Chapter Text
“A caller for Mr Potter, Cormac McLaggen.” Harry cannot hide his disappointment but manages a polite smile when the man enters the parlour a few seconds later.
Mrs Weasley stands up offering him a chair near Harry. “Would you like some tea?”
Harry almost glares at his mother. He does not want to be any where near this man and he certainly does not want his own mother encouraging and visits from him.
“Ginny are you not due a visit with Hermione.?” His mother prompts the other girl.
“I think I would like to stay.” Ginny says with a smirk; in that moment he doesn’t know whether to hate her for her cheek or love her for suggesting she stay.
“I think you would not.” There is no denying the strict tone and Harry watched on as the room clears wishing he could be anywhere but here.
Cormac takes the opportunity and sits next to Harry. “Forgive me I would have visited sooner but thought you were otherwise suited. I believe we are a match made in heaven.”
*
Across town at the Grangers, Miss Brown is still receiving many visitors. The parlour is currently full - one young Alpha recites a sonnet to her that he himself has written.
Hermione smiles sweetly as Ron joins her at the edge of the room.
“Lord Byron he is not.” Hermione comments with a little giggle.
“No indeed.” Ron laughs too while looking back at the suitors surround Lavender.
*
The next day finds Bill and Harry are riding in the park as they do once a week. Harry knows that his brother can see the sullen look of his face but he feels irritated and a little annoyed by his Bill’s meddling.
“Lady Skeeter has declared me ineligible. You’ve scared every suitor away.” He spat out unable to contain his irritation a moment longer.
“It is my duty to protect you.” Bill replied simply.
“What of my duty? You have no idea what it is to be an Omega.” Harry’s anger bubbled over even pulling up his horse to emphasise his points. “What it might feel like to have ones entire life reduced to a single moment. This is all I’ve been raised for. I have no other value. If I am unable to find an Alpha I am worthless.”
“That is not true.” Bill responded but Harry just rode off ahead signalling an end to the conversation.
*
Later Bill finds the Duke in the club needing to take his mind off the conversation earlier with Harry. They easily fall into an easy conversation - he is glad that the years they have not seen each other has not effected their friendship and the comfort they find in expressing their views to one another.
“You do not seem to be engaging with any potential suitors, Snape.” Severus Snape was one of the most eligible bachelors in the area.
“I do not wish to take a wife - I will never marry.” He replied quite seriously and Bill knew he was sincere.
“What of you? Why have you not found a wife?” He asked of Bill - he did not answer just scoffed a little and went back to his drink.
*
Well hasn’t this season taken an interesting turn Miss Brown seems to have all the suitors in town and yet the only visit Harry Potter has is Lord McLaggen.
*
An evening at the Opera might be exactly what he needed. McLaggen had expressed his distaste in the event which had made him beg his mother even harder to take him. She agreed eventually but Bill had decided that he too should chaperone.
Another new shirt and waist coat were acquired for him the cotton shirt had puffed sleeves and was dyed the same deep red as the waistcoat which was embroidered again with his coat of arms in gold. His cravat was delicate fine golden silk too and the whole thing was finished off with tan dress pants with black boots that came above his knee. It was certainly the most lavish outfit he had ever worn and if that didn’t turn a few heads then he failed to see what could.
Soon after they arrived they were ushered over to the Queen. The pair bowed deeply. Bill had not made an appearance yet so Harry hoped being seen with the Queen’s party might influence some others to approach.
“Your Majesty.” His mother said as she rose from the bow. “You must remember, our Harry.”
He rose slowly from the bow to look at the Queen. She smirked; “Yes. He made quite the impression however fleeting it may have been.”
Harry felt his cheeks warm in embarrassment - the group seemed to notice he was effected by the comment. They laughed at her wit before moving on.
Minerva McGonagall steps forward. “I would like to welcome you both to my box this evening.” Harry looked at his mother wanting nothing more than to leave this wretched Opera but Lady McGonagall continued. “I insist.”
The agreed and were soon joined by Bill who refused to reveal where he had been and what caused his tardiness. As Harry and Bill watched the performance they were completely obvious to the plot being discussed just a short distance from them in the booth. Lady McGonagall and Molly Weasley decided to play match makers with Harry and the Duke - it would at the very least change the narrative of Lady Skeeter.
*
Later that week, and to most of the Weasley families surprise, the Duke attends a dinner party at the Weasley’s. Of course it was engineered for Harry and Severus to be seated next to each other. This was met with a few suspicious looks from Bill but Lady McGonagall engaged him in conversation as soon as they were seated.
The whole Weasley rabble was there, Ginny who was not yet out so technically had no right to expect a seat at the family table while they had guests. The twins had traveled from the other end of town for the occasion along with Percy who had such an important and busy job that he rarely sat down to these formal dinners. Arthur Weasley was in element surrounded by all his children.
Severus smiles before commenting carefully to Molly; “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an entire family sit together for dinner.”
She laughs; “It is because we all actually like each other.”
He seemed to accept the explanation as gospel before turning to Harry. “You appear displeased.”
“Do I?” Harry replied knowing he was the only one at the table not joining in with the festivities, smiling or laughing like his brothers and sisters. There was not much to be joyful about his reputation hung in the balance because of Lady Skeeter and he was forced to spend an evening with the most disagreeable Alpha in London.
“Yes we find each other sat next to one another yet you seem dissatisfied.” Harry scoffed at the Duke reply this man had no barriers whats so ever. He simply said exactly what he thought no matter the social situation he found himself in.
He replied tightly this time hoping to end the conversation between them both; “Perhaps, My Grace, you should refrain from thinking about me at all.”
It didn’t have quite the effect he had hoped as Severus Snape’s smirked a little at his response before continuing, “It is simply surprising.”
“Yes, how can I not offer a Duke of your reputation anything he wished?” He replied quickly any politeness his tone previously held was now forgotten.
The Duke seemed over joyed that he had accepted the bait; “You are aware of my reputation?” He asked more amused with their conversation.
“I am aware you are friends with my brother. If that was not enough I know that you are presumptuous, and arrogant, yes, most definitely arrogant.” Harry repeated the words from Lady Skeeters article from a few days ago back to the Duke.
“Who is to refrain from thinking about whom again?” Harry almost choked on his chicken had this man no shame? How dare he talk to him so in his parents house.
“I assure you I am anything but interested you.” Harry locked eyes with Severus in an attempt to convey how much he wish the conversation to end.
“Good, as I am not interested in you. The Omega brother of my oldest friend. If a certain writer is to be believed then you are desperate.” How dare he - Harry was about to stand up and leave the table altogether when Bill interrupted the conversation.
“It was nice of you to join us tonight, Severus.” Bill raised a glass to him.
“How could I have declined?” Severus smirked and Harry thought it was certainly meant to annoy him.
Molly smiled at him, “Stay for some dessert won’t you, Severus.”
“That would be lovely.” Harry never disliked anyone more than he did the Duke in that moment.
*
Later after the guests have left Molly found Bill in the Library nursing a glass of scotch. He watched her cooly as she crossed the room.
“I know what you are trying to do but your efforts are in vain. Severus has no intention of marrying.” She pursed her lips.
“McLaggen will not make Harry happy. I know you think you are helping you are not.”He shock hi head at his at his mother annoyed at the mention of McLaggen. “The Duke will join us again tomorrow.”
Molly turned to leave but Bill had not finished with her yet, “It will not work that’s all I wish to say.”
She turned as she reached the door expression angry now. “And where will you go tonight... to your lodgings or to visit a certain soprano. Relying on your younger siblings to do what you cannot - if you like to speak of responsibility my dear son, Of duty, what do you know. Harry is terrified - he knows what awaits him. You are preventing his happiness.”
*
Bill did go to Fleur as his mother had suggested he would. His mind played over the conversation again and again feeling a sense of shame. Why would he put so much on his younger siblings when he himself was not willing to sacrifice anything for his family. He did not marry an Omega as was expected of him as he was in love with a beta - a penniless beta at that. A working class woman would never be a lady; well not one accepted by his society at any rate.
It was not only his family that suffered but Fleur too. He was removing her opportunity of a respectable marriage. She could hope for that too. A beta from a family of middling wealth perhaps a family of new money. She deserves that chances does she not.
“I can’t see you anymore.” He tells her before he loses his nerve.
Fleur pulls herself up on the bed to look at him. “I don’t understand.”
Annoyance takes over him - he wants - no he needs her to understand this. The pressure he is under. “It is not for you to understand; I must do my duty.”
“And what of me.”
“You must leave.”
*
Hermione stands off to the side at the ball which Lady McGonagall is hosting for the Duke. She smiles as she watches the crowd quietly delighted that her mother is not her for once and she can do as she pleases. She spots Ron as he notices her and makes he way towards her across the lawn.
“Hermione.” He nods in greeting once he reaches her. “Where is Ms Brown this evening?”
“She is unwell this evening; Mother has stayed home to nurse her.” She lifts the skirt a little on her powder blue and white floral patterned dress. “I am quite glad if it really as Mama would have made me wear something much more - bright - at an event such as this.”
She notices then that Pansy has approached them from behind smiling politely at Ron. “Mr Weasley.” The other girl completely ignored Hermione as she addresses Ron. “I believe you owe me a dance.”
Ron looks a little awkward at the suggestion but before he can answer Pansy throws her wine on Hermione before a faux surprised look crosses her face. “Hermione! I did not see you there.”
Hermione looks at the spilt wine the back to Ron inevitably to see him accept Miss Parkinson now outstretched hand but to her surprise she turns to her instead. “I’m afraid I cannot offer you that dance, Miss Parkinson. I’m to assort Miss Granger to the floor.”
She accepts his hand incredibly surprised and humbled by his kindness and lets him lead her to the dance floor.
Bill watches Ron with Miss Granger and smiles at their easy demeanours. Harry stands to his right also watching their brother and Hermione. “I want you to accept McLaggens offer when he gives it; he is a Stirling choice with a good inheritance and name.”
“And if I say I do not love him.”
Bill let’s out a frustrated noise. “Should be just as easy to fall in love with him as with anyone else.”
“I will not hear of this.” Harry fumes before storming off.
*
Back at the Granger house Mrs Granger confronts Lavender Brown.
“You haven’t bled.”
Lavender is not surprised that her secret is out. Fearful tears prickle her eyes straight away and she begs her new guardian not to send her back to the countryside.
*
Harry is alone in the a secluded part of the garden venting about Bill when McLaggen finds him. “Cormac, not now. I wish to be alone.”
McLaggen smirks. “Dropping the pleasantries so soon.”
“We will never be married.” There that was it he’d told him. He’d taken back control from Bill and from McLaggen - he refused to rescind that control again.
“Do you think yourself above me?” McLaggen sneered.
“I think you should leave.” Harry was not in the mood for this conversation right now.
“You should be thanking me. I’m your last hope no one wants you but me.” Harry reeled back at the hateful words. How could his brother expect him to marry this horrible excuse of and Alpha? Did Bill truly only see him as an Omega willing to marry whomever wanted him.
McLaggen suddenly makes a grab for him catching his arm. He struggles to free himself feeling the panic rising at the Alphas intentions. Harry punches him in the nose and McLaggen let’s go almost instantly falling to the ground clearly unconscious.
He hears footsteps looking up to see the Duke stood there watching him with interest. The dark eyebrows raise up and the smirk that infuriates Harry so much returns to the man’s face.
“My grace, I didn’t mean to...”
“...knock the fool out.” Severus finished clearly amused. Harry was not in the mood to have the fun taken out of him. This was quite a dangerous situation he found himself in.
“Where were you coming from the dark walk?” Harry suddenly stopped realising the situation was much worse than he originally thought. “The dark walk is only a few steps away... and I’m alone with two Alphas.”
He could slap himself he really could.
The amused smirked remained on the Dukes face. “Well... one Alpha.”
“Do you have any idea what would happen if there was even a suggestion... I must go.” He turned to leave wanting to rid himself of the situation as quickly as possible. Perhaps it would be ok if he just got back to the party.
“Marry me, Mr Potter.” McLaggen mumbled from the floor in his general direction.
The Duke let out a sharp laugh clearly more amused by the second. “As far as proposals go that must be the least romantic of all.”
“I suppose if someone found me here at least it’s a way out of marrying him.” There would be that at least.
“You aren’t seriously considering it?” The Duke no longer look amused.
“It might surprise you to know that unlike you I can’t just declare that I will not be married.” He was sick of these Alphas having no understanding at all when it came to the life of an Omega. They took their pleasure and found the amusing but didn’t truly understand that they had feelings. That they may want to marry for love.
“Yes I was surprised at how your suitors did not come from all over London.”
“I do not need your derision, Sir.” Surely he had suffered enough without it.
“I do not mock you.” The Duke replied seriously linking his arms behind his back. “What Lady Skeeter has written has caused issues for us both.”
The change in conversation set Harry on edge even more. “I must go. I will go this way and you through those trees.”
“Perhaps there’s is an answer to our collective ‘Lady Skeeter’ issue. We could pretend to form an attachment. With you on my arm everyone will think I have found my Omega. Every presumptive mother will leave me alone and every suitor will be looking at you.” Severus looked straight at him his face serious and his black eyes darker than ever. “You must know that every man is interested in an Omega when they believe another, especially a Duke, is interested too”
Harry struggled to form a reply shocked still by the strange direction of their conversation. “You presume Lady Skeeter...”
“I believe she will label us exactly as we are. Me unavailable, you desirable.” Could that be true. Could this crazy idea work in both their favours? He supposes all they can do is try - it was a much better option than being forced to marry McLaggen.
The pair walk to dance floor. Severus black three piece suit makes him look foreboding not someone anyone should mess with. Harry has silvery threads running through his cotton shirt that glint as the walk through the show of lights and through the crowds. He can see Molly and Bill watching but he misses the shared look between his mother and Lady McGonagall.
As they reach the centre of the dance floor the bow to each other before moving forwards to embrace one another ready to start their dance.
“Stare into my eyes” Harry does as the Duke commands willing to try anything to ensure the plan works. “Here closer. If this is to work they must believe us madly in love.”
“It is an absurd plan.” Harry whispers to the Duke.
“I find it brilliant.” Of course he would. It was his plan. “You do not wish to marry me and I do not wish to marry you.”
They continue they’re dance and Harry is well aware of how everyone watches.
*
For those not in attendance at the Prince Hall celebration you missed the most remarkably coo of the season. It appears that Harry Potter attracted the attention of the newly returned Duke. How he attracted the attention of the suitor is yet to be determined. Yet if anyone is to reveal the secrets of this match it is yours truly.
Lady Skeeter.