shiver ran down his spine and he quickly focused on the image of blood gushing from the Gryffindorr's nose. Bloody tosser deserved it and worse. 

A soft knocking pulled Severus from his thoughts.

“Come in,” Severus called, rolling out of the bed and straightening his robes.

The door swung open to reveal Regulus and the house elf. Severus didn’t have a lot of experience with house elves. He occasionally saw one at Hogwarts, but he’d never had one look at him like he was a bedraggled rat that had been deposited on his doorstep. 

“Young Master’s half-breed -”

“Kreacher, don’t call him that,” Regulus interrupted sharply, “He’s my friend,” he added, sounding almost pleading.

“Very well, Young Master,” Kreacher said with a small bow, “Kreacher wants Young Master happy.” The house elf turned back to Severus. “Kreacher needs measurements.”

A measuring tape popped into existence and began to fly about, whizzing around Severus. It vaguely reminded him of Ollivanders when he’d bought his wand; the only new school item he’d ever purchased. 

“Kreacher will get Young Master’s friend proper clothes as Mistress wishes. Mistress also wishes you to shower and wash your hair,” Kreacher said, several bottles appearing on the bed.

Only the pure agony and mortification on Regulus’ face made Severus hold his tongue. He opted to glare fixedly at the bottles on the bed instead. Kreacher disappeared with a crack and he heard Regulus take a step closer.

“Sorry about all this,” Regulus murmured.

“Not your fault,” Severus muttered moodily.

“I’ll do my best to look out for you. I know Sirius is a nightmare, but just try to keep your head, yeah?”

Severus nodded sullenly and sank back into the bed. Regulus stood there for another moment seemingly debating saying more before awkwardly bidding Severus goodnight and shuffling out of the room. After glowering at the bottles a while longer, Severus grudgingly scooped them up and trudged to the bathroom. The Black matriarch already hated him enough, he couldn’t afford not to play along a little. 

The shower was heavenly. The water pounded down like a good heavy rain, but scorching hot. At home the rule was two minutes and only cold; if they’d made the water bill. Whereas, at school Severus always went as quickly as he could, not wanting to risk the other boys glimpsing the scars on his back or ridiculing him for his appearance more than they already did. 

Tentatively, Severus squirted some of the soapy-looking purple liquid into his hand and smeared it onto his head. He rubbed it into his hair, creating bubbles in his hair and on his hands. It smelled faintly of roses. He’d never been able to afford anything like this before. He rinsed it out and then dumped some of the next bottle's contents onto his hand. This one didn’t seem soapy; more smooth and almost creamy. Severus put it in his hair uncertainly and was surprised to find he was able to work out some of the tangles that were a near constant.

This stuff was incredible. Severus poured out more, slathering his hair with it. His hair had never felt like this before; so clean and smooth. He couldn’t help but smile a little as he ran his fingers through it.

***

“Severus,” a soft voice called in the dark, dragging Severus out of a rather pleasant dream and back into the hellscape that was his life. 

Severus groggily sat up, blearily searching for the voice. Hovering in the door was Regulus. The younger boy shuffled closer and in the moonlight, Severus could see him trembling, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. Severus’ stomach pitched.

“Regulus, are you going into heat?” Severus whispered urgently.

“I - I don’t know,” Regulus whimpered.

They didn’t have a touchy-feely relationship, but Severus found himself reaching out and tugging Regulus onto the bed next to him. He pressed a palm to Regulus’ forehead. The pureblood was burning up and Severus could feel his heart racing in his wrist. 

“I have a heat suppressant. If it works then you’ll know,” Severus said softly. The suppressant wasn’t doing him a lick of good at the moment.

Regulus’ bottom lip trembled, but after a moment hesitantly took the vial from Severus and brought it to his lips. They waited in a heavy silence that neither dared to break as Regulus' future hung precariously in the balance. 

“Perhaps, I’m just sick,” Regulus said hopefully, in a hushed whisper. No sooner than the words left his lips, his skin began to cool under Severus’ hand. “No, no, no,” Regulus whimpered softly, “My parents they’ll -” Regulus broke off into a sob. 

Severus swallowed painfully. A pureblood Omega may be valuable, but an equal they were not. “Breathe,” Severus coached because he didn’t know what else to say. Comforting people wasn’t exactly his speciality. 

“I can’t tell them,” Regulus whispered desperation and terror bleeding heavily into his voice. “They may not let me go back to Hogwarts.”

Severus nodded. It was common for Omegas especially from families like the Black’s to be pulled out of Hogwarts after their fifth year or sometimes even as soon as they presented. The only reason Narcissa had been allowed to continue through her NEWTS was Lucius had wished it, they were in the same year and both Slytherins. Besides any Alpha would be suicidal to come anywhere near her and risk the combined wrath of the Malfoys and the Blacks. 

“And even if they do…” Regulus trailed off. It was no secret how Omegas were viewed in Slytherin. Oh, no one would dare hurt Regulus. He was a Black. But… Severus shivered. 

“I can split my scent blockers with you. It’ll give you a couple of weeks,” Severus offered. As much as it pained him to give some up, Regulus was his friend - the only one he had left.

“Thank you,” Regulus said softly, his breathing calming slightly.

They sat huddled on the bed until the sky began to lighten and Regulus slipped off back to his room.

***

Sirius woke up in a cold sweat. His mouth felt painfully dry and his heart hammered. It had just been a dream, but it felt all too real - well, except for the part where Snape was begging for his help and calling him his Alpha. The part where Mother was making Snape scream and writhe on the floor while magic didn’t allow Sirius to move though… Sirius staggered out of bed. He needed water. 

Creak.

Sirius froze his hand on the doorknob. Carefully, he silently cracked his door and peeked out. Sirius felt like his broom had been yanked out from underneath him. Regulus was slipping out of Snape’s room, his hair rumpled and in his nightclothes. The fuck ? Were Regulus and Snape shagging? Were they actually together and if so since when? As much as Sirius loathed Snape, he oddly found that he couldn’t imagine Snape cheating on Regulus even if he was in heat. How could they be together now?

Snape was h- Sirius cut off the train of thought, gritting his teeth so hard his jaw spasmed and he barely bit back a cry of pain. This could be a good thing, Sirius tried to tell himself. Maybe Regulus could take Snape off his hands… No, Mother would never allow it. Regulus was her perfect, treasured son. She would never allow him to marry someone who wasn’t a pureblood and Regulus wouldn’t defy her even if he loved Snape. The tension eased in Sirius’ jaw. 

Sirius waited until Regulus had disappeared back into his room to creep down the hallway. He paused outside Regulus’ door, briefly debating if he should burst in to interrogate his brother but decided against it. He didn’t want to wake the whole house and risk getting Regulus and Snape in trouble. He’d never let Regulus take a punishment - always making sure the attention was firmly on him if they got in trouble as kids - and he wasn’t about to be responsible for Regulus getting punished now. It could wait. It shouldn’t even matter. It wasn’t like Snape belonged to him.

***

Severus tossed and turned, but didn’t manage to fall back asleep. He didn’t dare leave his room though until Regulus came to fetch him. The Black’s house was not only extraordinarily fancy but equally creepy. The wall of house elf heads had made his skin crawl and while he was fascinated by many of the items soaked in dark magic, he wouldn’t dare touch any of it without careful examination. Not to mention, the house elf might have a conniption if Severus was wandering the house on his own.  

Once Regulus appeared - still looking unusually pale - Severus stood and trailed after the younger boy to the dining room. 

“Yes, much improved,” Lady Black simpered, as she looked Severus up and down. “You still require a good deal of polishing before you’re a proper Omega.” She jabbed his lower back with her wand and then whacked the back of his head with it, straightening his back and lowering his head, “However this is an adequate start. Now, I have matters to attend to this morning. Regulus, after breakfast, show Severus the tapestry room and drag your insolent brother along.”

“Yes, Mother,” Regulus said politely.

“At least I have one good son,” Lady Black said, offering Regulus a smile that Severus thought looked more sinister than loving. 

Regulus, however, seemed pleased by the praise. 

After they finished eating or at least Regulus ate; Severus mostly sipped on tea and nibbled on a piece of buttered toast, they meandered back upstairs. Regulus sighed and pounded on his brother’s door.

“Go away,” Black yelled.

“Mother -”

“I don’t give a rat's arse what Mother said!” Black hollered. 

“I’ll tell,” Regulus threatened, his voice going up an octave.

The door flew open and Black stood red-faced and breathing heavily. “You won’t tell and you’ll leave me alone. You wanna know why? Cause you're too much of a pansy.”

“Good thing I’m not,” Severus drawled, raising an eyebrow at Black. He half-expected the Alpha to make a jab about him being an Omega, but surprisingly Black merely groaned.

“Trust me you don’t want me there. Reggie, here, will fill your head with all the proper pureblood rubbish you lot like. Wouldn’t want to rain on your bigot parade.” 

Severus glanced at Regulus. It wasn’t like Severus wanted to spend the morning with the elder Black son. 

“This is your responsibility, Sirius. You can’t just do whatever you want any more,” Regulus said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Severus suppressed a sigh and jerked his head at Black in a move-your-arse motion. 

Black sighed, “Lead the way, baby brother.”

They settled on the floor in the tapestry room where the Black brothers gave Severus a lengthy description of their family tree - well, Regulus did. Black mostly interjected with occasional scathing insults and rolled his eyes. As loath as Severus was to admit it, Black’s commentary made the whole thing more bearable. Severus wasn’t sure how long he could have listened to Regulus recite his family history otherwise. 

“There you have it. Our direct line is completely pure,” Regulus declared proudly. Their eyes met and he winced.

“Not anymore,” Black chortled, glancing at Severus’s stomach, “Guess it’ll have to be you that carries on our inbred legacy.”

“A lost cause the moment you sorted Gryffindor,” Regulus scoffed, then flushed, “Not that there’s anything wrong with you, Severus. You’re a brilliant wizard. Far too good for my moronic brother.”

Severus waved his hand dismissively. He knew Regulus didn't mean to insult him and was used to far less eloquent tight-roping from the Slytherins who didn’t want to piss him off; always quick to reassure him that while he was inferior to them, he was one of the good ones. The sort they’d permit to stand amongst them. If he became a Death Eater perhaps he could truly prove himself their equal. Though with how his future was crumbling before his eyes, he didn’t know if that would even still be a possibility. Hiding his status as an Omega would be nigh impossible if he was pregnant. It was tough enough surviving in Slytherin as a half-blood without them knowing he was an Omega.

Black huffed and chucked the snitch he’d been playing with at Regulus who snatched it out of the air. 

“That’s mine,” Regulus exclaimed indignantly. 

“Finders keepers,” Black retorted. 

"Suppose it's mine again then," Regulus smirked as he pocketed the snitch. Black growled and the brothers had an intense staring contest that only ended when a speck of dust floated into Regulus’ eye.

“I win,” crowed Black.

“And what exactly is it that you think you win?” Regulus drawled, rubbing his eye.

“Pride,” Black shrugged before pivoting back to their earlier conversation, “I’m a far better catch than Snape. I’m on the Quidditch team and better looking.”

“Severus gets better marks than you and he's not bad-looking,” Regulus argued. 

“Why don’t you shag him then if you think he's so bloody fantastic?” Black spat.

“Well, you already did,” Regulus hissed, his voice rising, “Besides he’s -” he abruptly cut off and looked away.

“Oh, right, his blood’s too dirty for your tastes, isn’t it?” Black snarled. 

“That’s not -” Regulus sputtered.

“It’s alright, Regulus,” Severus said quickly. He knew his face was already an embarrassing shade of pink and it was bound to only grow worse the longer this particular conversation dragged on.

“Alright?” roared Black, “You’re both twisted bigots, but you, have some bloody self-respect.”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you, Black,” Severus shouted, whirling on the boy whose favourite pastime was making his life hell. “It’s not like you haven’t been calling me scum and worse since we were firsties.”

“Because you’re a Death Eater wannabe, not cause you're a half-blood!” Black shouted, his flush darkening to crimson. 

They all sat panting; the air sizzling around them. 

“Guess Snape’s only good enough to shag in the dead of night, eh Regulus?” Black growled, the electricity buzzing in the air shooting up tenfold.

“What?” Severus and Regulus yelped in unison. 

“I saw you last night,” Black huffed. 

“Last night,” Regulus squeaked. “That wasn’t - we weren’t - and it was practically morning,” Regulus continued to splutter, looking like he might faint or hyperventilate.

“Merely because your mind is always in the gutter doesn’t mean everyone else is so simple-minded,” Severus interjected with a sneer.

“Then what were you two doing? Teaching Snivellus what a shower is and braiding each other’s hair?” Black scoffed.

“Fuck you,” Severus hissed, suddenly wishing he hadn’t put all those potions in his hair. “And it’s none of your bloody business, Black,” Severus snarled, relishing the beet-red colour Black’s face had become. 

“Oh, but I think it is my business. And I’ll annoy you until you tell me. Reg and Sniv sitting in -”

“Fine, you want to know,” Regulus spat, his face flushing nearly as dark as his brother’s. “Mind you, I think Severus is brilliant and if we were together I’d tell you to fuck right off, Sirius. But…” Regulus continued, his voice trailing off as he gulped and the crimson colour faded away to a sickly ivory. Out of the corner of his eye, Severus could see Regulus fiddling with his robes. Oh, Merlin, was he going to tell his brother? “I just… We were - well um, I-l'm an Omega. It was Omega stuff,” Regulus mumbled, his words running together, as he went bright pink. 

“You’re an Omega,” Black gasped, his jaw dropping and his eyes flying wide. 

“I’m going to tell Mother and Father, just not yet,” Regulus said quickly, his face rapidly losing its colour, “You can’t tell them. Please.”

Severus took advantage of Black’s stunned disbelief, knocking the Gryffindor to the floor and jabbing his wand in the other boy’s windpipe. 

“Say a word and I will personally skin you alive,” Severus hissed into Black’s ear. It was obvious if there was one thing his father and Regulus’ parents agreed on was that an Omega was a disappointment - an inferior who was only good for breeding. 

“Merlin, Snape, I’m not the bigot here,” Black wheezed.

Severus dug his wand deeper into Black’s throat. “It’s not an exclusive club. You hate all Slytherins and don’t think I haven't heard you spew Alpha bullshit. You were just calling Regulus a pansy.” 

“I didn’t - I’m sorry - I don’t think. I swear,” Black babbled, he tilted his head towards Regulus. “I won’t tell Mother or Father, I promise. I would never do that to you, Regulus.”

Severus crawled off Black, still glowering at the Gryffindor, despite believing he was telling the truth. 

“I'll tell them eventually. I'm just not ready for them to see me as -” Regulus broke off, dropping his head to his knees. 

Black sat up, rubbing at the red splotch on his throat. “You shouldn't for as long as you can manage. You know they don't see Omegas as equals. You’ll be a pretty possession for them to marry off to the highest bidder. Is that what you want for your life?”

“You talk like it’s a choice. I will do my duty to my family and be a good son unlike you,” Regulus sneered before adding primly, “Sometimes we must make sacrifices. Perhaps you will finally learn that.”

Black rolled his eyes and coughed, “Sycophant.” 

Regulus huffed and glared at Black before tugging Severus off to the library where they spent hours flicking through and discussing various tomes. 

Dinner arrived all too soon. The library had been a nice reprieve. Severus trailed after Regulus to the dining room, dread pooling in his stomach. He nodded politely to the Blacks before sliding into his chair, hoping he would be able to keep his dinner down tonight. So far he'd only thrown up once today which was auspicious. They had not been pleased last night when he'd sicked up in some fancy vase.  Fortunately Black had decided to dissolve into manic laughter, taking the attention off of Severus.

Lady Black prattled on about her day; something about wedding preparations for Narcissa and Lucius’ wedding next spring. It seemed mighty far away to be making a fuss about in Severus’s opinion, but toffs likely needed far more superfluous nonsense. Severus was fond of the pair, but they were undoubtedly vain and the level of rich the French would want to guillotine.  

“We shall need to start on you two’s wedding preparations at once. We wouldn’t want the baby to be born out of wedlock,” Lady Black said with a cold smile, sending Severus’s stomach plummeting. 

Black stabbed his fork at a potato so hard he sent it flying across the table, straight into his mother’s glass of wine with a loud splash sending wine sloshing out of the glass and onto the table. Black immediately dropped to the floor, avoiding the stinging hex his mother sent flying at him. 

“Come here, Sirius,” Lady Black ordered.

Black slowly stood up and shuffled towards his mother, shooting a quick glance at his father who only looked down his nose disapprovingly. She grabbed his hands and applied three stinging hexes. Black winced but didn’t make a sound, his jaw clenched tightly. 

Severus clasped his hands together tightly in his lap. He didn’t want to sympathize with Black. 

“This is your own fault,” Lady Black hissed. “Now sit down and behave. We will discuss wedding colours tomorrow. Narcissa has graciously agreed to come over for tea.”

“Yes, Mother,” Black ground out.

“Yes, Lady Black,” Severus echoed when the woman's gaze settled on him.

The roast beef on Severus’ plate no longer looked appetizing. His life was over and it was all happening far too fast.

***

Sirius would rather repeatedly stab his eye with a fork than discuss wedding colours or anything wedding-related period. Alas, Mother would sooner put him under the Imperius curse than allow him to skive off. She may consider wedding preparations to be mostly in the domain of Omegas and Beta women, but the bitch wanted to punish him and this was one method of torture. 

Narcissa swept into the sitting room at ten sharp, curtseying to Mother and then kissing her on both cheeks. A perfect Omega pureblood. She then flung her arms around Regulus before turning to Sirius and holding out her arms. Sirius crossed his arms over his chest. He may prefer Narcissa to most of his family but he certainly didn’t like her. 

Narcissa sighed and turned to Snape, resting a hand on his shoulder and leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. Shocking Snape actually smiled at her - a small, toothless smile, but still. Sirius couldn’t fathom Snape smiling at him, not that he wanted the git to of course.

Kreacher brought tea and they settled around the table. After two hours of looking at colour palettes, flowers, and venues, Sirius wanted to blast a bombarda straight into his forehead. Well, preferably Mother’s or perhaps Narcissa's. How anyone could enthusiastically prattle on about such dull nonsense for so long, Sirius didn’t have the faintest idea. Snape didn’t seem to be enjoying it any more than he was. The other boy’s eyes had glazed over about an hour ago and before that, he had mostly looked flustered at Narcissa's doting or nauseous. Regulus on the other hand was doing a mix of hemming and hawing over everything with Narcissa and his new favorite hobby - playing Snape’s champion. 

The two were like bloody peas in a pod and if it made Sirius’ stomach curl with molten heat then that was because - well, it was because it made them doubly annoying, nothing else. It wasn’t like Regulus was even an Alpha - a thought Sirius was desperately trying not to dwell on as he really didn’t need anything else to panic about right now  - and so what if Snape would rather be with Regulus despite them both being Omegas, Sirius didn’t give a flying fuck. He hated Snape. 

When they were finally released from the hellish tea it was with the depressing promise of more to come. Narcissa and Mother would be dragging them both to see venues over the next fortnight. While Sirius’ mind had gone numb while Narcissa chattered about different shades of purple, the prospect of actually going to venues was a sharp reminder that this was happening and he didn't know how to stop it. The thought of marrying Snape, becoming a father, and growing more ensnared by his family's poisonous web made Sirius feel unnaturally hot and his stomach churn. It still felt like a bizarre nightmare that he was trapped in, unable to wake up. 

The days dragged on, each as horrible as the last. Sirius wanted James. He wanted Remus and Peter. He needed the Marauders. He needed his real family, the one he'd made at Hogwarts. Though if they knew… when they found out. Sirius shuddered. How could he explain to his mates that he’d shagged Snivellus? And to make matters infinitely worse, knocked him up, tying Sirius to the Slytherin forever if they really couldn't get rid of it. They'd think it was some sick joke and when they realized it wasn't one…

Sirius bit down hard on his fist and blinked back tears. Today they would be going to see a venue in the morning and then in the afternoon, Narcissa was taking Snape for a robe fitting. At least, Sirius didn’t have to go to that. He could wallow in his room instead. 

Sirius dragged his feet as he trudged downstairs, Mother’s docile screeches ringing in his ears. As soon as he entered the sitting room, Mother seized both him and Snape by the arm and side-alonged them to the venue. As always it left him a bit out of breath and with a roaring headache. 

Snape doubled over and heaved, spewing half-digested chunks of potato and chicken on the grass. Mother wrinkled her nose in disgust and flicked her wand, banishing it. 

Narcissa hurried up to them, smiling politely, her silvery robes swishing around her. A portly man in plain yet high-quality black robes accompanied her.

“Auntie, why don’t we take a look at the reception hall and discuss prices with Mister Davenport while my dear cousin and his betrothed take a look around the gardens,” Narcissa suggested. 

“Very well. Behave yourselves,” Mother agreed, giving them a stern look promising immense suffering if they did not.

Sirius knew it was a small mercy Narcissa had given them, perhaps his cousin pitied him or more likely Snape, but it was difficult to feel grateful. Being stuck traipsing around a garden with Snivellus was hardly his idea of a good time, but better than being with Snape and Mother. 

They meandered along the path winding through rows of flowers in awkward silence, which only allowed Sirius’ thoughts to bloom louder - the anger and fear creating a cacophony in his head. 

Snape paused to examine a twisting plant with purple flowers and something ugly reared in Sirius’ stomach. He rammed his shoulder into Snape’s, sending him stumbling into the plant.

“Are you ever going to grow up, Black?” Snape snarled, disentangling himself from the vines and picking thorns out of his robes and hands. 

“You ruined my life,” Sirius spat. He knew he wasn't being fair, but he couldn’t think beyond the rushing in his ears.

“I ruined your life?” Snape sneered, his bottom lip curling in disgust. “You knocked me up and now I have to marry you. You ruined my life!”

“I'm not marrying you,” Sirius cried, his voice rising. 

“Funny that we're looking at wedding venues for our wedding then,” Snape retorted sharply. 

“Was that your sick plan, Snivellus? Shag some rich pureblood -” Sirius choked as a swift uppercut jabbed his throat followed a breath later by a sharp punch to the jaw that sent his head swivelling. 

Sirius swore and lunged at Snape. The wanker danced out of the way, bouncing on the balls of his feet, fists raised in the position of someone who knew what they were doing. A kick came swinging towards his ribs and Sirius leapt to the side, stumbling over a patch of some pink flower and up against the stone wall of a fountain. A fist met his gut with surprising force and another one was headed for his nose, but Sirius managed to seize Snape's wrist with less than an inch to spare.

Snape snarled, wrenching his arm back but Sirius kept his grip firm. Any satisfaction at the small win was immediately extinguished as pain exploded in his groin; Snape’s knee colliding with his balls, a sick smirk on his face. Sirius blinked rapidly against the spots in his vision, forcing himself to keep his fingers digging into the Slytherin’s bony wrist. 

“Unhand me or I'll do it again,” Snape hissed. 

Sirius knew he should relent, but his pride was too great; instead, he launched himself backwards, dragging Snape with him and sending them both tumbling into the fountain. 

“Black,” Snape shrieked, as he resurfaced, his drenched dark hair stuck to his face, giving him the appearance of a drowned cat. 

Sirius splashed water at the Slytherin. Snape responded in kind and Sirius wheezed as water got in his mouth and nose. Snape lunged at him again, but this time Sirius managed to get his hands on the smaller boy’s robes and wrestled him beneath him, plunging his upper body under the water. Snape was a damn good fighter and Sirius couldn’t help but wonder how he’d learned to throw such a mean hook - they’d only ever exchanged spells at Hogwarts - but now that he had him pinned, the Omega’s skills were no match for Sirius’ body weight and superior strength. The Slytherin struggled underneath Sirius and a strange heat curled in his stomach. The night in the Astronomy Tower popped unbridled into his mind - Snape pinned beneath him, desperate for his touch; Snape gasping and arching his back as Sirius slipped inside the Omega’s tight hole. 

“Sirius Black, what in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?” Mother hollered, marching towards the fountain, Narcissa and the portly man hurrying after her. 

Sirius quickly released Snape and he surged out of the water coughing and sputtering. 

“Er - we, it’s my fault,” Sirius mumbled sheepishly, trying to ignore the desire to feel Snape pressed against him again or at least pretend it was merely because he wanted the Slytherin at his mercy.

“An embarrassment, both of you. Fist fighting like muggle children…” Mother scoffed before turning to Mister Davenport, “I apologize for my son and his bethroed's unseemly behaviour.”

“It is quite alright, Lady Black. No harm done,” the man said with a small polite bow.

“I'm sorry,” Sirius mouthed at Snape. The other boy merely gave him the stink eye, which all things considered was probably fair enough. What he'd said was out of line and he knew it wasn't true.

“We shall let you know our decision,” Mother said. She turned back the pair of them, her eyes narrowing again. “Get over here now.”

They scrambled out of the fountain, their robes sopping wet and their shoes making squelching sounds as they walked.

“You say you are to blame for this incident, Sirius?” Mother hissed.

“Yes, Mother,” Sirius gulped, his stomach pitching wildly. Landing Snape in detention at Hogwarts was one thing, Mother’s wrath was another. It was his fault - more his fault than he was ready to admit even to himself - and he couldn’t let Snape pay the price if he could help it. 

“Very well,” Mother sniffed. “Narcissa, I shall trust you with Severus for the afternoon. Please attempt to educate him in the behaviour expected of an Omega.” 

Narcissa curtsied to Mother and took Snape’s arm.  

“Sirius, you and I shall be having a lengthy discussion,” Mother continued icily, turning her cold gaze back to Sirius.

Chapter Text

Sirius swallowed painfully, unable to bring himself to look at anything but the ground. Mother gripped his arm so tightly he thought it might snap and dissapperated. Sirius hadn’t gained his bearings when the first hex hit, boils erupting under his robes. 

Sirius didn’t have it in him to fight, not today. By the time he collapsed to the floor in his room, everything hurt. He wrapped his arms around his knees and tried not to sob. A battle he was rapidly losing; at least he hadn’t given Mother the satisfaction.

“Sirius.” A hand brushed against his shoulder and Sirius glanced up to see Regulus kneeling next to him. 

Sirius quickly scrubbed at his face. “What do you want?” Sirius choked out.

“I wanted to see if you were alright. Mother sounded really angry,” Regulus said softly.

“She’s always angry with me,” Sirius scoffed.

Regulus pursed his lips but didn't say anything. 

“Snape and I got into a fight. Guess she was absolutely mortified,” Sirius added, not fully sure why he was telling Regulus this.

To Sirius’ surprise Regulus’ eyes softened and he slumped to the floor next to Sirius.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m being a prat. I just - I can't do this, Reggie. I can’t be a father. I can't marry Snape,” Sirius whispered, his voice breaking. Iron bands were coiling around his chest and his throat felt like it was closing up. Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes again and he felt like he was going to suffocate.

“Breath, Sirius. In through the nose… and hold…one, two, three… and out,” Regulus coached, just as Sirius used to do for him years ago. 

Sirius obeyed, clinging to the sound of his little brother's voice to ground him. 

“You’ll survive this. You're tough. You always have been,” Regulus said firmly, once Sirius’ breathing had steadied. 

Sirius stared at Regulus. It had been a long time since Regulus had looked at him like there was something about him to be admired. Sirius had thought the bond they’d shared as children had been fractured beyond repair, but perhaps there was still something there - a frayed string binding them together despite everything. 

“I love you, Reggie,” Sirius whispered to his knees. It had been years since he’d said those words.

“I love you too, Sirius,” Regulus whispered back, resting his head against Sirius’ shoulder like they used to do when they were little.

“When did you find out you were an Omega?” Sirius asked, his voice still rough. How far must they have grown apart for Regulus not to have told him.

“Oh, just a few days ago,” Regulus chuckled wateraly. “Severus gave me a heat suppressant and I've been using some of his scent blockers, but we'll be out soon.”

Sirius’ heart seized and he struggled to keep himself from hyperventilating again. 

“I'm going to see if Kreacher will get me some and keep quiet about it for a little while,” Regulus said softly.

Sirius nodded. If it were him Kreacher would tell in a heartbeat and relish every moment, but for Regulus there was a chance. 

“That was good of Snape,” Sirius admitted in a low voice. 

“Yeah, he’s a good friend,” Regulus said with a small smile that made Sirius’ stomach clench. He should’ve been there for his brother, but instead it was Snape that Regulus gravitated to for help and comfort. When they were little Regulus would crawl into Sirius’ bed when he had nightmares and Sirius would tell him stories until he drifted off. Now, they barely talked and when they did it was mostly barbed insults and scathing remarks. 

“Was it the night I saw you leaving his room?” Sirius asked quietly, the sick feeling in his stomach intensifying as Regulus bobbed his head. A heat could certainly qualify as ‘Omega stuff’. It really had been innocent. Snape had just been taking care of Regulus and Sirius had been a right arse about it. Sirius wrapped his arm around Regulus’ shoulders. “I don't think any less of you because you're an Omega, you know that right?” 

Regulus looked at his knees, his breathing slightly wheezy. “You’re an Alpha, you don't mean it even if you are a progressive.” It didn’t sound quite so snide though when he said progressive this time. “You were having fun rubbing it in Severus' face,” he added.

“I'm just an arse,” Sirius chuckled wryly, ruffling Regulus’ hair.

Regulus snorted in a very un-Regulus manner and slumped into Sirius. 

They sat in silence, leaning against each other, until they heard voices floating up from downstairs. Regulus pushed himself to his feet.

“I know you two have a lot of history, but give him a chance. You might be surprised,” Regulus said, giving Sirius the look he did when they were little and he really wanted something. “We all have to survive this summer so please, Sirius, try - try for me.”

Sirius nodded jerkily. He didn’t want to give Snape a chance. He already knew everything he needed to know about the slimy Death Eater wannabe, but if he really couldn't escape this nightmare… then perhaps some civility might be necessary. Snape had helped Regulus and for that he owed the git. And as much as he wanted to deny it, his feelings for Snape weren't so straightforward anymore. 

Sirius wanted to believe that night had been a fluke. A mistake. Two kids lost in their pheromones and nothing more. That it didn't mean anything real. It couldn’t. 

***

Severus had never been one for fashion or frills. He couldn’t have afforded to be even if he wanted to. The wedding robe ordeal had involved both in spades. By the end Severus was ready to throttle Narcissa. The older girl had made him try on over a dozen robes before finding one she was happy with; Severus’s opinion on the robe seemed to have zero bearing on the matter. Narcissa would ask what he thought, but the words seemed to go in one ear and out the other. To be fair, Narcissa did know what she was doing and he did not. 

The robe Narcissa picked was a pale blue with a nauseating amount of white frills. The older girl claimed it flattered Severus’ figure. Severus didn’t think he had much of a figure to flatter, but hadn't seen a point in arguing with Narcissa. 

Severus didn’t protest when she next dragged him to her favorite tea shop - anything for another hour away from the Black house. He even let Narcissa coax several biscuits into him while she peppered him with questions about his pregnancy and advice on acting like a proper Omega, which if he didn’t know came from a good place, he would find terribly offensive. Severus was simply grateful she didn't lambast him on how he’d gotten entangled with Black in the first place.

“Severus, dear, are you using scent blockers?” Narcissa asked, as she came to the conclusion of her PG lesson on pleasing your Alpha.

Severus choked, barely managing not to spew tea in Narcissa's face.

“I'm afraid it's not safe for the baby,” Narcissa said gently, squeezing his hand.

“Oh,” Severus whispered faintly.

“And if Aunt Walburga realizes… She doesn't approve of them in the first place - thinks they never should have been legalized. To quote her, that uppity Omega who invented them ought to have long been taken in hand by an Alpha.”

Severus shuddered and nodded quickly. The prospect of going without was horrifying, but if he was going to have it then he did want the baby to be healthy. He wasn’t keen on experiencing the Black matriarch's wrath either. It was hardly a surprise that she was vehemently against them. Crude scent blockers and heat suppressants had been around for ages - sold in back alleys to desperate Omegas - but a couple decades ago they had been revolutionized and the Wizagamont legalized their use. Most of the old pureblood families had been against it initially, and while many had come around, there were those that had not.

After tea Narcissa apparated them back to Grimmauld Place. Lucius was already there chatting with Lord and Lady Black, but immediately swept towards them, kissing Narcissa on the cheek and then clapping Severus on the shoulder.

Severus released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He was under no delusions that finding out his status hadn't changed the older Slytherin’s opinion of him, but the lack of any obvious disdain was promising. 

“Severus, it is good to see you. I must admit this was all a bit of a surprise, but glad to have you as part of the family,” Lucius said kindly, letting his hand linger on Severus’ shoulder for a moment.

Severus nodded politely, doing his best to ignore the cold glares coming from the Blacks who were obviously not glad he would soon be a part of their family.

“Cissy,” Regulus beamed, as he appeared out of the stairwell and hurried towards his favorite cousin. 

“Reggie,” Narcissa cooed, pinching Regulus’ cheeks turning the younger boy crimson. 

“Lucius,” Regulus nodded, once he escaped Narcissa.

“Regulus,” Lucius greeted, then in a much colder voice drawled, “Sirius.”

Black crossed his arms, a petulant grimace on his face. 

They sat down for a dinner that was slightly less stuffy and agonising than normal. Lucius and Narcissa made polite conversation though Severus noted that the older Omega was careful not to speak out of turn and keep her tone soft. 

Once they were released from the table, Narcissa hugged Severus and Lucius squeezed his shoulder - for some reason this made Black glower more fiercely - both then promised to pop by soon before stepping into the fireplace and disappearing in a whirl of green. 

Severus immediately turned towards the staircase. 

“Fancy a game of chess?” Regulus asked, thrawting Severus' escape. 

Despite his desire to wallow in his room, Severus nodded and followed Regulus into the sitting room. 

“You happy with the robe?” Regulus asked conversationally, but his eyes were teasing. He knew Severus didn't give a toss about the robe.

Severus snorted and rolled his eyes. “It looks like a bloody six year old's princess party threw up on me.”

A grin tugged at Regulus’ lips and Severus could tell he was trying not to laugh. 

Severus ordered his pawn forward, pinning Regulus with a mock glare. 

“What happened with you and Sirius today? Mother was raving mad.”

“We went for a swim in the fountain,” Severus said dryly. 

“What?” Regulus sputtered. “Sirius didn’t tell me that. Though I was wondering why he was damp.”

“What did he tell you happened?” Severus demanded, a wave of defensiveness surging within him.

“That you two got into a fight and it embarrassed Mother,” Regulus shrugged. 

“He started it,” Severus grumbled, feeling childish.

“He always does,” Regulus sighed. “We talked this afternoon… maybe it'll help.”

Severus arched an eyebrow skeptically. 

“I'm not saying he'll be a perfect gentleman, just hopefully less of an arse.”

“Thank you, Regulus,” Severus said quietly, his gaze fixed on the chessboard. He knew he'd put Regulus in a tough position. It couldn’t be easy having your half-blood friend show up at your doorstep pregnant with your troublemaker brother’s spawn. Regulus was doing his damndest to convince his parents Severus was one of the good ones, and Severus knew he wasn’t helping by getting in rows with Regulus’ older brother. 

“Your my friend, Severus, you don't need to thank me,” Regulus replied with a kind smile he saved for very few. 

***

Severus sat cross legged on the floor, singing quietly under his breath and tapping his fingers on his thighs as if there were piano keys. The piano was the one item he missed from home. Da said playing piano wasn’t something real men did, but when he was little - before every drop of life was squeezed out of her - Mum would sit him on her lap and teach him how to play. It had remained an escape for him at home over the years.

“What are you doing?” 

Severus jumped, smacking his back into the bed frame.

“Ever heard of knocking, Black,” Severus sneered.

“I did, but you didn't say anything,” Black retorted hotly.

Severus felt heat crawl up his neck and to his cheeks. “That would mean do not come in,” he hissed.

Black shrugged unapologetically. “I'm still curious. Were you signing?”

“Of course not,” Severus sputtered, his voice pitching embarrassingly high. 

“You’re normally a better liar, Snape,” Black taunted, plopping down his bed. The gall of this boy. 

“Why are you here?” Severus demanded tersely.

“Well, unfortunately, I do live here.”

“In my room, you idiot,” Severus glowered. 

“Regulus thinks we should hug and kiss it out,” Black grinned mockingly.

“I highly doubt those were the words he used,” Severus drawled. 

“Well, not exactly, but I think that was the gist,” Black said, now fully sprawled out on Severus’ bed. He was going to get his scent all over Severus’ covers and without the scent blockers… bloody inconsiderate Alpha.

Black sighed heavily, “I was out of line earlier at that stupid venue. I know this is a nightmare for you too. If it’s anyone's fault, it’s mine.”

Severus leaned his head back, resting it against the mattress. It wasn’t an apology, but it was closer than he'd ever received from the Gryffindor. Hell, Black had just admitted it was more his fault than Severus’. 

“If you were going to do something like that, I certainly wouldn’t be your top choice.”

“You wouldn’t be my last choice,” Severus grumbled.

“Ouch,” Black laughed as he mimed being stabbed in the heart. “It would be a brilliant, utterly fucked prank though.”

Severus rolled his eyes. “Yes, light my life on fire. Brilliant prank.”

Black grinned, “Yeah, rather high cost.”

Silence fell over them and Severus tried to ignore the scent of pine and fire wafting off of Black. “Singing and playing piano help when I'm anxious,” Severus mumbled. He immediately wanted to shove the words back down his throat. Why would he offer up any opening to Black? He blamed the Alpha’s scent.

“Well, I reckon that's better than having a panic attack,” Black chuckled, a dark ache to his laugh.

Severus squeezed his hands together, barely able to believe Black had handed him a piece of vulnerability in return. 

“You any good at singing or piano?” Black asked. 

Severus pressed his lips together. He wasn’t about to humiliate himself singing in front of his archnemesis.

“Fine, keep your secrets. I understand, a little mystery keeps up the intrigue,” Black teased, winking at Severus.

Black’s scent somehow intensified as the Alpha grinned at Severus with that lopsided smile of his on his stupidly handsome face. The world was terribly unfair. 

“You actually like that muggle band from your shirt, don't you?” Black asked. The question felt oddly important as if Severus was teetering on the edge of a precipice. 

Severus's mouth felt like it had been battered with sandpaper. It was so hard to fit-in in Slytherin. He worked tirelessly to hide every stitch of muggle grim that clung to him, but even so it never felt like quite enough.

“And if I do?” Severus whispered. 

“Then maybe you’re less of an insufferable prick than I thought,” Black replied. 

“Most wizarding music is rubbish,” Severus shrugged. 

“You should see a Yule Ball. A bunch of posh ponces dancing like they have a wand up their arse to the most archaic music you’ve ever heard,” Black chortled. “Truce for the summer.”

Severus stared at the Gryffindor’s outstretched. He didn’t trust Black in the slightest, but so long as he kept his guard up, it couldn’t hurt. Severus grasped Black’s hand firmly and shook it. A jolt coursed through him as Black’s hand - calloused from playing beater - closed around his slim hand, the contact lasting considerably longer than appropriate for a handshake. 

Severus jerked his hand back just as Black did. Black scrambled to his feet, a faint blush painting his cheeks, and he hurried out of the room, pausing in the doorway and blurting out, “Thank you for helping Regulus. I - well, thanks.”

Then he was gone leaving Severus off-kilter. Severus couldn’t stop feeling the ghost of Black’s hand around his; warm and strong. Severus clenched his fingers into a fist, digging his fingernails into his palm until that was what he felt instead. 

***

Sirius stood outside Snape’s door, one hand raised in a fist, frozen a hair away from the door. 

What was he doing? Declaring a truce with Snape didn’t mean Sirius wanted to get all chummy with the git, but with Regulus off at tutoring Sirius inexplicably found himself outside Snape’s door. Even from here, Sirius could faintly smell Snape’s sweet scent unlike the day before when he’d waltzed into Snape’s room the day before and the scent had snuck up on him, faint but unmistakably Snape’s. Evidently Snape had stopped taking scent blockers - Sirius was undecided on whether he was pleased or pissed about this development. 

The door flew open. “Black, planning on loitering out here all day?” Snape sneered.

“I wanted to see if you wanted me to show you the Greenhouse,” Sirius said quickly, trying his best not to look caught out. He was honestly surprised - and oddly pleased - Regulus hadn’t shown Snape the greenhouse yet, but then again his brother did hate dirt. 

“Why?” Snape asked, suspicion and intrigue waring in his dark eyes.

“You like plants don’t you?” Sirius shrugged.

Snape nodded hesitantly.

“And you need someone to go with you and Regulus is out so…”

“Ah, same situation as the library?” 

“Yeah…” Sirius shifted on his feet. The idea of books and plants that hurt those with less than pureblood made him nauseous. “Toujours Pur in all. My family is fucked up. Welcome.”

Snape snorted then after a moment of silent debate gestured at Sirius to lead the way. They made their way out to the back terrace where there was a small glass building that was about ten times as big on the inside. 

Sirius’ heart leapt when he heard Snape let out a small gasp as they stepped inside. Sirius wasn’t proud of much of anything to do with his family, but he found himself enjoying showing the greenhouse off to Snape who whispered excitedly under his breath about the plants’ properties and uses. 

“Maybe you should have been a Ravenclaw,” Sirius chuckled, as Snape pulled out a small notebook and began to scribble notes and sketch a hybrid plant that apparently had all sorts of potential - for what Sirius was unsure given he only understand about half of words the Slytherin was blabbering. 

Snape’s head jerked up, a look of utter disgust contorting his face. “Do you believe only Ravenclaws are capable of being intellectual? I suppose it is a rare find in Gryffindor. Most of you lot couldn’t find your way out of a paper bag after all.”

Heat flared in Sirius’ gut and he growled, “Well, most Slytherins would walk right into one if -” he pitched his voice lower, “Voldemort told them to.”

“Don’t say his name,” Snape hissed.

“I’m not about to go around calling him the Dark Lord like you bootlickers,” Sirius retorted hotly, taking a step closer so the smaller boy had to shuffle backwards into the workbench to keep them from touching, the notebook slipping out of his hand. 

Sirius lunged down and snatched it up, flipping it open. 

“Don’t, Black,” Snape protested, a frantic edge to his voice as he attempted to grab the book out of Sirius’ hand, but Sirius held it high out of the Omega’s reach.

“You’re really quite good,” Sirius remarked lightly, as he examined the impressive rendition of a Fwooper. He expected to have to fend off another attack, but when he glanced down Snape’s cheeks were tinged pink and he was fiddling with his robes. “You can sing, play the piano, draw. What a good Omega. Can you dance and cook too?” Sirius teased, but without the customary bite when mocking Snape.

The Omega flushed deeper and ducked his head. “Oh, fuck off, Black,” he mumbled.

Snape looked cute. The thought sprung into Sirius’ mind, sending him reeling. Liking Snape’s scent - his intoxicating perfectly sweet scent of honey, jasmines, and vanilla - was one thing. Finding him cute was another. Snape was not cute. He was surly, odd-looking, and greasy. He was… blushing so adorably with inky hair falling into his face that looked soft and silky.

The book tugged free of Sirius’ grasp, soaring into Snape’s hand, a smug smirk making its way onto the Slytherin’s still faintly pink face. 

Sirius averted his gaze, desperately fighting the urge to run his fingers along Snape’s soft pale skin. He knew Snape was no docile, delicate, obedient Omega, but… was that really what Sirius wanted from an Omega? Sirius’ stomach swooped and he quickly ushered Snape out of the greenhouse. He needed to get away from this blasted scent before he went mental. 

Chapter Text

Severus slipped into the chair at the table, preparing himself for another hellish day. Porridge appeared in his bowl, but Severus only spared it a glance before continuing sipping on his tea.

Screech!

The window flew open and a tawny owl flew in, dropping two letters on the table. OWL results. 

Severus’ heart jumped into his throat and with trembling fingers he plucked his letter off the table. He pried the seal open and took a deep breath before unfolding the parchment. Severus quickly scanned the letter, the tension easing out of him. Straight O's outside of Transfiguration, which he'd managed an E. 

Severus handed it to Regulus who was vibrating on the edge of his chair next to him.

“Brill,” Regulus exclaimed, “Nearly all O's.”

“And you, Sirius?” Lady Black asked coldly.

“Got the scores I needed,” Black shrugged. His mother snatched the parchment out of his hand.

“You failed History,” she shrieked.

“An A isn't failing and I got E's and O's in everything important,” Black protested defensively.

“Like Muggle Studies?” Lady Black snarled. 

“Yes, and what I need to be an Auror,” Black retorted hotly.

“Hardly an appropriate career for someone of your pedigree,” Lady Black sniffed, tossing the letter back to the table.

Black clenched his fists and glowered at the table. 

“Regardless, neither of you will be returning to Hogwarts next year.”

Severus’ stomach went into a free fall and Black jumped to his feet, his chair clattering to the floor.

“You will have your wedding and the baby to concern yourself with, however, should your re-education meet our expectations you shall be allowed to return and finish your education the following year,” Lady Black continued.

“You can’t,” Severus choked out. 

“And who do you think will stop me? You're nothing but a half-blood Omega,” Lady Black sneered, looking down her nose at Severus. “You should consider yourself lucky I am considering allowing you to return at all, considering your promiscuous tendencies.

"Snape's only slept with me. He's not promiscuous," Black bellowed, red-faced and shaking. "And we're going back to Hogwarts!" 

“Not until you learn to behave.”

“You’re a monster! I hate you and hope you die and rot in hell,” Black shouted, the air quivering and pulsing with uncontrolled magic.

Lady Black flicked her wand and Severus heard the audible sound of breaking bone. Black shrieked, but lunged forward, his magic shoving his mother backwards. 

“Crucio,” Lady Black hissed.

Black crumpled to the floor, his blood-curdling scream piercing the air.

After a moment she lifted the curse. “Apologize,” she demanded. 

Black raised his chin defiantly, despite the tremors racking his body. “Blood-supremacist bitch,” spat Black; the brave, stubborn idiot.

Black’s screams filled the air again, cutting into Severus. Regulus looked green; frozen as a statue.  

Black’s screams stopped. Severus looked down, staring numbly down at the wand clutched in his left hand. What had he done? Severus gulped and slowly raised his head to face the irate Lady Black.

“Return my wand to me at once," she ordered, her face twisting viciously. 

Severus could barely breathe. His heart was racing so fast he feared he would pass out. But now was his chance - snap the bitch's wand and make a run for it.

“What is going on here?” 

The air left Severus’ lungs. He’d thought Lord Black had already gone to the Ministry. 

“This uppity brat took my wand and our son continues to be a disrespectful fool,” Lady Black sneered.

Severus dropped Lady Black’s wand to the table, barely able to keep himself from toppling over. She snatched up her wand and a breath later pain engulfed him. 

In the distance, Severus could just make out voices shouting past his screams. The searing agony that lit his nerves on fire ended, but the pain lingered as Severus twitched on the floor.

“The boys are right. The Omega is in a delicate condition. We must punish him in a different manner,” Lord Black said coldly.

***

They had been going for hours now, the house elf's beady eyes trained on them. Severus’ hand ached and blood trickled down, dripping onto the parchment as he wrote the line I will respect my superiors over and over with the blood quill. 

Black sat next to him writing his own line; I will conduct myself as a proper pureblood with his teeth clenched. 

Severus supposed it was a significantly better punishment than the crucatious. Occasionally, Severus’ hand or leg still spasmed and a dull ache deep in his bones and muscles remained. Black twitched more frequently than Severus, his grey eyes stormy and his face blotchy. 

Regulus sat a table over, a book clutched tightly in his hands, but Severus hadn’t seen him flip a page in ages.

When at last they were allowed to stop and lead to the dining room, neither said a word. Severus only attempted eating a single bite before concluding any more food would only be sicked up. 

Once he was allowed to return to his room, Severus collapsed onto the bed and cradled his mangled hand to his chest. He had to escape. He couldn’t stay here with these monsters - Regulus excluded of course and perhaps Black too… since their truce the Gryffindor had been surprisingly decent outside of nabbing his notebook, which Severus tried not to think about because it made his stomach feel funny in a not entirely awful way. 

Severus waited until it was past midnight to creep out of his bed. He clutched his wand tightly despite the pain it sent coursing through his hand and up his arm. Silently, Severus pushed the door open and slid out. 

Severus froze, catching sight of a figure several paces down the hallway. The figure drew nearer and Severus almost darted back into his room.

“Snape,” Black called softly.

Severus took a tentative step forward, pressing a finger to his lips. Escaping with Black in tow hadn’t been Severus’ plan, but clearly the Gryffindor needed to get the hell out of here too. However, if they were both going to run… leaving Regulus on his own made Severus’ stomach curl. 

“Regulus,” breathed Severus.

In the dim light Severus could see the conflict on Black’s face, but then he nodded.

They tip-toed to Regulus’ room and gently cracked the door, slipping inside.

Severus threw up a silencing charm over the door before softly calling, “Regulus.”

The younger boy jerked awake, his eyes flying wide at the sight of the two of them hovering by the foot of his bed.

“We can't stay here. Come with us,” Black whispered urgently, almost desperately. 

Regulus’ eyes darted between them.

“Please, Regulus,” Severus added.

“I understand why you need to go, but I can't,” Regulus whispered, his face anguished. “Mother and Father -”

“Are monsters,” Black growled.

Regulus winced and ducked his head. “I can't -” Regulus broke off, his jaw clenching. 

Severus didn’t want to leave Regulus, but they couldn't afford to drag him along if he didn't want to come. 

“Did Kreacher get you scent blockers?” Severus asked. He refused to allow Regulus to face that storm on his own.

Regulus nodded and Severus let out a soft breath. He still didn’t want to leave Regulus behind but it wasn’t like he had a good plan or any plan at all. Tramping through London in the dead of night wasn't exactly safe. He could very well be putting Regulus in more danger.

“They hardly ever hurt me. I’ll be alright, Severus,” Regulus whispered, squeezing Severus’ hand.

Severus’ eyes darted to Black and the Gryffindor nodded stiffly.

“We'll see you at Hogwarts. Be safe,” Severus said, squeezing Regulus’ hand back.

Regulus gave him a pained smile. “You too.”

Black shifted on his feet, his fists clenching and unclenching. Then he spun on his heel starting for the door, coming to an abrupt stop mere inches away from it before rushing back to the bed and throwing his arms around Regulus.

“You need us to come get you, send me a letter using the code we used as kids. If you need anything back at school, you come to me. I'll do my best to protect you and once I’m seventeen I’ll be able to do a lot more. Got it?” Black demanded, his voice breaking slightly.

Regulus nodded shakily. “Good luck, Sirius. Be safe and take care of each other.”

“We will,” Black said, the earnest firmness in his voice startling Severus. 

They crept out of the room and down the stairs, barely daring to draw breath. Black unlocked the main door and pried it open. He held it open for him and Severus darted out, Black on his heels. 

The warm night air washed over them and Severus took a deep breath before taking off at a sprint, Black at his side.

***

Sirius' feet smacked against the pavement. He could hear Snape’s heavy breathing to his right. Sirius had long since gotten lost in the maze of streets, but he knew they needed to put more distance between them and Grimmauld Place. 

Snape’s bony fingers curled around Sirius’ wrist and yanked.

“Come on,” Snape ordered, dragging Sirius to a staircase that disappeared under the street.

“You can’t just yank me around,” Sirius panted, wrenching his arm free.

“We're going to hop the tube,” Snape snapped.

“Huh? Oh right, muggle trains.” Sirius blushed, fortunately he was fairly certain Snape couldn’t see it in the dark and didn’t seem to be looking at Sirius anyways. He’d briefly forgotten about the existence of the muggle train system and he'd never been on one before. He felt a bit out of his depths, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to act like it in front of Snape.

Sirius scrambled down the steps after Snape. The underground room was dimly lit and strange devices blocked their way. 

“We can hop the turnstiles,” Snape said as he glanced around, checking that no one was watching.

The Slytherin vaulted over the contraption and Sirius followed him. The ground was slightly sticky and the air around them was dank. An old man huddled on the floor and glanced up at them, soft pleas escaping his lips. 

A loud roaring that made the air vibrate grabbed Sirius’ attention. Hot air blew on his face as he turned. The train screeched to a stop and dozens of doors snapped open as if by magic.

“Stop gaping like a dunderhead,” Snape sneered, “Let’s go.”

Sirius hurried onto the train, jumping slightly as the doors banged shut. The Slytherin smirked and Sirius sent him the bird before grudgingly slumping down next to the other boy.

“So where are we going?” Sirius asked.

Snape shrugged. “Far away from that God awful house.”

A small chuckle escaped Sirius’ lips at hearing Snape use a muggle turn of phrase. 

Snape kicked at his ankles and Sirius swung his legs out of the way. 

“Perhaps you can understand why I hate them and their rubbish so much now,” Sirius grumbled.

Snape snorted. “They are terrible, but so is most everyone else.”

The Slytherin looked exhausted. There were dark circles under his eyes and an ache in his dark eyes that made Sirius’ heart twinge. He quickly averted his gaze, pressing his nose to the cool window pane. City lights rushed by and then they were plunged into darkness for a minute before screeching to a stop. After a pause, the train started again, rumbling along. 

Words flashed across a screen telling them the next stop. The map on the wall let Sirius know there were still about two dozen stops until the end of the line. He grudgingly glanced back at Snape to try to figure out some sort of plan. 

Snape’s eyes were closed and his head dropped off to the side, resting against the window. For once his features weren't marred with a sneer or a snarl. It made him look softer, almost delicate. Sirius’ heart stuttered. A whiff of something sweet tingled Sirius’ nose and he yanked his robes over his face, desperately trying to ward off the scent. It was nowhere near as overwhelming as that night in the Astronomy Tower when Snape had been in heat, but it still made his skin prickle and his face warm. He should be more used to it now after the last few days, but it still threw him for a loop. It was a bit different than usual too - purer perhaps - maybe because the Omega was sleeping.

Sirius huffed and dropped his robe. It seemed to be doing little good. Snape sighed softly and his body slumped over, his head dropping onto Sirius’ shoulder. 

Sirius’ heart flew into his throat.

Shove him off. Pull him closer. Hurt him. Protect him.

The thoughts warred in Sirius’ mind, his skin practically sizzling. Sirius’ arm moved - seemingly on its own accord - wrapping around the Omega’s shoulders and gently pulling him closer. Snape’s fingers curled around Sirius’ robes and he melted into Sirius, his breathing soft and sweet. Sirius’ heart fluttered. 

The Slytherin was certain to kill him if he woke up nestled against Sirius, never mind that Snape had been the one to fall asleep on him in the first place. Still, Sirius couldn’t bring himself to move away from the Omega. 

Sirius’ eyes began to grow heavy with the rocking train and Snape's warmth. 

“Black,” Snape hissed.

Sirius jerked awake, smacking his head against the window. Snape scrambled away from him, his face bright pink.

“It’s hardly my fault you fell asleep on me,” Sirius jeered, warmth flooding up his neck and through his face. 

“I - I,” Snape sputtered indignantly, jumping to his feet. He schooled his features and stiffly said, “We ought to get off, the next stop is the end of the line.”

“And go where?” Sirius huffed.

“I don't know,” Snape exclaimed, clenching his fists. 

James’ words from a couple years ago echoed in Sirius’ ears. If it ever gets too bad you can always come to my place. You're my brother. But could he really show up with Snape in tow? James hated Snivellus, maybe even more than Sirius did… Scratch that, definitely more than Sirius did at this point, considering hate wasn’t so clear cut for Sirius anymore, especially with the Omega’s scent swirling around them.

They hurried off the train and wandered along the dimly lit platform. As they scrambled over the turnstiles, a voice froze them. 

“Can I help you boys?” asked a man dressed in dark trousers and a neon green vest. 

“No, sir,” Snape said quickly, “We lost our tickets.”

The man studied them, his eyes lingering on their robes. Sirius shifted his weight and self-consciously fiddled with his robes. 

“Where are your parents? Were you at some sort of party?” demanded the man.

“Yes, a costume party,” Snape lied smoothly.

“Drinking perhaps?”

“No, sir,” Snape replied, not lying for the first time.

“I will escort you home,” the man declared, beckoning them to follow him.

“Er, we're really fine, sir,” Sirius interjected.

“I can take you to the station for illegally riding the tube or I can take you home,” the man threatened.

Sirius glanced at Snape out of the corner of his eye. The Slytherin inclined his head slightly and they grudgingly followed the man up the stairs.

Snape leaned close to Sirius and whispered, “A copper, sorta like a muggle Auror.”

Sirius suspected something along those lines with how the man was barking orders at them. 

“So where to boys?” the cop asked.

Sirius exchanged a look with Snape. The Slytherin stared at him wide-eyed. 

“It’s a ways away. Out in Godric’s Hollow,” Sirius blurted out. There was nowhere else to go.

The man gestured at them to get into his car. Sirius’ feet were stuck to the pavement. Sure, he'd seen cars before - heard them squealing and watched them swerve - but he’d never been in one. 

“They’re safer than plenty of the idiotic nonsense you get up to,” Snape murmured, taking a step back towards Sirius.

Sirius’ face heated and he quickly scrambled into the car after Snape.

“I’m not scared,” Sirius hissed into Snape’s ear.

The Slytherin smirked at him in that infuriating way of his.

“Buckle your seat belt,” Snape ordered in a low voice.

Sirius fumbled with the strap, attempting to mimic Snape. It clicked into place and when Sirius leaned forward it locked. He pushed against, his heart rate going up a notch.

Snape snorted and unbuckled it then redid it.

“Just sit still and you'll be fine,” Snape said, looking amused.

Sirius huffed and glared out the window. The car jolted forward and they sped down the street. It reminded Sirius of the Knight Bus but with considerably less violent and abrupt movements. It was almost lulling. Sirius had to pinch himself several times to keep himself from drifting off on the way to the Potter’s. 

They came to a stop in front of a row of houses. Sirius recognized the Potter’s house with Mrs. Potter’s vibrant garden several houses down.

“That’s ours just a few houses down,” Sirius said. 

The copper stepped out of the car and Sirius clamoured out, Snape on his heels. To Sirius’ relief when they stepped onto the drive, confusion flickered in the man’s eyes.

“I’ve got to be going, stay out of trouble, boys.”

“Yes, sir,” they chorused.

“Whose house is this?” Snape demanded, eyeing the house warily as they approached.

“The Potter's,” Sirius replied, trying not to let his nerves bleed into his voice.

“What?” Snape hissed. “I'm not going to Potter’s.”

“Doesn't look like you have much choice,” Sirius retorted hotly.

“As if Potter will welcome me into his home,” Snape huffed, his lips curling. 

“James’ parents are nice. Just try to look pathetic. Shouldn't be too hard for you.”

Snape spun on his heel and took off back down the drive. Sirius grabbed him roughly by the arm and hauled him back towards the door. 

“Unhand me, Black,” Snape snarled, futilely attempting to yank his arm free. 

“I'm not letting you wander off on your own.”

“And why not?” Severus demanded.

Sirius swallowed and wet his lips, but he still couldn't find anything to say that didn't sound mushy and weird. 

“More Alpha rubbish?” Snape sneered.

“So what if it is?” Sirius growled, stepping into the Omega’s space. 

“I don't need you -”

“You’re a stubborn git,” Sirius interrupted harshly before softening his voice slightly, “but you're clever enough to know it isn't safe for you to walk around on your own.”

“I can take care of myself,” Snape spat, kicking Sirius hard in the shins. 

“Alphas blocks away could smell you,” Sirius grunted, ignoring the pain flaring in his shin and yanking Snape closer, so their chests were practically touching. 

Snape's eyes widened and he made a small gasping sound. Sirius felt the fight drain out of the smaller boy and steered him towards the door. He took a deep breath, trying not to let Snape see his doubts. He was a bloody Gryffindor. He could do this. Sirius knocked firmly on the door, holding his breath. 

Chapter Text

The seconds dragged by excruciatingly slowly. Sirius raised his fist to knock again. The door creaked open and Mr. Potter appeared in the doorway, his eyebrows knitting together at the sight of them.

“Sirius?” Mr. Potter exclaimed.

“I'm sorry, sir. We couldn't… we didn't have -” Sirius broke off. It all suddenly felt like too much and to his horror tears pricked at the edge of his eyes.

“Fleamont, who is it?” called Mrs. Potter.

Mr. Potter pushed the door open wider. “James’ friend Sirius and another young man.”

“He's my…er…” Sirius trailed off. What exactly was Snape to him at this point?

“Mum? Dad? What's going on?” James called, stumbling down the stairs and rubbing his eyes sleepily, but the bleariness wiped clean off his face when his eyes landed on Sirius and the boy next to him. 

Sirius yanked his hand away from Snape’s arm, James’ gaze drilling into them making him all too aware he'd still been holding onto the Slytherin.

“Snivellus?” James jeered.

“Told you,” Snape muttered, shuffling backwards.

Sirius’ arms snapped out before he could stop it, wrapping around Snape’s waist. Snape froze.

“Sirius?” James gaped, his eyes darting between them. 

Sirius tried to meet James’ gaze but found his eyes fastening onto a cloak hanger instead.

“Why are you touching, Snivellus? His grease might -”

“James Potter, absolutely unacceptable. That is no way to speak to someone, especially not a guest,” Mrs. Potter lectured, sounding aghast. 

James crossed his arms over his chest and glowered, but didn’t comment further.

“Sirius, you know you’re always welcome here, but showing up this late… what happened?” Mrs. Potter asked gently, her eyes looked soft and kind; so unlike Mother. 

Sirius could feel Snape trembling next to him. 

“My parents weren't going to let us go back to Hogwarts -” Sirius swallowed, the next words felt impossible to say but he forced them out, “because they want us to get married because - because Snape’s pregnant and - and it's mine.”

Sirius thought he might pass out. The world blurred around him and his lungs squeezed painfully.

“Bloody hell,” James exclaimed. “You’ve gotta be joking! You can't mean to tell me that you shagged Snivellus. That's - that's," he sputtered, flailing his arms. "You’re having me on, mate, right? RIGHT?”

Sirius desperately wanted to force a laugh and say ‘yeah, mate, just a gag,’ but he couldn’t. 

"It’s true," Snape whispered, his lithe frame completely taut against Sirius. 

“Merlin,” James breathed, running his fingers through his already messy hair. “So that means Snivellus is an Omega?” James chuckled, but it was a nervous, panicked sort of laugh, not a mocking one.

“If you think that means I'm a sniveling weakling then you have another think coming, Potter,” Snape spat, wrenching free of Sirius’ grasp. 

James opened his mouth, but before he could say anything Mr. Potter’s booming voice cut through the air, “That’s enough, boys.”

Sirius stiffened and he noted Snape had gone completely rigid as well.

“No need to fret, Sirius and - what is your name, young man?” Mr. Potter asked, turning to Snape.

“Severus, sir,” Snape mumbled.

“Severus,” Mrs. Potter smiled, “you have nothing to fear from us.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Potter,” Sirius said.

“Thank you,” Snape echoed, his shoulders hunched over defensively.

“We can discuss more in the morning but for now you must be exhausted,” Mrs. Potter said kindly. “Mipsy!”

Crack!

A house elf materialized in front of them.

“How can Mipsy be of help?” squeaked the house elf.

“Can you get the guest bedroom set up for Severus?” she asked then turned her kind smile to Sirius. “Sirius, would you be alright to share with James like over the winter holidays?”

“Yeah, of course,” Sirius said quickly. 

The house-elf disappeared with a loud pop and Mrs. Potter took a step closer, resting a hand on each of their shoulders. Snape flinched and it was all Sirius could do not to flinch too. Her eyes flicked down to their bandaged hands, her lips thinning.

“Blood quill,” Mrs. Potter breathed, a cold furry in her eyes. 

James and Mr. Potter inhaled sharply. Sirius knew his and Snape’s lack of denial was confirmation enough. 

“I’ll fetch Essence of Murtlap,” Mr. Potter said, a hard edge to his voice. 

Sirius knew Mr. Potter likely wasn’t angry with them, but it didn’t stop the chill from running up his spine. 

Mrs. Potter guided them to the sofa and Sirius slumped down, making sure to leave a gap between him and Snape. 

“Did they do anything else to hurt you?” Mrs. Potter asked softly. 

Sirius squeezed his hands together tightly and stared fixedly at them. He opened his mouth, but no words came out, only a pained whimper that made his neck burn.

“The cruciatus,” Snape whispered. “He was under at least a minute. Reckon I was for a handful of seconds.”

Tears pressed at Sirius’ eyes and he choked back a sob, desperate not to start bawling in front of Snape, James and James’ parents. A warm body pressed against Sirius and an arm wrapped around his shoulders.

“I’m so sorry, Sirius,” James rasped, sounding on the verge of tears himself.

“Couldn’t just -” Sirius managed to choke out before his voice broke.

“You didn’t deserve what happened to you, either of you. No matter what you said or did. What they did was unforgivable. We won’t let you go back. We will protect you,” Mrs. Potter said firmly.

Sirius buried his face in James' chest, unable to hold back the tears any longer. By the time Mr. Potter returned with the Essence of Murtlap, Sirius had mostly managed to stop crying, but he reckoned his face looked a mess. He risked a quick glance at Snape expecting to see ridicule in his dark eyes, but Snape’s eyes were glazed over and he was hugging himself tightly. 

Sirius quickly looked away before he could do something stupid like hug Snape. He stuck his hand in the Essence of Murtlap, cool relief washing over the pounding ache in his hand. Once they were finished soaking their hands they were escorted upstairs. Mrs. Potter took Snape to the guest room and Sirius followed James into his bedroom.

Mipsy had added a second bed. Sirius shuffled over towards it, tentatively sitting down. James collapsed onto his bed, facing away from Sirius. Now that they were alone the sick feeling in his stomach resurged with vengeance. 

“James, I -” Sirius began.

“We can talk about it in the morning. You’ve had a rough day,” James interrupted, still facing the wall.

“It didn’t mean anything,” Sirius insisted, not caring how pathetically desperate he sounded.

James sighed heavily and flipped over. “Fine, you want to talk about it now?” he growled. “How the hell did you shag Snivellus? He’s a slimy, evil little creep. I thought you hated him too.”

James was shaking and his cheeks were bright red. 

“I do hate him,” Sirius cried indignantly. 

James snorted and shook his head. “Didn’t look like it down there. Looked like you might fancy him.”

“James -”

“What did he just smell so good you couldn’t resist?” James jeered.

Sirius felt like he’d been doused with a bucket of ice water. He looked anywhere but at his best mate. 

“Merlin help us, that is what happened, isn’t it?” James gasped.

Sirius jerked his head in a semblance of a nod, still refusing to look at James. A hand squeezed his shoulder and Sirius’ head flew up, his eyes meeting James’.

“We’re Alphas, Omegas are generally going to smell nice to us, but if it was that bad then…” James trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish, they both knew the implications. Pheromone wise, at least, they were a good match.

“I don’t want to want him,” Sirius whispered. 

“I know,” James murmured back, his hand still on Sirius’ shoulder. “You’re my brother, I’ve got you no matter what. ”

Suddenly, Sirius could breathe again. “Thank you,” he whispered hoarsely. 

“So Snape wants to keep it?” James asked.

Sirius snorted. “I wouldn’t say that.” He ran agitated fingers through his hair. “My parents think abortion is blasphemous and Snape’s parents kicked him out when they found out.”

“What if I gave you the money?”

“The money you’ve been saving for the new cleansweep?” Sirius gaped.

“You think I care about a ruddy broomstick. You’re my best mate. I don't want you stuck with Snivellus.”

“Don’t call him that,” Sirius snapped, the words tumbling out nearly as much to his own surprise as James' who was staring at him open-mouthed.

“Do you want to keep it, Sirius?” James asked, his voice strained, but Sirius could tell he was trying to keep his voice gentle.

“No,” Sirius ground out, crossing his arms over his chest defensively. Of course, he didn’t want Snape to keep it. They were so far from ready to be parents and Snape was a git, so why was there a lead ball in his stomach at the thought of going through with it.

“Alright, we’ll talk with Snape in the morning and figure out a plan.”

They both crawled into their beds and James turned out the lights. Exhaustion gripped Sirius and sleep pulled him under almost immediately. As it did Sirius’ last thought was of Snape’s sweet scent washing over him as he slept against Sirius’ side on the train.

***

Severus sat at the table trying not to vomit or shake too much or generally just not look terribly pathetic - despite Black’s suggestion to do the contrary - as Mrs. Potter set a tray laden with pancakes, bacon and eggs on the table. Severus hesitantly placed a small amount of food on his plate after the other’s had served themselves, and began to pick at it. He still couldn’t believe he was in Potter’s home. He should’ve fought Black harder, but he’d be so tired and with Black’s smell engulfing him his will to fight had fizzled long enough for Black to haul him inside.

“Are you feeling alright, dear?” Mrs. Potter asked. How a woman seemingly so kind could produce a child as vile as Potter was a mystery to Severus.

Severus nodded and ate a bite of eggs; immediately regretting it as his stomach lurched. He squeezed his lips together and breathed in through his nose, willing himself to keep the food down.

“Snape’s been having trouble keeping much down,” Black said off-handedly. 

Severus glared daggers at the traitorous arsehole. 

Mrs. Potter smiled at Severus softly, “I see. I remember when I was pregnant with James. Half the time I was ravenous - ate an entire carton of ice cream once or twice - and other times everything seemed putrid. It’s worse for some than others. I hear Omegas are often hit particularly hard.” 

“Once or twice,” Mr. Potter laughed, “More like every other day.”

Mrs. Potter swatted her husband’s arm before turning back to Severus. “I’ll fetch you a stomach soother. You can’t have them every day, but I think you could use one today. Is there anything I can make you that sounds appetizing?” 

Severus shrugged, his face heating. He felt very put on the spot. He was already an unexpected, unwelcome guest - even if the adult Potters’ were pretending otherwise - he wasn’t going to demand anything extra from them.

“He can usually manage toast and tea,” Black suggested.

Severus ground his teeth. Could Black shut the hell up?

“Would you like some toast, Severus?” Mrs. Potter asked.

Severus wanted to vanish; to sink beneath the floorboards. 

“You don’t need to go to any trouble on my account,” Severus said stiffly. 

Mrs. Potter gave him a sad look that made Severus’ hands clench into fists beneath the table. When she returned with the potion, Severus obediently drank it after quickly swirling it and giving it a sniff. 

“Verifying the contents?” Mr. Potter asked with a small chuckle.

Severus’ heart seized and he swallowed painfully before stammering, “Sorry, sir, I - I didn’t mean to offend.”

“No need to apologize, you don’t know us,” Mr. Potter said, looking rather amused, “Are you interested in Potions?”

Severus gave a small nod.

Mr. Potter beamed. “My son, unfortunately -” he grinned at his son - “doesn’t have the brewing bug like I do.”

“Got an E on my OWL,” Potter muttered defensively.

“Yes, you did and I am very proud,” Mr. Potter said, patting his son on the shoulder. 

“Snape’s the top of our year in Potions. A prodigy honestly,” Black declared.

Everyone turned to stare at Black, including Severus. Potter was gaping at Black like he’d lost his mind, and Severus couldn’t help but share the sentiment. What the hell was Black playing at?

“Er, why is everyone looking at me all weird? It’s true,” Black protested, squirming in his chair.

“For Merlin’s sake, he smells nice, but not that nice,” Potter grumbled under his breath, stabbing a pancake and shoving the entire thing into his mouth. 

Revolting, Severus grimaced silently, trying to ignore how warm he felt. It was the same feeling as when Black complimented his drawing.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter shared amused smiles and Black was a brighter pink than the flamingos Severus had seen at the zoo with the Evans. 

“I said he was good at Potions, not that I -” Black sputtered, breaking off and burying his face in his hands. “Can you start taking scent blockers again?” he groaned.

“Not while he’s pregnant. It could be unsafe for him or the baby,” Mrs. Potter said, sounding genuinely apologetic. 

“Fantastic,” Black grumbled, still face down on the table.

Severus managed to get down a bit of food after the stomach soother before darting back to the guest bedroom as soon as Mrs. Potter sent the plates flying into the kitchen. He had no desire to be around Potter and Black, once Mrs. Potter and Mr. Potter left for work not that he was delusional enough to think hiding in the bedroom would do much good if Potter and Black decided they wanted to have some fun.

Acid curled in Severus’ stomach as the door flew open a mere fifteen minutes later and the two Gryffindors barged into the room. Severus quickly palmed his wand.

“Relex, we come in peace,” Potter grinned tauntingly. 

Severus kept his wand gripped tightly.

“You still want to get rid of it?” Black asked, nodding at Severus’ stomach. 

“What does it matter? We don’t have the money,” Severus said coldly.

“I’ll pay for it,” Potter said, shrugging. 

“I don’t need your charity, Potter?” Severus snarled. 

“It’s not for you, Sni-Snape,” Potter jeered. “It’s for Sirius.”

Severus was about to tell Potter to go to hell, but… this was the best chance he had. “It’s too late for the potion, but it’s on the edge for the muggle pill,” Severus said instead.

Potter’s eyebrows furrowed, but after a moment nodded. “Alright, I’ll floo to Gringotts and get the money exchanged. You two figure out where a muggle clinic is.”

***

Three hours later, Severus was dressed in a shrunken pair of Potter’s trousers and a jumper. Potter and Black too were dressed in muggle clothes, or at least the best they could manage - they may be blood-traitors, but they were still purebloods. 

About a block away from the clinic, Potter held out the money to Severus with instructions to bring back the change. Severus took it and started off towards the clinic, his pulse pounding in his wrists as he walked.

“Wait,” Black called.

Severus froze, slowly looking back at Black.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Black asked.

Severus opened his mouth to tell Black to shove off, but the words stuck in his throat and he found himself shrugging instead. Black seemed to take this as a yes, quickly closing the distance between them.  

They made their way together to the clinic, passing by a group of protestors. Black flipped them off and slung an arm over Severus’ shoulders. As mortifying as it was to admit even in the privacy of his mind, Severus found the gesture comforting. He didn’t even protest when Black kept his arm wrapped around him while they sat in the waiting room. 

When they called him to go to the back, they asked Severus if he wanted ‘his Alpha’ to come with him. Severus barely kept himself from making a retching sound and went to quickly shake his head, but found himself nodding instead. 

Black grabbed his hand - the prat - and rubbed circles into his palm as they settled into the patient room. Severus nervously climbed onto the examination table and Black took a seat in the chair next to him, still holding his hand - like they were an actual couple, and not enemies.

The nurse rubbed cool gel on his stomach. His heart raced and his stomach swooped and dived. He knew was gripping Black’s hand painfully tightly, but the Gryffindor didn’t comment. 

“About 10 weeks along,” the nurse said,” Do you want to see?”

Severus rapidly shook his head and Black fixed his gaze on the floor. Severus numbly went through the motions. He took the first pill and pocketed the second pill they instructed him to take the next day. They told him it would be painful for a few hours, there would be blood, it would be similar to a miscarriage, that someone should be with him. The words washed over him and he nodded dazedly. 

Severus handed over the muggle notes with trembling fingers, each one causing another sting of shame at taking Potter’s money. 

They stepped out of the clinic and were greeted by the same chants as when they arrived. Severus held his head high, fighting back tears. He could feel Black vibrating next to him, but the Gryffindor didn’t lose it as Severus feared he might; instead hurrying them down the street and away from the protesters. The words still rang Severus’ ears even as they faded into the distance.

Omega Whore! Burn in Hell! Breeding is all you're for, slut!

When they reached Potter, Severus numbly handed over the remaining bills.

“There’s an ice cream shop that’s been taunting me while I waited,” Potter said, licking his lips. “My treat.”

“You know ice cream is my love,” Black laughed. 

The two Gryffindors took off towards the shop, Severus trailing after them. The bell tinkled as they walked inside the shop and Black raced over to the counter, practically pressing his nose up against the glass like an overeager child. 

“Ooh, what's Mars Bar?” Black asked far too loudly. 

Severus glared at him. “A candy,” he hissed.

“Any good?”

“Yes, or at least I thought so when I was ten,” Severus shrugged.

“Brill,” Black grinned, his eyes roaming over the flavors. “I love chocolate chip, but that Mars Bar one sounds wicked. Ugh, it's so hard to decide.”

“Get both,” Potter suggested flippantly. “I know I’m going to get two. What do you want, Snape?”

Severus flinched. He hadn’t expected Potter to offer and he’d already accepted far too much generosity from one of his nemesis - yes, Potter was doing it for Black, but still. 

“I’m fine,” Severus said stiffly after an awkwardly long pause.

“Get him a scoop of the chocolate mousse,” Black said.

Severus felt himself flush. That had been the flavor he’d been eying up. A minute later, a bowl of ice cream was shoved into Severus’ hands. He took a tentative bite. It was incredible. He could eat more and more.

Black’s laughter pierced through his trance and Severus felt his cheeks turning an embarrassing shade of pink. He ducked his head. He’d eaten the ice cream far too quickly.

“Try a bite of the Mars Bar ice cream,” Black said through his laughter.

Severus debated smacking the spoon out of the insufferable prick's hand. Alas, he didn’t want to cause a scene in the muggle shop so he gingerly took the spoon from Black’s hand, a jolt of energy coursing up his arm as their fingers brushed. 

It was delicious. A small ‘mmm’ escaped him. The next thing Severus knew Black was scooping some of his ice cream into a bowl and then handed it to him. 

“I'm getting full,” Black shrugged.

Severus narrowed his eyes at the obvious lie. He’d seen Black eat half a dozen mince pies just last night.

“You’re eating and you look like you might actually keep it down,” Black said with an oddly soft expression on his face. “Though if that changes, remember this generosity and aim away from me,” he added with a chuckle.

Severus pursed his lips. He hadn’t sicked up on Black once despite having numerous opportunities and the wanker certainly deserving it. 

“You know you want it,” Black grinned.

Severus did want it - quite badly to be honest - so after one more glare at Black he picked up the spoon.

***

That night Severus hardly slept, tossing and turning for hours. Eventually, he crept downstairs and sipped on a glass of water. 

“Snape,” Black called softly.

Severus jumped, nearly dropping the glass as Black slipped into the kitchen, his face drawn and his eyes puffy. 

“You alright?” Black asked.

“Fine,” Severus hissed, gripping the glass so tightly he feared it might shatter. “You’re the one that looks a mess.”

Black flinched and looked away, hugging himself tightly. Severus’ stomach churned, but it was different than it had been the last few weeks. It was the feeling he’d gotten when he accidentally made Lily cry.

“Are you alright?” Severus asked softly.

Black shrugged and for a moment Severus thought he wasn’t going to say anything, but then after a moment he mumbled, “What right do I have not to be… I’m not the one who -” he broke off, clamping a hand over his mouth.

“Suffering isn’t a competition,” Severus said softly, taking a step closer to Black. Then after a beat because this was toeing the line into soppiness, he added with a smirk, “If it was though I would be winning.”

Black let out a bark of laughter. It wasn’t the kind of laughter Severus usually heard from Black - cruel and harsh when directed at him or full and vibrant with his fellow Gryffindors - but raw and aching. 

“We did the right thing,” Black said, but his voice wavered with uncertainty. 

“Of course, we did,” Severus scoffed even as his heart squeezed, “We’re not fit to be parents and certainly not together.”

“Yeah,” Black agreed, scuffing his foot along the floor.

They stood in heavy silence until Severus couldn’t take it any longer and slipped off to toss and turn some more in bed. 

Severus awoke to a soft knocking on the door. He bolted upright, heart jumping into his throat. 

“Severus,” Mrs. Potter called, “I let you sleep awhile, but I’d like you to come down and have some lunch before I head out for my afternoon shift at Saint Mungos.”

Severus scrambled to get dressed, horrified he’d slept all morning. He joined the others at the table less than five minutes later where they were eating grilled cheese and tomato soup. Mrs. Potter also had placed a vial of stomach soother by his plate. Severus downed it before struggling through half a grilled cheese and a decent amount of his soup. He didn’t know why he didn’t want to disappoint her - it wasn’t the usual terror, but something else.

Mid-afternoon inched closer as slow as molasses, yet somehow arrived all too soon. Severus swallowed the pill with a gulp of water. 

Then he waited. And waited. This waiting was a different kind of torture. He tried to read a book on potions Mr. Potter had given him, but had only managed to read the same handful of sentences dozens of times, barely retaining a word.

Potter and Black were on the other couch playing Exploding Snap. Occasionally, Severus would catch Black sneaking a look at him when he thought neither Severus nor Potter was looking.  

An hour or so of waiting later, a sharp pain flared in Severus’ abdomen and he doubled over, barely suppressing a cry. Another stab made his vision blur and he buried his face in the throw pillow to muffle any sounds he might make. 

Severus thought about fleeing upstairs, but Black would just follow him - the prick was taking the whole keep an eye on him thing seriously - besides at this point Severus wasn’t sure he could make it up the stairs without having to resort to crawling. He wished Potter would leave at least, but he couldn’t exactly tell Potter to get out of a room in his own home. 

Severus bit his lip, choking back a sob as another wave of pain rippled through him.

“You okay? Is there anything I can get you?” Black asked. He sounded close. He must have walked over to the sofa.

A whimper escaped Severus’ lips and his arm snaked out from underneath him reaching towards Black, his traitorous body desperate for contact. A warm hand enclosed around his trembling fingers. The sofa sank in slightly as Black slowly lowered down next to him. Black gently lifted Severus’ head off the pillow and placed it on his lap, stroking his hair lightly.

Severus hid his face in Black’s robes, one hand clasping Black’s hand and the other clinging to his robes. 

“Just - um - hang in there,” Black said, brushing his thumb along the back of Severus’ hand.

Severus laughed weakly at Black’s awkward attempt at being comforting. 

Black chuckled softly, “Sorry, a bit out of my depths here.”

Severus didn’t trust his voice so he just gave Black’s hand a brief squeeze. Black squeezed back and Severus felt a peculiar fluttering in his chest.

As embarrassing as it was to be lying on Black’s lap, he couldn’t bring himself to do anything else. The rich pine smell coming off of the Alpha was helping, at least a little. He was still in agony, cramps twisting through his insides. 

Severus wasn’t sure how much time had passed - perhaps he had drifted off or fainted at some point - but when he next opened his eyes light was no longer streaming in from the front window. Pain still blurred his thoughts and it felt like he’d just tried to eat a mouthful of sand. 

“Water,” Severus rasped, blinking up at Black. 

“Of course,” Black said. He began shifting Severus off of him; another treacherous whine slipped out and Black paused. “James, could you grab some water?”

“Yeah, sure,” Potter said and Severus heard him stand. He hadn’t realised Potter was still here, figuring the Gryffindor would have gotten bored, but perhaps he was enjoying watching Severus suffer.

Black settled him back on his lap, running his fingers through Severus’ hair. Severus relaxed into the other boy, glad despite himself that Black hadn’t left even for a minute. 

Potter returned with the glass of water, handing it to Black. 

“Can you sit up some?” Black asked gently.

“Yes,” Seveus hissed indignantly, pushing himself up onto his elbow.

“Oi, your elbow’s sharp,” Black complained. 

Severus dug his elbow deeper into Black’s thigh. He knew he wasn’t being fair. Black was actually being rather nice, but Severus was his having innards clawed out and Black was whinging about a measly elbow jab. 

Black slid his arm underneath Severus’ armpits and hoisted him up so he was resting half on the sofa armrest and half on Black’s chest. Black raised the cup to Severus’ lips and he snatched the cup out of prat's hand. He refused to be spoon-fed or whatever you called what Black was attempting to do. 

“Feeling better? You seem feistier than earlier,” Black murmured into his ear. 

Severus felt his cheeks warm as the Alpha’s breath tickled his ear and he sloshed water onto his robes, which only served to make his cheeks heat further. Severus took another hurried sip of water before reaching to put the glass on the coffee table. Black plucked the glass out of his hand and set it down for him. 

Severus slumped back down, allowing Black to adjust him on his lap. He closed his eyes, bracing against another wave of pain. This one felt never ending and his stomach lurched. He rolled over, desperate not to puke on Black. An arm wrapped around his waist, keeping him from toppling off the couch as he retched. 

Black rubbed his back while he shook and heaved, eyes watering. Finally, his stomach settled and Black coaxed a few sips of water into him before hugging him to his chest. 

The minutes dragged on, but he still felt no blood. 

“What time is it?” Severus croaked.

“Half past eight,” Black said. 

Severus grimaced. The blood should have started by now. Was something wrong? 

“My parents will be home soon,” Potter said nervously. “Should we carry him upstairs?”

“I’m not being carried anywhere,” Severus hissed, attempting to twist around and glare at Potter, which made his head spin and another whimper slipped out.

“Easy,” Black murmured, running his fingers through Severus’ hair. “We won’t carry you if you don’t want us to.”

Severus slumped back down, closing his eyes against the pain and humiliation.

“If something’s wrong then…” Black trailed off. 

“If it hasn’t passed by the time Mum gets home, we tell,” Potter said grimly.

Coils squeezed around Severus’ windpipe, but he was too drained to protest.

Slowly the pain began to ebb and by the time ten o'clock hit it had faded to a mild discomfort, but there was still nothing. 

The door swung open and Mrs. Potter bustled in, her smile dropping at the sight in the living room. “Boys, what’s going on? Is Severus alright?” 

“Don’t be mad, Mum,” Potter began, running his fingers through his disheveled hair. For once it wasn’t a cocky gesture. Potter looked like he was going to be sick. 

“Talk now, James Potter,” Mrs. Potter ordered.

“Well, you see, we - er - took Snape to get an abortion,” Potter stammered.

“From a back-alley? Who knows what was in the potion. Of all the irresponsible things,” Mrs. Potter lectured as she hurried over to Severus.

“Not the potion. Snape said it was too late. We went to a muggle clinic. It was supposed to be over by now, but we think something is wrong. I know we should’ve told you, but you and Dad always talk about what a blessing a baby is. And now -” Potter rambled, only stopping when his mother held up a finger.

Mrs. Potter turned towards Severus and his stomach twisted as he braced for her condemnation. 

Her face softened. “You’re not in trouble, Severus. I understand why this is not a blessing for you and Sirius,” Mrs. Potter said gently. “May I?” she asked, nodding at his stomach. 

Severus nodded. Mrs. Potter flicked her wand over his stomach and a golden glow emanated from his midsection.

“What does that mean?” Black demanded, his fingers tightening painfully around Severus’ hair. 

Severus barely noticed, though, as he was too busy trying to breathe past the terror crushing his lungs.

“It seems it didn’t take. It is possible magic interfered. I’m not well versed in Muggle medicine, but I know it can be finicky in our kind,” Mrs. Potter sighed, messaging her temple. “I’m so sorry, boys.”

Severus collapsed, the sobs he'd been holding back for hours bursting free. Black clutched him tightly and Severus could feel him trembling too. This couldn’t be happening. He’d gone through all that for nothing. It was so bloody unfair, but when had his life ever been fair? 

Tears slid down Severus’ cheeks. Black’s scent and the feeling of his body pressed against him were the only things keeping him from completely losing it.

“Hey, it's going to be okay. I've got you,” Black whispered. 

“How?” Severus choked out, his voice muffled by Black’s chest.

“We'll figure it out together,” Black promised.

“We hate each other,” Severus protested, but he couldn’t muster up any venom.

“I don't hate you,” Black replied softly and he sounded like he meant it. 

“Because you like how I smell,” Severus sneered, or at least that was what he was aiming for but he reckoned it came out closer to a whimper than anything.

“Er, I mean I won't try to say that's not part of it,” Black mumbled, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, “But it's not just that. You're different than I thought.”

Severus huffed, but he felt an odd warmth in his chest. 

“I suppose you're not so awful yourself,” Severus allowed with a small grimace. 

A grin tugged at Black’s lips as he wiped a tear from Severus’ cheek. Their eyes met and Severus’ heart skidded to a stop and then jumped forward. 

“We're going to be okay,” Black said with more confidence than his racing heart and quivering hands would indicate. 

“We're going to be okay,” Severus echoed.

Severus felt Black relax, his pulse calming slightly, and Severus could breathe again albeit painfully. He highly doubted they would be okay but maybe there was a sliver of hope it wouldn't be a complete nightmare.

Chapter Text

Snape’s head was still on Sirius’ lap.  The Omega’s scent was certain to linger on Sirius’ robes until they were washed after hours of contact. The fear and pain mingling in Snape’s sweet scent had been impossible to ignore and when the smaller boy reached out a hand, Sirius had taken it without a thought.

Snape didn’t seem to be in much pain anymore and he’d stopped crying, but neither of them moved. Sirius didn’t want to move. His own fear about the future was being calmed somewhat by touching Snape. With his fingers running through Snape’s soft hair and Snape’s fingers entwined with his, it felt like maybe they could do this without killing each other. 

Snape let out a soft sigh as he nuzzled into Sirius’ stomach. He was asleep. Sirius smiled. Snape was so cute when he was asleep; when he wasn't scowling, sneering, or snarling. Oh, Sirius liked that he had fight. Omegas didn’t stand up to Alphas - hell, most Betas didn’t either - but Snape was different. He didn’t care. He didn’t care if he was smaller. He didn’t care if he was outnumbered, or outmatched. He fought anyway and with so much zeal. It was why Sirius targeted him again and again - that and James’ dislike of Snape’s friendship with Lily - if he’d laid down and taken it, Sirius would have grown bored. But he didn’t. Snape fought back, pranked them, schemed and plotted. 

Sirius had thought the fates cruel when it was Snape’s smell that sent the world spinning, but maybe he should give it a try. How much did he really know about Snape? Sirius knew he hung out with a lot of blood-purist pricks, but other than Regulus, Sirius had rarely seen him with any of them outside of class and the Great Hall. Sirius thought Snape hated muggles, but maybe it wasn’t so cut and dry. If he could get Snape to like him, he might be able to nudge the Slytherin in the right direction. 

“Alright, I think it’s time for us all to head to bed,” Mrs. Potter said. She still had that sorrowful, gentle, pitying look on her face. 

Sirius shook Snape lightly and he let out a whine. 

“Snape,” Sirius called softly. Snape made a disgruntled noise and burrowed deeper into Sirius’ side. “Severus,” Sirius tried again.

Snape rolled over and blinked up at Sirius groggily, his mouth hanging open slightly. 

“It’s time for bed,” Sirius said.

“Can’t tell me what to do,” Snape grumbled, still sounding half-asleep.

“Mrs. Potter’s orders, not mine,” Sirius chuckled. 

A light pink bloomed on Snape’s cheeks and he struggled into a sitting position. 

“Do you need a hand, Severus?” Mrs. Potter asked kindly.

Snape shook his head, staggering upright. He swayed on his feet and Sirius instinctively grabbed his elbow. Snape careened into him and Sirius looped his arm around the smaller boy’s waist. Without a word, Sirius helped Snape across the living room, up the stairs, and to his room. He dropped Snape on the bed, reluctantly letting go. 

Snape looked up at Sirius, his dark eyes conflicting. After a moment, Snape tore his eyes away.

“Night, Black,” Snape said stiffly. 

“Night, Snape,” Sirius forced out in as level of a voice as he could manage. Sirius turned on his heel, fighting his instincts and hurrying out of the room before he could change his mind. 

Sirius slipped into James’ bedroom and plopped down onto his bed. 

“Well, that was brutal,” James said dryly. 

Sirius glanced up, forcing himself to meet James’ eyes. “Yeah,” he agreed.

“Shame it didn’t work. Now, he’s going to be a pain in the arse forever.”

Heat rolled in Sirius’ stomach and his fists clenched. 

“Sorry,” James said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I know he’s been rubbing his scent all over you for hours.”

Sirius glared at him.

“Change out of your robes. It’ll help.”

“And what exactly is it you think I need help with, James?” Sirius demanded hotly, jumping to his feet.

“Erm, well -”

“He’s my Omega, so you stay out of it and leave him alone,” Sirius growled.

“Your Omega?” James scoffed, “You think he feels that way? You think he’s going to be a good little Omega for you ?” James jabbed his finger into Sirius’ chest.

“Who said I want him to be?” Sirius retorted, shoving James back.

“He hates you,” James spat.

“Yeah, well that doesn’t stop you from making a fool of yourself over Lily Evans. And she’s not even an Omega, so what’s your excuse?” 

“I’m just trying to help you not make another massive mistake,” James shouted.

“Well, you can take your help and shove it up your arse,” Sirius bellowed back. 

James reared backwards as if Sirius had punched him. For a long minute, the only sound was heavy breathing.

“Pads, I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” James stepped closer and tentatively reached out his hand, resting it on Sirius’ shoulder. “I get this is a tough situation. It was good of you to help him tonight, but don’t forget who he is.”

“And who is that? Because I’m not sure if we ever knew.” 

“Just be careful, please, Sirius.”

Sirius nodded. James was right he should be careful, but that didn’t mean he was going to leave Snape on his own. 

“You’re right, I need to be careful, but this is my fault.”

“Sirius -”

Sirius shook his head. “He was in heat, James. I should’ve - I should’ve controlled myself. It’s my fault and he’s the one that’s going to have to go through all the shitty parts of being pregnant.”

James pulled him into a tight hug. “Alright, alright, I get it. You owe it to Snape to be there for him and you're my best mate, my brother, so I’ll be here for you.” 

Sirius squeezed his best mate back until both their hearts had stopped pounding erratically. 

James clapped Sirius on the shoulder and grinned teasingly, “So you going to tell him how you feel? That you want to be his Alpha?”

“No,” Sirius yelped. He pinned James with a stern glare, “And you are not telling him either.”

“Wouldn’t dream of taking that beautiful moment away from you,” James teased.

“Oh, you mean when he hexes me into oblivion?” Sirius chuckled wryly. 

“Absolutely,” James grinned, then sombered. “He clearly likes your scent - finds it comforting or something.”

Heat rushed up Sirius’ neck and to his cheeks. He could barely believe Snape had let him come to the clinic with him and had been even more stunned when Snape had wanted him to hold him all afternoon and evening. Admittedly, the Slytherin had been in agony, but still, it had to count for something. 

“You said there’s more to him than you thought… guess you should figure it out. If you’re wrong then I’ll pick up the pieces,” James promised.

“And if I’m right?” Sirius asked quietly. 

“Then I guess I’ll have to figure out how to put up with your boyfriend,” James said with an exaggerated sigh. He lightly punched Sirius in the shoulder and winked at him. 

Sirius huffed, but he couldn’t stop himself from grinning at James. His best mate’s acceptance - albeit reluctant and wary - meant everything. 

Sirius changed out of his robes and they turned out the lights. If it wouldn’t have been absolutely mortifying to do in front of James, Sirius would have slept with his robes clutched to his chest. Exhaustion made his eyes heavy, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Snape. Eventually, an uneasy sleep pulled him under.

Sirius awoke with a start. A sweet scent drifted towards him. At first, he thought it was coming from his robes, but it was more potent and the direction wasn’t right. Perhaps, it was his imagination. Sirius blinked rapidly, trying to clear his head. The smell remained. Sirius slipped out of bed and tip-toed towards the door, following the scent. He quietly pushed open the door and stepped into the hallway.

“Ow, fuck,” exclaimed a voice as Sirius stumbled over something in the dark, nearly falling on his arse. 

“Snape,” Sirius hissed, squinting in the dark at the shadowy blob on the floor. 

“Move your foot, you’re on my hand,” Snape hissed back. 

Sirius awkwardly shuffled backwards, attempting not to trip over Snape again. 

“Er, so what are you doing here?” Sirius asked.

“None of your business.”

“Did you miss me?” Sirius teased.

Snape made a choking noise. That was a yes or at least Sirius thought it likely. Sirius’ stomach swooped. 

“I missed you too,” Sirius replied, careful to keep his voice light and joking in case he’d misread Snape’s reaction.

“I just couldn’t sleep and -” Snape huffed, “And I thought it might help if -” Snape broke off, making a frustrated noise in his throat - “Your smell is comforting, okay? It shouldn’t be, but - ugh - it is.”

Sirius sank to the floor next to Snape and put his arm around the Omega’s bony shoulders. Snape stiffened, but after a beat and then another, he relaxed, slumping into Sirius.

“Rotten luck for us, huh?” Sirius quipped.

“The fates have a cruel sense of humour,” Snape agreed, even as he leaned further into Sirius. 

They sat pressed together on the floor for at least fifteen minutes before Sirius cleared his throat.

“I should head back to bed,” Snape said stiffly.

“Do you want me to -” Sirius hesitated, wetting his lips nervously - “go with you?”

“What?” Snape squeaked, “We can’t.”

“Why not?” Sirius asked, chuckling slightly at how scandalized Snape sounded.

“It would be inappropriate,” Snape replied primly. “Oh, stop laughing, you prick.” Snape smacked Sirius in the shoulder, which only made him laugh harder.

“You know, I can’t get you more pregnant,” Sirius wheezed, barely able to form words through his laughter.

“I’m not shagging you, Black,” Snape hissed, a sharp elbow jabbing into Sirius’ ribs.

“I wasn’t - I just meant to sleep,” Sirius said quickly. 

“What about the Potters?” Snape protested, but Sirius could hear him wavering.

“If there’s any heat from it, I’ll take it,” Sirius offered. 

“Fine,” Snape whispered. 

Sirius tugged Snape to his feet and they walked to the guest bedroom together. Snape gingerly sat down on the edge of the bed. The moonlight streaming in through the window illuminated the room enough that Sirius could see Snape chewing on his bottom lip. Sirius’ own heart was jackrabbiting and his palms were slightly damp, but he knew he was the one who needed to take the next step. With more confidence than he felt, Sirius flopped onto the bed next to Snape. The Slytherin jumped.

“Lay down,” Sirius said, patting the spot next to him.

Sirius heard Snape take a deep breath, then the smaller boy slowly lowered himself down until he was lying next to Sirius. He waited a few breaths before he turned Snape onto his side and wrapped his arm around his waist. Snape squirmed, shifting until his backside was pressed against Sirius’ chest. 

Fuck. Shit. Fuck.

Perhaps, this hadn’t been his brightest idea. Scratch that, it was an absolutely terrible idea. He’d been half-hard before, but now… Ugh, if Snape noticed. Sirius grabbed one of the pillows and shoved it between his hips and Snape’s arse.

“Sorry, a bit sweaty,” Sirius mumbled, wincing at the weakness of the excuse.

Snape snorted, “I know you’re hard.”

Sirius’ cheeks were aflame. He was going to die of embarrassment. 

“Sorry,” Sirius whispered hoarsely. 

“It’s fine, I know you find me irresistible .” Snape was facing away so Sirius couldn’t see his smirk, but he could hear it. 

“Shut up,” Sirius muttered, shoving Snape onto his stomach. 

Snape laughed and the sound took Sirius’ breath away.  

“Just don’t get any ideas,” Snape threatened, but he was still laughing softly.

“I would never, if you didn’t want me to,” Sirius promised.

“Good because otherwise I would be forced to skin you alive,” Snape replied, rolling back onto his side and twisting his head around so Sirius could see the teasing smirk on his lips.

“As you should,” Sirius nodded approvingly.

Snape laughed again. Fuck. Sirius wanted him. 

“And if anyone else touches you, I’ll happily gut them for you.”

Snape arched an eyebrow. “You sound like you think you’re my Alpha.”

The air was sucked out of Sirius’ lungs and he couldn’t make his mouth form words. He managed to shake his head.

Snape flipped over so their chests were touching and smirked at him. Sirius simultaneously wanted to kiss and hex him. Merlin, Snape was really making this impossible. 

Sirius couldn’t stop himself from brushing a strand of dark hair out of the Omega’s face, sparks shooting through him at the contact. “I want you,” Sirius blurted out. 

Snape inhaled sharply. “No, you don’t. You’re just caught up in the moment,” he whispered, warm air brushing along Sirius’ cheek.

Sirius shivered and pulled Snape closer. “I’ve been trying not to fall for you, but I can’t stop.” The admission made his cheeks burn.

“I’m a terrible Omega,” Severus exclaimed, attempting to pull away from Sirius. “I’m not prim and proper. I won’t be obedient and know my place, so if you think I’ll be your little bitch -”

“I don’t,” Sirius interrupted, “I know you’re not meek and docile. Who says that’s what I want?”

“You - you,” Snape spluttered, “I may find you an insufferable prat, but I’m not blind. You’re handsome ,” he spat the word as if every syllable cost him galleons. “Omegas and Betas drool over you. Me ? Well, you know what people say because you’re one of the bloody ringleaders. Ugly. Unlikable. Disgusting. ”

Sirius clamped his hand over Snape’s mouth before the other boy could keep riddling off insults. Tears shimmered in Snape’s onyx eyes and Sirius’ chest burned. 

“I’m sorry,” Sirius whispered. 

Snape’s face twisted and Sirius braced himself for a scathing sneer or snarl, but instead, Snape made a small pained noise as his head dropped into Sirius’ chest. Sirius clutched the Omega tightly, rubbing circles into his back.

“Da always thought I was weak,” Snape mumbled, voice muffled by Sirius’ chest. “But he was also scared of me - my magic. Mum bent to him easy enough. He was always furious when I didn’t, but when I did… sometimes he’d lose it even more. He’s just a stupid muggle, but I wanted to prove he was wrong about me. Then I had my first heat… and turns out he was right. I'm an Omega. Weak just like he always said.”

“You’re not weak,” Sirius said firmly.

“I’m an Omega,” Snape protested, his voice breaking. “I talk a good game, but…” Snape trailed off, his face still in Sirius’ chest.

Sirius gripped Snape’s chin and forced his head up. “I’ve dueled you. You’re bloody terrifying. And I don’t know where you learned to throw a punch, but it’s damn good.”

“And how many times have I been thrown around by you and Potter? At the end of term you two - and now I don’t even have Lily. She was the only person I could go to for help and she wouldn’t even talk to me because I ruined -” Snape broke off, tears in his eyes.

Sirius felt like he’d taken a bludger to the gut. He knew exactly what Snape was talking about. James had gone too far and Sirius hadn’t done anything. He’d laughed and egged him on until he realized what James had planned. 

“I'm sorry, Severus, that was awful of us. Doesn't make you weak. You were outnumbered.”

Snape squirmed against him, but Sirius didn’t let him pull away.

“When we go back to school everyone will find out,” Snape whispered, his voice wavering, unshed tears glistening in his dark eyes. “And they’ll know I opened my legs for you . Everyone will think I’m weak or a slut or both.”

“Snape, I -”

“You don’t understand,” Snape exclaimed, his voice breaking. “You're an Alpha. It’s okay for you to sleep around. If your parents had managed to force us into marriage, it would have been shitty for both of us, but I - I would have been virtually your property. But at least I wouldn’t have been a pregnant Omega without an -” Snape made a choking noise.

Coils wrapped around Sirius’ windpipe, making every breath painful. He’d been so wrapped up in what people would think of him shagging Snape, he hadn’t thought about the shitstorm the Slytherin would be walking into. An Omega’s purity was considered one of their most valuable assets, particularly in traditional pureblood circles - Sirius thought it was a stupid double standard, but lots of Slytherins came from those circles - and being pregnant was pretty damning. That Snape thought there was a possibility he would be better off married to Sirius considering it was sickeningly true that Snape would essentially be his property sent chills down Sirius’ spine. 

“You’re right, I can't fully understand. And it's not fair,” Sirius said hoarsely, as he brushed his thumb along Snape’s jaw. “I'll protect you,” he promised. “I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself,” he added, as Snape opened his mouth to protest. “It’s good to have someone to watch your back, that's all. Will you let me?”

“Alright,” Snape grumbled, “Will you let go of my face now?”

“What’s the magic word?” Sirius teased, trying to lighten the mood a little.

“Arsehole,” Snape smirked.

Sirius grinned and released Snape’s chin with a playful pat. He half-expected Snape to pull away from him, but the smaller teen cuddled up to him. 

“Sirius,” Snape mumbled.

Sirius’ breath caught in his throat. The sound of his name on the Omega’s tongue sent his mind reeling and his heart soaring.

“Severus,” Sirius breathed, unable to stop himself from rubbing Snape's back with one hand and tangling his fingers in the Slytherin's hair with the other. 

“Thank you,” Snape whispered. 

“No need for thanks.”

Snape tilted his head up, his eyes resting on Sirius’ lips. Sirius felt lightheaded. Did Snape want him to kiss him or was it just wishful thinking?

Sirius leaned closer, slowly closing the gap between their lips. He closed his eyes, and Snape’s soft lips met his, tentative at first, but increasingly fervent. Sirius entwined his fingers in Snape's hair and the Omega's hand brushed along the back of his neck.

It was different from the night in the Astronomy Tower when Snape had been overwhelmed by heat and Sirius by the Omega’s mind-melting intoxicating scent. This kiss was sweeter, more innocent. 

Sirius lightly flicked his tongue over Snape's bottom lip and then his teeth when he made a small pleased noise. Sirius didn’t want the kiss to ever end. He wanted to keep kissing his Omega forever. 

Chapter Text

“Sirius!”

Severus bolted upright to see Potter gaping in the doorway with an odd mixture of horror and resignation on his face.

“You’re going to catch flies with your mouth hanging open like that, Potter,” Severus sneered.

“I’m not talking to you, Snape. I’m talking to your Alpha,” Potter taunted.

“Black is not my Alpha,” Severus spluttered, indignation and embarrassment warming his face as he attempted to disentangle himself from the Alpha in his bed. 

“Mmm, what's going on?” Black mumbled sleepily, his arm tightening around Severus’ waist. “Oh, uh - Hi James.” Black waved awkwardly at Potter. 

“Get off me,” Severus hissed, swatting Black’s arm. 

“Shesh, so violent,” Black grumbled as he released Severus. 

Severus scrambled out of the bed, mumbling about needing to shower. What he really needed was to get away from Potter and Black. Severus let the water run over him, clearing his mind and washing away Black’s scent. 

In the light of the morning, the events of the previous night were all the more mortifying. He’d cuddled up on Black’s lap for hours and sniveled all over him. Perhaps that could be excused given the situation, but kissing Black and letting him spoon him in the wee hours of the morning… what had he been thinking? Nevermind, all the ooey-gooey stuff he'd let spew out. Ugh, maybe he was an emotional, oversensitive Omega.

After he finished his shower, Severus silently slipped downstairs. Potter and Black were already loudly chatting at the table. 

“James and I are going flying. Do you want to come?” Black asked with a grin.

Severus grimaced. He did not have fond memories of first-year flying lessons, mainly due to the two Gryffindors sitting at the table across from him. 

“No, thank you. I'd rather not be knocked off a broom today,” Severus quipped. 

“No one's going to knock you off your broom,” Black said, rolling his eyes and waving his hand dismissively as if it was a ridiculous idea and not something that had happened on multiple occasions.

“I have no interest in flying about like a brawny idiot,” Severus sniffed, sticking his nose in the air haughtily.

“Told you not to bother,” Potter scoffed. 

“Fine, have fun reading or whatever is swots like you with wands up their arses like to do,” Black jeered. “Let’s go, James.”

Severus watched the pair of Gryffindors swagger out of the kitchen, trying to ignore the painful squeezing in his chest. Black had said far worse to him, so why were tears blurring his vision? Blasted pregnancy hormones - that was the only explanation.

Severus scrubbed at his face as he made his way to the sofa to read the book he'd attempted to read the day before. 

“Severus, how are you feeling?” Mrs. Potter called, as she bustled in a couple hours later with a bag over her shoulder.

“I'm fine, thank you,” Severus replied as steadily as his voice allowed. 

“It’s Fleamont’s birthday today. Would you like to help me with dinner and the cake?”

“If you'd like,” Severus agreed, pushing himself to his feet. He had been surprised Mrs. Potter cooked - since they had a house-elf and cooking seemed to be a task generally below wealthy purebloods - but she seemed to enjoy it. 

Mrs. Potter pulled seemingly endless ingredients and gifts out of her bag. At one point, she ducked her entire upper body into the bag, triumphantly emerging nearly a minute later with a small bottle that she claimed would make the cake absolutely splendid. 

Severus spent the next several hours dicing and peeling vegetables, sautéing, and mixing as Mrs. Potter instructed.

“You have excellent knife skills.”

Severus blushed at the praise and mumbled, “Thanks. Translates well from Potions.”

Mrs. Potter’s hand gently brushed along his shoulder. He did his best not to flinch.

“I don't mean to pry, dear, but I wanted to ask how you and Sirius are getting along?”

Severus stiffened and fixed his gaze on the frosting, whisking faster.

“Sirius has been a very good friend to James, and they both have good hearts,” Mrs. Potter said. Severus suppressed a snort; it wouldn't do to insult her son. “But I know neither of them are perfect. If they're giving you trouble -”

“I'm fine,” Severus interjected coldly. 

Mrs. Potter’s hand squeezed around his shoulder. “I’m a Beta, so I don't know all the intricacies between Alphas and Omegas, but I do know Omegas can be put in difficult situations. I am aware this is not the case in all circles, but I hope you know we do not condone an Alpha forcing himself on an Omega.”

Severus swallowed thickly, his heart hammering as he stammered, “Black hasn't - he hasn't forced himself on me or anything.”

Mrs. Potter nodded, fortunately letting the matter rest, returning to finishing the cake. 

“Beautiful, Severus,” Mrs. Potter exclaimed, clapping her hands together, “You’re quite the artist. Looks like we're done here for now, so why don’t you take a walk outside? Some fresh air would be good for you.”

Severus’ protests died on his lips, extinguished by the warm glow from her praise. He shuffled outside and began meandering through the Potter’s backyard. 

“Hey, you changed your mind,” Black shouted excitedly as he went into a nosedive, pulling up next to Severus and toppling off his broomstick with disgustingly impressive grace. 

Severus opened his mouth to inform Black he was not here to fly, but the beaming smile splitting Black’s face made him hesitate. 

“I could take you up on my broom if you'd like,” Black offered.

Severus shifted on his feet, eyeing the broom uneasily. 

“Trust me.” Black held out his hand.

“Trust you?” Severus scoffed, “As if?”

“I won’t hurt you,” Black said. Severus arched an eyebrow. The taller teen leaned closer and breathed, “You’re my Omega,” into Severus’ ear, sending tingles down his spine. 

“Fine, but you try anything and I will show you a wand up your arse.”

“Duly noted,” Black chuckled. He swung his leg over his broom, pulling Severus on after him. 

Severus’ stomach dropped as Black pushed off, sending them soaring upwards. He clenched his jaw tightly to keep himself from crying out, one hand clamping onto the broomstick and the other fisting Black’s robes. 

“I’ve got you,” Black said, his arm tightening around Severus’ waist as he sent them into a slow leisurely dive. 

After about fifteen minutes, Severus was unable to fight back his smile any longer, and when Black took them through a series of loops, a laugh ripped from his throat. 

“You have a beautiful laugh.”

Severus elbowed Black in the ribs and immediately winced. Assaulting Black mid-air was probably not his brightest idea. 

“You'll pay for that,” Black whispered into his ear, but he sounded oddly playful?

Black tilted the handle down sharply, plunging them towards the grass below. The ground rushed up at them, and Severus shrieked, slamming his eyes shut. A sharp jerk sent them spinning upwards, his toes brushing along the grass before they rose again nearly as quickly as they plummeted. 

“Don’t you dare do that again,” Severus gasped.

“Ahh, but I liked how tight it made you hold on to me,” Black teased, “But if you insist.”

Black returned to flying about more leisurely, but Severus didn’t dare risk loosening his grip much though in case Black decided to pull another crazy stunt, or at least that's what he told himself. That was also the only reason he was glad Black’s grip on him was still so firm, of course. It wasn’t that it made his skin warm and tingly, certainly not.

Mrs. Potter flagged them down soon after, and Black glided down gently. He lifted Severus off the broom before he could scramble off himself and then hopped off with a cocky grin. Potter landed next to them, sending an exasperated look in their direction. If there was one good thing about the nonsense with Black, it was that it was driving Potter mad. 

“Have fun?” Sirius asked smugly. 

“I suppose it wasn't the worst,” Severus muttered.

“Don’t think I didn’t see a hint of a smile on your face.” Black tapped Severus on the nose and winked.

Severus huffed and rolled his eyes. 

“Go get cleaned up before dinner, boys,” Mrs. Potter ordered, waving them inside.

Severus hurried inside and upstairs to the bathroom. He was sticky with his own sweat and Black’s. Severus scrubbed himself clean in the shower and changed into fresh robes, then headed back downstairs.

“Oi, watch it,” Severus exclaimed as Black rammed into him.

“You washed my scent off after I went to all that effort to get it on you,” Black mock pouted, as he pulled Severus into his chest. 

Severus squirmed half-heartedly, but Black's hold only tightened. Severus melted into the Alpha despite his better judgment. 

“Oi, I said I would put up with it, not that I'd watch you two cuddle,” Potter called, thumping down the stairs behind them. 

“Sorry, James,” Black grinned sheepishly.

Severus’ cheeks burned, and he returned to struggling against Black’s hold with renewed vigor.

Potter grimaced and slipped by them. 

“Black,” Severus hissed.

“Alright, alright, I’d rather you didn’t hex me in my sleep,” Black chuckled, dropping his arms. 

Severus stumbled backward, his foot slipping on a step. He was falling - Black’s hand closed around his wrist, yanking him upright.

If he’d thought his face warm before, it was positively aflame now. Severus wrenched his arm free and straightened his robes.

“Do try to control yourself, you’re acting like an untrained puppy,” Severus drawled haughtily - a desperate attempt at regaining some of his dignity - before spinning on his heel and flouncing down the stairs. 

Mr. Potter greeted Severus jovially as he joined the Potters in the dining room. Black bounded in a moment later.

The chatter from the others washed over Severus. He blushingly mumbled his thanks at Mr. Potter’s compliments on the food he and Mrs. Potter had cooked, but other than that kept his head down. 

“I know what classes James is continuing on with - all he can talk about is becoming an Auror,” Mr. Potter chuckled. “Is that also your plan, Sirius?”

“Definitely,” Black said cheerfully. “So, mostly just planning on taking those classes. Might continue on with Muggle Studies too.”

Severus snorted before he could stop himself.

“You got a problem with that?” Potter demanded hotly. 

“No,” Severus sniffed disdainfully. 

“Sounds like you do,” Black growled, his eyes flashing. 

Severus knew he was flirting with danger, but he couldn’t resist sneering, “It’s merely that it doesn’t seem to have done you much good. You’re barely any less of a lost puppy in the muggle world than a typical pureblood.”

“What?” Black squawked, puffing up like an agitated puffskein. 

“It’s hardly your fault,” Severus smirked with a patronizing flick of his wrist. “To quote Lily, it was like being taught about the woods from someone who had never stepped outside. I reckon I could teach you more about muggles in a day in muggle London than you’d learn in two years of NEWT classes.”

“I’ll take that bet.”

“Excuse me?” Severus sputtered. Black didn’t actually expect them to go traipsing through muggle London together, did he?

“You know, I think that could be a fun outing,” Mr. Potter declared. 

Severus’ heart plummeted to the bottom of his stomach. He’d been so focused on Black that he’d forgotten about the other three purebloods at the table.

“What do you say, Euphemia? James? An expedition to the muggle world with our expert guide?”

“Yes, we could make a day out of it,” Mrs. Potter agreed.

This was rapidly spiraling out of control, but Severus didn’t have the faintest idea how to reel it back.  He felt uncomfortably warm and dizzy. If only he’d kept his mouth shut. Opening his trap always led to trouble. 

“Yeah, I think it sounds wicked,” Potter grinned. It was an innocent enough looking grin, but when their eyes unfortunately met, Severus caught the taunt gleaming in Potter’s eyes.

Severus nodded jerkily. He wasn’t exactly in a position to be saying no to Mr. and Mrs. Potter.

Black leaned over and nudged Severus. “Can’t wait.”

Severus ground his teeth.

“So, Severus, what classes are you continuing? Potions, I presume?” Mr. Potter asked.

The change of topic should have lessened the knots tying themselves in his stomach, but the sudden realization that he didn’t have any money for his school supplies only pulled the knots tighter. Money was always sparse for books and other school supplies, but this year, he had nothing. How was he supposed to show up to his NEWTs classes without even the required books?

“I haven’t decided yet, sir,” Severus said quietly. 

“Probably wants to take all of them. He’s a total swot,” Black teased.

“That’s not nice, Sirius,” Mrs. Potter chided. 

“You think that’s not nice,” Severus muttered darkly under his breath.

“What was that, Severus?” Mrs. Potter asked.

“Er, nothing,” Severus said quickly.

“Well, you’ll want to make up your mind soon. We’ll go to Diagon Alley to get your supplies in a few days,” Mrs. Potter said. “Oh, and don’t you boys worry about the cost. We can purchase whatever either of you need.”

Severus’ fork clattered to his plate as he gaped at Mrs. Potter. They had taken them in without a second thought, and now this. Perhaps, Black made sense - he was their son’s friend - but Severus was just some random wayward Omega. 

“Your education is very important. You can pay us back by doing your best in your classes,” Mr. Potter said.

Severus nodded vigorously. He knew he should be thanking them profusely, but he couldn’t get his tongue to cooperate. 

“Thank you, thank you so much,” Black said faintly, and Severus noticed his cheeks were a bright crimson.

“Yes, thank you,” Severus stammered, finally managing words.

Severus felt like he was floating through the rest of the meal. There was gnawing guilt in the pit of his stomach, but the weight that had been lifted off of him more than made up for it. He even sang along quietly when Mrs. Potter brought out the cake until he caught Black staring at him. 

Black - the insufferable prat - scooped a mountain of ice cream into Severus’ bowl and gave him a cheeky wink. Severus tried not to shovel it into his mouth like a heathen.

Screech!

Severus swiveled to see a regal-looking owl swoop in through the window, a red envelope attached to his talons. The color drained from Black's face as the owl deposited the letter into his bowl. The envelope began to smoke and tremble. Black’s throat bobbed furiously, his fingers shaking as he reached for the letter.

Sirius Orion Black, you will return home immediately! How dare you run off with that unruly Omega? A shame to the house of Black.

Lady Black’s shrill voice echoed through the house, so loud and vicious it made Severus’ skin prickle. She continued to screech about disownment and disinheritance, what a disappointment Black was, and dragging them back to Grimmauld Place.

At last, the tirade ended, the letter exploding in Black’s hands and singeing his fingers. Lady Black’s shrieks reverberated in the silence as Black clutched the pile of ash. His face twisted into a grimace, and he spun on his heel, storming out of the room and slamming the door behind him. 

Severus stood before he knew what he was doing, his legs taking him across the room. He reached for the door, freezing as his arm bumped into Potter’s.

They stared at each other for a moment before Potter took a step back.

“Go,” Potter said softly, gesturing at the door. 

Severus swallowed thickly and nodded. He knew what this concession cost Potter. Severus found Black chucking rocks into the pond in the Potter’s backyard. 

“You’re pretty rotten at skipping rocks,” Severus quipped.

The rock slipped out of Black’s hand mid-throw, landing in the pond with a loud splat and splashing their feet with water. He scrubbed at his face before slowly turning to face Severus. It didn’t make his eyes any less red and puffy. 

Severus hesitantly placed his hand on Black’s elbow. 

“I don’t want to be a part of that horrible family,” Black rasped. 

“Doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.”

Black let out a choked sob, slumping to the ground. Severus dropped down next to him. The next thing he knew, Black was pulling him into his lap. Severus wrapped his arms around Black’s neck, not protesting as Black clung to him like he was a bloody teddy bear. 

“We’re not going back. I won’t let them get their hands on you,” Black said, his voice rough but firm. 

“If it weren’t for me, would you?” Severus whispered.

“Hell no,” Black barked. “I’ve wanted to get out of there for ages, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy and that I’d lose a lot. Thought I could suffer through until I graduated, but I’m glad push came to shove. I’m just worried about Regulus.”

“Hopefully, we can convince him not to go back next summer and aren’t homeless with a baby. Might make it a bit harder to convince him if we are.”

Black snorted, a hint of a smile on his face. “Thank you for this, Severus.”

“You’re welcome -” Severus paused and licked his lips, his heart pounding irrationally fast at the idea of saying one blasted word - “Sirius.”

Arms tightened around him, and lips brushed against his cheek. Severus leaned into the embrace, not resisting as Black cupped his cheek and lifted his head up. Warm grey eyes gazed down at Severus. The Alpha closed the gap between their lips. 

***

It was hardly a surprise that Severus was grumbling and scowling about the movie choice. He’d been a surly little rain cloud the whole outing to muggle London. 

“What’s so terribly awful about the movie?” Sirius asked with an irritated huff. 

“It’s about a band of reckless morons playing heroes. Suppose you two Gryffindors would like that. Bloody Alphas,” Severus groused.

“Is this one too much for your little Omega sensibilities?” Siriis jeered, the words tumbling out before his brain caught up with his mouth.

“Fuck off,” Severus snarled, spinning on his heel and taking off towards the loo. “Watch your stupid braindead macho movie, arsehole.”

Heat flared in Sirius’ gut, and he bit down on his lip to keep himself from saying anything else. Sirius stared after the Slytherin’s retreating back until James nudged him. Sirius followed James, taking a seat in one of the velvety seats and gazing up at the large screen. He’d never been to a theater before. It was pretty wicked. It was like wizarding pictures, but there was a whole story and so many different backgrounds. The little people in the screen clearly had no idea they were there though. Severus had warned them not to try to talk to them or they would look bonkers.

Speaking of Severus, where was he? Sirius had expected him to come slinking into the theater after he cooled off, but the Omega was still off sulking. Could something have happened to him? Sirius couldn’t help twisting and fidgeting with his shirt. 

“You think you might want to go check on him, Pads?” James whispered.

Sirius jumped, gaping at James. 

“Snape’s been a right prat all day, but…” James shrugged. “He is pregnant.”

Sirius ran his fingers through his hair. He should go check on Severus. The Slytherin had started it with his snide quips, but Sirius may have gone a tinsy bit too far. 

Sirius sighed and stood. He slipped into the restroom, glancing around. It didn’t take him long to scent out which stall the Omega was hidden in. 

“Stop pouting like a baby and come watch the movie with us,” Sirius called, knocking on the door.

“Go away, Black!”

Sirius froze. The other boy sounded like he’d been crying. Despite the nickname, Sirius had hardly ever seen Snape actually cry.

“Hey, I'm sorry. Please open the door, Severus,” Sirius said softly. “I didn't mean to make you cry.”

“I'm not crying,” Severus hissed, but his voice sounded all nasally, and the sniffle at the end sealed the deal.

“Alright, well I'm sorry I upset you then. Come out, pretty please.”

After a long moment, Sirius heard Severus undo the lock, and the door cracked open. Tears stained the Omega’s face as he glowered at Sirius.

Sirius’ stomach dropped, and he reached out, enveloping Severus in a tight hug. It took only a breath for the Omega to melt into Sirius. 

“I was a wanker. I'm sorry, I didn't think it would hurt your feelings so much,” Sirius murmured into Severus’ hair as he rubbed circles into the Omega’s back.

“It’s fine. I was a git too. I shouldn’t have gotten all emotional, ” Severus mumbled into Sirius’ chest, sniffling slightly.

“That’s alright,” Sirius chuckled softly.

Severus quivered against him, letting out a small, choked half-sob that flooded Sirius with ice.

“I'm sorry, I wasn't laughing at you. I -”

“Pregnancy hormones, it's not you,” Severus whimpered softly.

“Oh, well, that is sorta on me, so uh, sorry about that.”

Severus half-laughed, half-sobbed, clinging to Sirius. He held him until the Omega was lax against him, then, with his arm around the other boy’s waist, headed back to the theater. 

James gave Sirius a look and mouthed ‘whipped’. Sirius shot James the bird. 

By the time the movie ended, Sirius only vaguely knew what happened - though there had been a wicked scene where a bunch of shit exploded - he’d been too distracted by Severus’ leg pressed up against his and the way Severus scrunched up his face at the cheesy lines and outrageous stunts. 

The day could've been worse, Sirius thought as they joined up with Mr. and Mrs. Potter outside the theater. 

***

Severus was relieved the outing was finally over. The Potters had shoved an obscene amount of muggle bills into his hands to start the day off, then the purebloods proceeded to follow him around gawking like they were at the bloody zoo. They’d gotten enraptured by a Ferris wheel for a good hour, during which Potter and Black rode the blasted thing repeatedly while Mrs. Potter curiously asked Severus how it worked, and he gave a flustered explanation that was probably only half right. 

The most ominous part of the day was when Mr. and Mrs. Potter decided to explore the mall together after lunch, leaving the boys on their own. Severus considered himself lucky that the worst thing to happen was him crying in a dingy muggle bathroom, which he fully blamed on pregnancy hormones making his hormones go haywire. He really needed to get a grip on that before he embarrassed himself any further. 

A soft knock on the door pulled Severus from his thoughts. 

“Severus,” Mrs. Potter called. “There’s a letter for you.”

“Thank you,” Severus said, quickly hopping up and taking it from her. He recognized the exquisite penmanship immediately. Narcissa.

He read it once and then a second time, warmth bursting his chest. His fingers were still trembling, but he could scarcely believe the words. Narcissa and Lucius had fought for him. They’d bargained for an option that would allow him and Black to return to Hogwarts without Black getting disinherited, and that, if their word was good, would keep them from having to go back to Grimmauld Place. 

The catch was, of course, that he’d have to marry Black over the Winter Hols. Severus didn’t know if Black would go for it. They were getting on better and in some strange limbo of not quite dating, but that didn’t mean Black wanted to marry him or that Severus wanted to marry the Alpha. Not to mention, the idea of interacting with Lord and Lady Black, even with Narcissa and Lucius as a shield, left him clammy. Narcissa was right, though; not accepting this offer could very well destroy his - and Black’s - life. The Ancient and Noble House of Black wasn’t one to fuck with and Severus doubted they would let this go easily.

Severus began to neatly refold the letter, freezing at the sight of scribbles on one of the sections of the folds. He studied the words, but they didn’t make a lick of sense. It was seemingly a random scrabbling of letters.

The code. Black had mentioned some code he and Regulus used as kids. Severus’ heart flew into his throat, and he leaped to his feet, beelining it to Potter’s room.  

Severus knocked on the door, not bothering to wait for a response before throwing the door open.

“Snape?” Potter yelped. He and Black were sprawled out on Potter’s bed, playing Exploding Snap.

“Now who doesn’t know what knocking is,” Black teased. 

“Regulus,” Severus said, holding up the letter.

“What did he say?” Black demanded, the teasing grin whipped clean from his face.

“Can’t read it,” Severus grumbled, grudgingly holding out the letter to Black.

“Oh, the code.” Black scrambled off the bed and snatched the letter from Severus. 

Severus watched as Black deciphered the note, the tension in his chest easing slightly as Black’s shoulders relaxed. 

“He’s alright,” Black exhaled. “Mother and Father have been furious, but he’s staying with Narcissa until the day before term starts. And they don’t know about -” Black cut off, his eyes darting towards Potter.

“Know about what?” Potter asked, the nosy prick. 

“None of your business, Potter,” Severus sneered.

Potter rolled his eyes at Severus before turning back to Black questioningly.

“It’s not my secret to tell,” Black said, shuffling his feet. 

Potter stared at Black for a moment before nodding. 

“Regulus also says to accept their offer. What offer? Surely, not the ‘come back so we can chain you up in the basement until you’re properly brainwashed’ offer?”

“It’s in the letter from Narcissa. Apparently, we can go back to Hogwarts - they won’t try to drag us back or disown you - if we agree to marry over the Winter hols.”

“Oh,” Black said faintly. “What do you think?”

“Perhaps we should discuss this in private,” Severus drawled, sending a pointed look in Potter’s direction.

“Oh, right. Be back in a few, James,” Black said, draping his arm over Severus’ shoulder and starting off towards Severus’ room.

Severus closed the door behind them and gingerly sat down on the bed. Black plopped down next to him, knee bouncing. 

“I don’t want to go to that house again,” Severus admitted softly. 

Black’s warm hand wrapped around Severus’ knee and squeezed gently. “Me either,” he said hoarsely. “Guess there’s not much to talk about then.”

“Narcissa said we could stay with them over Winter Hols. I know you don’t like her and Lucius -” Sirius made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. Severus ignored him. “But I do think they think they want to help.”

“If she really cares, Narcissa will go all mother dragon,” Black huffed, a gleam of grudging respect in his eyes. “I’ll be seventeen by then, so we wouldn’t be as screwed if things go sideways. They wouldn’t have any grounds to pull me or you out of school,” Black continued, his voice higher and more frantic than normal. “I don’t want to have anything to do with them, but being disowned… disinherited… the stigma of that alone… never mind the money issue. I wouldn’t care, but my family has a lot of connections. They could make things really difficult. And I have an heir vault that I can access at seventeen, you know if I’m still the heir. We’re not going to Grimmauld Place no matter what, but I already sort of think of you as my Omega, so maybe getting married wouldn’t be so awful. I know you probably don’t want me to be your Alpha, though even if you said that thing about being a pregnant Omega without -”

“I think we should agree to it, at least for now,” Severus blurted out, cutting off Black’s rambling. 

“Prefer to marry me than the giant squid now?” Black chuckled, but Severus didn’t miss the way the other boy’s hands trembled.

“About a draw,” Severus quipped.

Black tackled Severus to the bed, laughing as he pinned Severus beneath him. Severus wanted to feel affronted by the way the Alpha manhandled him, but desire burned where indignation belonged. Black leaned down, pressing his lips to Severus’.

“Such a good Omega for me,” Black purred.

Severus whimpered, kissing Black back hungrily. It wasn’t until Severus’ lips stung and his head spun that Black rolled off him, arm snugly around his waist. 

Chapter Text

Sirius leaped onto James’ trunk, using his body weight to force the trunk shut as James fastened the clasps. 

“Thanks, mate,” James grinned, running his fingers through his messy dark hair. 

“No problem,” Sirius said, grabbing his own trunk and dragging it out of the room. 

Their trunks banged behind them as they thudded down the stairs. Severus was already standing in the living room, his face tense and arms rigid at his side. The last couple weeks had vanished all too quickly after the tortuous slog of the first month and a half of summer, and despite looking forward to returning to Hogwarts, Sirius was nervous and he reckoned Severus was too.

Sirius still wasn’t sure exactly where he and the Slytherin stood. They’d agreed to go through the marriage thing, so he supposed they were dating or something of the sort, but it all still felt so strange. Sometimes Sirius wanted nothing more than to snog the Omega; feel the other boy’s soft lips press against his own and have him melt into him. Other times they were on cusp of brawling or drawing wands. They hadn't yet, only snarling and sniping at each other, but… once they got back to school would they be able to hold whatever this rocky, tenuous thing between them was together?

It didn’t help that the closer they got to going back to Hogwarts, the more Sirius’ stomach churned. He’d been desperate to get back, but now that it was here… Everyone would find out, and the thought made Sirius nauseous. 

James was tolerating - in a if I don’t laugh I’ll scream sort of way - Sirius’ relationship or whatever it was going on between him and Severus, but what would Remus and Peter say? What would everyone else say? Sirius tried to tell himself that he didn’t care, but… he did. Sirius liked being popular; he liked it when others were envious of him. Alphas wanted to be him. Omegas wanted him. Betas wanted one or the other or both. People would laugh, think it was a joke, he’d be a punchline. Someone like him wasn’t supposed to end up with someone like Snape. It wasn’t the natural order of things, but here Sirius was not only tied to the unpopular little swot, but falling head over heels for him. And a hell of a lot harder than it seemed Severus was falling for him. Add to that he was even more worried about people giving Severus a hard time. Sirius’ mind was a jumbled mess. 

Less than a minute after Sirius and James arrived in the living room, Mr. and Mrs. Potter hurried over and apparated them to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. After a quick, but profuse thanks, Severus disappeared into the crowd.

Sirius opened his mouth to call out after Severus, but then snapped it shut, not wanting to look desperate. Sirius’ skin itched as he and James found a compartment. His Omega was somewhere on the train probably with his Slytherins friends - a good number of whom were Alphas - smelling bloody incredible. He should’ve gotten his scent all over Severus this morning. Sirius knew how Alphas were - especially Slytherin Alphas. 

“Hi, James, Sirius,” Peter exclaimed, tumbling into the compartment with Remus on his heels.

“You survive the summer, Sirius?” Remus asked, hazel eyes roaming Sirius’ body.

“Barely,” Sirius muttered, still trying not to jump out of his hot, itchy skin. His heart was hammering and he found himself avoiding Remus and Peter's eyes.

“I have to go to the Prefect carriage soon, but I wanted to see you all first,” Remus said.

Sirius swallowed thickly. The rumor mill was bound to be churning. Peter and Remus didn't run in the same circles as his family, but there were enough students who did. Sirius couldn’t let Remus find out through gossip in the Prefect carriage. 

Sirius cleared his throat, “There’s erm something you should know.”

They looked at Sirius expectantly. It felt like a snitch had been jammed down his throat. 

Sirius opened his mouth, but only a strange croaking noise came out like a dying animal. 

“Sirius?” Remus prompted worriedly.

“Do you want me to?” James offered. 

Sirius shook his head. He dug his fingers into his thighs, eyes fastened on the floor. “Snape - Well, Snape and I - we,” he stammered. 

A warm hand rested on his shoulder, squeezing lightly as Remus plopped down next to Sirius. “What happened?” Remus asked softly.

“We shagged and he’s pregnant. He’s well sorta my Omega now,” Sirius said in a rush. His heart felt like it might explode out of his chest as he waited for their response.

The silence dragged on for long painful seconds then a high pitched squeaky laugh erupted from Peter. 

“Stop laughing, Peter,” Remus ordered. “I think he's being serious.”

“I'm always Sirius,” Sirius croaked, risking a quick glance over at Remus. 

“So where is Snape?” Remus asked, ignoring Sirius’ lame attempt at a joke. “If he's your Omega I would've thought he'd be here.”

Sirius groaned and dropped his head into hands. 

“It’s a bit complicated,” James chuckled, lightly punching Sirius in the shoulder. “Sometimes they're snarling at each other like the good old days, but other times… all gross and cuddly.”

“James,” Sirius yelped, his face burning. 

“Relex, mate. I won’t tell them how whipped you are. They can find out for themselves soon enough.”

Sirius kicked at James ankles who nimbly swung his legs out of the way laughing - the traitorous prick.

“Wait, you actually like like Snivellus?” Peter exclaimed, a look of pure horror and disgust dawning his face. 

Sirius felt like he’d been physically punched. Peter chubby, clingy Peter was looking at him like he’d just declared he was dating the giant squid.

“What do you know, you’re not an Alpha,” Sirius growled.

Peter went crimson. “At least I’m not so possessed by pheromones to start shagging a loser like Snivellus.”

“Knock it off, Peter,” James ordered. “What’s done is done. And it’s not like you’d be the epitome of cool without us.”

“Seriously, James? You hate the greasy git -”

Sirius’ fist collided with Peter’s nose and the smaller boy slammed into the wall. Firm hands grabbed Sirius’ arms, hauling him off Peter.

“You can’t talk like that about an Alpha’s Omega, Peter,” Remus snapped then turned to Sirius. “Pads, if you’re happy, I’m happy. And Snape definitely deserves your support while he goes through this. I’m proud of you for stepping up.”

The pounding in Sirius’ ears calmed slightly. He still wanted to pummel Peter, but he knew it wasn’t really about Peter. The Beta wasn’t saying anything outlandish. Hell, Sirius had taken the whole knocking Snape up thing horribly. He winced. He didn’t deserve Remus’ praise. 

“I’m going to take a walk. Cool off a bit,” Sirius said.

“Good idea,” Remus nodded.

Sirius hurried down the hall. He needed to check on Regulus and if Severus was with him then well, Sirius wasn’t going to complain.

***

Severus prowled the train until he found Regulus tucked in a compartment with his nose in a book.

“Regulus,” Severus called quietly, slipping into the compartment. 

Regulus’ head shot up. “You made it!”

Severus nodded, dropping onto the bench next to Regulus. “You alright?”

“Yes, Sirius translated my letter, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good, like I said Mother and Father were furious, but I stayed quiet and out of the way. Caught a stray stinging hex, but nothing - nothing like well you know.” Regulus let out a long sigh. “They’re still pissed. Mother blew Sirius’ name off the tapestry in a rage. If it weren’t for Cissy…” Regulus blinked back tears. “They still don’t even want me to socialize with you two outside of making sure you don’t back out of the wedding.”

Severus tentatively reached over and squeezed Regulus’ shoulder. “Do we need to pretend we’re not friends?” Severus asked, doing his best not to sound like his heart was being crushed.

Regulus clenched his jaw and shook his head, stormy grey eyes steeling. “You’re my friend. Nothing changes that.”

Severus let out a soft breath.

"How are things with you and Sirius?"

The compartment door slid open with a bang before Severus could answer. He tensed, hand automatically going to his wand. 

“Bloody hell, you really are an Omega, Snape,” Mulciber whooped, sucking in deep breath. “Merlin, you smell incredible.”

Severus felt mortifyingly warm as Mulciber, Avery, and Rosier made themselves at home in the compartment.

“Is it true Black knocked you up?” Rosier asked. “I don’t smell Alpha on you.”

The words stuck in Severus’ throat and he felt like he was choking. He managed a small jerky nod. 

“Whore,” Avery jeered, but Severus didn’t miss the hungry gleam in the pureblood’s eyes. Severus fought down a flinch.

“Oi, come on. It’s not like we don’t fuck around,” Mulciber grinned.

“He’s an Omega. It’s different. And clearly his Alpha doesn’t even want him enough to mark him,” Avery scoffed, rolling his eyes at Mulciber before turning to Severus. “Bet Black wouldn’t even care if we had some fun with you.”

“I still know all the same hexes and curses I did last term,” Severus hissed, clenching his wand.

“Relax, Severus. We know you belong to Black,” Rosier said, waving his hand dismissively.

“I do not belong to Black,” Severus snarled.

The door banged open again. Speak of devil and he shall appear, Severus thought irritably as Black loomed in the doorway.

“Your Omega run off on you, Black?” Avery smirked.

Black’s fist clenched around the doorframe. “Stay out of it, Avery,” he growled. “I just want a word with Regulus and Severus.” Black nodded at the corridor. “Now,” he barked when neither of them moved.

“I don’t take orders from you, brother dearest,” Regulus quipped. “We can talk later.”

Black stood there red-faced and wound up like a coil about to spring.

“You heard him, Black. Get lost. We’re busy,” Severus sneered, a flash of guilt shooting through him. They’d been getting on pretty well and Black just wanted to talk, but he couldn’t afford to lose face any further in front of his housemates. 

Black’s eyes narrowed and for a brief horrifying moment Severus feared the Alpha was going to attempt to physically haul him out of the compartment.

“We’ll talk later. Wouldn’t want to disrupt your Death Eater wannabe club meeting,” Black snarled, slamming the door shut hard enough the glass rattled. 

“Oooh look at you, standing up to your Alpha,” Rosier grinned teasingly. 

“Well, Snape’s never known his place,” Avery jeered.

“Severus is one of us,” Regulus interjected coldly.

“One of us?” Avery snorted. “He’s a half-blood Omega. Do you really think the Dark Lord will want him? Except maybe as a whore.”

“I will remove your guts, Avery,” Severus hissed, his fingers twitching around his wand as his heart hammered. 

“Merlin, I never realized how cute you could be,” Mucliber chuckled, eyeing Severus up hungrily.

An embarrassing squawk burst from Severus’ lips. Cute? Mulciber thought he was cute while he was threatening to gut Avery. That was - that was - this was a nightmare. 

“Cool it, Bruce. I know he smells divine, but Snape is Black’s Omega,” Rosier said, giving Mulciber a stern look. 

“Black hasn’t claimed him yet,” Mulciber shrugged. “But I’ll keep my hands to myself for now. It would just be a pity to lose someone with Snape’s talents to those blood-traitors. You still want to join the Dark Lord don’t you, Severus?”

Severus barely managed to keep himself from making another humiliating noise at the way Mulciber said his first name.

“Of course,” Severus said quickly. It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either. After the hellish weeks at the Blacks and the reprieve at the Potters, Severus wasn’t so certain. It wasn’t like he’d been fully committed in the first place. Lily was a muggle-born and she was brilliant. Their take on Omegas wasn’t ideal either. They had the right ideas about muggles - albeit a bit extreme - and Dark Magic though. 

“Good boy,” Mulciber purred, looking smug. 

Rosier rolled his eyes, giving off the air of someone about to chuck himself out the window. Regulus looked like he was about to kill someone or have a nervous breakdown and Avery’s face was twisted into a snarl, a savage gleam in his eyes.

Severus clenched his fingers, forcing himself to keep breathing, to not tremble, to not cry. It took ages for Severus’ heart to stop pounding in his wrists and for the coils around his lungs to loosen. 

“Don’t let them get to you,” Regulus murmurmed once the other boys finally left.

Severus nodded. It still hurt to breathe. He was glad to be heading back to Hogwarts - far better than being trapped in that awful house - but the cold endless sinking feeling in his stomach only continued to grow. Everyone knew his secret and to make it all the more horrible they knew he’d opened his legs for Sirius fucking Black. He wasn’t just an Omega. He was a whore. 

An Omega was to remain chaste until they were betrothed at which point their Alpha could choose to claim them. Some waited until marriage, but most Alphas were far too eager to mark their Omega as their own to wait. Severus had briefly considered floating the idea to Black - it would make him seem more respectable - but a claim bite wasn’t easy to get out of and he wasn’t sure he was ready for that sort of leap of faith, not to mention the potential humiliation of being rejected. 

Severus clamoured off the train, swept along with the crowd towards the carriages. A strong arm wrapped around his waist and hauled towards a carriage. Severus fumbled for his wand as he struggled against the hold

“Easy, it’s just me,” Black breathed into his ear. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Severus hissed, but stopped fighting and allowed Black to deposit him in the carriage.

“Looked like you were done with your miniature Death Eater pow wow,” Black growled, his breath hot on Severus’ ear.

Severus rammed his elbow into the obnoxious Gryffindor’s stomach. “I’m leaving,” he huffed.

“Not until I have my scent on you,” Black grunted, yanking Severus into his side.

“You -” Severus seethed.

“Oi, Sirius, be gentle with him, he’s pregnant,” Lupin chided.

Severus’ stomach pitched, looking around widely. Of course, the rest of Black’s bloody crew were here. 

The carriage lurched forward and Severus slumped against Black. It was only twenty minutes. He could survive twenty minutes.

“Do you have to do this in front of us, Sirius?” Pettigrew grumbled.

“This is a regular Tuesday,” Potter laughed, mockingly shielding his eyes. “And well he sorta does. Three of your dormmates are Alphas aren’t they, Snape?”

Severus glared fiercely at Potter, stubbornly refusing to respond.

“Should’ve seen the way they were looking at him - like they were about to devour him whole,” Black said, as he rubbed his scent glands against Severus.

“Jealous much, Black?” Severus sneered, half-heartedly attempting to twist away from the Alpha.

“Just want to make they know you’re my Omega. Don’t want them getting any ideas.”

“And you don’t think I could send that message myself?” Severus demanded, attempting to look threatening but knowing he was failing miserably since Black was clutching him like a bloody teddy bear.

“Don’t be dense, Snape,” Potter said, rolling his eyes. “You know them. You really think an Alpha like Avery cares about an Omega’s 'no'.”

Severus wanted to tell Potter that he was barmy, but… the way Avery leered at him, the rumors he’d heard and not just about Avery, but other Alphas too, especially Slytherins. 

“If any of them try to touch you, tell me,” Black ordered, as he continued attempting to coat Severus with as much of his scent as possible in twenty minutes.

“They don’t want to shag me,” Severus scoffed, trying not to think about the way his housemates had ogled him.

Black snorted and even Potter and Lupin looked amused.

“What’s so hilarious? A few months ago you lot were telling me no one would ever want to touch me. Now you think Alphas are going to be chomping at the bit.”

Potter and Lupin exchanged deeply uncomfortable looks.

“Well, you have a lovely smell, Severus,” Lupin began, shifting on the bench. “And well…”

Severus arched an eyebrow.

“They know you put out for Sirius and you hate his guts,” Potter blurted out. Lupin winced and Black growled, sounding practically feral.

Severus felt himself turn Gryffindor red and began to splutter.

“We know, we know,” Lupin said quickly. “You were in heat. It wasn’t - well, really the Omega purity stuff is rubbish anyways. We don’t think any less of you or anything.”

“Not exactly a high bar,” Severus muttered darkly. He wanted to deny it, but he knew they had a point. If he wasn’t Black’s Omega then he was just an apparently irresistible smelling Omega slut. It was just as he’d feared when he’d humiliatingly spilled his guts to Black the night after the failed abortion. 

Tears felt imminent and Severus hid his face in the crook of Black’s neck, inhaling his rich pine scent, slowly wrestling his emotions under control. The blasted pregnancy hormones were a pain in the arse, he normally wasn’t so bloody sensitive. At least he wasn’t full on sobbing, but the way he was clinging to the Alpha was mortifying enough. The Gryffindors were sure to mock him relentlessly for it later, but Severus couldn’t bring himself to let go.

Severus caught Regulus half way up the steps to the castle, having managed to disentangle himself from Black. 

“Where were…” Regulus trailed off, his eyes widening. “Oh, with Sirius?”

“Possessive Alpha rubbish,” Severus grumbled. 

“Severus,” Regulus said slowly, “Are you and Sirius actually together?”

“No,” Severus bit out on reflex. “It’s complicated,” he amended, avoiding Regulus’ eyes.

"Well, that's good that you're getting on better," Regulus smiled. It slipped off his face a moment later and he ran his fingers through his hair. "Merlin, this is going to be tricky. You should try to get on the same page as Sirius. If you're not -" Regulus shook his head. "I don’t know if it’s better that they think you're truly Sirius’ Omega or not,” Regulus sighed. “On one hand my brother is a blood-traitor who rubs elbows with mud -”

“Don’t say that word,” Severus hissed, cutting Regulus off. “Sorry, I -”

“I can use polite language if you prefer,” Regulus smirked, waving his hand dismissively. “The gist of it is, as you know, being with Sirius isn’t a good look in Slytherin, but on the other hand…” Regulus went a touch green and his throat bobbed.

Severus nodded grimly. Slytherin had always been a battleground, but his position was a hell of a lot more precarious now. 

They slipped into their usual spot at the Slytherin table. Severus tried to ignore the stares digging into him and was grateful when the first years were shepherded into the Great Hall and the Hat began to sprout whatever ridiculous nonsense it had cooked up this year. 

Once the sorting finished, Dumbeldore prattled on for a bit before food popped onto the table. His appetite had improved somewhat over the last couple weeks, but the staring, whispering, and jeers eviscerated it.

‘Thought he was alright for a half-blood. Clever and all. A shame.’

‘Half-breed whore.’

‘Disgrace to Slytherin, sleeping with a blood-traitor.’

‘Can see why Black fucked him with that smell. Maybe I’ll have a go myself.’

Severus wanted to disappear. He knew it would be bad. He knew there would be gossip. But knowing it didn’t make it feel any less like he was drowning now that it was happening. Severus forced himself to sip on pumpkin juice, unable to bring himself to eat anything. His mouth somehow still felt like he’d inhaled sawdust.

Across the Hall, Severus could see Black’s gaze fixed on him even as the Alpha shoveled food into his mouth and laughed with his friends. How pathetic was it that he wanted the Gryffindor to swoop in and save him. Of course, if Black actually attempted such a ludicrous thing, Severus would die of embarrassment. 

***

Sirius’ stomach twisted into knots as he shoved a roll into his mouth, forcing a laugh and earning himself a disgusted look from Remus as half chewed food went on display. If Sirius just ignored it perhaps the flames of the gossip spreading like wildfire wouldn’t burn him. 

It seemed to be getting to Severus though. The Omega didn’t look well. Sirius hadn’t seen him eat a thing and Sirius had been staring at him most of the meal.

“Is it true you knocked up Snape?” Jack, one of the Gryffindor chasers asked, scooting over closer to Sirius.

Sirius nodded sharply.

“Damn, mate. Must have been down bad,” Jack chuckled.

Sirius opened his mouth to tell Jack to go fuck himself but before he could Alex, his fellow beater, burst out laughing.

“Don’t be so harsh. You haven’t caught off a whiff of Snape yet since he went off scent blockers. Shove his face into a pillow and I’d hit that,” Alex guffawed.

“That’s enough,” Remus ordered, putting on his Prefect voice. “That is no way to talk about an Omega especially to their Alpha.”

“Wait, Snape’s not actually your Omega is he, Sirius? Aren’t you and James like the captains of the Snivellus hate club?” Jack chortled.

“That’s none of your bloody business. Fuck off before I hex your bollocks off,” Sirius growled.

Jack and Alex cackled.

“Oi, keep laughing and you won’t be the ones laughing for long,” James snapped.

Their teammates abruptly shut up and took off down the table, clearly not willing to get into a true tussle with the Marauders.

James’ fist collided with Sirius’ shoulder hard. 

“Oi, what was that for?” Sirius yelped.

“For making me defend Snape. He’s growing on me a bit like a weird fungus, but he’s your problem,” James replied grumpily. 

“Told ‘em to fuck of didn't I?” Sirius grumbled.

“Don’t just tell them to fuck off. Tell them Snape’s yours. You fancy him, as barmy as that is, I know you do. If you own it then it’ll take the fun out of it for them. Act like it gets under your skin and they’ll have a field day.” 

James was right. Of course James was right, he and Sirius both knew exactly how to find cracks and break them wide open. Sirius’ nausea doubled as he thought of the thrill he used to get when he got a rise out of Severus - of seeing the Slytherin blotchy red and snarling, and the flinch when the other boy knew he’d lost.

Sirius had never thought of himself as a bully. It was just pranks. They were messing around and Snape and the others had it coming. But Sirius couldn’t stop replaying his housemate’s words 'captains of the Snivellus hate club’. He said it because he thought Sirius would find it funny… because it was true or at least had been. Were people saying this shit because they didn’t think Sirius would care or worse would pile on?

“You better hope the rumors aren’t true, Sirius Black!”

Sirius gulped, slowly raising his head to look at the oncoming storm that was Lily Evans - fiery red hair bouncing behind her as she marched towards them, her piercing green eyes burning.

“What rumors, Lils?” Sirius asked with a feigned innocent smile. 

“You know exactly what rumors,” Lilly hissed. “And don’t call me that.”

“Lily flower -” James began.

“Oh, you don’t want to drag yourself into this, James Potter,” Lily spat, turning her furious gaze on James who shrank back and held his hands up. “Well?” Lily demanded, pinning Sirius with an icy glare.

“Yeah, we shagged and he’s pregnant,” Sirius muttered, bracing for a barrage of insults and possibly hexes that didn’t come.

Lily wilted, it was as if all the fury had been sucked out of her and replaced with something far worse. 

“Oh, Sev,” Lily whispered. “He didn’t tell me.”

Sirius winced. “Erm, I think he did try.”

Lily’s hand flew to her mouth, her face draining of color. “Oh my God, oh my God,” she whimpered. “I ignored him and he - oh God.”

“After what Snape called you, you don’t owe him anything,” James said, in what Sirius was pretty certain was an attempt to comfort Lily, but naturally had the opposite effect, sending her into another fit of rage.

“I told you to stay out of it, Potter, but no you can’t shut your bloody mouth. You lot were being pricks. That doesn’t mean I forgive Severus, but you don’t get to act all high and mighty like you weren’t being completely awful,” Lily snarled at James before whipping back to Sirius. “And you, was that before or after you shagged Severus?”

Sirius couldn’t met Lily’s eyes; couldn’t make his mouth form words. 

“You disgust me, all of you,” Lily scoffed. “And you, Sirius Black, will answer to me if you hurt him.” Lily jabbed her finger in Sirius’ chest before flouncing off. 

 Sirius dropped his hand into his hands and James patted him on the back. This was going to be a long year.

Chapter Text

Severus sat at a table tucked away well into the depths of the rows of bookshelves with Regulus, attempting to get a start on his Charms homework while Regulus pestered him about Potions. 

“Sev.”

Severus jumped. Peeking around a bookshelf was Lily, her bottom lip pinched between her teeth.

“Lily,” Severus replied, trying to keep his voice even. She hadn’t called him Sev since before the incident at the lake - only calling him Snape as she told him to fuck off. 

Lily opened her mouth then closed it, her eyes uncertain. 

“What do you want, Evans?” Regulus demanded coldly.

Lily straightened, briefly glaring at Regulus before turning her gaze back to Severus. “I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes. Alone.”

Severus nodded. “Could you give us a minute, Regulus?”

Regulus hesitated, his bottom lip curling as he eyed Lily, but after a moment nodded and stood. 

Lily collapsed into Regulus’ vacated chair.

“Are you alright?” Severus asked quietly. She looked quite unwell. There were dark circles under her eyes, stark against her unusually pale skin, and her hands were trembling.

“I’m so sorry, Sev. I should’ve listened. I shouldn’t have ignored you. I didn’t - “ Lily’s voice broke and she buried her face in her hands. 

“It’s fine,” Severus said stiffly.

“No,” Lily exclaimed, her head flying back up. “No, it’s not fine. You called me something horrible, really horrible and I haven’t fully forgiven you for that, but we’ve been best friends since we were nine. I should’ve been there for you. I'm sorry.” 

Severus swallowed painfully, as Lily’s hand wrapped around his. 

“You don’t need - I don’t deserve,” Severus whispered, blinking back tears.

“You’re really sorry?” Lily interjected softly.

“So sorry, Lily. It won’t happen again. You or anyone else,” Severus promised, squeezing Lily’s hand.

“Good,” Lily smiled, a small wobbly one, but still a smile. “Friends?”

“Friends,” Severus confirmed, feeling lighter than he had in days, possibly in years. 

Lily brushed the tears from her eyes and let out a watery laugh. “So do I need to unleash my infamous bat bogey hex on Sirius Black?”

Severus shook his head, laughing softly. “He’s actually been surprisingly decent. Well, some of the time anyways. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still an insufferable twat, but…” Severus trailed off, his cheeks warming.

“Sev, do you like Sirius?” Lily gasped, somehow managing to look both elated and horrified. 

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Severus scoffed, desperately trying to keep himself from blushing harder. 

“Whatever you say,” Lily grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Are you two done?” Regulus drawled, strolling back into the alcove. “I see you’ve made up,” he added, eying their joined hands.

“Do you have an issue with Severus being friends with me, Black?” Lily asked coldly, her grip tightening on Severus’ hand.

The silence was suffocating, every second felt like an entirety.

“Severus needed your help and you abandoned him,” Regulus said at last, his voice as frigid as a Scottish winter night. 

“I know and I’m terribly sorry,” Lily whispered, her voice shaking.

“We’ve forgiven each other,” Severus said firmly, giving Lily’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Fine,” Regulus sighed, “But perhaps don’t flaunt it.”

Lily recoiled, her eyes flashing. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think Severus should be ashamed of his friendship with me because I’m a muggle-born? That’s bollix. Though I shouldn’t be surprised if you think it considering.”

Regulus looked as if he was on the verge of saying something exceedingly cruel, but then he took a deep breath, an almost eerie calm settling over his face. “Severus isn’t exactly in an ideal position right now with all the Sirius rubbish and it won’t help if he’s seen hanging out with you all the time. Do you want to make him even more of a target?”

Lily sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes flicking between Regulus and Severus. “If you think they might hurt you, Sev, you should go to a professor.”

“And how often have professors helped me?” Severus snapped before he could stop himself.

Lily winced before straightening and putting on her authority suck up voice, “The professors do their best -”

“Precisely,” Regulus interjected. “Unfortunately their best can be inadequate especially when it comes to a Pureblood Alpha’s word against a Half-Blood Omega’s.”

Lily’s shoulders sagged. “I suppose you may have a point. We can keep our reconciliation quiet.”

“Thank you,” Severus whispered. 

Lily smiled at him softly. “Well, I’ll leave you two to your studying. Our usual spot at seven on Wednesday, Sev?” 

“Sounds good.”

Lily flung her arms around Severus and he could feel Regulus’ eyes burning into them. “I love you, Sev.”

“Love you too, Lily,” Severus said softly into her ear, briefly hugging her back.

“This is a complication you really don’t need right now,” Regulus said, once Lily disappeared into the shelfs. 

“I don’t care,” Severus retorted, crossing his arms. “Lily is my friend.”

“Fine, but I don’t know what you see in her. She’s just a mud-muggleborn.” 

“And I’m a half-blood.”

“That’s different,” Regulus protested. “You come from a good line on your mother’s side.”

“Lily is brilliant and an excellent witch. One of the best in our year.” 

“That may be, but she can never be as much of a proper witch as a pureblood. You know that,” Regulus said as if he was stating something incredibly obvious and irrefutable.

“Ri-” the word stuck in Severus’ throat. Regulus’ friendship was as valuable to him as Lily’s and she wasn’t here to lambast for his words. He should toe the party line, but… It felt wrong. Perhaps a part of him had always known that, but after this summer it was harder to shove down. “I don’t think that.”

Regulus gaped at him.

“Because it’s not true,” Severus added - in for a penny in for a pound. 

The silence stretched between, as sharp and brittle as glass. 

“Don’t let any of them hear you say something like that,” Regulus said at last. 

“I won’t.”

Regulus let out a long, slow breath. “I used to believe I could never befriend a half-blood, but you’re my friend.... my best friend.”

“And you’re mine,” Severus said quietly, the coils ensnaring his chest and windpipe loosening slightly. 

“Sirius thinks blood-purity is all rubbish, but… it can’t be. It can’t be,” Regulus whispered, more to himself than Severus, his hands twisting together in his lap. 

***

Remus nudged Sirius in the ribs. “So are you actually going to do it today?” he asked.

Sirius nodded grimly. He was a Gryffindor for Merlin’s sake, he could do this. Sirius rose, flanked by his friends, and began to make his way across the Great Hall like a man walking to the gallows. They hadn’t talked in days outside of a few brisk words in class, which while admittedly a vast divergence from their past years of insults wasn’t really how an Alpha/Omega pair should be acting... wasn’t what Sirius wanted. It was just so much harder here with everyone watching. Hell, it was hard when they were alone with how much messy history they shared.

Sirius saw the moment Severus realized what was happening - the Omega flushed and he shook his head rapidly. Sirius’ stomach pitched, but he plowed on. It had to be done. Sirius couldn’t take it any longer. He’d already landed himself in detention twice for hexing wankers who thought they could make crude jokes about Severus around him and that was only the times he’d gotten caught.

“Severus,” Sirius greeted with more bravado than the churning in his stomach should allow. “Let me walk you to class.”

Severus stared at Sirius in horror and several Slytherins snickered. Sirius bent down and picked up Severus’ bag then held out his arm.

“I’m eating,” Severus sniffed haughtily. 

Sirius raised his eyebrows. He’d waited until he was quite certain the Omega was done eating. Severus’ eyes darted to his empty plate and his hand shot out towards a scone. Sirius snatched it up. 

“You can eat it while we walk. Come on.”

“I don’t take orders from you, Black,” Severus hissed.

Oh, Merlin, this was going bloody fantastic. Of course Severus would get all offended about Sirius walking him to class because the Slytherin was a prideful, stubborn, difficult git.

“It's a request,” Sirius said, desperately trying not to sound like he was on the verge of snapping.

“Denied,” Severus drawled, turning away from Sirius and pouring himself a glance of pumpkin juice. 

The fuck? Had Severus Snape just turned him, Sirius Black, down in the Great Hall. Left him standing there like an idiot. How dare he? This was absurd. And fucking Mulciber was sitting there all smug with a shit-eating grin on his face, eying Severus up like he wanted to have him for desert. No, absolutely not. Sirius would not lose this battle, not like this. He had a half mind to drag Severus out of the hall. He was Severus’ Alpha, he had every right to, but that wouldn’t help long term and that wasn’t who Sirius was - who he wanted to be. 

Sirius flung an arm over James’ shoulder, put on his best nonchalant expression, and struck up a conversion with the other Marauders like they weren’t standing next the Slytherin table. 

“Why are you still loitering here?” Severus sneered.

“I’m being a gentleman and waiting for you to finish,” Sirius shrugged. 

Severus gnashed his teeth and huffed, “Fine, fine, let’s go.” The Slytherin stormed to his feet and stalked past Sirius, ignoring his outstretched hand. 

Sirius hurried after Severus, draping an arm over the smaller boy’s shoulders when he caught up and kissing the top of his head. The Omega muttered darkly under his breath, something about ‘possessive Alpha rubbish’. 

***

Severus was beyond mortified. He was honestly surprised he hadn’t killed over from embarrassment. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Severus hissed when the large oak doors banged shut behind them.

“Some people seem to be under the impression that I don’t consider you my Omega,” Black growled. 

“Well, if that’s all, I suppose the show is over and you can unhand me,” Severus sneered. 

The insufferable Alpha pulled Severus closer. 

“Black,” Severus huffed.

“Sirius, you should call me by my first name,” Black corrected, his breath tickling Severus’ ear.

It had been a rough couple of days and Severus hated how nice it felt to have Black’s strong arm wrapped around him, how much he wanted to snog the arsehole. He should be furious and he was, but Black’s open possessiveness made his traitorous heart flutter. He’d been enduring snide remarks and snickers about how even the Alpha who knocked him up didn’t want him. In Slytherin it was a mixed bag whether this helped or not. Some Slytherins seemed certain Black would break it off officially and then someone with the right politics - like Mulciber who was shockingly infatuated - could swoop him up. Others seemed happy to write him off as damaged goods - a half-blood whore who let a blood-traitor fuck him. 

“I’ll call you whatever I please,” Severus grumbled, forcing himself to struggle against the Alpha’s hold. 

“Sirius, he wants you to let go of him,” Lupin chided.

“Sirius is Sni-Snape’s Alpha, he should stop resisting and be grateful,” Pettigrew scoffed. 

Black released him as if burned. “Sorry, I shouldn’t’ve.” 

Severus felt himself soften slightly at the embarrassment on Black’s face. He should take this opportunity to escape, but instead he slipped his hand into the Alpha’s. “Let’s take a walk.”

Black brightened. “Catch up with you lot, later,” he waved to his friends, a small bounce in his step as they made their way down the corridor. 

“I’m sorry about this morning. It’s just I’ve been getting an earful so I can’t imagine you have it any better. I don’t want people thinking I don’t want you and giving you shit.”

“I can handle myself. You don’t need to put on a show,” Severus sighed, pushing down the hurt. He didn’t want Black’s pity. 

Black made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat. “It’s not - I do want you. It's just hard.”

“I know I’m an embarrassment. A blemish to your cool kid reputation,” Severus snarled. “We don’t have to do this.”

“Don’t make this about me. You’re the one who acts like I don’t exist especially around your Slytherin mates. You want me to break it off so you can go shag Mulciber, is that it?” Black growled back, his voice rising to a shout. 

Severus lunged, his fist colliding with Black’s nose. A strong, lightly calloused hand wrapped around his wrist twisting painfully. His back slammed into the wall and Black’s lips were less than an inch away. Severus leaned forward, closing the gap. Black kissed him back bruisingly, snogging him into the wall. 

They stumbled into a broom cupboard and Black hoisted Severus into the air, arms tightly clasped around his waist. Severus clutched desperately at the Alpha, wrapping his legs around Black’s hips.

“I’ve missed you,” Black rasped between kisses.

“Me too,” Severus gasped. 

Time blurred. Black’s scent and the feeling of the Alpha’s hands on his body wiped out all coherent thought. It wasn’t until a mop jabbed him in the arse when they shifted that Severus broke out of the haze.

Shit. How long had they been snogging? 

“Oh Merlin, we’re probably late for class,” Severus exclaimed.

Black laughed. 

“Stop laughing, you prick,” Severus hissed.

“You’re so cute when you get bent out of shape over little things,” Black teased in a suspiciously fond sounding voice. 

“Firstly, I am not cute and secondly class is important,” Severus grumbled, flusteredly attempting to straighten his robes and fix his mused hair as he stumbled out of the broom cupboard.

Black followed him grinning like a bloody cat that got the cream.

“People are going to think -” Severus groaned. “Especially if you don’t fix your bloody robes.” 

Black obediently straightened his robes, combed his fingers through his curly dark hair, and cleaned the blood from his face with a flick of his wand. “Satisfied, your highness?”

Severus huffed, not sparing Black another glance as he stalked towards Transfiguration. 

***

They arrived at Transfiguration fifteen minutes later and Professor McGonagall fixed them with a stern glare that froze Sirius’ inside.

“Mister Black and Mister Snape, I do hope you weren’t up to any mischief.”

“No, Professor,” Sirius said hurriedly. 

Several students snickered, but were quickly silenced by McGonagall’s stern gaze. 

“Five points from Gryffindor and Slytherin,” Professor MGonagall said icily. “See this does not happen again or you will both find yourself in detention.”

“Yes, Professor,” they chorused, quickly dropping into the nearest chairs. 

“You know I’m kind of surprised you decided to continue on with Transfiguration,” Sirius murmured once McGonagall set them practicing. 

Severus’ bottom lip curled. “While it is not my favorite subject it does have its uses,” he drawled haughtily. 

“Well, if you ever want any help,” Sirius offered. 

Severus sniffed, “Unlikely.”

Sirius shrugged and went to work, easily transfiguring his hand into a lion paw. He was an animagus after all. This was child’s play compared to that.

Out of the corner of his eye, Sirius caught Severus reviewing his notes and diligently practicing the wand motion. He then made several attempts that left his pale slender hair entirely unchanged. The Slytherin bested him in every subject except Transfiguration and perhaps Defense which if Sirius was being completely honest he would call a draw. 

Severus hissed and grabbed his hand.

“You alright?” Sirius asked, quickly reaching out to take the Omega’s hand with his hand that wasn't currently a paw. It was pink and slightly swollen.

“I’m fine,” Severus spat, attempting to tug his hand out of Sirius’ grasp.

“Is everything alright, Mister Snape? Mister Black?” Professor McGongall asked, swooping over to their table. “Ah, a common mistake.” Professor McGongall said briskly, flickering her wand. 

“Thank you, Professor,” Severus mumbled, as the swelling went down.

“A bit more focus on the desired outcome is required. Perhaps Mister Black can provide assistance,” Professor McGongall said before continuing her rounds.

Severus crossed his arms, a petulant grimace on his face. 

“Close your eyes,” Sirius whispered into Severus’ ear.

“I’m not -” Severus sputtered.

“Close your eyes,” Sirius repeated more firmly.

Severus obeyed. 

“Good,” Sirius praised. “I think we’ll try for a panther. Don’t focus too hard on the spell itself. Picture the shape of the paw in your mind, the feeling of the fur. Every detail - the sharp claws, the pads, the bones, the muscles. Now, imagine how it all works together.” 

Sirius waited until Severus nodded. Then took his hand adjusting his wand grip slightly. Severus flicked his wand in an arc. It was perfect. Sirius beamed.

“You can open your eyes,” Sirius chuckled, realizing the Omega still had his eyes closed.

Severus’ eyes flew open, flashing dangerously.

“You did it,” Sirius grinned. 

Severus glanced down at the panther paw and a small half-smile replaced his scowl. 

“Such a good Omega for me,” Sirius breathed in Severus’ ear and the Slytherin turned crimson. So bloody cute. If they weren’t in class Sirius would’ve kissed him senseless. 

***

Severus managed to make it through the rest of the day without horribly humiliating himself any further, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Black. How was he supposed to refuse an Alpha who smelled as good as Black did especially when the prick used that voice? It wasn’t fair. And then the Alpha had the gall to call him a good Omega in class. Admittedly, Black had whispered it into his ear, but still. Even worse, Severus liked it and couldn’t stop replaying the words. It made his stomach feel all weird and gooey. 

Severus sighed and tried to focus on his homework.

“Can you help me with this Arthminancy problem. I’ve been stuck for ages,” Regulus asked.

Severus gratefully pushed his Transfiguration homework to the side - the blasted thing was making it impossible not to think of Black’s breath on his ear - and leaned over to study Regulus’ work, which was written in the most infuriatingly perfect penmanship. 

“So I guess that blood-traitor does want you.”

Severus jumped at the sound of Avery’s voice. The other Slytherin wasn’t alone. Most of the usual crew was looming over him. 

“Bruce wants to know if you were late because that blood-traitor was using you?” Avery jeered.

Severus choked, his windpipe closing up.

“Shut your mouth, I was not!” Mulciber exclaimed indignantly.

“You were sorta going on about it,” Rosier drawled. 

“I hardly see how this is any of your concern. My brother is still the heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Black,” Regulus said pompously. “Being his Omega is nothing to be ashamed of, perhaps Severus can even mellow out some of Sirius’ rebellious tendencies.”

“Is there a problem over here,” Wilkes, a seventh-year Slytherin, drawled, sauntering over to them.

“Oh, just talking about how Snape’s a blood-traitor's wh-”

Avery's tongue fastened to the roof of his mouth.

“Impressive wandless magic, Severus. I can see why Lucius wants to keep you in the fold despite your transgressions,” Wilkes smirked, slowly looking Severus up and down. “Some are worried Black might corrupt you, but as Regulus was saying we hope you could do the corrupting. After all, nothing makes an Alpha go crazy like a sweet smelling Omega.”

Severus nearly laughed. There was no way Black was going to become a Death Eater or even a sympathizer no matter how much the Alpha wanted to shag him. Black was too stubborn and - as much as Severus hated to admit it - principled. 

“That might be a bit optimistic. Are these Lucius’ orders?” Regulus demanded haughtily.

Severus once again felt immensely grateful he had proper pureblood in his corner. 

“Of course,” Wilkes said simply. “Don’t worry, no one is expecting miracles. If it’s not workable… Well, he’s mighty close with a lot of Dumbeldore’s sycophants. Play your cards right and I’m sure you could bring a bounty of intel. Lucius will discuss with you at the Hogsmeade visit in a couple weeks.”

“I still think he would be useful if he was with one of us,” Mulciber grumbled. 

“And how do you propose we do that?” Regulus scoffed. “My family won’t take kindly to any meddling. Sirius may be a black sheep, but he’s still a Black.”

“Yes, well, it would have been better if you let one of us knock you up or better yet kept your legs closed,” Wilkes sighed, shaking his head dramatically. “But Lucius believes you're a little diamond in the rough, and I'll admit for a half-blood Omega you are talented, so keep proving yourself and you can still be one of us - well, sort of.”

Severus swallowed and nodded. 

“Severus and I have work to do,” Regulus said coolly, flicking his wrist dismissively. 

The other Slytherins ambled off and Severus let out a breath. Maybe, he should tell Black about this. The Gryffindor had offered to protect him, but he couldn’t always be with him and it could very well just make matters worse. 

Perhaps, it was best to go along with it for now to maintain some sort of position in Slytherin. Lucius would be pleased and the older Slytherin had been kinder to him than most. It was why Severus considered a future as a Death Eater in the first place. Lucius waxed poetic about the Dark Lord, promising a chance at power and wealth. It had been the only way he’d seen out of the shithole where he’d grown up. Now though, everything was a mess. He couldn’t stop thinking about how awful Lady and Lord Black were, and the way Avery and some of the others treated him… Maybe Lily was right. And then there was the thing between him and Black... despite everything it meant something.

Still, if things fell apart with Black and Lily, it would be an avenue to fall back on and it wasn’t like there was any real harm in playing along for now. Right?

Chapter Text

Severus hurried down the hill towards the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. It had taken him longer than anticipated to give his housemates the slip. So far he’d managed to keep his renewed friendship with Lily under wraps, and he intended on keeping it that way. 

Lily was already perched on a rock, textbook splayed open on her lap.

“Sev,” she beamed, looking up.

Severus tentatively sat next to her. It still felt strange to be on the receiving end of her radiant smile again. Even before the incident at the end of last term, most of their meet-ups had ended in spats, and often started that way too.

“How are you feeling?” Lily asked, as she fussed over him. 

“Fine,” Severus replied stiffly, shrinking away slightly. Lily's smile and concern seemed genuine, but he couldn't quite let himself relax into her friendship. Not yet, at least.

“How’s the morning sickness? Sirius told me it was pretty awful for you over summer.”

Severus groaned. Could Black keep his bloody mouth shut?

“Oh, don’t be upset. I asked him - badgered him, honestly. You know, I think he actually might be rather smitten.”

“Doesn’t mean he needs to run his mouth,” Severus grumbled.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Lily said pointedly.

“It’s not so bad most of the time now,” Severus sighed.

“Well, that’s good,” Lily nodded. “I can’t believe you’re going to have a baby. I wonder whose eyes it will have. You and Sirius both have such lovely eyes.” 

“Lily,” Severus groaned. The last thing he wanted to think about was the baby. 

“I’m sorry, I know it’s terrible timing and everything,” Lily said sympathetically. “I just love babies. They’re so cute and -”

“Gross, loud, exhausting,” Severus interjected snidely. “And Black and I are going to be atrocious parents.” 

“Don’t say that,” Lily exclaimed, swatting Severus’ arm.

Severus pursed his lips, but didn’t see the point in continuing to argue with Lily about it. Lily, fortunately, let the matter drop in favour of diving into their Artminancy homework. They worked through the problem set together and then began to discuss ideas for the project.

“Have you been to see Madam Pomfrey yet?” Lily asked as they packed their stuff.

Severus fiddled with his bag strap. Madam Pomfrey had sent a note requesting he come by, but he’d been putting it off. 

“Sev, do I have to drag you there by your ear?” Lily chided teasingly.

“No,” Severus muttered sullenly. 

“Then promise me you’ll go today before dinner,” Lily said, giving him a stern look that made Severus feel like a petulant child. “It’s important,” she added, squeezing his arm. 

Severus sighed and nodded. Lily was right. He should go. It was the responsible thing to do. Trying to pretend it wasn’t happening wouldn’t stop his pregnancy from advancing.

Severus split off from Lily as they emerged from their little spot in the woods, dragging his feet as he made his way towards the Hospital Wing.

“Oi, Snape.”

Severus palmed his wand on instinct at the sound of Potter’s voice. Admittedly, the Marauder hadn’t attacked him so far this term, but years of hexes and pranks taught Severus to always be on guard.

“No need to get your knickers in a twist,” Potter chuckled. “You just look like you’re walking to the gallows. You alright?”

“What do you care?” Severus snarled.

“You’re Sirius’ Omega,” Potter shrugged. “Do you want me to get him?”

Severus baulked. He most certainly didn’t need nor want Black to hold his hand during the examination.

“If you must know, I’m going to the Hospital Wing. A routine examination. Nothing Black needs to concern himself with,” Severus sniffed.

Potter eyed him for a moment. “Sirius is still messing about on the Quidditch pitch, but I’m sure he won’t mind wrapping up to go with you. Come on, let’s go fetch him.”

Severus gaped at the Gryffindor. “Are you deaf, Potter?” he sneered, once his mouth remembered how to function.

“Nah,” Potter grinned over his shoulder. “I just don’t want to deal with Sirius moping because you didn’t let him tag along.”

“You think your best mate is that pathetic?” Severus scoffed.

Potter laughed. “It’s a tragedy what a sweet smelling Omega can do to an Alpha.”

Severus rolled his eyes, but followed Potter to the Quidditch pitch. 

When they reached the Pitch, Potter waved his arm in the air, and a moment later, Black streaked down, tumbling off his broom with cat-like grace.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of this curious duo?” Black asked, beaming at them as he wrapped an arm around Severus’ waist, pulling him close.

“Get off, you’re all sweaty,” Severus groused, half-heartedly shoving at the Alpha.

“Snape needs to go to the Hospital Wing,” Potter said.

Black’s eyes flew wide, turning stormy as they examined Severus.

“Merlin, must you be so dense, Potter?” Severus huffed. “I am perfectly fine. Merely a routine exam. Apparently, Potter thought you would melt into a sad little puddle if I didn’t invite you along.”

“A very sad puddle,” Black confirmed with mock seriousness, an amused grin pulling at his lips. “Well, thank you, James. I’ll see you later.”

“Have fun and be good,” Potter laughed.

Black gave him a mock salute. Something the pair of purebloods had picked up from the Muggle movie they’d seen over summer.

“Does he think we’re shagging?” Severus asked moodily as they made their way up the stone steps. Of course, Potter did. Most everyone thought so, but the insinuations still made his skin prickle even when delivered with the friendliness of Potter’s remark. 

“Sorry to break it to you, but I reckon most everyone thinks we’re shagging,” Black chuckled. “It’s our little secret that you’re actually quite the prude.” 

A wave of indignation welled up inside Severus, and he stamped on Black’s foot hard. “I’m pregnant with your spawn. I hardly think you can call me a prude,” he scoffed.

Black leaned in close. “I’ll admit in heat you are quite the little wanton, but otherwise such a good boy,” Black whispered, his warm breath sending tingles jolting through Severus.

“You haven’t asked.” Heat rushed to Severus’ face the moment the words left his lips. Why would he say that? It made it sound like he was simply waiting for Black to proposition him for sex. 

“Any time you want me to fuck you, I happily will, Omega mine,” Black breathed sultrily into Severus’ ear, sending a shiver down Severus’ spine. 

Severus found his tongue utterly tied, but fortunately, Black didn’t seem to be expecting a response. The wanker merely seemed smug about the reaction he’d elicited from Severus.

When they reached the Hospital Wing, a heavy weight settled in Severus’ stomach once again, and he found himself begrudgingly glad Black was with him.

“Ah, Mister Snape, I was hoping to see you soon. I was afraid I was going to have to drag you in by your ear, young man,” Madam Pomfrey said sternly, as she bustled over to them.

“Were you supposed to come earlier?” Black asked, a slight quiver in his voice. Was the Alpha angry?

“That’s none of your business,” Severus spat. 

“I sent Mister Snape a note over a week ago,” Madam Pomfrey said, waving her finger at Severus. “Perhaps, I should notify your Alpha as well in the future.”

“That would be great,” Black said before Severus could protest.

Severus clenched his fists, biting his tongue so hard he tasted blood as Madam Pomfrey directed him to a bed. He lay stiffly while she performed a battery of spells.

“Very good, everything seems to be progressing along nicely,” Madam Pomfrey smiled, patting Severus on the arm. She took out a potion vial and handed it to him. “You could stand to put on some weight though. If you require a stomach soother, I can provide you with one, but no more than twice a week. This is a prenatal potion. Two drops every morning. It will help keep you and the baby healthy. You will need to come back every two weeks for a refill.”

“Yes, Madam Pomfrey,” Severus agreed sullenly, still in a foul mood. 

“You boys may go. Mister Snape, do try not to overexert yourself and Mister Black, look after him and make sure he eats.”

“Yes, Madam Pomfrey,” they chorused, Black sounding far more chipper.

“Oh, and boys, I best not see you in the Hospital Wing due to one of your infamous squabbles.” 

As soon as they were in the corridor, Severus wrenched his hand free and took off down the corridor, nearly at a run.

“Severus,” Black called. There was something in the Alpha’s voice that yanked Severus to a halt. “Come here.” Black’s voice was gentle, but it was unmistakably a command.

Severus shuffled back to his Alpha, smoldering. Warm hands gently cupped his face. 

“I know it’s scary and you don’t want to think about it, but I’m here for you,” Black murmured.

Severus blinked. He’d been expecting a lecture. Not that Black had any grounds to lecture him. 

“I know I should’ve come sooner, it’s just -”

“I know,” Black said softly, pressing a kiss to Severus’ lips. “You’ll take the potion, right?”

“Pinky promise,” Severus quipped.

“Pinky promise?” Black raised an eyebrow.

“A muggle thing - mostly used by children - to convey you really mean it,” Severus explained. He held out his pinky feeling rather silly, but Black hooked his pinky with his without hesitation. 

“I want you healthy and since we’re stuck having it, the baby too,” Black said, his throat bobbing.

Severus swallowed thickly and nodded. It was the first time either of them had out loud called the thing growing inside him a baby. 

“I want the baby to be healthy too,” Severus whispered. 

Strong arms encircled Severus, drawing him close as lips collided with his, hungry and demanding. 

“Such a good Omega, only for me,” purred Black.

“Yes, Alpha,” Severus gasped, immediately horrified by the neediness in his voice and the words that had slipped out.

The heat in Black’s gaze made Severus’ skin prickle. “Say it again,” Black demanded huskily.

“You have to earn it,” Severus smirked teasingly. 

Black hauled Severus into a broom cupboard, pushing him against the wall and kissing him bruisingly. “Challenge accepted,” Black panted into Severus’ ear, his fingers tangling in Severus’ hair in a way that made his mind blur.

Severus could feel how hard the Alpha was as they pressed together. When was he going to learn to stop challenging Alphas?

***

Sirius beamed as Severus and Regulus rounded the edge of Greenhouse Four. Regulus had on his ‘just smelled something foul’ face, and Severus was doing an impression of a surly little rain cloud again. Sirius didn't care though. He felt like he was floating. They’d actually come. Severus had been permitting Sirius in the mornings to scoop him up from the Slytherin table and send menacing glares in the direction of the Slytherin Alphas - none of whom had yet dared to do more than glower back, but Sirius worried what they might say and do when he wasn't around - and occasionally partnering up in class, but this was the first time he’d managed to convince the Slytherin to hang out with him. Well, study but close enough.

“Sev,” Lily cried, hopping up and dashing towards the Slytherins, throwing her around Severus’ neck. 

Regulus looked as if somehow the smell had gotten worse and shuffled slightly to the right. 

“Regulus,” Lily greeted with a forced smile as she released Severus.

“Evans,” Regulus sniffed.

“Muggle-borns aren’t contagious, you know,” Sirius chuckled dryly, giving his brother a pointed look.

“Let’s hope stupidity isn’t either since you lot have copious amounts,” Regulus sneered. 

“No one is forcing you to be here,” James glowered. Sirius elbowed him in the ribs. Regulus was certainly a pain in the arse, but he was trying not to lose his baby brother. 

“And leave Severus to suffer alone, I think not,” Regulus scoffed haughtily. 

Lily looked gravely offended, her lips pressed together so tightly she seemed on the verge of imploding.

Severus sighed heavily and sat next to Lily, tugging Regulus down with him. 

“Is anyone else thinking of trying the extra credit project for charms?” Remus asked in a blatant attempt to focus the group and calm the simmering tempers.

“Of course,” Lily said, brightening slightly. “I’ve been toying with a few ideas for a new charm. I imagine you will as well, Sev? You’ve been messing around with that sort of thing for ages.”

“Professor Flitwick said the modified or new charm could be submitted as a group. After we finish up our Charms homework, we could take a stab at it together,” Remus suggested.

“Ah, why wait?” James grinned.

“Yeah, that sounds like loads more fun,” Sirius added with a matching grin.

Remus ran a face down his hand. Sirius fully expected him and James to be outvoted by the gaggle of swots that now outnumbered them, but then Lily pulled out a notebook filled with scribbles in a mixture of her and Severus’ handwriting. 

Soon they were huddled together, tossing ideas around. It was a strange group: the Marauders, Lily, and two Slytherins. Sirius could scarcely believe that no one had thrown a hex. Somehow, they were having fun.

“This is wicked, now we can send little messages to each other,” James crowed.

“If you incessantly send me stupid little messages, I will hex you, Potter,” Lily said, shooting a stern glare at James.

James put a hand over his chest and dramatically fell backwards. “I only want to shower you in love, Lily.”

Regulus let out a small laugh, quickly attempting to cover it up with a cough. “Honestly, Potter, you really need to find your dignity.”

“Shove off, baby Black,” James chortled, as he pushed himself upright.

“What about a locator? If someone’s in trouble, we would want to know where,” Remus said, bringing them back on topic before the conversation could dissolve into a barrage of insults.

Severus stiffened, his dark eyes weary.

“Er, perhaps not,” Remus said, squirming slightly.

“What if it wasn’t permanent?” Sirius mused.

 Severus snapped his fingers. “Yes, one that can be activated if a distress signal is sent.”

“Ooh, I like it,” Lily exclaimed, clapping her hands together. 

They went to work, flipping through books, tweaking wand movements and syllable combinations, and repeatedly testing. It wasn’t until their stomachs were rumbling and the sky was beginning to dim that they were finished. Seven smooth rocks, each humming with magic, sat before them.

“Professor Flitwick is bound to be pleased with this,” Lily beamed. “We’ll let him know you helped too, Regulus. Maybe he’ll grant you some extra credit even though it was for sixth years. Your idea for how to keep them from being misused by a thief was brilliant.”

“It was nothing,” Regulus said airly, but Sirius noticed Regulus’ cheeks had gone a bit pink at the praise. “We best be off, wouldn’t want to be late for dinner.”

Severus and Regulus hurried off, leaving the Gryffindors to leisurely pack their stuff. 

“I must admit I didn’t think it was possible, but you boys actually behaved yourselves for the most part,” Lily said.

“It was actually pretty fun,” James shrugged. “We should do it again.”

“Again?” Peter whined. “They’re so bloody stuck up.”

Sirius laughed, “My brother does have a perpetual wand up his arse -”

“So does Snivellus,” Peter muttered darkly.

“I believe we’ve already had this conversation, Peter,” Sirius growled, leaning into the Beta’s space.

Peter cowered, shrinking away from Sirius.

“That’s what I thought,” Sirius spat, shoving past Peter. 

Up ahead, Sirius could see the two Slytherins making their way towards the castle. Severus peered over his shoulder, and Sirius waved. Severus awkwardly waved back, and the sizzle in Sirius’ blood calmed. He nearly tripped as he started after the Omega.

“Whipped,” James teased, throwing an arm around Sirius’ shoulders.

Sirius didn’t bother to protest. 

***

“Absolutely not,” Severus hissed, glowering at Madam Puddifoot’s. 

“Come on, don’t be a stick in the mud. It’ll be fun,” Black grinned, hooking his arm in Severus’ and dragging him towards the door.

“Just because your typical airhead date thinks it’s a grand time to go to this disgustingly coupley establishment doesn’t mean I want to,” Severus huffed. 

“They have the best chocolate cake. You’ll like it,” Black insisted, entirely unfazed by Severus’ protests.

“Bloody Alphas,” Severus grumbled under his breath. 

The tea shop was as grotesquely pink as the rumours said. Severus wrinkled his nose. It was very cramped and there were frills and bows everywhere. The place was already stuffed with couples holding hands and kissing. Madam Puddifoot directed them to a gaudy table with a lace tablecloth squeezed into a corner.

Severus pressed himself up against the wall. At least he wasn’t surrounded on all sides. Small mercies.

“I know it’s a bit much,” Black said, surprisingly sounding a bit sheepish. “But I promise the tea and treats are superb.”

Severus looked through the menu, wincing at the prices. 

“Stop making that face,” Black ordered.

“I’m not making a face.”

“Are too. The ‘this is ridiculously expensive face’. It’s my treat, so don’t worry about it. Uncle Alphie sent me an allowance.”

Before they could debate the matter further, Madam Puddifoot swept over to take their drink order.

“What do you suggest, Madam?” Black asked with a dazzling smile.

“I would recommend strawberry-rhubarb tea,” Madam Puddifoot said cheerfully.

“Sound good to you, Severus?” Black asked.  

Severus nodded and Madam Puddifoot directed her floating quill to scribble it down. 

“We’ll have two slices of chocolate cake. Oooh, and an order of chocolate strawberries,” Black said, his eyes lighting up. 

“Don’t you think that’s an absurd amount of food for before lunch?” Severus sneered once Madam Puddifoot had bustled off to another table.

Black shrugged and grinned teasingly. “I thought you were a bottomless pit when it comes to chocolate. Besides, supposed to fatten you up a bit, Healer’s orders.”

“Can’t you go back to being an irresponsible dunderhead?” Severus grumbled, not allowing Black to see the way his heart was fluttering.

“Don’t worry, I’m still a rascal,” Black winked. The Gryffindor launched into a story about Quidditch practice, featuring bludgers, trick plays and loads of terminology Severus had never bothered learning.

Madam Puddifoot returned with their tea and desserts just as Severus was about to lose the battle against laughing as Black's story became increasingly hyperbolic.

The cake was as Black promised divine. Severus savored each glorious bite, shoving down the urge to devour the slice in seconds. 

“Told you the cake was worth the garish decor,” Black said, as he ate his cake in a manner that could only be described as seductive. 

“I concede, you were right,” Severus ground out.

Black preened - the smug, cocky wanker - and pressed a hand to his heart. “Never thought I would see the day that Severus Snape admitted I was right about something.”

“Even a broken clock is right twice a day,” Severus quipped. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late for that. My head has already doubled in size,” Black chortled. 

Severus kicked him under the table. 

“So violent,” Black tutted, but he sounded so incredibly fond as he said it that it made Severus light-headed.

He was falling for Sirius Black and not in the putting up with because of the situation or the pheromones sort of way, but in a very real way. This could be a problem. 

***

If Sirius weren’t quite certain Severus would hex him for it, Sirius would lean across the little round, offensively lacy table and snog the Omega senseless. As it was, Sirius did the next best thing. He picked up a chocolate-covered strawberry and held it out to Severus. The Slytherin reached for it, but Sirius pulled it out of his reach and shook his head. Severus arched an eyebrow.

“Eat it out of my hand,” Sirius said, grinning wickedly. He slowly brought the chocolate-covered strawberry to Severus’ lips.

“I’m not doing that,” Severus spluttered. 

Sirius leaned across the table and whispered, “Be a good Omega for me.” It was a risk - certain to either get his desired result or a bruising kick to the shin. 

Severus’ eyes narrowed. After a beat, he tentatively opened his mouth, and Sirius quickly pushed the strawberry forward. Severus bit into the strawberry, a dribble of juice dripping down his chin. Tingles sparked through Sirius as Severus’ lips brushed against his fingers.

As soon as Severus finished the first strawberry, Sirius picked up another. By the third strawberry, Severus seemed to have grown less uncomfortable with the whole eating out of Sirius’ hand thing. The Omega sucked on the strawberry slowly, his eyes closed. Captivating onyx eyes blinked open, and Severus flicked out his tongue, licking the juice on his bottom lip. Heat curled in Sirius’ stomach, his heart pounding erratically.

“Everything alright, Sirius?” Severus drawled, his voice seductively sweet.

Sirius’ heart skidded to a stop. It was a wonder he didn’t die on the spot. Severus rarely called him Sirius and never like that. Sirius nodded jerkily. 

Severus smirked. “You know what they say about playing games with Slytherins.”

Sirius couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think as Severus picked up a strawberry and held it out to him. Sirius slowly bit into the strawberry, his lips brushing against Severus’ pale, slender fingers. Sirius’ mind was too fried to try to make it sexy. All he could do was eat the strawberry and stare at his Omega.

By the second strawberry, Sirius had recovered enough to wink cheekily at Severus while he sucked on the strawberry.

When they left Madam Puddifoot’s, Sirius still felt he was floating. Severus was even holding his hand without protest. They meandered down the street, chatting about spellcrafting. 

“I told Lucius and Narcissa I would meet them for lunch,” Severus said.

Sirius felt a rush of disappointment. “Oh, do you want me to come?” he asked, desperately hoping the other boy didn’t want him to come along. Lucius Malfoy was a smarmy prick and Narcissa was little better. 

“No, that’s alright. Go have fun with your friends,” Severus said. 

Sirius let out a sigh of relief. “I’ll walk you there,” he offered. 

“What a gentleman,” Severus teased, but Sirius swore it was more of a smile than a smirk pulling at his lips. 

Chapter Text

Sirius found the other boys easily enough. They were huddled together in Zonko’s, whispering about modifications to joke products.

Remus waggled his eyebrows at Sirius. “How was your date with Severus?” 

“Good,” Sirius said, trying not to blush as he thought of feeding Severus chocolate-covered strawberries.

“Based on the look on your face, good might be an understatement,” James laughed.

“Did he like the chocolate cake?” Remus asked.

“Loved it. Looked like he was barely restraining himself from devouring it whole.”

“How many slices did you get for him?”

Sirius rolled his eyes at Remus. “Just one.”

James and Remus raised their eyebrows in unison.

“I also got chocolate strawberries,” Sirius admitted sheepishly.

“Wrapped around his pinky,” James mock whispered to Remus.

Sirius shot them the bird. 

After they finished up at Zonkos, they made their way to The Three Broomsticks. Sirius caught sight of Severus with Malfoy and Narcissa. His cousin seemed to at least care about Severus, he didn’t trust them. Malfoy in particular set his teeth on edge. Sirius knew the prick was a bigot and a Voldemort sympathiser if he wasn't already a Death Eater. 

James set four butterbeers down on the table, and Sirius dragged his attention back to his friends. 

They were about to head out when a gang of Slytherins sauntered in, making their way towards one of the backrooms. What sent ice through Sirius’ veins, though, was that Malfoy and Severus got up to join them. 

“James, do you have your invisibility cloak?” Sirius hissed, eyes trained on the Slytherins.

“Er, yeah?” James said. “Oh,” he blew out a breath, as he followed Sirius’ gaze. “Let’s go.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Remus asked in a tone that clearly implied that he did not think it a bright idea.

“He’s my Omega,” Sirius said in a hard voice.

Remus threw up his hands, slumping back in the booth. 

Sirius and James pushed through the crowd, tossing the invisibility cloak over themselves once they had slipped out of the main room. It was a bit tight for two of them under the cloak, but if they squeezed together they could manage it. A few more teens - Ravenclaws - headed into the back room where the Slytherins were coalescing. Sirius and James took the opportunity to dart inside as well.

As Sirius scanned the table, his stomach plummeted. Not only was Severus there - sitting next to bloody Malfoy - but on his other side was Regulus. It wasn’t exactly a surprise to see his brother with this crowd, but Sirius still had an intense urge to throw off the cloak and haul both Regulus and Severus out of the room. 

Sirius knew most of the students sat around the large oak table. Nearly all were purebloods who belonged to the same circles as his family. There was a smattering who weren’t - still mostly purebloods, but a handful who he reckoned were half-bloods. 

Malfoy clasped his hands together, waiting for the last stragglers to get seated before clearing his throat. The table fell silent. The pretentious pureblood prick began to wax poetic about pureblood supremacy and the need to return to traditional ways. 

Sirius’ skin itched, and he had to clench his teeth to keep himself quiet. He could feel James vibrating next to him. Sirius’ gaze settled on Severus. The Omega was sitting rigidly, hands clasped tightly in his lap. Sirius didn’t understand how Regulus and Severus could nod along with this rubbish. The blood-supremacy bullshit was awful on its own, but their views on Alphas and Omegas… how could they lap that up? Sirius knew Severus at least didn’t want to play the role of good little Omega.

Malfoy then began to politely interrogate each student about their career aspirations, subtly pushing them in various directions. When he got to Severus, he hesitated.

“I thought Omegas couldn’t be a part of this club ,” one of the braver souls demanded.

“That is not necessarily the case,” Malfoy said calmly.

“Sure, I get Snape’s talented, but his Alpha is a blood-traitor.”

Murmurs and angry whispers ran through the room, and Severus stiffened at the increasingly hostile attention. 

Malfoy’s cold, steely grey eyes fixated on the poor sap - not that Sirius actually felt sorry for the bigoted prat - and the boy shrank back. 

“Sirius may be a troubled lad, but he is still family,” Malfoy drawled. Sirius bit his tongue so hard he tasted blood. Malfoy's eyes softened as he squeezed Severus’ shoulder. “My hope is Severus can help Sirius realize where his priorities and loyalties should lie. Failing that Severus can at least keep an eye on the young wayward Black heir.” 

Sirius felt like he was drowning in the North Sea. He couldn’t breathe; a frigid cold flooded through him. It was only thanks to James’ firm grip on his arm that he was still standing.

“How is your relationship with the Black heir progressing?” Malfoy asked.

“He took me on a date this morning. It went well,” Severus - no, Snape - said calmly, as if his words weren’t poisoned daggers.

Red clouded Sirius’ vision. Blood pounded in his ears. His chest screamed. He couldn't do this. He couldn’t listen to this shit. He thought they had something real . That Snape felt something for him too.

Sirius stumbled towards the door. It was only thanks to James that they stayed covered by the invisibility cloak. 

***

The door clicked shut. 

“Was someone listening in?” Lucius hissed, eyes narrowing at the door. While conversations in places like the Three Broomsticks never strayed into the murkier not so not-so-legal aspects, prying ears were never good. 

A cold numbness washed over Severus. Potter’s blasted invisibility cloak. If it was Potter he’d heard and - Severus swallowed painfully - and he would tell Black. An intense bout of nausea hit Severus. Black could’ve been under the cloak too. 

Panic coiled around Severus’ windpipe. He didn’t want to be here - not anymore, at least. Once he’d foolishly seen the Death Eaters as a path to prosperity, but that vision was cracked and well on its way to being shattered.  Even if he did, the idea of manipulating Black felt ever more wrong . He was just toeing the party line to stay safe in Slytherin. He didn’t plan to actually do it. Especially not after their date. But Black, he wouldn’t - he would think Severus had been playing him. He didn’t want to lose Sirius - he couldn’t bear it.

“Severus,” Lucius said, his hand coming to rest on Severus’ shoulder again.

Severus jerked. It clearly wasn’t the first time Lucius had said his name.

“I asked if you were alright,” Lucius said, concern in his eyes.

“Just a little morning sickness,” Severus replied quickly. 

“If you need to go to the loo,” Lucius offered. 

Severus shook his head. A part of him wanted to run after Black - if it had even been the Gryffindors - but his legs were too numb to move. 

The meeting dragged on, but Severus couldn’t pay a lick of attention. It felt like ages until the blasted thing ended, but also far too quickly. Severus’ legs were still trembling as he stood, but he managed to shuffle out of the private room with the others. 

“Are you alright?” Regulus whispered as they stepped out of the Three Broomsticks. 

Severus’ shoulders twitched in a semblance of a shrug.

“Do you know who was spying?” Regulus pressed. Severus didn’t answer, eyes trained on the floorboards. “Oh no, you don’t think it was Sirius or one of his friends, do you?” Regulus gasped faintly.

“Potter has an invisibility cloak,” Severus admitted in a low voice.

“Merlin,” Regulus breathed, his grip on Severus’ elbow tightening. “If it was them, then we need to -”

“What is it that you conniving little snakes need to do?” growled a voice that sent shivers down Severus’ spine. He could feel Black’s breath on the back of his neck.

Severus and Regulus spun around to see Black flanked by his Gryffindor mates. Lupin for his part was hovering slightly off to the side, sucking on his bottom lip - typical. 

“Sirius,” Regulus began in a strained voice. 

“I don’t want to hear it,” Black snarled.

“Sirius, it’s not -” Severus choked out, not caring how desperate and pathetic he sounded.

“Oh, so now you’ll call me by my first name,” Black jeered, the pure venom in his voice nearly sending Severus stumbling backwards. “You’re little tricks won’t work anymore, Snape. I know about you and your Death Eater pals' little scheme now.”

Severus shook his head frantically. 

“Don’t lie to me,” Black roared, grey eyes as wild and furious as a raging thunderstorm bore into Severus.

“Sirius, take a breath,” Regulus ordered, attempting to shove between them.

‘Stay out of it, Regulus,” Black barked, pushing Regulus away.

“I will not,” Regulus cried.

“I don’t understand why you two even want to be one of them . I get that you're selfish little pricks, but you think it’s going to be a grand time if they win? You know where they think Omegas belong and it’s sure as hell not standing next to them like a bloody equal,” Black shouted.

Regulus froze, the colour draining from his face. Their row had garnered quite the crowd, but it was so eerily quiet now you could hear a quill drop. 

A curse flew from Severus’ wand before he could think, sending Black flying. The Gryffindor managed to roll into a crouch, firing off a relatively harmless bright white hex in retaliation. Then they were duelling, fast and furious. One of Severus’ hexes cut through Black’s robes, slashing open his side —

“What is the meaning of this?” demanded Professor McGongall, her voice as stern and cold as Scottish winter. “Mister Black, Mister Snape, lower your wands at once.”

Black’s arm dropped to his side and shakily, Severus lowered his own wand. 

“Thirty points from Gryffindor and Slytherin, and detention. Honestly, I thought the two of you were through with this nonsense,” Professor McGongall lectured. “And Mister Black, hexing a pregnant Omega is completely unacceptable. Another ten points from Gryffindor. I expect better from you. For shame, Mister Snape is your Omega.”

“Snivellus isn’t my Omega,” Black shouted, tears shimmering in his stormy grey eyes.

The world lurched to a stop. Icy numbness froze Severus to the spot. A part of him had expected it after what Black had heard, so why did it feel like his heart was being ripped out? When had he started to like Sirius enough that his rejection felt crushing?

“Mister Black -”

“We’re done, Snape,” Black interrupted. “Have fun with your wannabe Death Eater mates.”

Professor McGongall grabbed them both by the scruffs of their necks and began dragging them back to the castle, hissing in Black’s ear about proper decorum. 

Severus fought back tears. He’d ruined everything. He wasn’t good enough. He was never good enough for anyone.

***

Sirius stumbled into the corridor, trying not to retch. He hadn’t the faintest idea what Professor McGongall had been saying after she released Severus. Something about being disappointed. Like her disappointment mattered right now. The hot fiery anger had fizzled out, leaving room for the aching hurt to blossom alongside another feeling he didn’t want to recognise. Guilt . 

He’d thrown a hex at Severus. Despite the boiling blood pounding in his ears, Sirius had kept his repertoire relatively harmless, but still, Severus could’ve gotten hurt. Sirius silently chanted he didn’t care, but the burning in his chest said otherwise.

The fight replayed over and over again. He couldn’t stop seeing Severus’ desperate, dark eyes or hearing his soft plea. And Regulus.. Fuck… he hadn’t meant to. It wasn’t like he’d directly said it, bu the implication was pretty fucking clear. The words had just slipped out, but that didn’t change what he’d done. Regulus had trusted him — Sirius choked back a sob. 

He didn’t know how to make it right. He didn’t know if he should try. If that was their choice, what was the point, but Regulus was his brother and Severus — he couldn’t believe none of the little moments they’d shared were real and then there was the baby. But could Sirius trust the Omega? Could he forgive him? Could Severus forgive him ?

This time, the sob broke free, and Sirius staggered blindly into a broom cupboard, collapsing to the floor.

That was how the other Marauders found Sirius about half an hour later. Remus and James pulled him up and shepherded him back to the dorms. 

***

Regulus. Severus frantically hurried down the corridor. His own mess with S-Black shoved to the side for the moment as fear knifed into him at the thought of Regulus’ sickly pale face. The secret was bound to get out eventually, but Regulus wasn’t ready. As if one could ever be ready, but still like that . 

“Severus,” called a floaty voice. A girl with long blonde hair and strange, radish-looking earrings was walking towards him, arm linked with Regulus. She wasn’t in Severus’ year, but he’d talked to her before. He strained his memory, trying to pinpoint the girl. The information snapped into place. Evan Rosier’s sister. Everyone said she was off her rocker. Her name started with a P. Padme? No, that wasn’t right.

“Hello, I’m Regulus’ friend,” the girl said.

Severus arched an eyebrow. Based on the rumour mill, she seemed eccentric for Regulus’ taste.

“We’re Arthmincancy partners,” Regulus supplied softly after a beat. “Thank you for walking me back, Rosier.”

The girl frowned, looking rather puzzled. “I thought we were friends.”

Regulus winced. “We are, Pandora.”

The girl - Pandora - beamed and kissed Regulus on the cheek. Pink bloomed across his face. Pandora started skipping off, spinning around a few paces away. “Oh, I nearly forgot.”

She pulled out a small bottle filled with a blue powder and held it out to Regulus, who tentatively took it.

“Thanks?” Regulus said uncertainly. 

“You’re welcome!” Pandora said cheerfully before skipping back off, humming.

“Did she just give you a courting gift?” Severus hissed incredulously.

“What? No,” Regulus yelped. His eyes widened, and he scrubbed at his face. “Merlin, she did, didn't she? And I accepted it.”

“She’s a pureblood,” Severus offered half-heartedly. 

“She’s insane. Clever and sweet, but absolutely batty,” Regulus groaned. “I suppose she is pretty and smells like cedar and -” Regulus broke off, flushing once more. 

Severus smirked at Regulus, but it didn’t take long for the thrumming fear to pull him back under.

“Are you okay?” Regulus asked softly.

“I'll be fine. You?”

“Fine, just watching my life implode,” Regulus chuckled darkly. “I thought about denying it, saying it wasn’t what it sounded like. It’s not like Sirius straight up said -” Regulus pitched his voice lower - “that I’m an Omega, but at this point I reckon that would only damn me more later. I don’t think Sirius meant -”

“But he did,” Severus cut in, voice hard. “I reckon I deserved his vitriol, but you…”

Regulus squeezed his wrist, pain flashing in his eyes. “It’s not - you didn't.”

Severus snorted. “I'm not so sure. With what he heard, it was pretty danming. Being pissed isn’t exactly shocking. But he should’ve left you out of it.”

Regulus swallowed. “If I truly believe, I shouldn’t be hiding it. Maybe I should be thanking Sirius, after all, every Omega is valuable, especially purebloods, what right do I have to hide it? I should be eager to find an Alpha to submit to and serve. An Omega’s place is in the home. What do I need an education for?” Regulus finished with a bitter laugh. 

“That’s bollix,” Severus scoffed.

“Maybe,” Regulus said softly. “Doesn’t matter much now, though, does it? My family thinks what they think. Best I can do now is write them and hope they at least let me finish out the year and that the Alpha they pick isn’t a complete arse.”

***

The next days were a whole new form of torture. A part of Severus wanted to corner Black and beg him to take him back or at least hear him out, but he was too proud to submit himself to such utter humiliation that was likely to only end in rejection and jeers. If someone had told Severus a few months ago he would miss Sirius Black, he would have called them batty. But Severus missed the Alpha’s scent, the way he smiled at him, the feeling of his lips, their banter. It was pathetic. If only Severus could muster up the boiling hatred he'd once had for Black instead of the warm, mushy feelings marred with guilt and hurt.

On top of the storm of emotions whirling in Severus’ chest, the eyes on him made his skin prickle with increasing intensity. The small layer of protection of being Black’s Omega, especially since the Alpha started not so subtly staking his claim had been torn clean away. 

“Severus,” Mulciber called, jerking Severus out of his spiralling. 

Severus glanced up from his book that he’d been failing at reading for the last half hour. 

Mulciber held out a box of chocolates, stepping further into Severus’ space. 

“Thank you, but I can't,” Severus said, trying his best not to show the churning in his stomach at what he expected the gesture to mean.

“It's just chocolates,” Mulciber said. 

Severus arched an eyebrow.

“Alright, maybe it's a bit more,” Mulciber huffed, “But what's the problem? We'd be a good match. And you need an Alpha.”

“I don't think now is a good time given my condition,” Severus said icily, internally seething at the idea that he needed an Alpha.

“I'm willing to overlook it,” Mulciber said, eyeing Severus hungrily. “You smell so lovely and you're clever.”

Severus hesitated. They’d gotten on all right over the years. Mulciber was a Slytherin and while not the sharpest tool in the shed, he wasn’t a complete moron. His family was middling in terms of wealth. But most importantly, it might get the others to stop ogling him. He supposed he could do worse than Mulciber. Yet... Sirius. Severus shoved down the yearning for the Gryffindor. He'd fucked up. Then Black had fucked up. Perhaps it was foolish to have ever tried. 

“Thank you,” Severus said tersely, accepting the chocolates. It wasn't like he was signing up for anything serious by taking some ruddy chocolates. 

***

Sirius sat at the Gryffindor table, fists clenched in his lap. Mulciber was practically glued to Severus, arm flung around the Omega’s shoulders. It was fine. Mulciber could have him. Sirius didn’t care. He didn’t want the bigoted git anyway.

A lie, one Sirius couldn’t even sell to himself as his nails threatened to break skin. He missed Sev-Snape - his wit, his smell, his smirk, the sound of his voice… Merlin, Sirius wanted him. A part of Sirius wanted to march across the room and tear Severus away from Mulciber, then scent him until he only smelled of Sirius, but the betrayal kept his legs from moving. 

A regal tawny owl swooped towards Sirius. He let out an audible groan. At least it wasn’t bright red and smoking.  

Sirius grudgingly pried open the letter, skimming the threats and insults. Sirius crumpled up the letter, shoving it in his robes. Across the Hall the family owl dropped a letter onto Regulus’ plate. 

Sirius’ stomach lurched, and he whispered a nearly silent plea that his parents weren't going to pull Regulus from Hogwarts.  

Regulus went deathly pale as he picked up the letter, but didn’t look any worse off after reading it. That seemed like a good sign. A few days ago, he would be sauntering up to the Slytherin table in a few minutes and could easily tote Regulus along too. Now, though, all he could do was watch, heart racing in his wrists. 

***

Severus could feel Black’s eyes digging into him from across the Hall. He tried to feel smug, but only felt hollow.

Severus snuck a look at Regulus, who was white-knuckling the letter from his parents.

Regulus sent him a small, strained smile. “They’re letting me stay at least for the term,” Regulus murmured.

A wave of relief washed over Severus, some of the tension easing out of him. 

Mulciber's calloused fingers gripped his chin, yanking Severus’ attention back to the Alpha. Irritation flared in his gut, roaring louder as lips smashed into his, Mulciber’s hand keeping him from jerking away. Mulciber pulled back after a moment, grinning. Severus fought back the urge to gag. 

Severus let Mulciber cling through their shared classes, enjoying the small reprieve of Arthminancy at least until Lupin attempted to talk to him, only managing a narrow escape. 

Severus hurried back to the dorms, collapsing on his bed and letting his eyes flutter shut. Finally, he could be alone -

“Severus,” Mulciber purred.

Severus suppressed a groan and grudgingly opened his eyes. “What do you want?”

“That’s no way to talk to your Alpha,” Mulciber scolded, not sounding joking in the slightest.

“Oh, so sorry, Alpha, ” Severus quipped, not bothering to hide the sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Mulciber ground his teeth, taking a step closer. Severus quickly sat up, but Mulciber still loomed over him. 

“I won’t take sass from my Omega,” Mulciber growled.

Severus arched an eyebrow. “Thought you liked that I'm not a dullard.”

“You may smell amazing, but that doesn't mean you can be a brat. You need to learn how a real Alpha takes care of their Omega.”

Severus’ nose twitched as he glared up at the Alpha.

“I know how you can make it up to me this time,” Mulciber leered. 

 A shiver ran down Severus’ spine, a heavy cold settling in his stomach as Mulciber began to fumble with his robes.

“No,” Severus hissed. 

“You don't get to say no,” Mulciber growled. “Lucky for you this time you can just suck me off.”

Severus had his wand out, jabbing into Mulciber’s throat before the Alpha could react. 

“Don’t touch me,” Severus snarled.

“Don’t pretend you're a prude. You let Black fuck you.”

“And yet I have no interest in shagging you,” Severus sneered. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but his blood was boiling, and it was all he could do not to hex Mulciber into next week. 

Mulciber's face twisted. “Ungrateful half-blood whore,” he snarled. “You need an Alpha, and I'm the best you could hope for. The least you can do is put out.”

“I don’t need an Alpha, and I certainly don't need the likes of you,” Severus sneered, silently casting a stinging hex that sent Mulciber stumbling backwards.

“You’ll regret this, Snape,” Mulciber growled, storming out of the dorm. 

Severus yanked his curtains closed, clenching his trembling fingers into fists; wand still clutched in his right hand. The thrumming in his ears grew horribly loud. He should’ve expected this, but it had only been a couple days. Black had never pushed even though Severus knew he wanted it, instead only snogging him senseless until Severus was on the verge of begging Black to fuck him. Mulciber, though, Severus shuddered at the thought of the Alpha even touching him.

***

Mulciber continued to leer at him over the next couple days and Severus saw him whispering with Avery, their eyes flicking towards him on multiple occasions. It left him jittery and on edge. 

Black was still ignoring him. After years of wishing for just that, it was strange to yearn for the Gryffindor's attention. Black and his crew hadn't been tormenting him as Severus had feared they might, but he almost wished he would. The cold indifference was obviously better, yet…

Severus sighed and shoved his books into his bag. 

“Do you want me to walk back with you?” Regulus asked.

“I'm alright,” Severus said, smirking and inclining his head in the direction of Pandora. She was a bit batty, but she didn't seem likely to hurt Regulus, and the Black’s may even approve of it. 

Regulus pursed his lips, but his silvery eyes were unmistakably soft as he glanced at Pandora. 

Severus began the trek back to the Slytherin Commons. His stomach rolled mid-way back and he dashed into the loo, retching up his dinner into the sink. Severus splashed water in his face and rinsed out his mouth, exhaustion settling deep in his bones. He didn’t need an Alpha. He didn’t need Mulciber, and he certainly didn’t need Sirius Black. 

The door swung open, and Severus straightened, attempting to look less like he’d just been vomiting and fighting back tears. Avery and Mulciber and two of Avery’s friends from other houses years Severus knew were perverted arseholes swaggered inside.

“Snapey” Avery crooned mockingly. “You look like you could use some help.”

“Oh, but Snape doesn't need an Alpha,” Mulciber jeered.

“Where's your shadow?” Avery taunted. “Maybe I’ll throw my hat in for his hand. What do you think?”

“I think your family doesn’t have anywhere close to the prestige or wealth,” Severus sneered, glowering at the Alphas as he started for the door. 

“Not so fast,” Mulciber growled, grabbing Severus’ arm.

“Remove your hand before I remove it for you,” Severus threatened coldly.

“Oh, he definitely needs an Alpha. So uppity.” Avery purred, pressing up against Severus. 

Severus went for his wand, but a strong hand wrenched his arm behind his back. Mucliber kicked his knees out, and Severus hit the ground hard. 

“That’s better,” Avery jeered, fisting Severus’ hair while Mulciber pocketed his wand. 

Severus pulled on his magic, reaching deep and flinging it at the Alpha. Avery let out a screech, stumbling backwards.

Shit, Severus thought as he collided with the wall. Dark spots bloomed in Severus’ vision, and he could feel a warmth trickling down his head. 

“We can do this the hard way or the easy way,” Mulciber said, caressing Severus’ cheek. 

“I think we’re already at the hard way,” Avery snarled, face still contorted with pain. “Any teeth and I’ll make him scream.”

Coils squeezed around Severus’ windpipe as the certainty of where this was going slammed into him. Severus desperately grasped at the stone in his pocket, sending a silent plea with his magic through it. His arm was wrenched backwards again, hard enough this time, a flare of pain shot through his shoulder, temporarily stealing his breath. 

No one was going to come. Not fast enough anyways. He almost wished he hadn't sent it. He didn’t want to put Regulus or Lily in danger, and the odds that Black or any of his friends would bother were dismal. 

Severus gritted his teeth. He was wandless and outnumbered, but there was no way in hell he was going to make this easy for them.

***

The exhaustion and dull ache from a brutal Quidditch practice was a welcome distraction from the disaster of emotions that had been threatening to drown Sirius for days. James trudged along silently next to Sirius, having hung back when Sirius decided to do a few extra laps after practice. He’d said he could use the extra airtime too, but Sirius knew his best mate was worried.

James had said he would be there to pick up the pieces if everything fell apart between him and Sev-Snape, but it was clear James didn’t know what to do outside of awkwardly hovering with a slightly constipated look on his face, not that Sirius blamed him. He was a wreck and didn’t have the slightest idea what he needed. 

A burst of warmth and a vibration jolted Sirius out of his thoughts. He yanked out the stone, James a beat behind him. 

Help

The word gleamed up at Sirius. It was Severus’ scrawl… Sirius’ stomach dropped. His legs were already moving, following the pull of the charmed rock. For Severus to ask for help, it had to be bad. Very bad. Especially now. 

Sirius could hear James running after him, but he didn’t pause to wait for the other Gryffindor to catch up. Sirius flung open the door to the loo, and for a heartbeat, he couldn’t move, the pounding in his ears eclipsing the sound of James’ and the Slytherins’ voices. Severus was on the floor - robes torn, face tear-stained and blotchy, breathing short and ragged, yet he was still twisting and fighting. 

The moment snapped, and anger flooded his senses. Sirius flung a volley of hexes of the Alphas who had Severus on his knees. He saw a bolt of red fly past him courtesy of James. 

“Mulciber has my wand,” Severus rasped, as he scrambled away from the Alphas.

Sirius jumped on Mulciber, taking the Slytherin by surprise, and punched him in the jaw before snatching Severus’ wand from Mulciber’s robes and tossing it to the Omega.

Mulciber grunted and headbutted Sirius, blurring his vision for long enough for the larger boy to roll on top. 

“Come on, Black, let us have some fun too. You don’t even want him,” Mulciber snarled, spit landing in Sirius’ eye.

“You’re sick,” Sirius yelled, making sure he sprayed Mulciber with spit, too. 

Mulciber’s head slammed into Sirius’ again, and his head screamed. Suddenly, the weight lifted as Mulciber was flung to the side. 

“Good one,” James called.

Severus’ eyes widened slightly at James’ words, his wand still pointed at Mulciber. He seemed to recover a moment later, sending ropes coiling around Mulciber.

It didn’t take the three of them long to clean up the others. They were easily the best duellers in their year, and three-on-three it showed. 

When the last of them was stunned and bound, Severus collapsed to the floor, tremors wracking through his slim frame. 

Sirius stared at the Omega, adrenaline seeping out of him, leaving him shaking too. Slowly, he stepped closer and knelt down next to Severus. His stomach was a jumbled mess of knots. He wanted to reach out and hold Severus to his chest. He felt like he might shatter if he didn’t… but this wasn’t about him.

“Can I touch you?” Sirius asked softly.

Severus’ shoulder jerked in a semblance of a shrug.

“Sev,” Sirius whispered, inching closer but not quite touching. 

A trembling hand snaked out and clenched Sirius’ robes. Sirius tentatively wrapped an arm around Severus’ shoulder. Severus flinched and Sirius began to draw his arm back, but then Severus careened into him, sucking in a deep breath, some of the tension bleeding out of him. Sirius pulled his Omega close, holding him flush and inhaling his scent. 

“I wasn’t - I didn’t mean - Us it was-is real to me,” Severus choked out.

“I believe you,” Sirius whispered. He wasn’t exactly sure why - perhaps it was the ache in Severus’ voice or the way he clung to him - but Sirius believed him.

Chapter Text

Severus awoke slowly, a heavy warmth enveloping him. He pressed closer to it, breathing in the scent of pine and cedar. Sirius.

Severus blinked blearily and sure enough Sirius was draped over him, a protective hold around his waist even as the Alpha slept. Severus closed his eyes. He didn't want to confront what had happened yet. Instead he gave into the pull of warmth and safty, letting himself drift off in Sirius’ embrace.

Heated whispers pulled Severus out of sleep. Sirius was still in the Hospital Wing bed with him, but no longer laying down. Severus could feel the Alpha’s hand shaking as he ran it through Severus’ hair. 

“How can you not expel them? If we hadn't gotten there when we did,” Sirius snarled in a low growl.

“I understand your position, Mister Black, but you must understand it is their word against his. They claim he said he wanted it,” Professor Dumbeldore said soberly.

“Bollix,” Sirius shouted. 

Severus jumped slightly.

“Sorry,” Sirius winced, “Didn't mean to wake you or scare you.”

“You didn’t scare me,” Severus sniffed haughtily, though he reckoned the effect was diminished by the way he was curled up into Sirius’ side.

“Mister Snape, I hope you are feeling better,” the Headmaster said.

“I'm fine, sir,” Severus said shortly. A lie and an obvious one at that, but Severus was about to go whinging to Professor Dumbeldore. 

Severus listened numbly as they discussed next steps, nodding or shrugging when needed. Weekly detentions for the rest of the semester was the punishment for the fuckers who had attacked him. Severus wasn’t particularly surprised. It was how things went. He was an Omega half-blood and they were pureblood Alphas. Perhaps, if they were willing to involve Sirius’ parents they could manage more, but that would be a nightmare and would likely end up all over the papers.

“I don't want him anywhere near them,” Sirius growled, still spitting mad.

“There is nothing I can do about classes, but I can offer Mister Snape a private room outside of the Slytherin Commons,” Professor Dumbeldore said. 

Severus perked up, some of the cold dread freezing his chest, thawing.

“I would have suggested so soon regardless,” Madam Pomfrey added. “It will be better for you and the baby especially as you begin to nest.”

Sirius glanced at Severus and he nodded.

“Fine,” Sirius ground out. “But I want him to eat at the Gryffindor table - erm if you want to, Severus.”

Severus hesitated. The thought of sitting at the Slytherin table with Mulciber and Avery possibly next to him was chilling, but being at the Gryffindor table would mean sitting with a bunch of obnoxious Gryffindor wankers plenty of whom hated his guts. 

Severus shrugged. Sirius gave him a pained look but nodded.

“If Mister Snape is uncomfortable sitting at the Slytherin table he is of course welcome to join you at the Gryffindor table. It is not unheard of for Omegas to sit with the Alphas from other Houses. I'll let you boys sort it out.”

Severus snuck a glance at Sirius. Dumbeldore had called the other teen his Alpha and Sirius had come barging into rescue him like a bloody prince charming and now was holding him protectively. Were they back together just like that? They hadn't even talked about it. Sirius had been furious and now because he was nearly raped all was forgiven? 

Severus swallowed painfully and pulled away. It couldn't just go back to how it was before. Before had been so tenous and now… Severus didn’t even know where they stood. Didn’t know what he wanted. He'd just been starting to want Sirius Black, but now he couldn’t quite figure out the sharp prickling in his chest.

A warm hand cupped his cheek and Severus allowed Sirius to pull him go his chest. 

He wasn't sure if he should, but right now he wanted this. 

***

Severus came to a stop outside a portrait of a mermaid with long, flowing golden hair. Sirius hovered at his side, their arms nearly brushing. The Alpha had been at it all afternoon since Severus had been released from the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey had offered him a note to skip afternoon classes, but he didn’t want to behind in another class. They'd been working on repotting and fertilizing leaping toadstools. Sirius had stayed practically glued to him, which might’ve been sweet if it weren’t so bloody annoying.

“Gillyweed,” Severus said to the portrait.

She smiled at him sweetly and swung open.

“Do you need anything?” Sirius asked, running his fingers through his hair and tugging at it.

“I'm just going to study here until dinner,” Severus replied.

“You sure? I can skip Quidditch practice,” Sirius offered.

“You don’t need to mollycoddle me. You've done more than enough off of it already,” Severus sneered. 

Sirius flushed and ducked his head. “Yeah, alright then. I'll swing by before dinner.”

Severus nearly told him not to bother, but the thought of walking through the corridors alone embarrassingly sent a shiver up his spine. 

Severus shut the door in Sirius’ face and after a moment he heard the Gryffindor leave. Letting out heavy sigh, he turned towards the bed exhausted from the stress of the last twenty-four hours. 

Severus wrinkled his nose. The room was clearly for a pregnant Omega. There were mounds of colorful blankets for the base of a nest staked on the bed and the room itself was done up to be warm and soothing. Like he needed to be bloody coddled. It was ridiculous.

Crack!

Severus spun around at the sudden noise, barely keeping from jumping out of his skin.

“Young Master is here,” squeaked a house elf. “Trix has prepared the room for you. Yous must be nesting and getting ready for the baby. Trix and others be helping.”

“I don't need your assistance,” Severus said coolly.

“Trix is happy to help,” exclaimed the elf.

“Let me rephrase, I don't want your help,” Severus sneered.

The elf's ears dropped and Severus’ stomach twisted at the sight. He hadn’t asked for a bloody house elf to be in his business though. Still the elf looked pretty pitiful.

“I'll let you know if I change my mind,” Severus sighed.

Trix perked up slightly and bobbed her head. “Trix being happy to help. Nest be good for Young Master and yous be needing your Alpha smell.”

Severus glowered at the elf. There was no way he was asking Sirius for a robe or jumper or some nonsense for a nest he wasn’t even going to build. 

“Is for Young Master and baby,” Trix finished with a finger wave before popping off. 

Severus collapsed onto the bed, going limp. Now that he was alone, he couldn’t stop the memories flooding in, a sick, cold dread filling him at the thought of what would have happened if Sirius and Potter hadn’t burst in when they did. Oh, the irony. His primary tormentors for his first five years at Hogwarts, playing the roles of his saviors. Heat curled in Severus’ stomach. It was irrational, but a part of him hated that it was them. 

“You have guests,” called the mermaid, “A very brash red-haired girl and a very posh dark haired boy. Regulus Black and Lily Evans they say. Do you want me to let them in?”

“Yes,” Severus agreed, snorting at the mental image of Lily and Regulus standing at the door together, mutual loathing radiating off of them.

The portrait swung open and Lily burst through, Regulus following more hesitantly. Lily flew across the room, flinging her arms around Severus and babbling incomprehensibly into his shoulder. Severus awkwardly patted her on the back until she straightened.

Regulus stood off to the side looking uncertain, opening his mouth and then quickly closing it, his arm making an aborted movement towards Severus.

“Are you okay?” Lily asked.

Regulus sniffed. “What a moronic question,” he sneered.

Lily glared at him. “At least I’m not doing an impersonation of a glacier,” she retorted hotly.

Regulus’ nose twitched. 

“I’m alright, Lily. Thank you both for coming,” Severus said stiffly. 

Lily smiled at him softly and Regulus’ expression softened. 

“Another guest,” the mermaid sighed, sounding rather put out at having to open again, clearly unaccustomed to the task. “Your Alpha. I suppose I should let him in.”

“Go ahead,” Severus allowed, bracing himself for the increasingly explosive concoction of people in his room. 

If Severus thought it was awkward with Lily and Regulus, adding Sirius to the mix increased the tension humming in the air tenfold.

“Dinner?” Sirius asked in a strained voice, avoiding looking at the Regulus.

“Oh, for Pete's sake, Sirius, you're a Gryffindor. You can't just go on ignoring your brother because you bollixed things up,” Lily exclaimed, hands planted firmly on her hips. 

“Mind your own business, Evans,” Sirius snapped. 

Sirius did have a bit of point - Llily could at times be a touch of a busy body - however Severus glared at the Alpha on her behalf regardless. Plus, it really would be for the best if the Black brothers could sort their shit out or at least patch things up a little, no one was expecting miracles. It wasn’t like they'd been the best of mates before, but Regulus would be much better off with an Alpha sibling like Sirius playing defense and offense for him. 

“Bloody hell, fine,” Sirius ground out. “What do you want me to say? I'm sorry? Right lot of good that'll do now. And don't think I've forgotten -” Sirius broke off with a frustrated growl. 

Severus found himself starting resolutely at a point just left of Sirius’ shoulder. 

Regulus opened his mouth but instead of words a strangled choking sound came out and Sirius bridged the distance in a second, arms encircling the younger boy.

“Hey, it's okay, it's okay, I'm sorry,” Sirius whispered on repeat to Regulus who was clearly desperately trying not to cry. 

It felt very much like he and Lily were intruding on a private moment they should not be privy to, but Severus didn’t know what else to do other than stand in awkward silence.

After a few minutes Regulus seemed to pull himself together, withdrawing from Sirius’ hold.

“Did Mother and Father let you know about the courting proposal?” Regulus asked, his voice still rough and slightly shaky. 

“Yeah, the Rosier girl. Could be worse,” Sirius grimaced.

“Pandora Rosier? She's…” Lily began.

“Bonkers,” Sirius supplied.

“I was going to say nice,” Lily corrected primly. 

Three pairs of eyebrows shot up and Lily flushed. 

“Alright she's a little bit batty,” Lily admitted, “But that doesn't mean she's not nice and very bright.”

“I wish the circumstances were different,” Regulus sighed. “I do rather like her though,” he added in a mumble.

“That’s good. You let me know if -”

“Sirius! Don't do anything brash and moronic,” Regulus exclaimed.

“But that's his specialty,” Severus quipped.

“Rude! You're a right wanker, you know,” Sirius grumbled but his eyes were dancing. For a moment it felt like before.

“So what's with the warm and fuzzies all over the place in here. Looks like a rainbow threw up,” Sirius asked offhandedly.

“I would have thought that obvious,” Regulus scoffed.

When Sirius gave a blank look, Severus twisted his face into a sneer. “Evidently the house elves think I ought to be nesting and that warm, bright colors are good instead of vomit inducing.”

“I mean the colors could use some adjustment to be more your taste - and no, not all black - but I've read -”

“Yes, please do tell me all you've read about what an Omega needs during pregnancy, Lily. What I think shouldn't matter,” Severus snarled, his chest tightening at the way Lily flinched back, hurt flickering in her eyes. 

“Fine, be that way. Don't nest if you don’t feel like it, but didn’t not do it for some stupid reason like you think it makes you weak,” Lily huffed. 

Severus grit his teeth. He wanted to tell Lily she was barmy. He didn’t want to nest because it was stupid and unnecessary and - Alright, maybe he did think it made him weak. He didn’t need that rubbish. He wasn’t some meek, needy Omega.

“Let’s go to dinner,” Severus said abruptly, turning to Sirius. The Gryffindor took his hand and they started off for the Great Hall. 

“So do you want me to bring you a couple things that smell like me?” Sirius asked.

Severus nearly ripped his hand out of Sirius’. “Are you daft or hard of hearing? I'm not making a nest, so I obviously don't need any of your smelly cast offs.”

“Right, excuse me for offering,” Sirius huffed sarcastically.

“You’re excused,” Severus replied snidely.

They walked the rest of the way in icy silence. Severus could feel his pulse quickening as they got closer. Sitting at the Gryffindor table was bound to be a nightmare, but Slytherin seemed even more harrowing.

Severus gingerly sat next to Sirius, the eyes digging into him suffocating. Sirius gave his hand a quick squeeze and then began to rub circles in his palm just as he had done the night of the failed abortion. 

Severus breathed in and out slowly, concentrating on the feeling of Sirius’ strong, calloused hand around his. 

“What do you want to eat?” Sirius asked quietly.

Severus shook his head. His heart was no longer thrumming in his ears, but he still felt queasy. 

“You've to eat. You've hardly eaten all day,” Sirius pressed. Annoying wanker.

“Do you intend to force feed me, Black?” Severus sneered.

Sirius sighed heavily, running a hand down his face. “Fine, don't eat. See if I care,” he grumbled.

Severus’ chest burned. He knew he was being difficult and that he had no right to be hurt over Sirius’ words, yet… he'd wanted… he wasn't really sure what he’d wanted. 

Severus numbly plopped a baked potato on his plate and began to pick at it. 

A glob of butter then of cheese landed on top of his potato. Sirius didn’t look at him, but his leg brushed against Severus’. The Alpha did care.

Painstakingly Severus worked his way through the potato, doing his best to block out the not so hushed whispers.

“Good boy,” Sirius whispered into his ear when he finished. 

Severus could feel himself flushing and quickly took a swig of pumpkin juice in an attempt at battling down the color rising on his face. 

***

Sirius flopped onto the bench across next to James.

“Where's Severus?” Remus asked.

“Told me to shove off,” Sirius grumbled. 

From further down the table Lily shot him an accusing glare like it was his fault Severus was being a prat. Considering everything Sirius felt like he’d been quite fair. Which was also what he told gnawing guilt in his stomach. With what he’d heard, he had every right to tell Severus to pound sand. Severus had lied to him. It wasn’t like Sirius didn’t know Severus was rubbing elbows with those racist pricks and that it would take time to pry him free of their clutches, but he hadn’t been expecting the utter gut punch he'd received. Severus told him he'd only been playing along and Sirius found he believed the Omega. Still, an inkling of doubt remained. As did the guilt that Severus had been hurt, nearly been - Sirius couldn’t even think it - and that it wouldn't have happened had Sirius not ended things between them. 

Sirius stood up, plate untouched. “Going for a run,” he said to his friends. He needed fresh air and the burning in his lungs. 

At lunch Severus again refused to come out. The Omega had hardly eaten anything lately, which couldn't be good for him or the baby.

Sirius had to try something else to get the Omega to eat. Severus clearly wasn’t chuffed with him, but Sirius was pretty sure it was the Great Hall the Slytherin was trying to avoid. 

Sirius made his way towards the Hufflepuff common room, veering off towards the fruit painting. He tickled the pear and darted inside. Sirius was well known amongst the house elfs and several of them scurried over to greet him. It didn’t take much convincing especially after he mentioned a certain pregnant Omega to get a basket made up of what he knew were mostly Severus’ favorites and a couple of his own. 

“Hi, Sirena. Looking beautiful. Can you tell Severus I'm here,” Sirius said with a charming smile.

“He says he's not hungry,” the mermaid informed Sirius, flicking her tail dismissively. 

“Please, Sirena. Help a guy out. I'm his Alpha for Merlin’s sake,” Sirius cajoled.

“Sorry, handsome. Wish I could,” she said, batting her eyelashes. 

“Tell Severus that I've brought food.”

Sirena swished her tail giving him an apologetic look.

Sirius groaned then narrowed his eyes. “Tell me to let me in with the bloody food or I’ll tattle to Madam Pomfrey that he’s skipping meals,” he threatened.

The portrait swung open to reveal a very cross looking Severus Snape.

“Come in you insufferable arse,” Severus sneered.

Sirius barged in before the other boy had even finished speaking. He made himself at home on the floor, after tossing out a makeshift picnic blanket. 

Severus heaved a sigh, but after a bout of glaring grudgingly sat down across from Sirius. 

They ate in silence, Severus’ scowl slowly fading as he nibbled on the food Sirius brought.

“Thank you,” Severus said stiffly, his voice puncturing the silence.

“Yeah, no problem,” Sirius shrugged.

They lapsed back into silence until Sirius couldn’t take it any longer.

“Here, I brought this for you,” Sirius said, pulling out a bundle made up of a sweater, a pair of robes, and a blanket. 

Severus’ eyes widened and Sirius swore he caught a glint of longing before the Omega’s eyes hardened. 

Sirius had debated whether to bring the stuff for ages. Severus had seemed mighty pissed about the whole nesting thing, but Sirius also knew the Slytherin was a stubborn git and painfully proud. 

“Must I repeat myself? I don't want your smelly rubbish,” Severus snarled.

Sirius glared back. “It’s not rubbish - it's for nesting- and I have it on good authority that you like my scent.”

“I'm not soft,” Severus scoffed.

“Never said you were,” Sirius retorted.

“But you're acting like it! I don't need you to coddle me. Save your little hero act for someone who wants it.”

“Seems like you didn't mind a couple days ago,” Sirius blurted out. He winced. “Sorry, that was out of line.”

“Why did you?” Severus asked quietly.

“Sometimes I just stick my foot in my mouth. I -”

“Not that,” Severus interjected. “Why did you help me?”

Sirius swallowed and stared down at his hands twisting in his lap. “Figured if you were asking for help, it had to be pretty serious,” he mumbled.

“But -” Severus made a frustrated, confused sort of noise - “I thought you didn't care. You were positively fuming.”

“Course I care,” Sirius said gruffly. “Why do you think I was so mad?”

Sirius cast a glance at the Omega. His fingers were digging into his forearms hard enough to bruise. Sirius reached over, prying them off and taking them into his hands. 

“I was angry and -” Sirius gulped - “And hurt. Still am a bit.”

Severus flinched. 

“Not angry,” Sirius said, shaking his head. “Hurt.”

“I'm sorry,” Severus whispered. “I know it was rotten. I wasn't pretending -” Severus wet his lips, an adorable blush painting his cheeks - “I do like you.”

“I like you too,” Sirius said softly, scooting closer to Severus and pulling him into his side. "Why did you play along with their scheme if you didn't mean it?" Sirius held his breath waiting for Severus to answer the question that had been burning on his tongue.

"I thought it would keep me safe," Severus spat bitterly, jerking upright. "A fall back of sorts. I'm a selfish moron. A shit person."

"Don’t say that," Sirius ordered. "Only I'm allowed to insult you," he added teasingly in an attempt to ease the tension.

Severus didn’t reply, but he settled back into Sirius' side.

"I'm sorry, I should've heard you out. It was shitty of me to jump all over you and Regulus before letting you have a say."

"Thanks," Severus whispered, surprise brimming in his eyes that made Sirius squirm. He really was the sort to react now, think later... or sometimes not all. If he’d only taken a minute and listened...

You’re too good for them, you know," Sirius said firmly. Too good for me too, he added silently. 

"You didn’t used to think so," Severus muttered.

"I was wrong."

Severus gaped at him, then smirked. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Sirius grumbled, but a grin was tugging at his lips. "You’re done with them, yeah?"

Severus hesitated, fingers twisting in his robes, and Sirius' stomach dropped.

"Mostly yes," Severus nodded.

"Mostly?" Sirius demanded.

"It’s not so simple... Lucius and Narcissa..."

"Have your tea parties with Narcissa and I guess even Malfoy if you must, so long as you promise me you're not working for them and that evil monster they call a lord."

Severus held out his pinky finger and Sirius hooked his own with Severus' sealing the promise, warmth flooding through him. 

Severus cleared his throat. “Thanks for the stuff, but you can have it back. I'm not soft.”

“I know you're not soft,” Sirius snorted. “You’re about as soft as a bloody cactus.”

Severus let out a small chuckle. 

“It’s not about that. It's about taking care of yourself. A pregnant Omega nests because it helps them and the baby. Doesn't make you soft. Having a baby isn't weak, if anything it's strong.”

“You’re just spewing rubbish to try to make me feel better,” Severus protested. “Omegas are weak and nesting is something Omegas do ‘cause they're soft. You don't see Alphas needing security blankets like bloody children.”

“Bullshit,” Sirius exclaimed. He gripped Severus’ chin, forcing it up. “You’re not weak and anyone who tells you otherwise is an idiot. Don't not take care of yourself cause you're afraid -”

“I'm not afraid,” Severus snapped.

“Seems like you are,” Sirius retorted.

Severus’ fists clenched and his jaw ticked. Sirius thought he was going to explode, but then his fists unclenched. 

“I'd feel like an idiot making a nest,” Severus admitted, eyes trained on the floor. “And it makes it feel more real. I'm not sure I want that.”

Sirius’ heart squeezed. He understood that. Often the idea of them having a baby made his heart race and his stomach turn, but every once in a while he felt something else - a warmth, a flutter of excitement. He wasn’t the one who was going to get giant - unable to forget for even a moment - and then push the bloody thing out. 

“I know it's happening and when the baby's here I'll have to take care of it,” Severus continued, voice raw.

“We,” Sirius corrected. “We'll take care of it.”

“Yes, we,” Severus sneered, “I'm sure you'll hold the baby every now and then.”

Sirius jerked backwards, gaping at the Slytherin. “That’s what you think?” he sputtered.

“You’re an Alpha,” Severus said blandly.

“We're in this together,” Sirius said firmly.

Severus arched an eyebrow.

“No matter what happens between us, I'm not leaving you on your own to take care of the baby. It's mine too.”

“You say that now, but what about when you have Quidditch practice or want to hangout with your mates? You're an Alpha no one would give you shit for it.”

“I think Lily might carve me up and roast me,” Sirius chuckled.

Severus smirked. “She can be rather terrifying.”

“I could help you with the nest,” Sirius offered, trying to keep the way his heart was jumping around from coming through in his voice.

Severus’ eyes flew wide. “That’s practically blasphemous.”

Sirius rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, I know. Sorry, that was stupid.”

“Typical for you,” Severus teased, but his dark eyes were soft. “You have to promise to do as I say.”

“You'll let me help?” Sirius gasped.

“So long as you behave,” Severus nodded. 

Sirius beamed and before he could stop himself leaned in, smashing his lips into Severus’ hungrily. 

Chapter Text

Severus could still feel the warmth of Sirius’ lips against his as they worked on the nest, and as Sirius brushed against him, Severus longed to pull the Gryffindor into a heated kiss. 

Severus snatched a blanket out of Sirius’ hands that the Alpha was in the middle of adding.

“Oi, you said this one was good,” Sirius yelped.

Severus ducked his head. Something had felt wrong, but he couldn’t quite explain it. Severus took the blanket from Sirius and wove it into the nest. That felt better. 

Severus glanced over at Sirius to attempt to offer some sort of explanation, but the words stuck in his throat at the look on the Alpha’s face. Sirius looked absurdly pleased, an adoring grin on his face, as he leaned against the bedpost, staring at Severus. No one ever looked at him like that. 

“What?” Severus managed to scoff.

“Nothing, you're just cute when you get all anal,” Sirius shrugged.

Severus’ heart skittered, leaping forwards and backwards even though he felt he ought to be offended by the comment. Severus sniffed haughtily, refusing to show how much he wanted to snog Sirius, and returned to the nest. He picked up Sirius’ jumper. It felt soft under his fingers, and he longed to press it to his face. Instead, he carefully arranged it. He gave the nest an assessing look and nodded.

“It’s finished,” Severus declared. 

“Well, you just going to stare at it or try it out?” Sirius teased.

Severus took a hesitant step forward. The thought of being surrounded by soft things called to him in a way he would be loath to admit, but the idea of crawling inside in front of Sirius left him jittery like the Alpha would burst out laughing and taunt him when he did. Sirius’ gaze felt heavy, almost pinning him to the spot, but with concerted effort as if struggling through quicksand, Severus clamoured into the bed.

Severus sank into the blankets. Soft. Warm. Safe. Severus let out a small contented sigh, letting his eyes flutter shut for a minute. When he opened them, Sirius was still staring at him, though the Alpha quickly averted his gaze. 

“You can -” Severus cleared his throat - “Did you want to join me?”

Sirius’ eyes widened.

“You don’t have to,” Severus said quickly.

“Of course, I want to. I just didn’t think you’d - well, er, want me to. I mean it’s special to be invited into an Omega’s nest,” Sirius babbled. 

Severus smirked.

“Oh, shut up,” Sirius grumbled as he carefully climbed in next to Severus.

“Didn’t say anything,” Severus said, voice dripping with false innocence as he suppressed a laugh.

“Smart-arse,” Sirius teased, wrapping his arm around Severus’ waist, holding him securely to his side. Severus leaned in slightly. 

Fingers dug into his side, and a laugh ripped from Severus’ throat. 

“You wanker,” Severus gasped, attempting to twist out of Sirius’ grasp but the Alpha held him in place, grinning broadly down at him. 

Sirius stopped after a minute, but continued to hold Severus to his side. 

“I invite you in and you betray me,” Severus grumbled, but he was still giggling a little, and he couldn’t dredge up any real anger, not with a lightness in his chest he hadn't felt in days.  

“Shouldn’t have looked so cute then,” Sirius grinned with a shrug.

Severus felt that stupid fluttering in his chest that started up whenever Sirius complimented him. It wasn’t fair how the Alpha made him feel. With Sirius pressed up close to him, his rich, earthy scent washing over him, and his breath on his cheek, Severus couldn’t resist the urge to plant a brief kiss on Sirius’ lips. Sirius caught him as he drew backwards, drawing him back into the kiss. Severus nipped at Sirius’ lips, and the Alpha squeezed the back of his neck, turning the kiss more fevered. He could feel himself growing hard and a desperate neediness making him wet.

It wasn’t until Severus felt Sirius sucking bruising kisses into his throat, tongue running along his scent gland that he realized he bared his neck to the Alpha. A part of him screamed to push Sirius away, that offering up any vulnerability was a mistake, but he couldn’t deny the desire curling in his stomach. 

“Mmm, you smell so good,” Sirius moaned into his ear, and Severus felt himself tilting his head further back. 

Sirius pushed him onto his back, continuing to nip and lick at his throat. 

“Want you,” Severus panted, grasping at Sirius, one hand entwining in his hair and the other clinging to the Alpha’s muscled shoulder.

Severus let out an embarrassing keen as Sirius hitched up his robes, fingers caressing his stomach. After a minute of gentle stroking, Sirius’ hand inched lower until it was pressed against the bulge in Severus’ pants. 

Severus gasped, back arching, as Sirius palmed him through the fabric, continuing to press searing kisses into his skin. He could feel Sirius hard against his thigh, arousal intensifying the Alpha’s scent. 

“You’re wet,” Sirius breathed, as he slipped his hand inside Severus’ pants. 

He wanted this, really wanted it , but as Sirius’ fingers brushed against his hole, a tendril of cold shot through Severus, twisting around his chest. 

Sirius froze. “Are you okay?”

Severus nodded rapidly, fighting to keep his breathing even as he frantically pushed down the memory of the Alphas snarling at him as they tore at his clothes. It was a losing battle. The ghost of their hands against his skin, wrenched a sound far too close to that of a wounded animal from his throat.

A hand pressed against his cheek, another against the back of his head, gently guiding him towards the scent of safety. 

“You’re safe. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe. I’ve got you. Just try to breathe.” Sirius’ voice washed over him - kind, authoritative, possessive, and the tiniest bit scared. “Breathe.”

It was a command and Severus obeyed, sucking in a deep breath. The scent - Sirius’ scent - began to thaw the panic. He nuzzled closer, burying his face in Sirius’ neck, continuing to deeply breathe in Sirius’ scent. After a few minutes of scenting Sirius - because after his heart stopped hammering and his thoughts became less scrambled, Severus couldn’t deny that was what he was doing - Severus slowly lifted his head.

“Feeling better?” Sirius asked, as he continued to card his fingers through Severus’ hair.

Severus cleared his throat, embarrassment crawling up his skin. “Yes, thank you,” he said stiffly. “Sorry, I -”

“Don’t,” Sirius cut him off, “I’m sorry.” His eyes darted away from Severus, and he squirmed slightly. It was always a bit strange to see Sirius or really any Alpha abashed. For once, though it didn’t bring Severus a thrill of satisfaction; instead, a jolt of heat pulsed through him, and his fist clenched. It wasn’t fair.

Sirius flinched and began to pull away, but before he could get far, Severus’ grip tightened, clinging to the Alpha before he realised what he was doing. 

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Severus said.

Sirius let out a bitter laugh, but didn’t attempt to pull away again.

“I’m not angry with you.”

Sirius eyed him and sniffed, breathing in Severus’ scent. “But you are angry.”

Severus shrugged half-heartedly. There was little point in denying it, not with how close they were sitting and how well Sirius was growing to know his scent.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Sirius said firmly.

“I’m not angry with myself,” Severus huffed. It wasn’t quite true. He was frustrated with himself; upset he hadn’t been strong enough to push through, but it wasn’t exactly a lie either.

“Oh.” Severus could see it in Sirius’ eyes the moment he understood. Possessiveness made the Gryffindor’s eyes glow silver. “I want to tear out their throats,” Sirius growled, his voice all Alpha. 

Warmth fluttered in Severus’ chest at the open protectiveness. The more rational part of him sent Sirius a stern look. “Get yourself expelled and I’ll rip out your throat.”

“Good to know you’d miss me,” Sirius grinned cheekily.

Severus snorted and shook his head, but he couldn’t stop the small smile from worming onto his face as he looked at Sirius. After a moment of debate, Severus leaned closer, drinking in Sirius’s scent as he buried his face into the Alpha’s neck. 

“I missed you,” Severus whispered.

“I missed you, too,” Sirius said, wrapping himself around Severus.

***

Merlin, Severus smelled amazing, especially now that the slightly sour scent of anger and fear had dissipated. It made Sirius’ heart leap that his scent calmed the Omega. When Severus had begun to panic and Sirius’ words seemed to be bouncing off unheard, he’d followed his instincts, offering what comfort he could. Of course, Sirius wished it hadn’t been necessary in the first place and only a very little bit because he'd wanted to get off. His arousal had died a quick, wretched death as soon as the acidic scent of fear hit him anyway. It had made a small resurgence as he cuddled with Severus, but it certainly wasn't worth ruining the moment. 

The tension had long since bled out of Severus, and he now lay boneless in Sirius’ arms, eyes half closed as he continued to breathe in Sirius’ scent. 

Sirius pressed his nose to Severus’ soft skin, and the Omega made a soft purring adjacent sound. Sirius let his eyes flutter closed. The heat that had been writhing in his stomach brought about when he’d been forced to think about those Alpha shitheads long since soothed by Severus’ scent. 

Sirius woke up to the feeling of a warm body curled up to him and a sweet scent he’d come to recognise as Severus’. The Omega shifted, somehow nuzzling closer to Sirius. They must have fallen asleep cuddling. 

The half-moon cast a dim light into the room. It was clearly well past curfew, so Sirius planted a kiss on Severus’ forehead and closed his eyes. There was no point in attempting to make it back to Gryffindor Tower without getting caught, and the thought of leaving Severus right now made his chest ache. Especially since those monsters had attacked Severus, Sirius had felt on edge whenever Severus wasn’t within his sight. Even before then, he’d felt jittery and achy with the Omega’s absence. Not enough that he’d sought the Slytherin out, but he’d considered it if only to demand answers. 

Just as the heavy pull of sleep was about to drag Sirius under, he felt Severus go rigid next to him, a small whimper escaping the Omega’s lips.

“Severus,” Sirius called, lightly shaking the other boy.

Severus flailed in his grasp, and Sirius shook him more roughly. After several frantic shakes, Severus jerked awake with a pained gasp. 

“Sirius,” he croaked, clinging to Sirius. 

“I'm here,” Sirius said, rubbing circles into Severus’ back. “You want to talk about it?”

Severus glared at him, but his bottom lip wobbled slightly. 

“I won't judge you,” Sirius promised.

Severus’ eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a sneer. “Of course, why would I be concerned about Sirius Black ridiculing me?”

Sirius winced. Making fun of Severus had been one of his main hobbies for years. Not that the Slytherin didn’t have a wicked tongue of his own.

“That’s well sorta fair,” Sirius mumbled.

Severus pulled away, the tension in his slight frame painfully obvious. 

“Anything you say never leaves this room. Swear it,” Sirius blurted out, snatching up Severus’ hand and squeezing it. 

Severus clutched his hand tightly, fingers digging in so hard it was a tad painful. Sirius was an Alpha and a Gryffindor, though, so he wasn't going to whine about it. Besides, if it was what Severus needed, Sirius was more than willing to suffer through. 

“It’s not your concern, Black,” Severus hissed, but despite his words, he still had a death grip on Sirius’ hand. 

“I'm your Alpha,” Sirius said.

“When you want to be,” Severus muttered, a raw edge to his voice.

“I'm trying here,” Sirius growled. He bit his lip hard, immediately regretting his tone.

“If you truly wanted to be my Alpha, you'd mark me.”

“I've scent-marked you before,” Sirius protested, confused. He certainly would be doing it every damn day from now on if Severus would let him.

Severus gave him a nonplussed look. 

“Oh,” Sirius gaped, the realisation of what kind of mark Severus meant crashing over him. “You meant… You meant a claim bite,” his voice fading to a faint whisper by the end.

Severus dropped his head, blinking rapidly.

“I thought you wouldn't want it,” Sirius rasped. It didn’t seem like the sort of thing Severus Snape would be eager to sign up for. 

Sure when he'd been snogging Severus and sucking bruising kisses into the Omega's neck, Sirius had fantasized about sinking his teeth into Severus’ skin and pushing the magic that would bind them into the bite leaving a scar that would mark Severus as his. But it had only been a fantasy. A claim bite was more binding than a bloody wedding. A mark of ownership. An act of submission and vulnerability. It would be expected once they tied the knot, but even once they were married it was hard to imagine Severus willingly baring his throat for a claim bite. 

Though today… Severus had let him lick and nip at his neck. 

“Do you really want it?” Sirius asked softly.

In answer, Severus tilted his head to the side, baring his throat. 

Sirius gently cupped Severus’ face and lifted his head so they were looking at each other. 

“Going to need a verbal answer,” Sirius prompted.

“I want it,” Severus whispered.

Sirius couldn’t help but run his fingers down the side of Severus’ neck. 

“You trust me with that?” Sirius breathed. It seemed impossible. 

“I don't know,” Severus mumbled. 

It felt like a punch to the ribs, but it wasn’t exactly surprising.

“Then why?”

“I'm tangled up with you already -” Severus gestured at his stomach - “might as well get the benefit.”

It was about protection… that made sense. Sirius tried to ignore the sting in his chest. Perhaps he was being overly sensitive and hopelessly romantic, but he didn’t want a claim bite without… love .

Still, if Severus wanted it and the claim bite would make him feel safer… it wasn’t like it would truly cost Sirius much. And he did want to claim Severus as his. 

“It was a jumbled mess…. The dream.”

Sirius jerked at the sudden change in topic, but nodded at Severus to continue.

“My Da drunk off his arse, you and your mates, the bathroom… Then I smelled you, and you felt safe. A part of me doesn't trust you - not sure if that'll ever change - but a part of me does. The batty, possibly brain-damaged part. Maybe it is a horrible idea…”

Sirius swallowed around the sudden large and painful lump in his throat. “Let’s sleep on it, yeah?”

Severus nodded, and they settled back down, wrapped in each other's arms. He could practically hear Severus’ thoughts racing, and his own mind was still spinning. To deny Severus felt cruel, but what if the Omega regretted it? What if he regretted it? It wasn’t so long ago Sirius hated the Slytherin's guts. 

“Merlin,” Severus gasped, jerking in Sirius’ arms and hand flying to his stomach. 

“Are you alright?” Sirius demanded, heart rate spiking. 

“Yeah,” Severus said, a small smile playing on his lips. 

“Then why were you freaking out?” Sirius grumbled.

Cool fingers wrapped around Sirius’ hand, drawing it towards Severus. As his hand rested on Severus’ stomach, tracing shapes, he noticed it felt a bit different. Severus was normally as flat as a pancake… It hadn’t been his imagination when he’d tickled him earlier. The Omega’s stomach was getting rounder. 

“Not that I mind, but -”

Then Sirius felt it - little more than a flutter, but still it sent his heart jumping.

“Is that -” Sirius breathed.

Severus nodded. “Kicking it seems.”

“Bloody hell, that's our baby.”

“Our baby,” Severus echoed, eyes wide, not with fear but with awe.

Sirius slipped his hand under Severus’ robes, running his fingers along the Omega’s soft skin, earning a small contented noise. He felt another flutter and a grin split his face. 

“Shit, we're really going to be parents.”

“Hopefully we don't bollix it up,” Severus snorted, but his eyes were still sparkling.

“Can't be worse than our parents,” Sirius joked.

“Pretty much not tripping over a bar buried under the ground.”

“Yeah,” Sirius chuckled. 

“Well, we won't give them a name that will get them bullied,” Severus said, an ache in his voice that made Sirius feel like he’d been rammed by a Hippogriff. 

“If kids want to bully, they’ll find something,” Sirius said quietly.

“Suppose you would know,” Severus quipped.

“I’m sorry,” Sirius mumbled. It didn’t feel like enough. Lately, it never did.

Severus sighed. “Not just you and your mates. You lot are so unique and special. Plenty of the kids I went to primary with were twats about it too.”

“Your name is elegant and Sev is cute,” Sirius said earnestly, and he swore that made Severus blush a little, though it was hard to tell in the light.

“You have a name list?” Severus asked, and Sirius was grateful for the pivot.

“Nah, been trying not to think about it. Though we will have to go for a constellation or a star.” 

Sirius didn’t really know why he'd said it. He loathed nearly everything about his family, yet somehow those words had tumbled out. 

Severus arched an eyebrow. “Didn’t think you’d want to follow in your family's footsteps.”

Sirius ducked his head. “Fuck my family,” he mumbled.

Fingers delicately brushed along his cheek. “I'm open to star names,” Severus murmured. 

Sirius felt a rush of warmth flood his chest, and he pulled Severus in, pressing a searing kiss to his lips. Severus licked into his mouth, fingers tangling in his hair, sending tingles shooting down his spine. 

Fuck , he needed Severus. Sirius rolled Severus underneath hi,m and the Omega let out a soft moan, tilting his head to the side. The strip of pale, smooth skin laid bare just for him was irresistible. Sirius slowly kissed down from Severus’ jaw to just above his collarbone. 

“Mine,” Sirius panted, as he left bruising kisses.

“Not yet,” Severus retorted in what perhaps was supposed to be a snarl but came out closer to a whimper. 

Sirius growled, “Don’t say shit like that when my lips are on your neck unless you really want it.”

Severus grabbed his hand and pushed it lower. 

“Severus,” Sirius warned, his voice coming out more wrecked than he anticipated.

“I'll tell you if I need to stop.”

Sirius let Severus guide his hand, growing harder as he felt Severus’ slick. He prepped Severus carefully and then pushed inside, moaning in unison with Severus. Slowly, he inched deeper, fingers digging into Severus’ hips, until he bottomed out. 

“Fuck, you feel so good,” Sirius groaned.

“Kiss me,” Severus ordered.

“Magic word,” Sirius taunted, as he pulled back and then thrust in hard. 

“Please,” Severus whimpered, arching his back and pushing into Sirius.

He smashed his lips into Severus’, biting and licking. The eager little noises Severus made urged Sirius on, and he picked up the pace. Severus keened and kissed Sirius harder. 

Sirius came with a shout, vision whiting out as he spilled into Severus. When he stopped seeing stars, he resumed jerking Severus until the Omega came over his hand, moaning his name.

“I'm yours,” Severus gasped. 

Sirius drew back, looking down at Severus’ blissed out face. Their eyes met, and Sirius’ heart yanked to a halt. I want this. I want you in every way. The thought slammed into him so hard he could feel it in his bones. Maybe it wasn’t love yet… But Sirius was pretty damn sure it would be.

 “And I’m yours,” Sirius vowed.

Severus sucked in a sharp breath. Then he slowly, deliberately craned his neck. Sirius sank his teeth into Severus’ throat and the Omega whimpered. Magic pulsed between, sealing the bond.

“Mine,” Sirius growled, voice heady. 

“Yours,” Severus breathed. 

Carefully, lovingly Sirius kissed the wound closed.

Chapter Text

Severus stood in front of the mirror, heart thrumming so fast he felt lightheaded as he traced the mark on his neck. It felt right in a way Severus couldn’t have imagined, like a piece of him he hadn't known was missing had been slotted into place. That, however, did not stop the panic from battling against the warmth. He’d been claimed. Sirius Black had claimed him. It was surreal. Yes, they’d been tangled together ever since the night at the Astronomy Tower, but this was different. 

Severus took a deep breath and adjusted his hair, but no matter how he arranged it, the claim bite was still visible. There was no way Regulus and Lily wouldn’t hound him about it. Hell, Sirius’ band of idiots would be making all sorts of faces. Fortunately, they would demand their answers from Sirius, or at least he hoped they would. 

“You about finished in there, princess? I’m starved,” Sirius called.

Severus threw the door open, purposefully slamming it into Sirius. 

“Call me that again and you’ll be itching for a week,” Severus threatened.

Sirius just grinned and took Severus’ hand. “Love it when you talk dirty to me, pri-” Sirius hesitated, seemingly doing a quick cost-benefit analysis - “Baby.”

Severus made a face, but truthfully, he didn’t mind the term of endearment. “Wise decision, Black,” he drawled.

“Last name, ouch,” Sirius gasped, miming being stabbed in the heart. “I thought we were past this. Especially since you know -” Sirius waggled his eyebrows suggestively. 

Severus’ stomach swooped, but he plastered on a smirk. “Behave then.”

“I think that’s normally the Alpha’s line,” Sirius chuckled. 

Severus bristled, and his first instinct was to sneer and snarl, but he pushed it down. Sirius was joking with him and hadn’t the Alpha shown him that he didn’t think Severus was lesser.

“Then I guess I’ll have to be naughtier,” Severus said, voice a mix of honey and spice. Mortification raced through him, but then he saw the hunger in Sirius’ eyes and the glee in his smile. 

“Well, aren’t you a little minx?” Sirius purred, kissing him searingly. 

There was a soft gurgling-growling sort of sound, and Sirius pulled back.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who’s hungry. Food now, more snogging later,” Sirius declared.

Severus nodded. He hadn’t realised how hungry he was, with nerves twisting his stomach into knots. Madam Pomfrey was going to have his head at his next appointment if he didn’t start eating better.

***

After breakfast, Lily swooped up Severus, babbling something about the library, but Sirius hadn’t missed the way her gaze fixed on the mark he’d left on Severus. He’d swallowed his protest, but only just. Better Lily wring details from Severus, than lay into him like an angry Hungarian Horntail.

“So?” James prompted as soon as the door to their dorm closed behind the four Marauders.

Sirius hesitated, eying James carefully. His brother in all but blood had been warming up to Severus - minus the whole mess at Hogsmeade - but five years of bad blood wasn’t easy to wash away. 

“It’s what it looks like,” Sirius said, folding his arms across his chest defensively.

“He wanted it?” Remus asked quietly.

Sirius’ stomach dropped out, and he whirled on Remus. “Of course!” he shouted. “You don’t -” his voice cracked - “don’t think I’d….” he trailed off, unable to finish.

“Of course not,” James said quickly, shooting Remus a dirty look. 

“I believe you and I didn't really think that. It’s just that your track record with Severus isn’t exactly the best…” Remus trailed off, shifting guiltily from foot to foot. “I know you care,” he added softly.

Sirius nodded jerkily, still feeling a bit sick to his stomach.

“Well, congrats then,” James exclaimed, clapping Sirius on the shoulder. “Ah, hell.” James pulled Sirius into a manly hug complete with back slapping. 

Sirius slapped James on the back hard, the warmth rushing through him at James’ approval drowning out the ick. Remus pulled him into a hug next. Finally, Sirius turned to Peter, unsure how the final Marauder would react. 

“Congrats, Sirius,” Peter said. He didn’t sound particularly happy, but he gave Sirius a quick hug nonetheless. 

“Let’s sneak down to the kitchens to celebrate,” James grinned.

“It’s the middle of the day. We don’t need to sneak,” Remus pointed out.

“But it’s more fun this way,” James sang, flinging his arm over Remus’ shoulders. 

Remus let James octopus, a fond smile on his face, as they started off. 

“Sirius Black,” shouted a voice Sirius knew far too well. 

“James was right, we should’ve snuck,” Sirius muttered under his breath, as he slowly turned to face his little brother, who was stalking towards him like a midsummer storm.

“Leave, I need a private word my brother,” Regulus ordered. 

His friends exchanged glances. 

“Go, I can handle Reggie,” Sirius said.

After another moment of hesitation, the other Marauders headed off down the corridor.

“What can I do for you, baby brother?” Sirius teased. He knew it was risky business with the state Regulus was in, but he couldn’t resist. 

“You claimed him,” Regulus hissed. “The wedding isn’t even two months out. Couldn’t you have some measure of self-restraint?”

“Have you talked to Severus yet?” Sirius asked, resisting the urge to make a lewd joke.

“Yes,” Regulus said a touch sullenly.

“Then you know it was mutual,” Sirius said firmly. “And I’m sure you don’t want me to go into detail, but I can if you insist,” he added with a smirk.

Regulus made a face like he’d just swallowed polyjuice potion. 

“Thought so,” Sirius replied smugly. 

“Just don’t mess this up. I don’t care that I’m an Omega and your Alpha, I’ll hurt you.”

“Are you giving me a shovel talk, kiddo?” Sirius teased. 

Regulus flushed, but then his jaw set. “Severus is my friend and I actually think you are good for him when you don’t have your head up your arse.”

“I do care about Severus,” Sirius interjected.

“Good,” Regulus nodded. “Severus cares about you too,” he added softly.

Warmth pooled in Sirius’ chest. 

“I’m glad he has a friend like you,” Sirius said, giving Regulus’ hair an affectionate tussle. His brother smiled, a true smile. “So you gonna give Severus a shovel talk too? He could very well break my heart and you are my brother,” Sirius joked before the moment could get too sappy.

Regulus rolled his eyes. “Go have fun with your idiot friends.”

Sirius gave him a mocking salute. “I will be having a shovel talk with your beau when the time comes,” he called over his shoulder, grinning at the distressed squawking noise Regulus made.

***

Snakes writhed in Severus’ stomach as he waited in the Astronomy Tower for Sirius. His gift felt foolish and lacking. Birthdays were inane anyway, yet Severus still felt the need to do something. To make matters worse, this wasn’t some run of the mill birthday. It was Sirius’ seventeenth birthday. The most important birthday a wizard had. 

Severus’ flight instincts had his legs itching to flee, but he forced himself to remain rooted to the spot. 

“Severus,” a voice called from the stairwell. Severus turned to see Sirius illuminated by the half-moon. “You alright?”

Severus pursed his lips, offering up a curt affirmation. He knew Sirius’ worry wasn’t unfounded, but the mollycoddling not only from his Alpha, but from Lily and Regulus, and horrifyingly occasionally Potter and Lupin, was growing very old. 

“Don’t be a twat,” Sirius said without any real heat.

“Happy Birthday,” Severus said, abruptly shoving the neatly wrapped package into Sirius’ hands.

“You got me a present,” Sirius cried, a wide grin splitting his face as he bounced around like a child.

“That is a typical birthdate tradition,” Severus quipped, trying valiantly to keep the way his pulse was racing hidden.

“Yeah, I just didn’t think it was your sort of thing,” Sirius shrugged, still looking ridiculously pleased.

“I’m not a complete killjoy,” Severus scoffed.

“Course not, last night brought me heaps of joy if you know what I mean,” Sirius chuckled with an exaggerated wink.

“Pervert,” Severus shot back, punching Sirius lightly in the shoulder as his insides squirmed at the reminder of the night before. It seemed like doing it once had opened the valve and now he couldn’t stop putting out for the Alpha.

Sirius just laughed, a warm, pleasant laugh. Once he’d collected himself, he began to slowly unwrap the packaging. Severus would have thought the Gryffindor would go for a more savage tear approach, but supposed years of holidays with his prim and proper family had ingrained the habit in Sirius.

Severus held his breath as Sirius studied the record. It had been a bitch to get and he definitely felt like he still owed Lily even though she assured him otherwise.

“Brill,” Sirius exclaimed. The weight on Severus’ chest lightened. “What is it?”

Severus couldn’t help the undignified snort that burst out.

“You said it was brilliant and you don’t know what it is?” he demanded.

Sirius stuck his finger in the hole and spun it. “Looks wicked. Something muggle, yeah?”

Severus nodded. “A record. It plays music. Traditionally, you would use a record player, but there’s a spell that can play it instead.”

Sirius bounced on the balls of his feet. “Really? That’s brilliant. I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s mine,” Severus mumbled.

Warm lips captured his mouth, and Severus eagerly kissed back.

“So clever,” Sirius praised, slightly out of breath as he continued devouring Severus’ lips. 

When they broke apart, Severus took the record from Sirius and with a flick of his wand, music began to play. Sirius beamed and began to dance. Severus couldn’t tear his eyes away. The easy confidence the other boy had was something Severus couldn’t imagine having, yet as Sirius took his hands, he began to dance a little himself.

“There’s something a bit familiar about this one,” Sirius said, pausing in his dancing and scrunching up his face.

Severus’ stomach rolled. “You caught me singing it back at Grimmauld.”

Sirius sucked in a breath. “I remember that... It was the first time I really thought maybe I didn’t have you all figured out.”

“I remember I couldn’t stop feeling the ghost of your touch,” Severus admitted in a low voice.

Severus expected the Gryffindor to preen, but instead he ran his fingers lightly over the claim mark. 

“It pissed me off,” Severus added with a smirk.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter, and he pulled Severus into a kiss, the smile still evident on his face. He pulled back after a moment, voice serious again, “I was so angry too, but damn you smelled good and that made me more bloody pissed. I thought this was the worst thing to happen to me… but… I’m glad I got to know you. And I’m not so sure I would have ever gotten over my pigheadedness to see you as anything other than a slimy git.”

“I’m glad I got to know you too,” Severus said sincerely. Then, with a deep breath that somehow only made him more anxious, he restarted the song and began to sing.

Sirius’ mouth dropped open, stunning silver eyes blown wide, gazing at Severus like he’d been the one to paint the night sky. 

“Voice of an angel,” Sirius whispered when Severus finished, not a drop of mocking in his voice. 

Severus had to consciously keep himself from squirming at the praise. “Thank you,” he managed to choke out. 

They sank down onto the stone together, wrapped in a blanket Sirius transfigured for them. The music continued to play, more softly now.

Sirius pointed up at the sky. “Brightest star,” he said, an unmistakable pride in his voice.

“It’s beautiful,” Severus replied, and it was. The star shone so brightly, just like Sirius.

Sirius continued pointing out the stars and constellations of each of his relatives, no matter how little he liked said relative. 

“I feel we shouldn’t do them the honour of staying with tradition,” Sirius said, the hard edge in his voice wavering.

“Mum threw me out. I know her life was shit, but I don’t think I can forgive that. But music… the piano, the records. Even Da when I was a wee thing and he wasn’t black out drunk, there were good moments. We don’t have to let them ruin what means something to us.”

Sirius blinked rapidly, his hold on Severus tightening. 

“You’re really okay with it? They’re bigots. They won’t ever see you as an equal.”

“But you do,” Severus said, forcing the words to come out as a statement, not a question.

Sirius seemed to hear the question anyways or at least the need of reassurance, as he caressed Severus’ face and firmly said, “Without a shadow of a doubt.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence. Long enough that Severus began nodding off onto Sirius’ shoulder.

“For a boy, how about Leo?” Sirius asked, jerking Severus out of his half-asleep cocoon.

“Leo?” Severus sneered, with perhaps a touch more venom than the suggestion warranted.

“What? I think it’s a good name,” Sirius protested. “Plus, I think despite being a constellation it might still send my family into a bit of a stint.”

“My child will not have a name that screams Gryffindor. You -”

Hot, demanding lips cut Severus off. The stone dug into his shoulder blade as he was pressed into the wall, but the discomfort faded against the feeling of Sirius’ hands on his skin.

“So mouthy,” Sirius teased between kisses.

“You like it,” Severus retorted breathlessly.

Sirius licked into his mouth with increased fervour in response. By the time they broke apart, Severus barely remembered what they’d been bickering about.

“So you got any bright ideas?” Sirius asked.

Severus stared at him for a moment. Oh, right. Baby names.

“Corvus,” he offered after a moment.

“I thought you didn’t want them to be bullied,” Sirius snorted.

“It’s a constellation. Ravens are intelligent and creative,” Severus huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Faaair,” Sirius sighed dramatically. “It’s just a bit stiff, innit? But perhaps some nickname potential.”

Severus let his arms fall to his sides and curled back into Sirius. 

“I like Lyra and Cassiopeia for a girl,” Severus said into Sirius’ shoulder, bracing for laughter.

Sirius hummed appreciatively. “Those are pretty. Maybe a little Lyra would have the same talent for music as you do. Now Cassiopeia - I think she was sort of a bitch - but the constellation is pretty wicked. Also, lots of nickname potential. Cass, Cassie, Cassidy.”  

Severus rested his hand over his stomach. It was becoming more and more real, but curled up in Sirius’ arms, that didn’t feel quite so awful.

***

Severus stared out the window at the snow-covered grounds. The winter holidays would be here before they knew it, and with them the wedding. It was strange, Severus was far more keen on marrying Sirius than he had been over the summer, yet he was still dreading it. He was pregnant with Sirius’ child, and they were bonded. The wedding was nothing more than a formality and a party at this point. A party that Severus had less than zero interest in attending, nevermind being the centre of attention. Fortunately, they’d gotten through a good deal of the planning over summer, and the Blacks had consulted them little since. Severus could only hope it wouldn’t be too horrible.

“They said James could come, but not Remus and Peter. Bigoted twats,” Sirius growled. Then swore as it sounded like he kicked something.

Severus turned around to see the letter Sirius had gotten at breakfast crumpled in his fist. The Gryffindor had been avoiding opening it all day. 

“I’m sorry,” Severus offered, not sure what to say. He hadn’t bothered having Sirius ask about Lily, but there was a larger ache than anticipated at the idea of her not being at his wedding, no matter how little he wanted it. She should be there; so should Sirius’ friends. 

“I don’t care what they say,” Sirius spat, “I’m of age and it’s our bloody wedding. My best friends will be there and so will Lily.”

“It’s just a ceremony,” Severus said, resting a calming hand on Sirius’ shoulder.

“I know,” Sirius said, voice softening. “But I still want…” he trailed off, waving his hand around as if he could grab the rest of the sentence out of the air. 

Severus pressed a chaste kiss to Sirius’ lips, pulling out a soft smile from Sirius.

“When it was a sham marriage, I didn’t care, but it’s not that anymore,” Sirius said, his voice rising into a half question.  

“It’s not,” Severus agreed, leaning into Sirius until his forehead rested against the Alpha’s. “If we can't get those posh twats to come round, we can always do something here… with our friends.”

“I’d like that,” Sirius smiled. “A wedding for us and a wedding so my pretentious bigoted family doesn’t blast me off the tapestry and leave us penniless.” 

“I’ll write to Narcissa. I ought to write her back anyhow.”

Sirius stiffened, and for a second, Severus thought the Alpha was going to attempt to forbid him from writing to Narcissa.

“Fine,” Sirius ground out.

“She’s written me loads since -” Severus hesitated, throat closing up the idea of voicing the events that still plagued his nightmares. 

“Just don’t let her sweet-talk you,” Sirius warned, eyes still dark. 

“It’s not her fault, and I think she’s a good ally while we’re still in the Black family web.”

“Then why haven’t you written her back for ages?” 

Severus sighed, “Maybe I did blame her and Lucius some. But her letters… she’s been worried.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. 

“Read them,” Severus said, digging them out of a drawer. 

Sirius took the letters with a grimace and none too gently shoved them in his robes. 

***

Sirius flopped down onto his bed in Gryffindor Tower, his muscles an achy jelly.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Remus said, looking up from his book, a soft, teasing smile on his face. 

“Ah, shut up,” Sirius grumbled. He spent most nights in Severus’ room, making up some excuse or another for staying.

Remus stifled a laugh, but James didn’t bother, laughing loudly and waggling his eyebrow lewdly. “You gonna spend the night here, loverboy?” 

Sirius tossed a pillow at James’ head, his shoulder protesting the movement. They had their last match before the holidays next weekend, and the team was running drills like mad. 

“Says the lad who spent ages fussing with his hair and robes before a bloody walk with Lily,” Sirius taunted.

James patted his hair, a faint blush creeping up his neck. 

“You both have it bad,” Peter chuckled. He twitched a touch nervously. “Not that it's a problem,” he added hurriedly.

Sirius waved him off. He knew Peter still didn’t like Severus, but he’d learned to keep his mouth shut about it. 

“Think I’ll stay here tonight,” Sirius said, aiming for nonchalance. Truthfully, he wanted to fall asleep with Severus in his arms, but the space would probably do them some good. Most of their conversations didn’t end or begin with heated words anymore, but that didn’t mean they didn’t bicker and get in tiffs. Sirius was quite certain Severus had been on the cusp of hexing him during Charms earlier when he’d been messing around with James, and Severus’ insane timetables to prepare for end-of-term exams were sending Sirius up the wall. Not to mention he still hadn’t read the letters from his prissy cousin and Severus was bound to hound him about it. 

“You two have a spat?” Remus asked, eyebrows knitting together.

“Nah, not really,” Sirius said.

“I didn’t get you in trouble, did I?” James chortled, looking more amused than apologetic.

“Not your fault that Severus is a swot.”

Remus gave him a look.

“What?” Sirius grumbled. “I can still call him a swot.”

“As a fellow swot who knows what a pain in the arse it is to wrangle you, maybe I’m just sympathetic,” Remus said, mockingly prim.

Sirius stuck his tongue out, and Remus cracked, a wide grin splitting his face as he laughed.

“So how’s the wedding coming along?” James asked. 

Sirius shrugged, trying to keep the dark mood at bay. He couldn’t blame James for asking. His best mate had always been a bit of a sap, and now that he’d gotten over his squemishness at Sirius being with Severus was enamoured by the prospect of a wedding.

“We don’t have to talk about it,” James said hurriedly, clearly having caught the dark look on Sirius’ face.

“They don’t want Remus and Peter there,” Sirius bit out harshly. “Not that I want to subject you to my family.” 

Sirius averted his eyes from Remus’ soft amber eyes. 

“The stag party is really what you want all the lads there for anyway,” James joked. 

Sirius smiled weakly. “You’re throwing me a stag party?”

“Course, you’re getting married, aren’t you?” James grinned. “All hush, hush, though, so no questions.”

Sirius’ grin grew, the weight on his chest lightening. Severus was right. The wedding was just a formality to please a bunch of bigots. They could have a real ceremony with their friends. 

Chapter Text

Narcissa’s fingers ran through Severus’ hair, fingers gentle and nimble. Severus sent her a glare as she continued to fuss, but didn’t pull away. 

“There,” she declared as she finished winding a snippet of aconite through his dark hair. “Take a look.”

As Narcissa manoeuvred him in front of a mirror, Severus bit back a gasp. His hair had never looked so good. It hadn't been a greasy, stringy and generally horrid mess since before he’d been given proper shampoo by the Blacks over summer, but this was a far cry better than his new normal. It was shiny and rather fluffy. It looked soft to the touch. Severus reached a tentative hand up, brushing his fingers along the ends of his hair. 

“Don’t mess it up, dear,” Narcissa tutted.

Severus quickly withdrew his hand, not wanting to give Narcissa a reason to spend more time primping and prepping him

“It truly does look lovely, Sev,” Lily beamed. She was polyjuiced to look like one of Narcissa’s cousins from her mother’s side. If anything was proof that Narcissa still cared for him and wanted his forgiveness, it was the presence of Lily, Lupin and Pettigrew masquerading as Narcissa's cousins at their wedding. 

“Alright, change into your robes. Knock once when you’re done, and we’ll be back in for one last look,” Narcissa said, heading towards the door, followed by Regulus and Lily.

Severus nodded, the butterflies in his stomach picking up a notch as his eyes landed on the white wedding robes. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind.  At school, there had been end-of-term exams, and as soon as they’d gotten off the train, they’d been swept into wedding preparations. Originally, they’d intended to stay with the Malfoys, but after the disaster at Hogsmeade, it was hardly a surprise that Sirius had refused point-blank. It had been a whole drama, but they’d ended up staying at the Potters. Severus couldn’t help but wince at how much two adults he barely knew who owed him nothing had done for him. One or both of them had come to all the wedding hell Sirius and Severus had been needed at, despite the clear distaste the Blacks held for them. 

Severus slipped out of his robes. He’d always been skin and bones, but now he couldn’t help but notice the way his stomach rounded, protruding outwards. It was becoming more noticeable by the day and continued to leave him feeling off-kilter. Before long, he wouldn’t be able to hide it all. 

With a sigh, Severus picked up the satin, pearly white, absurdly expensive robes and slipped them on. His stomach churned again as he let Narcissa, Lily and Regulus back inside. 

“Oh, Sev,” Lily cried, eyes brimming with tears as she pulled him into a hug.

“Beautiful, absolutely breathtaking, Severus,” Nacissa gushed. 

Severus ducked his head, attempting to hide the blush heating his cheeks. 

“You really do,” Regulus said softly, offering Severus a small smile.

“Thank you,” Severus whispered.

“Ready?” Narcissa asked, but it was less of a question and more of a demand.

Severus swallowed, a strange tingling rushing through him. He suddenly felt like he might throw up or piss himself. He shook his head rapidly.

“I think I need to use the loo,” Severus rasped.

“No, you don’t,” Lily said firmly, giving Severus’ shoulder a squeeze. 

“I know my brother is a boar,” Regulus smirked, “But for some reason, you two seem to actually like each other now, yes?”

Severus nodded shakily and took a deep breath, trying to steady his hammering heart. It was happening. They were getting married. They were already bonded, but tonight they would take vows. Tonight, he would walk down the aisle in front of a bunch of snotty, bigoted tossers and be legally tied to Sirius Black. A few months ago, it had seemed like a nightmare. The thought of marrying Sirius bloody Black had left his skin crawling and his stomach revolting, but now a burst of warmth flooded his chest.

“I think I might be in love with him,” Severus whispered, not realising he’d said the words aloud until he heard a trio of sharp inhales. 

“That’s wonderful, Sev,” Lily breathed, pressing a kiss to his cheek before pulling back and wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Bugger, I’m smudging my makeup already.”

“Nothing a quick charm can’t fix,” Narcissa said, lifting her wand. 

Lily hesitated for a moment before giving a quick nod. Narcissa flicked her wand, and the smudge of black was gone. 

“Thank you,” Lily said awkwardly. 

“You’re welcome,” Narcissa replied, a hint of warmth in her voice. The two regarded each other carefully, and then their eyes both landed on him.

“I’m very grateful to be here for this. Sev is my best friend and -” Lily broke off into a choked sob. 

Narcissa’s hand stretched towards Lily, hovering in the air for a moment, before lightly resting on the younger girl’s shoulder. Severus had to force his jaw not to drop. 

“Severus and Sirius both deserve to have their friends here, no matter who they are, for this very special day. When I realised how very real - how very much this is a love marriage … it would be cruel not to give them that." Narcissa let out a shaky breath and clapped her hands together. “Alright, it’s time. Evans, you best get to your seat and Regulus up front with Sirius.”

Severus had the chance to take several more deep breaths before Narcissa looped her arm through his and handed him the flower bouquet. It was one of the few things Severus had selected.  Blue Iris for trust, Edelweiss for courage (a nod of sorts to Sirius), White Roses classically meant love (it seemed amiss to not include a few), and Scilla for new beginnings and hope. He doubted Sirius would understand the message, but the language of flowers had been one he’d spoken since he was knee high, and he couldn’t have his flowers not mean what he wanted today of all days. 

Lucius met them just before the door, taking his other arm. Things were still frosty between them, but Severus couldn’t quite bring himself to fully cut the older Slytherin out. 

It wasn’t that Severus wished his parents were here, not really, it was more that he longed for parents who he would want to stand at his side. At the thought of Mum, a sharp ache throbbed in his chest. 

The music swelled, and they began to walk. Memories of sitting beside Mum at the piano bench, singing in the kitchen together, Da telling stories and doing all the voices clashed with those of shouting matches, Mum strung out on the couch, Da drunk and violent. They’d thrown him out when he’d needed them for once to give a bloody damn. They didn’t deserve to walk beside him. Severus shoved down the memories and looked ahead. 

At the flower-covered altar stood Sirius with Potter and Regulus at his side. Severus forced his legs to keep moving even as his mind short-circuited. Sirius looked stunningly handsome dressed in midnight blue robes that shaped his fit physique perfectly. How could someone who looked like that want him? And it was undeniable that Sirius wanted him. The desire, awe, and love on his face were what made it nearly impossible for Severus to manage a coherent thought. 

***

Sirius’ heart threatened to pound out of his chest as the music crescendoed and the large oak doors opened to reveal Severus. Everything seemed to freeze. Severus looked beautiful, with dark hair that Sirius longed to run his fingers through, contrasting against the pearly white robes floating around him. It made a stunning sight. Warmth rushed through Sirius, and he blinked back tears, chest squeezing in a wonderfully painful way. Severus was his. 

Sirius forced himself to breathe as Severus walked down the aisle. The omega’s sweet scent that was perfectly Severus engulfed Sirius, and he swayed slightly. Severus came to a stop in front of him. Narcissa and Malfoy both hugged Severus, and Narcissa held out a hand for the bouquet. Sirius heard Severus let out a shaky breath and watched as he shakily reached into the bouquet and plucked out a flower. He handed the bouquet off and turned back to Sirius, a White Lily clutched in his hand. Sirius wasn’t all that attuned to the meaning of flowers, but he had heard Lily and Severus chattering about them in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Forgiveness. 

Sirius choked back a sob as Severus fastened the flower to his midnight blue robes. 

“Thank you,” Sirius whispered, voice rough and raw.

The officiant began to speak, but Sirius barely heard him, all his attention on the brilliant, beautiful Omega in front of him. 

“Do you, Sirius Orion Black, take this Omega as your mate, to keep and watch over, to protect and cherish, to guide and discipline, and to have and to hold in sickness and in health till death do you part?”

The vows were archaic, but little else could be expected from a family such as the Blacks. Sirius grasped Severus’ hands that he’d been holding stiffly at his side. 

“You are mine and I am yours,” Sirius promised before clearing his throat and nodding, “I do.”

The officiant gave him a piercing look before continuing. “Do you, Severus Tobias Snape, take this Alpha as your mate and keeper to honour and obey -” Sirius fought back a chuckle at the way Severus’ lip twisted slightly before smoothing out - “to serve and cherish, and to be had and held in sickness and in health till death do you part?” 

Severus squeezed Sirius’ hands. “I do,” he said firmly with none of the vitriol that would’ve accompanied those words a few months ago. 

Sirius leaned down and pressed a deep kiss to Severus’ lips. Severus pulled back before it could get lewd, a light blush painting his cheeks. Sirius just grinned. 

The crowd rose and applauded. Another song began to play, and they made their way down the aisle hand in hand. Halfway back, Sirius grabbed Severus by the waist and dipped him, kissing the Omega hungrily again. Severus squealed into his mouth, but kissed back until Sirius hoisted him back up. Then the Slytherin discreetly pinched him hard. He was still smiling, though, so Sirius simply continued to beam. 

The pictures were a bloody pain in the arse for the most part, and while ecstatic his friends had been able to sneak in thanks to Narcissa ( ugh ), he wished he could have some photos with them instead of loads of stuffy ones with his awful family. At least he got a good one with James and with Regulus, plus tons with just Severus. 

When Mother was at last satisfied with the photos, they made their way to the banquet hall, draped in silver and emerald. Sirius squeezed Severus’ hand as they made their way to the centre, the string quartet starting up the music. They’d practised a good deal for the first dance, as according to Severus, he refused to look like a bumbling fool. 

“We’ll be brilliant,” Sirius whispered.

“My only concern is you trodding on my feet,” Severus smirked, but there was warmth in his dark eyes. 

Sirius smiled at him, placing a hand around his waist. Then they were off, waltzing across the hall, then switching to a fox trot. As the music crescendoed, Sirius lifted Severus and released him into a spin. The robes swirled around the Omega, and Sirius’ breath caught. 

“So beautiful,” Sirius breathed as he pulled Severus back to his chest. 

Several spins and a good deal of waltzing later, Sirius tipped Severus back into a low dip, pressing another searing kiss to soft lips before pulling the Omega upright to applause that echoed through the room.

They took their seats slightly out of breath, beaming - or at least Sirius was beaming, but Severus was smiling, which was really quite a feat. 

Dinner was superb, not that they got to enjoy it for long, as they were expected to make rounds. Being deprived of the mouth-watering food was already bad enough, but the little chit chat with his horrible relatives, making snide, prejudiced comments, made him long for the food all the more.

They came to a halt in front of a couple Sirius only vaguely recognised. It wasn’t until they were calling Severus their grandson that it slotted into place. The Princes. Sirius’ blood boiled. How dare they smile sickly sweet smiles and reach out to touch Severus’ stomach like they had any right? Severus jerked away at the touch and visibly held back a snarl. Sirius had no such qualms, growling lowly at the Princes as he pulled his Omega closer.

“Don’t be rude, Sirius,” Mother chided, swooping in behind them like a vile insect. “We are tying our families together after all.” She sent the Princes a false smile. 

Sirius didn’t deign that absurdity with a response. From what Sirius knew, the Princes had never considered Severus family until apparently now, when he was marrying into the House of Black. He didn’t really know what they hoped to gain other than a slightly more respectable heir to pass along their assets; it wasn’t like the child would be a Prince. 

A short, terse, meaningless conversation later, they made their way to the next table. Through some small miracle, neither he nor Severus said anything that started a row. Severus’ fingernails had dug painfully into his palm on multiple occasions, and Sirius had likely nearly bruised the Omega’s hand with how hard he'd squeezed, but at last they made it back to their table.

Then came the speeches. It had taken a good deal of bickering, but at last Sirius had won out on James getting to give a speech. The stag party had been the part James had been most excited about being best man, which had been brill. They'd snuck out after curfew to just outside the forbidden forest and drank fire whisky James had managed to smuggle in until they were howling with laughter and stumbling around. The next morning had been less brilliant, but certainly worth it. James was nearly as psyched about the speech, though, a jittery broad grin on his face as he walked up to the front. 

The crowd was a harsh one; only Sirius and a handful of others (mainly his disguised fellow Maudaders) laughed at his jokes. James didn't seem to mind, though. The speech wasn't for the stuck-up twats after all. 

“On a more serious note,” James continued, “I'm so happy for Sirius and Severus. They make a far better pair than I reckon any of us could've imagined. They make each other better. Sirius, Severus has made you a better man, so you best hang on to him.”

Sirius pressed a kiss to Severus’ pink cheek as the Omega gaped at James. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know that sounds a bit insane coming from me. Severus and I haven’t always gotten on to put it mildly, but I’ll admit I never gave him a chance and now that I've gotten to know him, I can see what a brilliant, witty, caring person you are, Severus,” James sent them a warm smile and lifted his glass, “Let’s raise a toast to Sirius and Severus.”

There was a chiming of glasses followed by polite applause. Sirius whooped, earning himself a light swat from Severus, but the Omega’s eyes were dancing.

As Mother and Father made their way up front, a heavy, cold spread out from Sirius’ centre through his limbs, sapping away the warmth left from James' speech. 

It started off predictably posh and formal with loads of rubbish about the Black family legacy. Then it took a nastier turn with increasingly less subtle jabs at him and Severus. At some point, Sirius wasn’t quite sure exactly when, he'd drawn his wand and was now clutching it in his hand that wasn’t squeezing Severus’ thigh. 

“We look forward to welcoming our grandchild - a child of Black and Prince blood - in the spring,” Mother continued in a slightly warmer voice, but the look in her eyes spoke of danger. “As both Sirius and his Omega wish to continue with their schooling, once Severus has recovered, we will generously mind the child for them.” 

Severus’ arm wrapped protectively around his stomach, and Sirius shook his head, jaw clenched so tightly he reckoned it would be sore. There was no way in hell he would leave their child with them. They didn’t exactly have a plan for managing a baby and Hogwarts - neither wanting to think about the everything that would change once the baby was here - but the plan certainly wouldn’t include leaving the child with his parents. 

“Of course, once the baby is born, our dear son-in-law may not be so eager to return to school. As stubborn as my son’s Omega is, I find myself hopeful that once the baby is here, he will see his place is at home, learning how to be a parent and a proper Omega. We look forward to guiding him on his journey and welcoming him into the family in the traditional way.” The gleam in Mother’s cold grey eyes sent a shiver down Sirius’ spine. 

He’d hoped they’d given up on trying to get their claws into them and their unborn child, but knew he’d been being naive. He was still the Black heir, and with Regulus presenting as an Omega, he was their only option. They needed to control him. Fuck them.

“We thank you all for coming to this beautiful wedding and -” 

A sharp jerk on his robes dragged Sirius’ attention away from attempting to glare a hole through Mother’s forehead. Severus’ lips were pressed into a thin line, pain flickered in his eyes, and he was clutching his stomach with a trembling hand. 

Sirius stood abruptly, pulling Severus up with him.

“Please sit down, Sirius,” Mother said coldly. 

Sirius pointedly ignored her as he wrapped an arm around Severus’ waist, guiding him towards the bathrooms. Sirius sensed the hex a heartbeat before it reached them, but Severus was quicker, already shoving him out of the way and spinning around, a half-baked shield flaring to life. It deflected the hex, but Severus staggered backwards, and the shadow of pain that Sirius had seen in the Omega’s eyes now shone brightly.

Scarlet filled Sirius’ vision, and a hex was flying from his wand before he could think of what a horrible idea it was. The thrumming in his ears drowned out everything other than the need to defend his Omega. 

“Sirius,” a firm, commanding yet kind voice cut through the fog. Mr. Potter’s hand squeezed his shoulder. Sirius blinked. The Malfoys were talking down his parents, and Mr. Potter was saying something. It was obvious a duel had taken place, but all in all, that place didn’t look too wrecked. 

Severus. He didn’t see Severus. Sirius spun around wildly.

 “Sirius,” Mr. Potter said sharply. “Severus is with Euphemia. You need to take care of your Omega now.”

"I -” Sirius began defensively.

“I know you were defending him,” Mr. Potter said placatingly, “But Severus needs you with him now.”

Sirius nodded, his insides curling up as he followed Mr. Potter.

Red on white. Sirius’ stomach dropped out as he fell to his knees next to Severus. Blood. Why was there blood?

“Severus,” Sirius choked out.

The Omega was pale. So very pale. Severus reached for him, and Sirius grabbed him, pulling his shaking hand to his lips. 

Sirius opened his mouth, but no words came out, and he looked at Mrs. Potter desperately.

“Don’t panic, dear. He’s going to be alright.”

“And the baby?” Severus asked in a strangled voice.

“There’s a heartbeat,” she said, her face twisting into something between a grimace and a smile. “You’ll need to be careful. Likely a good deal of bedrest and no flooing or apparating or that awful Knight Bus. We’ll call for Madam Pomfrey -”  

Mrs. Potter was still talking, but Sirius couldn’t make himself listen. Severus’ scent was acrid with fear, and he couldn’t stop staring at the speckles of red on the white robes. 

“Sirius,” Mrs. Potter said, snapping her fingers. Clearly, it wasn’t the first time she’d said his name. He jerked to attention. “Over here. Let Severus scent you. He needs to be as calm as possible,” she instructed.

Sirius shuffled closer and carefully shifted them both so Severus could bury his face in Sirius’ neck. Slowly, their heartbeats steadied, and Severus’ scent returned to its typical sweet scent of vanilla, honey, and jasmine.

Chapter Text

Severus glowered up at the ceiling, his charms textbook discarded on the floor halfway across the room where he’d flung it, along with a ball of crumpled parchment and a snapped quill. Normally, he’d never treat a textbook with such disrespect, but his patience was fraying at an alarming rate. It certainly didn’t help that whenever he felt his blood pressure spiking, he could hear Madam Pomfrey’s voice ringing in his ears: ‘You must try to stay calm for the baby.’ Ugh, like that bloody harping helped.

At least Madam Pomfrey had only kept him in the hospital wing for a couple of days, but being largely confined to bed was still driving Severus insane. Sirius and Lily had been bringing him their class notes and his homework for the last month or so. Sirius’ notes left something to be desired, but fortunately, Astronomy was the only class they shared that Lily wasn’t also in, and he’d admittedly gotten a good deal more diligent after Severus reamed him out. 

Severus sighed and pinned the textbook with a glare. The baby wasn’t even born yet, and Severus already felt like he was falling behind; already losing himself. He was supposed to keep casting to a minimum, and brewing was strictly off limits. The heavy hollowness in his chest had become a near-constant presence.

The one silver lining of the bed rest was that it kept the gawking to a minimum. Whenever he was deemed well enough for a chaperoned stroll, the stares bore into him. It wasn't like Severus was unaccustomed to judgy looks and sneers, but most people had generally ignored him before the whole getting knocked up business. Now it was like he was some sort of fascinating freak show. Sirius always glowered at the offending party until they averted their eyes, which helped a little but also made him feel like a helpless Omega. Regulus had also told him about some of the rumoured Maurader pranks on those who were making particularly loud and snide comments. While thinking about Maurader pranks gave Severus mild heartburn, the idea of Sirius and his band of hellions defending him filled Severus with a bubbliness that made the corner of his lips twitch. As crazy as it sounded, Potter and Lupin, at least, were becoming his friends. 

Severus ran his hand over the now painfully obvious bump. He couldn’t wait for the ruddy baby to be out of him. It was only a few more weeks and then he’d — well, then he’d have a baby to take off. A fragile, helpless, little innocent that deserved far better than him. Severus swallowed hard, clenching his hands into tight fists and taking several harsh breaths. 

“Happy Valentine's Day,” Sirius called, bursting into the room, face falling a little as he caught sight of Severus. His eyes flicked to the textbook, and he took a step towards it.

Severus snatched up his wand. It was a pointless strain, especially with Sirius there, but Severus didn’t give a damn. The thud of the book against Severus’ palm echoed between them.

Severus raised his chin, daring Sirius to say something. Sirius’ eyes turned steely. 

“I was getting it for you,” Sirius said, a slight edge to his voice.

“I don’t need your help,” Severus replied coldly.

“You shouldn’t overexert yourself,” Sirius chided softly.

“Don’t talk to me like that,” Severus hissed.

“Like what?”

Severus rolled his eyes. “Like I need to be handled with kid's gloves.”

“I’m not,” Sirius protested.

Severus laughed darkly. The Gryffindor had been coddling, lightly scolding, and most infuriating of all, not raising to his bait for weeks. 

“I just want to take care of you,” Sirius said softly. Severus jerked backwards before Sirius could rest his hand on his stomach. “And the baby.”

“It was one bloody summoning spell, it’s not like I was duelling.”

“I know, I know, but there’s no need for any risk. You need to be careful. It’s only a few more weeks," Sirius said in a voice Severus was certain was supposed to be placating but just made him want to scream. 

“Arse,” Severus grumbled under his breath.

“Oi, I’m just being responsible here,” Sirius exclaimed.

“Whatever, just leave me alone, Black,” Severus snapped.

“It’s Valentine’s Day, Severus. Let’s not bicker, yeah?”

“Oh, goody. It’s a ridiculous, childish holiday that makes all the lovebirds doubly insufferable. So excited to celebrate by sitting in this room like I do every day,” Severus sneered. 

“Figured you’d like some company. Sorry for disturbing your busy schedule, your highness,” Sirius bowed mockingly. It was more of a rise than he had been getting.

Unable to resist, Severus quipped, “Your company is giving me a headache.”

Sirius crossed his arms. “You’re being childish.”

“A bit rich coming from you. Childishness is your MO.”

“I know it’s hard,” Sirius sighed, gesturing at Severus’ stomach.

“Oh, you know it’s hard? I’m the one puking, the one having my body fucked up, the one who can’t do a damn thing. Not you, ” Severus snarled, leaping to his feet and jabbing Sirius hard in the chest.

“Sit down,” Sirius ordered, a thread of command lacing his words.

Severus blinked, his bottom colliding with the bed. 

“Fuck you,” Severus spat. How dare Sirius?

“Severus, I -” Sirius began, cheeks still flushed, but a flicker of guilt in his silvery eyes.

“Get out,” Severus said coldly.

“Not until you're calm.”

“Calm? How the hell am I supposed to be calm with you here being an insufferable prick?” Severus shouted, making to stand again.

A strong hand gripped his shoulder, pushing him into the bed.

“Fine, I’ll go,” Sirius snarled, “But you stay here.” Sirius marched towards the door, pausing and reaching into his robes. He chucked a heart-shaped box at Severus. “Some chocolates. You're welcome.”

The door slammed shut behind Sirius, and Severus’ stomach twisted. Idiot. What was wrong with him? Sirius had been aggravating and arrogant, but Severus had fueled the flames. Now he was alone. Again. And on Valentine’s Day. Not like that was new. No one would’ve been caught dead dating him before. But he could’ve… Severus buried his face in the pillow, taking deep breaths until the pounding in his ribcage calmed. 

Severus lay on the bed a while longer, pretending it was because he didn’t want to get up and not because of the lingering biological desire to obey his Alpha’s order. Eventually, nature called, and Severus shuffled to the loo. 

“Nearly there, deary,” the mirror said as Severus washed his hands. 

Severus glared at the mirror and promptly regretted it. He winced at his reflection. People waxed on about how radiant Omegas looked pregnant with their Alpha’s child, but Severus knew he looked far from radiant. His skin was sallow, his wrists and ankles swollen, his hair greasy, and the baby bump looked frankly wrong on him. 

At least he could take care of the hair. Severus slipped off his robes and stepped into the bath, sinking into the soothing warmth. 

Severus allowed himself to simply relax in the water for several minutes before slowly rubbing shampoo into his hair. The memory of Sirius washing his hair, gentle fingers slowly working out the knots and caressing his skin, shoved its way to the surface. If Severus closed his eyes, he could almost imagine Sirius was here, touching him now. Pathetic. Severus ground his teeth, yanking his fingers roughly through the knots. 

He didn’t need to be coddled. Severus had only allowed it then because it was his birthday, and Sirius insisted one should be pampered on their birthday. That had been one of the last good days since he’d been put on bedrest. Regulus, Lily, and Sirius had spent the evening with him and hadn't even nearly biting each other’s heads off as an added bonus. Lily had brought his favourite dark chocolate cake, Regulus gave him a potions book that he was a little afraid to touch, with how expensive the ancient parchment looked, and Sirius’ friends had stopped by for an ideally short visit with sweets and friendly banter that still gave Severus minor whiplash. 

Sirius had offered a couple of times since, but Severus had brushed him off. He wasn’t some invalid that needed to be bathed, but it had been… nice. Far nicer than he’d ever admit.

Severus towelled off and made his way back to bed. The box of chocolates sat mockingly on the blanket. After a few minutes of debate, Severus popped a strawberry jam-filled chocolate into his mouth. 

The chocolate was decadent, yet it left an acrid taste in his mouth. Bloody hell, he missed Sirius.

***

Sweat clung to Sirius’ skin as he flew hard. Merlin, he’d bollixed that up. Severus was being as difficult as a blast-ended-skrewt, but still, Sirius shouldn’t let him get under his skin and using the Alpha voice wasn’t something he was proud of. 

Sirius had just wanted a nice night together. Was that really too much to ask? He knew Severus was feeling cooped up and was a hormonal mess, but he was bloody trying to make it less awful and evidently failing miserably. 

Sirius pushed the handle of the broomstick into a dive, pelting towards the ground.

“Figured I would find you doing barmy stunts,” drawled a familiar voice.

“Severus,” gasped Sirius as he nearly collided with the ground, only just pulling out of the dive. “What are you doing here?” Sirius demanded, clambering off the broom.

“I know I ought to be resting, but it is Valentine’s Day and you seemed to be under the illusion that it was of great importance,” Severus smirked. 

There was a nearly concealed vulnerability in Severus’ dark eyes, a chink in the armour the Slytherin had hiding behind more and more since he'd been put on bedrest.

“Some fresh air is probably good,” Sirius said, taking the offered olive branch and interlacing their fingers. 

Severus’ shoulders untensed, and he gave Sirius a half smile. They meandered along towards the lake. A sharp wind whipped through them, the sweat clinging to Sirius’ skin and soaking through his robes, making it all the more biting. 

“Fresh air is seeming less and less appealing,” Severus said, leaning in closer to Sirius.

“We can go inside,” Sirius offered, hand going to Severus’ stomach.

“I’m not made of glass,” Severus huffed.

Sirius winced. “I know… I…” he trailed off, grabbing at his windswept hair.

A gloved hand cupped Sirius’ cheek, pulling his face down. Warm breath brushed against his skin, and obsidian eyes stared up at him, glistening in the moonlight. Then they were kissing hard and desperate. 

They broke apart breathless. A warmth that beat back the cold flooded through Sirius, and he could feel the grin spreading across his face. 

“Radiant, absolutely radiant,” Sirius beamed, carding his fingers through Severus’ hair.

Severus arched an eyebrow, but Sirius didn’t miss his lips twitching into a near smile.

“I look like a whale.”

“Nonsense, baby,” Sirius said, pressing a kiss to his Omega’s temple.

“Thank you for the chocolates,” Severus said.

“Of course, perhaps I could feed you some,” Sirius grinned, waggling his eyebrows.

Severus huffed a laugh. “I didn’t get you anything,” he added in a mumble.

“Don’t sweat it,” Sirius waved a hand. “You’ve been suffering because of me, so really -”

“Don’t,” Severus interjected firmly, squeezing Sirius’ hand warmly. “I know I’ve been pissy with you, but it’s not your fault. I don’t blame you.”

Sirius took a shaky breath. “You don’t?”

“No,” Severus shook his head. 

Sirius let out the air slowly, “Thanks, and I am sorry about the last few weeks. I know they’ve been rotten and I’ve been a bit of a basket case.”

“What else would I expect from an overprotective Alpha,” Severus quipped, nudging Sirius lightly in the ribs.

Sirius chuckled, “Git.”

“Come on, you arse, I have a Valentine’s Day surprise for you.” Severus looped their arms together and took off towards the forest.

“Er, Severus,” Sirius began hesitantly. He didn’t want to start another row. He’d much rather snog Severus senseless. But taking his very pregnant Omega into the Forbidden Forest…

“What I want to show you is on the outskirts. We’ll be fine,” Severus said, tugging on Sirius’ hand. “Besides, I have a Gryffindor here to protect me,” he added with a smirk.

“I know you’re being sarcastic, but that might have been the nicest thing you’ve said about Gryffindor,” Sirius teased. 

“Did it help convince you?” 

Sirius huffed out a breath. Severus needed rest, care, and frankly, not to be tramping through the Forbidden Forest, but he also clearly needed this. 

“Alright, let’s go, but if anything goes sideways… Merlin, I sound like an uptight prick,” Sirius chuckled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll shove you at any danger,” Severus quipped.

“Thanks,” Sirius snorted.

They passed the treeline, and Sirius kept Severus pressed against his side. After about ten minutes, they came to a stop in front of a frozen-over pond. Severus reached for his wand, but then hesitated.

“Can you crack the ice?”

Sirius flicked his wand, sending a fissure through the ice. A faint melody drifted up. Odd. Before Sirius could figure out what was causing the sound, his heart leapt into his throat as Severus nudged at the ice with his foot and then dropped to his knees, plunging his arm into the water. 

“Merline, you’re insane,” Sirius yelped.

“Pot met kettle,” Severus teased, pulling his arm out, a silver flower glowing faintly in his palm. “Moonviel Blossom.”

Sirius whistled, “Beautiful.”

As Severus held the flower close, the same melody floated off the flower, and it radiated a pleasant warmth. The silver flare brightened as Sirius touched the flower.

“So it really does flare when two people in lo -” Severus stopped abruptly, his bony shoulders tensing.

Warmth burned in Sirius’ chest, his heart skipping and jumping. Love. He’d thought it and hoped he’d seen it in Severus’ eyes - been quite sure at the wedding - yet the words had stayed just out of reach as if neither were quite able to make the leap.

“I love you, Severus.” The words came out in a whoosh, and Sirius felt oddly breathless. The pounding in his ears grew thunderous as he stared at Severus.

“I love you too,” Severus whispered, leaning closer and capturing Sirius’ lips in a fierce kiss. Sirius wrapped his arms around Severus’ waist, pulling him into his lap. Severus squirmed a little, but Sirius held him firmly there, licking into his Omega's mouth and was rewarded with a soft moan and spindly fingers tugging at his hair. It had been too long. Far too long.

When they finally broke apart, they had both begun to shiver. 

“I suppose we should head back,” Severus sighed, shoulders slumping.

“We could stay a little longer,” Sirius grinned, casting a warming charm over them and conjuring a small fire. He shifted so he was leaning against a tree.

“Thank you,” Severus said, sinking back into Sirius’ chest.

Sirius pressed a kiss to Severus’ temple and then let his head fall back. The stars glistened above, painting a beautiful masterpiece. Despite the biting cold, he hadn’t felt warmer in weeks.

Severus buried his face in Sirius’ neck, scenting him deeply, and Sirius’ chest swelled with pride at the small, contented sigh the Omega let out. Severus fumbled with his scarf, pulling it down to reveal the claim bite, a light pink against milky white skin. Sirius took the invitation eagerly, sucking and biting as he breathed in his Omega’s intoxicatingly sweet scent. 

Sirius knew being out here was foolish, especially as Severus began to shiver again against him, the cold sinking deeper into both of them, but he didn’t want to leave this peaceful little spot in the forest Severus had shown him. 

He’d prepared himself for Severus to turn his nose up at Valentine’s Day, especially with how short-tempered and irritable Severus had been with him as of late, yet this was endearingly romantic. The flower Severus had fished out of the pond was still clutched in their hands, a brilliant silver. Love. Severus had wanted to show him this; wanted to gift it to him. Sirius had known Severus loved him for a while - or, well, at least hoped - but to hear the words still made him feel tingly.

Fingers dug into Sirius’ bicep as Severus jerked back, cursing with a sharp, pained gasp. 

“Severus?” His heart jackrabbitted as he scanned the other boy. Severus was still gripping Sirius’ arm with one hand, the other pressed against his stomach, and his face was pinched. 

“I’m fine, we should just -” Severus cut off, eyes flying wide as a sudden burst of wetness hit Sirius' legs. 

 “Oh, shit, shit,” Sirius cried, panic raising his voice an octave and sending his heart thundering. His head felt cloudy as if he’d been hit by a confundus charm. Severus was going into labour over three weeks early, and they were in the forbidden bloody forest.