Archive of Our Own

It was six months after the war and Harry should have been happy. He had defeated Voldemort. He had saved the world (or at least Europe). He deserved peace and quiet, didn’t he? Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

There was something wrong with him. He felt wild and out of control. He felt as if he were turning into a beast.

Harry had been eager to join the Aurors, so eager, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it. He struggled being around others. People smelled different now. Some smelled horrible—like rubbish. Some smelled pleasant like vanilla or sea salt or—or—

Then others, a rare few, smelled so good that Harry couldn’t even put words to it. Their scent drove him mad. It aroused him. It made him want to have them no matter the cost.

Harry’s senses felt so out of control that he locked himself away in Grimmauld Place. He didn’t trust himself to be around other people, not even Ron or Hermione.

His friends sent him owls, they came by his house, but still, Harry refused to see them.

It was a few weeks before Christmas when Harry realised he needed serious help. The problem was he didn’t know who to turn to. He didn’t trust St Mungo’s to keep his condition out of the press. He definitely didn’t want to endanger Ron and Hermione or—anyone.

But then Harry received an owl from Severus Snape. They had formed a bit of a friendship since the end of the war. They spoke infrequently, mostly through owl post, but one time, when they had met at the Leaky for a meal, Harry had managed to make Snape smile at him.

But all of that happened before Harry had developed these symptoms. Before his life had turned small, so small.

Snape would help me, Harry thought as he clutched the letter. He might grumble about it but he would help me.

Then: I could trust Snape.

It was true. Harry could trust him to keep a secret. He could trust him to be able to defend himself. To protect himself. From Harry.

He shook as he wrote out a response to the older man: I need to see you. I need your help. May I come around sometime?

Snape’s reply arrived swiftly: Tonight. Don’t delay.

Cokeworth was a dreary place compared to London. It was raining, the clouds churning like thick smoke.

Harry took a deep breath and knocked on Snape’s door. It only took a moment for the man to answer.

Harry stared at him. He was so used to looking up at him that he was a little shocked to realise he was now taller than his former professor.

“Hello, sir,” Harry said.

Snape’s expression turned sarcastic. “Hello, Potter. Won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.”

Harry slipped past him. His lounge was dark and gloomy, filled with entirely too many books.

Some sunlight would be good for this place, Harry thought.

“What did you need my help with, Potter?” Snape asked as he shut the door.

Harry turned to him and opened his mouth to speak, but then Snape’s scent washed over him. It was very potent but not overwhelming. It was quite confusing.

“Um,” Harry said.

“Yes?”

Unable to stop himself, Harry blurted out, “You smell strange.”

A look of panic came over Snape’s face, but it was quickly snuffed out. His dark eyes gleamed with a suppressed emotion.

“Oh?” Snape said quietly. “What do you mean?”

Harry took a step closer. He inhaled deeply. There was something about Snape’s scent he couldn’t put his finger on. It itched at him almost tauntingly.

“There is something wrong with me,” Harry said, still distracted. “There’s something wrong with my senses.”

Snape blinked. Then blinked again. When he spoke, his words were very careful, “What do you mean? You will need to describe your symptoms in better detail.”

Groaning, Harry sat down on his old settee. “Can you offer me a cup of tea or something? Or would that be too much to ask for?”

Snape crossed his arms. “Depending on how you describe your symptoms, I’m prepared to ask you to live here.”

“Live here?”

“Yes, Potter.”

“But …” Harry gulped. “That’s …”

Snape raised one of his eyebrows. “You’ve been sequestering yourself at Grimmauld Place, have you not?”

“Yeah.”

“And I assume you do not want to go to St Mungo’s where a proper healer can look after you?”

Harry dropped his gaze. “They won’t keep my secret.”

“And you think I will?”

“Yes.”

Snape sucked in a breath. He sat down in a chair opposite the settee. “Tell me everything. Don’t leave a single detail out.”

Harry squirmed in his seat. “It’s my sense of smell, really. It’s gone mental on me. It’s … out of control. Some people smell disgusting, other people smell pretty nice. Then there’s a select few that make me fear I’ll hurt them … I’ll hurt them because I want them so much.”

Snape’s expression flickered. “I believe your magic has recently hit its maturity, Potter.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, it’s usually when an Alpha develops signs of their condition.”

Harry blinked at him. “An … Alpha?”

“You have never heard of the term before?”

Harry shook his head.

Snape heaved a sigh. He crossed his arms. He seemed to want to glower at Harry but was preventing himself. “Have you noticed a change in your penis when you are aroused?”

“WHAT?”

“Have you?”

Harry was sputtering. Severus Snape—Professor Snape—had just said the word penis in front of him.

“Stop acting like an immature buffoon and answer my question!”

“Um. No? I don’t think so?”

Snape pinned him with an angry stare. “It’s a yes or a no question.”

“I don’t know!”

“You masturbate, don’t you?”

Harry gaped at him. There was so much heat in his face that his skin felt on fire. “Well … The thing is …”

“Yes?”

“I haven’t been wanking all that much. I don’t like the way I feel when I do.”

“And how do you feel?”

Harry dragged his gaze away. He stared at Snape’s dusty books as he said, “It makes me feel possessive. Out of control. A bit … savage.”

There was a long pause. It went on for so long that Harry was forced to sneak a glance at Snape.

Snape was utterly motionless in this chair, but he was practically white-knuckling the arms. His expression was blank, but his eyes glittered hotly.

“Sir?”

“I’m almost certain you are an Alpha,” Snape muttered, almost lost in thought. He stood up. “Follow me to my laboratory. It’s in the cellar.”

Harry nodded and got to his feet.

The entrance to the cellar was in the kitchen, which was decked out in retro yellow. Harry blinked several times at the sudden colour.

Snape, looking surlier than ever, opened the hatch door and marched down the creaky steps. It was quite dark in the cellar and the air smelled of damp things.

There were cauldrons bubbling along the walls. Candles flickered to life at their approach. Hanging from the ceiling were lanterns filled with rolling green smoke that emitted light.

Through all the fragrant herbs and crackling fires Harry picked up the scent of black tea and buttery biscuits.

They stopped at a table filled with experiment instruments.

“Is this where you spend all your days, sir?” Harry asked.

“Yes, brewing is how I make my living now.”

“Cool.”

Suddenly, Snape snatched up his wrist, yanking him closer. This made something very fierce rise up in Harry. He growled and snatched his wrist back.

“I need to perform a test, Potter,” Snape growled. He attempted to reach for Harry again, being quite rude about it. Being quite insistent.

In response, Harry grabbed his throat and shoved him against the side of the table, causing multiple items to knock over.

Snape’s dark eyes went wide. He let out an unsteady breath.

“Don’t,” Harry said, utterly not thinking.

For a moment, Snape was speechless. He just stared up at Harry. When he did manage to speak, his voice was strangely breathless. “Potter …”

Harry blinked, then blinked again. He realised what he was doing. Embarrassed, he quickly released Snape. “I’m sorry, sir.”

Snape straightened up. He seemed quite rattled. Harry expected him to squawk at him. How dare you touch me! But Snape remained uncharacteristically quiet.

“You need to run a test on me? To determine if I’m an Alpha or whatever?” Harry said.

Snape nodded. With lowered eyes, Snape uncorked a vial, then dipped the tip of his wand into the clear mixture. He reached out to Harry carefully. “Please give me your wrist.”

Harry offered up his wrist. He stared at Snape’s face as Snape dragged the tip of his wand over his pulsepoint. Harry hissed. His skin was burning.

“You’re an Alpha,” Snape murmured.

“Oh? Is that why my skin feels all hot and itchy now?”

“Yes.”

Harry sucked in a breath. “You’ve got to help me, Snape. I have no idea what being an Alpha even means. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Snape nodded, his gaze still lowered. “Yes, I will help you.”

Harry agreed to stay with Snape in Cokeworth. He liked the idea of the older man keeping an eye on him. He also liked the idea of being surrounded by powerful Wards that were not his own.

Snape would keep him in line, he just knew it.

The house was pretty small, especially compared to Grimmauld Place. Harry kept running into Snape, even though he was doing his best to give the man his space.

Snape cooked all his meals for him. The first morning, Harry came downstairs to find a proper fry-up waiting for him on the yellow kitchen table.

Harry raised his brows in surprise, which made Snape turn hastily away. If Harry didn’t know any better, he would say that he’d made Snape blush.

“Thank you,” Harry said as he sat down. He made sure the gratitude was heavy in his voice.

“You need to eat,” Snape muttered, still turned away. “A new Alpha’s caloric intake is very important.”

Nodding, Harry picked up his fork and dug in. He almost moaned. Everything was so tasty. “These eggs are perfect.”

“Thank you, Potter.”

Harry grinned at him.

Snape set down a cup of tea for each of them, then had a sit with Harry at the table. Snape drank his tea very carefully, his head bent.

“You’re not going to eat?” Harry asked.

Snape shook his head. “No, Potter.”

Harry opened his mouth to argue. He wasn’t the only one who needed to eat to keep his strength up. But, no, it wouldn’t be proper to tell the man what to do in his own home.

Instead of speaking, Harry focussed on his plate. He ate for a few minutes in silence, but when he looked up, he found Snape just watching him, one long, pale finger tracing his mouth.

“What?” Harry said.

Snape dropped his gaze. “Nothing.”

“You were watching me.”

“Yes—in disgust. I’ve never seen such poor table manners in all my life.”

“Oh, come off it,” Harry said. “You spent years surrounded by Death Eaters. That lot were beasts.”

“Only some,” Snape sniffed.

Grinning again, Harry finished his meal. He stood to take his plate and cutlery to the sink.

“What are you doing?” Snape asked.

“Washing up?”

“No, absolutely not. I shall take care of it.”

Harry frowned. “Does being an Alpha make me an invalid or something?”

“Leave it for me.”

Harry sighed and left the things on the table. He headed for the door but Snape spoke.

“Meet me in my cellar in an hour,” Snape said. “I have a few things to instruct you on.”

“Yes, Professor.” Harry left the room.

An hour later, Harry met Snape in his gloomy cellar. There was a desk and a writing board waiting for them.

Harry smiled. “About to give me a lesson, sir?”

“Yes, now kindly sit down.”

Harry sat down.

Snape tapped his wand on the board and several paragraphs of writing appeared. Harry squinted at all the text.

“I shall wait while you read it all,” Snape said.

“Um,” Harry said. “Can’t you just summarise it for me?”

“This is vital information, Potter!”

“Right …”

Snape sighed dramatically. “Let’s start with the basics. There are Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. Alphas and Omegas are the most common, but some people are Betas. These three characteristics have magical origins. Given their names, most people believe they originated in Greece, but no one has been able to prove it indefinitely. Only witches and wizards can be an Alpha, a Beta, or an Omega. Muggles, of course, cannot be one. Therefore—”

“What are you, sir?”

Snape faltered. “Sorry?”

“Are you an Omega? Or a Beta? I don’t think you are an Alpha, strangely enough …”

Faint colour flooded Snape’s face. He cleared his throat. “Potter, this lesson isn’t about me, it’s about you.”

“Yeah, but I want to know. So. Which one are you?”

Snape shook his head. “I'd rather not say.”

“Why not?”

“My reasons are my own. Now drop it, Potter.”

Harry crossed his arms and sat back in his chair. He couldn’t help but watch Snape closely. There was just something about him, something Harry couldn’t put his finger on. It was the most aggravating feeling.

Snape cleared his throat again. “As an Alpha, you have quite a few responsibilities—serious responsibilities. You shall have much control over the Omega you bed. You will—”

“I won’t bed a Beta?”

Snape’s gaze glittered as he stared at Harry. “No, I don’t think you will,” he said softly.

“How do you know that?”

“You just don’t seem the type, Potter. Now, as I was saying—”

“Wait, so this is all about sex? Nothing more?”

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes closed. “This is about mating.”

“So sex?”

“Mating isn’t just about sex!”

“What’s it about then?”

Snape was looking at him again. “It’s about family. It’s about raising the next generation.”

“That sounds like sex to me.”

Snape absolutely glowered at him.

Harry tried not to grin too much. He really liked riling up Snape. “I don’t think every witch or wizard is an Alpha or an Omega or whatever—”

“No, they aren’t, and the condition is not as common as it used to be. Purebloods like Lucius Malfoy blamed it on the weakening of the blood among our kind, but none of that has been proven scientifically.”

“So, Lucius Malfoy was an Alpha?”

Snape snorted. “The man wishes. He was a Beta, through and through. The Dark Lord was an Alpha.”

“Oh.” Harry grimaced. “I reckon that makes sense.”

“Yes.”

“Is this condition more common among purebloods?”

“Yes and no. Again, nothing has been proven scientifically. I have my doubts that it’s related to blood status, however.

“Why?”

“Because I’ve known many half-bloods with the condition.”

“Like yourself?”

Snape gave a curt nod.

Again, Harry stared at him. He stared for so long that Snape flushed again.

“Potter, you must control yourself.”

“What?”

“I’m attempting to teach you.”

“I can’t look at you?”

“You know quite well that you aren’t just looking at me.”

“I’m trying to figure you out, that’s all.”

“Well, stop it. Right now isn’t the time.”

Harry sighed. “So, what else do I need to know?”

“Are you familiar with the term knotting?”

Harry blinked. “Um.”

“Are you?”

“Isn’t that what dogs do—um—”

“Yes. And Alphas as well.”

“What!”

Snape nodded seriously. “It’s true, Potter. When you bed your mate, your penis will form a knot.”

Harry blinked again as he tried to compute what Snape was saying. “When I’m inside my mate … How do I know if a bloke is my mate?”

“Or a woman.”

Harry shook his head. “A bloke.”

Snape’s breath audibly caught. The sound of it made Harry go still. For several seconds, they just stared at one another.

Harry stood up, acting on pure instinct. He closed the space between them, crowding Snape against the board.

Eyes wide, Snape put his hands out as if to shove Harry away, but Harry caught his wrists.

“What are you doing?” Snape gasped.

Still not thinking, Harry leaned down, down until his nose brushed just behind Snape’s ear. He inhaled deeply.

“Potter.”

Harry inhaled again, then again. He heard himself growl. “I can’t smell you.”

“Yes.”

Harry’s hands squeezed his wrists. “Why can’t I smell you?”

“That’s none of your business, Potter.”

Harry growled again. He opened his mouth and licked Snape’s skin.

Snape tore away from him. He stumbled back, back until he ran right into the table. “You are acting uncouth. I won’t stand for it.”

Harry prowled closer. “You tasted like honey, sir.”

“Shut up!”

“No, I won’t. Now, get over here and let me taste you again.”

Snape drew his wand. “I’ll be forced to defend myself if you come any closer.”

Harry finally regained control over himself. He exhaled an unsteady breath and backed away. “I’m so sorry, sir. I—I don’t know what came over me.” He drew a hand over his face as he spoke.

Snape backed away, too. After a moment or two of hesitation, he slid his wand back into its hidden holster. “Don’t do that again, Potter. I’m warning you.”

“Yes, sir.” He sat back down in his pupil’s chair, but Snape shook his head.

“I think I’ve done enough teaching for today,” Snape said. “You are dismissed.”

Nodding, Harry stood. “Again, I’m sorry.”

Snape turned away.

Harry felt guilty for the rest of the day and into the night. He had obviously made Snape quite uncomfortable.

Perhaps coming here wasn’t such a good idea after all, he thought as he laid in bed, so full, so content. Dinner had been brilliant. Snape had made him steak pie. Yum.

Harry should probably leave. He should lock himself in Grimmauld Place, away from everyone. He’d thought being in Cokeworth with Snape would be safer, but now that didn’t seem the case.

What had come over him in the cellar? Why had he acted like that? Usually, when he was out in public and he felt that savageness come over him, he always had a few seconds to think, to control himself, to stop himself. Down in the cellar, he hadn’t been afforded those precious seconds. There hadn’t been a single thought in his head when he’d gone after Snape.

Harry shuddered. Yes, he would leave tomorrow. First thing in the morning. It was too dangerous for him to be here. He had to think of Snape’s safety.

In the morning, Harry felt so sick that he couldn’t get out of bed. He huddled under the blanket, groaning in despair. There was something terribly wrong with him. Sweat broke out along his temple, his skin tight and itchy. His head throbbed terribly.

A few hours slipped by. Harry hadn’t realised he’d fallen back asleep until he felt a cool palm caress his forehead.

“Potter,” Snape murmured.

Harry groaned again and cracked his eyes open. “Ugh.”

“Something’s the matter, isn’t it?”

Harry nodded pitifully.

Snape continued to smooth his hand over his forehead. He was being affectionate with Harry.

“Why—why does your hand smell like detergent?” Harry croaked out.

Snape snorted softly. “I’m just doing a bit of cleaning, that’s all.”

Harry forced himself to open his eyes more. He sat up weakly. There was a tray of food next to him.

“You brought me breakfast,” Harry said weakly.

“You need to eat.”

Harry pulled the tray closer. The food smelled brilliant. He took a bite of juicy sausage. “Oh, that’s nice,” he sighed. He was relieved he still had his appetite.

Snape didn’t say anything as he watched Harry eat. It felt as if he were making sure Harry ate every last crumb.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Harry said, now feeling a bit better with a belly full of good food.

Snape dragged his gaze away. “It’s your heat,” he muttered, staring at the wall. “You will feel this way during your heats until you find a mate.”

“Oh,” Harry said, disheartened. How long would it take him to find a mate? Years? “Do you think sex will alleviate the symptoms?”

Snape twisted his hands together in his lap. “For most, it does.”

A hot blush flooded Harry’s face. “Oh.”

Snape stood quickly. He was wearing some type of black apron, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up.

Harry smirked weakly. “Are you baking or something?”

“What?”

“The apron …”

Snape rolled his eyes. “It’s what I wear when I’m cleaning, you dolt.”

“I hope you aren’t cleaning for me.”

“Of course I’m not—” Snape fell silent. He frowned down at the old carpet.

Sighing, Harry laid back against his pillows. He closed his eyes. “Thanks for cooking for me.”

“Of course,” Snape whispered so quietly.

Harry slept for most of the day. Snape brought him meals and potions and even helped him to the toilet.

At dinnertime, Snape helped Harry downstairs for a change in scenery. They ate roasted chicken and buttery mash at the scrubbed down dining table. Everything in the kitchen was scrubbed down. The scent of soap made Harry’s nose tingle.

“This is brilliant food,” Harry said. “Thank you.”

Snape avoided his gaze. “You are welcome, Potter. After you’re done eating, would you like to sit in the lounge with me and listen to the wireless?”

“Yes, that sounds lovely.”

Snape gave a curt nod.

A few minutes later, they were both seated comfortably in his lounge, which looked a lot different from the last time Harry had seen it.

Harry looked around in amazement. “You’ve got the curtains open.”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve cleaned in here, too. Did you get a new carpet?”

“Yes, Potter. Don’t pay any attention to the changes. They don’t mean anything.”

Harry stared at him. There was something about Snape’s tone that made Harry think he was lying. A blush was building up in Snape’s face even as the man stubbornly refused to look at him.

“Are you sure they don’t matter …”

“Potter!”

Harry growled low in his throat. Snape stiffened in his chair. The growl was a warning and they both knew it.

“Don’t you dare threaten me while you remain under my roof,” Snape said.

Harry felt so awful. There was rage inside him, confusing, possessive rage, but he didn’t have the strength to satisfy it. Nor did he want to satisfy it.

After a few minutes, Harry calmed down. He let out a relieved exhale. Snape audibly exhaled too.

“I should go,” Harry said. “I’m putting you in danger.”

Snape shook his head. “You’re too weak to leave. And anyway, I can protect you here. Protect you from yourself.”

“I reckon you’re right,” Harry grumbled.

Snape smirked a little. “I’m always right, Potter.”

Harry rolled his eyes. He focussed his attention on listening to the wireless. Time slipped away as he got caught up in the plot of the mystery programme. Snape was listening, too. He was so engrossed in the mystery that he forgot all about the book in his hands.

“What!” Harry said when the murderer was revealed. “I thought it was the captain all along!”

Snape shook his head, grinning a little. “I knew it was sweet little Ruth from the beginning.”

Harry crossed his arms and grumbled.

Later, Snape helped him back to bed. Harry was very tired. He let himself cling to Snape’s body as they went up the stairs.

“You’re smelling me again,” Snape murmured, not releasing him.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realise.”

Snape grunted a reply.

In the bedroom, Snape helped Harry back into bed. He felt his forehead, a worried little frown on his mouth. “Do you need a sleeping potion?”

Harry muffled a yawn. “No, I don’t think so.”

Nodding, Snape tried to pull his hand away, but Harry snatched it up. Before he could process what he was doing, Harry licked Snape’s palm.

Snape gasped and yanked away. “Potter!”

For a moment, Harry didn’t understand what he had just done. “Oh, fuck. I’m so sorry, sir.”

Snape stared at his palm. He was breathing heavier. “You mustn’t do that again.”

“I’m sorry,” Harry said again, embarrassed.

Snape turned away. He didn’t wipe Harry’s spittle from his skin. “Goodnight. You may wake me if you need anything.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The next day, Severus gave Harry a bath, which turned out to be a very stupid thing to do.

Harry, feeling even worse, remained in bed for nearly the entire day. Snape was nice enough to bring him his dinner in bed.

“I can set up a wireless in here, too,” Snape suggested. “It must be boring to lie about without much entertainment and I know you’ve never been much of a reader …”

“I like reading sometimes,” Harry said as he virtually inhaled the leftover roasted chicken. “You don’t need to set up the wireless.”

Snape kept him company as he ate. They didn’t talk much but Harry found it was nice to share the moment with him.

“I think a bath would do you some good,” Snape said suddenly.

“Yeah. That sounds nice.”

“I could help you bathe. Since you are still quite weak.”

Harry blushed. “Okay.”

After Harry was done eating, Snape helped him to the bathroom, where he filled up the old bathtub with warm water. He even poured in a few potions.

“What’s the potions for?” Harry asked, leaning against the wall.

“They will help you relax. Ease the tension in your muscles.”

“Oh, that sounds lovely.”

Snape turned to him. His eyes were lowered as he said, “Do you need help undressing?”

Merlin help him but Snape’s words made Harry’s cock jump. “Um.”

“Do you?”

“Uh. Well. I dunno.”

Very carefully, Snape reached for him. They didn’t look at each other as Snape eased his shirt over his head, then gently undid his trousers.

“Do you need help with your underpants, too?” Snape asked roughly.

A gulp. “Yeah …”

Snape eased his pants and trousers off. Harry steadied himself with a hand on his shoulder as he stepped out of his clothes.

Harry’s cock was quickly getting hard. It was so embarrassing.

“Sorry,” Harry said quickly, afraid he was making Snape uncomfortable again.

Snape didn’t say anything but his hands shook as he helped Harry into the water. Harry moaned outright as he sank down.

“Is the water too warm?” Snape asked, now kneeling beside the tub.

“No. It’s perfect.”

Nodding seriously, Snape took up a flannel and soap, and began to scrub Harry’s chest, down his arms.

Harry bit his lip hard and did everything he could to remain unaffected. Snape touching him was making him so stiff and the water wasn’t doing a good job at hiding it.

“Just relax, Potter,” Snape murmured, still not meeting his gaze. “Let me take care of you.”

Harry groaned softly. Closing his eyes, he rested his head back on the wall and let Snape wash him. The sensation was so comforting. It was also very, very arousing.

It was quiet in the bathroom, and Harry listened as Snape’s breathing grew rougher and rougher.

Then the flannel went lower, lower, until it passed right over Harry’s erection.

Harry grabbed Snape’s wrist. “Sir.”

Snape let out an unsteady breath. “You need to be cleaned there, too.”

“Nnn—”

“All right, I’ll focus on your hair instead.”

Nodding, Harry released his wrist and closed his eyes again. He sighed as Snape began to massage shampoo into his now wet hair.

“Oh, it feels so good, sir.”

“Good.” There was a smirk in Snape’s voice.

Harry squirmed a little. His fingers felt almost sinful against his scalp.

After Snape finished washing his hair, he used the flannel again to gently clean Harry’s face. The caring touch almost made him tear up. It had been a long time since someone had ever touched him with such tenderness. Perhaps no one had ever touched him like it.

“Are you not enjoying this?” Snape asked quietly.

“No, it’s the opposite,” he responded, equally as quiet.

Once all the suds were washed away from his skin, Snape helped Harry out of the bath. They both made sounds of arousal when his erection was revealed.

“My, my,” Snape murmured.

Harry tried to cover himself up with his hands. “Sorry, sir, I—”

“It’s okay, Potter. I understand you can’t help it.” Then using his hands and a towel, Snape dried Harry off. Snape even passed the towel over his straining cock. The bastard.

“Ahh—”

“Hush, now. You can’t go to bed wet, can you?”

Harry squirmed as he tried not to thrust. He bit his lip to quiet his breathing.

Snape grabbed his hand and guided him back to the bedroom. Harry followed, utterly naked. His erection was bobbing.

In the bedroom, Snape urged Harry onto the bed. He sat down beside him.

“My clothes—”

“Are you cold?” Snape murmured.

“Yeah. A little.”

Nodding, Snape pulled the duvet over Harry, just to his lap. He didn’t Summon his clothes.

They sat in silence for a long moment. Harry looked at Snape while Snape looked at the floor.

“Sir?” Harry said finally.

“You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?” A blush was building in Snape’s face.

“Uncomfortable?”

“You need a release, don’t you?”

“A release … ? You mean my … ?”

“Yes, Potter. A release. An orgasm. You need one, don’t you?”

Harry’s breath caught. “Of course I do, but—”

“Do you want me to give you that release?” Snape’s words were so very quiet. He still wasn’t looking at Harry.

Harry felt something hot and savage rise within him. He bared his teeth a little. “It’s too dangerous.”

Snape snorted. “I’ve never backed down from danger. You know this, Potter.”

“When we were in your cellar, you made it clear that you didn’t want me touching you.”

“I don’t want you touching me. I’m far more comfortable with me touching you.”

Harry stared at his profile. He took a deep breath, then another. He was desperate to smell Snape, to figure him out.

“Fine, do it,” Harry growled, shoving the duvet down to his knees. He wanted to grab Snape and force him to take his cock into his mouth, but no, that wouldn’t be appropriate. It was obvious that Snape wanted to call the shots here, even if it made the Alpha in Harry bristle.

Snape scooted closer. With his head bowed, he wrapped a hand around Harry’s erection. The touch made them both gasp.

They didn’t speak as Snape began to stroke him slowly. Harry growled low in his chest. He was quickly losing control over himself.

“Do you like touching my prick, sir? I think you do.”

“Shut up, Potter.”

Harry grabbed him by the throat. Snape’s wide gaze snapped to his face. In that moment, Harry saw the submissiveness in his eyes. The yearning for it. He saw it.

Harry tightened his grip, squeezing. “Don’t tell me to shut up again.”

Snape’s eyes flickered back. He managed a nod.

Harry released his throat and buried his hand in his hair. He yanked. “You should have never started this.”

Snape nodded again but his expression was transformed. His mouth was open, his eyes rolling back. It was obvious he was desperately aroused, even if Harry couldn’t smell him.

“How about you give me a taste, sir. Go on. Wrap that eager mouth around my cock.”

“Potter,” Snape gasped.

“Do it.” He yanked his hold until Snape lowered his head. He didn’t stop yanking until he felt Snape’s hot mouth wrap around him.

Snape moaned as he began to suck his cock.

“Yes, that’s right, sir,” Harry growled darkly. “Take me.”

Harry thrust and thrust, gently using his mouth. Not a single thought was in his head. Something so instinctual had taken over.

Snape was a very good cock sucker, which was a surprise. The man was so buttoned up, so in control, and now he was moaning desperately as he fucked Harry with his mouth.

“God, I feel my knot forming,” Harry gasped.

Moaning even deeper, Snape found his knot with his fingers, caressing it. His touch only made it grow thicker.

Growling, Harry buried both hands in his hair, then he fucked him deeper, his hips pounding. He shouted when he felt his tip breach Snape’s throat.

Snape choked just a little. He was letting Harry utterly use his mouth.

Over and over, Harry pounded into him. He was on the cusp of orgasm, his cock so fucking stiff, his knot so engorged. His bollocks were throbbing. He was full of seed and needed it all to come out. He wished he were inside Snape’s arse, he wished his seed was going somewhere fertile—

Snape cried out, muffled, wet, and his hand jumped to crotch. He was coming, Harry could smell it. He was coming just from sucking on Harry’s prick.

Harry only lasted a few more pumps with the scent of Snape’s release in his nose. He cried out too, gasping, his knot thickening, as he orgasmed. Distantly, he felt and heard Snape choking on his seed.

When it was all over, Harry was virtually asleep, his head lulling, his cock softening, still in Snape’s mouth. He moaned when Snape finally released him.

Snape murmured something, but Harry already had his eyes closed. He rolled over and went to sleep.

It was hours later when Harry woke up. For a moment, all he did was lay in bed and stare up at the dark ceiling. Then a scent hit his nose. The scent of an Omega. And not just any Omega—his Omega. The one he was meant to be with.

He couldn’t explain it, but just from the scent alone he knew the Omega belonged to him—and only him.

Harry stood from bed. He walked with purpose to the door, opening it. He walked down the hallway, following the scent. The house was silent, so silent.

With not a thought in his head, he opened the door to the other bedroom. The scent overwhelmed him. It made saliva fill his mouth.

Snape lay on the bed asleep. He was having a dream. A sexual one. He was whimpering into his pillow, his hips thrusting against the mattress.

Harry tore off the duvet. Underneath Snape was naked. Sweat gleamed on his pale body. His arse was utter perfection.

Harry crawled onto the bed and made room for himself between his thighs. He parted his arse to reveal his drenched hole.

His Omega was absolutely dripping for him.

Snape woke up a little. “What—?”

“Hush,” Harry said, still not thinking. He pressed himself inside Snape. There was so much slick that the penetration was easy, so easy. Well, it was easy for him.

Snape cried out. He tried to scramble forward but Harry didn’t let him move. “Potter,” he gasped.

Harry growled in warning. He pinned Snape down as he pulled out, then worked back in. It took every bit of his control to go slowly, but he wanted to feel the velvety clench of his Omega’s arse. He wanted to revel in it.

Snape pressed his face to a pillow and cried again. “Oh, God!”

Harry thrust and thrust. “You’re mine,” he growled.

Sobbing, Snape pushed back on his cock. “More, please. More.”

Harry fell into a pounding rhythm, utterly using the man beneath him. Everything was so wet. “You knew you were mine, didn’t you?”

“Yes!”

“You knew it all along, but you just wanted to play games.”

“I was protecting myself!”

Harry grabbed his hair and yanked his head back. “You were fucking with me. And I let it happen. I let my Omega toy with me.”

“I was afraid!”

“You weren’t afraid enough to keep your distance. You had it in you to suck my cock.”

“I wanted to take care of you!” Then, quieter: “I wanted my Alpha.”

Harry leaned down to lick his cheek. He thrust deep, grinding, over and over. Snape’s eyes rolled back, hot tears spilling down his cheeks.

“You don’t need to be afraid anymore,” Harry murmured, his tongue now on Snape’s throat. “Your Alpha has claimed you. And I will protect you from every bad thing in this world.”

Snape’s moan was low and desperate. It sounded as if it came from somewhere so deep inside him.

His knot was catching on Snape’s rim, slowing his thrusts. It was a euphoric feeling.

I’m going to impregnate him, Harry thought secretly. His own voice was a snarl in his head.

Snape cried out again and pushed back on his forming knot. “Yes, yes,” he gasped, as if answering Harry’s thoughts.

Acting on utter instinct, Harry bit down on his throat as he came, his knot locking them in place. Snape thrashed in mindless pleasure, and Harry growled a warning. He used his hold on his throat to pin him down, forcing him to take every last drop of his seed.

Harry continued to thrust a little after his peak. It felt as if he were using Snape as a cock warmer.

Harry reached down to stroke Snape’s cock, wanting to make him beg, but he was surprised to find Snape half-hard and dripping with a previous release.

“My knot made you come, didn’t it?” Harry growled.

“Yes, my Alpha,” Snape murmured.

Harry licked his throat and nearly purred. He tightened his fist around Snape’s cock. “You were so good for taking care of me. You were so good for taking my knot. And you know what? Good boys get to come a second time.”

Snape gasped and arched into him.

“Come for me, my love, my mate.”

“Harry.”

“Don’t you hear your Alpha? Come for me.”

Shuddering, crying, Snape followed his command, his arse squeezing so deliciously around his knot. The sensation made Harry moan low and deep.

When it was all over, Snape laid in Harry’s arms, his breaths sounding as if he were asleep.

“You should have told me, sir,” Harry said seriously. He was caressing bits of Snape’s hair.

Snape groaned. “Don’t call me sir again or I shall roll you over and deep throat your prick until I pass out.”

Harry’s breath caught. Still, he mustered on: “You should have told me. I deserved the truth.”

Snape sighed quietly. “I’m sorry, Harry. I kept my Omega status a secret for so long. I was … terrified of anyone finding out—of you finding out. I’ve known for a long time that you were my Alpha and the situation felt so hopeless.”

“Why? If I’m your Alpha, then we were destined to be together, right?”

Another sigh. “Because you were you and I was me. You hated me. I hated you. And—and you were gorgeous and famous and a national hero. And I was an old, ugly former Death Eater who people wanted nothing to do with.”

“You pushed people away! You wanted to push me away, but I persisted.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Were you taking some sort of suppressant? Is that why I couldn’t smell my Omega?”

“Yes—but I should have known the suppressant would fail after we had sex for the first time.”

“I’m glad it failed.” Harry framed his face and kissed him gently. “I love you, Severus.”

Snape snorted.

“I’m serious. I love you. And I’m your Alpha. Now and forever. Will you let me put a ring on your finger?”

Snape squeezed his eyes closed, a few tears escaping down his cheeks. He nodded.

“And will you carry my children?”

Another nod.

Harry kissed him again and again. He whispered again, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Harry.”