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Chapter Text

 The letter came by an eagle owl in a simple day in May. Breakfast was scarce, but I was stuffing my face not even caring for the letter. I wish I payed attention. 

 Mum opened the letter, like it was a treasure sent from Merlin himself and I would wish to send it back to the castle while killing every royal official and the smug prince himself for even considering to send this bloody letter to my family.

 The recent census has confirmed that an unmarried, single omega man between the ages of sixteen and twenty currently resides in your home. We would like to make you aware of an upcoming opportunity to honor the great nation of Avalon. Our beloved Prince, Draco Lucius Malfoy Black is coming of age on June 5th. As he ventures into this new part of his life, he hopes to move forward with a partner, to marry a true Daughter, Son or Child of Avalon. If your eligible child, sibling or charge is interested in possibly becoming the spouse of Prince Draco and the adored royal of Avalon, please fill out
the enclosed form and return it to your local Province Services Office. One person from each province will be drawn at random to meet the prince.

 As mum was reading that blasted letter every eye fell on me. I must be a sight to behold, with my morning bed hair, food all across my hand and eating out my heart's desire. Who in the right mind even considered me a choice for that prat of a prince?

"Participants will be housed at the lovely Hogwarts Castle in Wiltshire for the duration of their stay. The families of each participant will be generously compensated for their service to the royal family." Mum read the letter loudly for me to hear.

"No way." I rejected it instantly. I knew better than even consider this so called opportunity. I was brash, insecure, swore when something annoyed me and I was only just a Five. "Force Ginny usually you would do that."

"Ginny is already married to Harry." Dad reminded me for the hundredth time. Yes Ginny had her fairy tale with my best mate, thanks dad for reminding me that I lost my crush and best friend to my sister. "And I am not usually the one to encourage such things, but completing the form and taking a picture doesn't mean they choose you."

"Why did you two turn against me? I am not even into blokes." I lied. Everyone in my family knew about my crush on a certain Quidditch sensation and Ginny hinted enough times that I liked Harry too. "Send Fred or George then. They are in the age range."

"I would go to my dear brother, the prince has a nice arse to bend, but they need omega males not alpha males." Fred took the mickey.

"Sadly that only includes you." George finished. 

"Ron this is an opportunity that you can never get again." Percy took the letter from our excited mum. "There is no chance you get drafted into the Army so at lest this way you get to be a Three if they choose you. You could go live in the castle and make new connections. I wish I could do it." Percy sighed. 

"Then do it. Here take my place you three and do it." 

"Ron be reasonable. You could be a Three, or better one day a King. Don't you want to be a King?" Mum already was dreaming away. This was the case with Ginny, only she presented early as a respectable omega and Harry fell in love with her. Mum planned the wedding of the century right away and now Ginny is a Four. Sometimes I wish I could be the one who married Harry. "You already are highly sought for why not try it?" 

"Me? Highly sought for? Mum you are confusing me with Ginny again." I said bitterly. "Or if you refer to my only special talent of bearing children then don't." I said as I stormed off food forgotten.

 Sometimes I hate my life. Our destiny is decided by three factors caste, gender and secondary-gender. The caste system is the only thing we can change and shape. Rarely you can hop castes by buying it or by marrying into a higher one. If you get drafted into the Army you become a Two, the highest caste a commoner can achieve. If you participate and get chosen to the Selection, you become a Three and last until the Elite, you can get to be a noble. If you win the Selection you get the chance of a lifetime you and your family becomes royals. 

 So why is not mum happy with what we have? She loves to sing and play the instruments, she loves to cook and knit. So why the sudden interest and middling in our lives to marry into higher castes? 

 I am not happy either what we have. Food is scarce, we all are skin and bones, honestly only her talented cooking and cunning thinking kept us fed. This bloody thing for a mistake that my ancestor did. 

  I should be glad what we had. One of my ancestors Lancelot Weasley betrayed the royal family and when King Armand Malfoy started the whole caste system we were deemed criminals so we got the Eight caste. My family started to rise from that. My great-grandfather slowly bought his way into caste Five so we have it better.

 Honestly I don't understand the whole system. Eights is the lowest of the low, sometimes labeled as untouchables. They have no birth certificate or any records. From traitors, criminals, drug and  potion addicts, to poor orphans anyone can be an Eight. I don't know how an orphan becomes automatically an Eight, but I feel sorry for them. Harry is an orphan too, only his parents James and Lily left behind his birth certificate and his unpleasant aunt adopted him right away. I shudder at the thought that he could have been an Eight, begging on the streets and he would not have anything to eat. He said at least his aunt and uncle were a step up from that life.

 Sevens are a step up from that life.  If you look at the Burrow and the surrounding orchard, which is not ours sadly, you could see that we used to be farmers. Sevens are the laborers, the farmhands, construction workers, lumberjacks, miners and sometimes sewer cleaners when Eights are not around. Eating is a dream for Sevens and they are usually treated like dirt. Their schooling is the worst, they barely can afford public schools. Usually the omega Sevens are treated worse by the alphas they rape them senseless and having a sexual relationship before an engagement or a serious courtship is considered illegal. Well good luck after you were raped and pushed aside you become a "criminal", the child you bear another Eight orphan.

 This is why I hate the caste system. At least Sixes have a home if not starving. They had better jobs too secretaries, janitors, waitstaff, housekeeping, seamstresses, cooks, clerks. When not creating art Percy usually liked to be a secretary and one of our family employers Mr. Crouch used Percy's ambition for it.

 Then we have us, the Fives. Anything that is related in some shape or form to art is our jobs. Mum is thriving in any art she tries. She is a talented seamstress, singer, she mastered many instruments, her cooking is an art in itself and she can knit jumpers from the ugliest materials. Dad is more of a sculptor an art the twins and Charlie inherited. Percy was a painter and Ginny could sing and dance, of course she wanted to be an athlete like me, but we took what we had. And I was the so called everyman of the family. I was average in everything. I used to do oil paintings, only I preferred drawing. I could sing and play three instruments, but I could not compare to mum, Bill or Ginny. I left sculpting to the twins and Charlie. 

 Fours are business owners, real estate agents, jewelers, farm owners, managers. Four is a thing the twins and I aspired to be and Ginny already achieved by marrying my best mate. George and Fred are saving up to buy themselves into the Caste Four to own their business. They wanted a joke shop, a dream mum never supported, but they have a brilliant mind and a harsh sense of humor. But they had to buy a license to have their own shop, then buy a place and set up that business. Harry already had his own business, a family one that he took over after he became eighteen. It is a cosmetic business, the best in the province if you ask me. If I married Harry I would be the co-owner of Cosmo-politan, but I still have another dream I want to chase after.

 Another step up and honestly the last "commoner" caste is the Threes. Brilliant minds inventors, teachers and any advisor comes from this caste. Twos were the rich ones. The arses who supported the Malfoy regime or had money at the time. Rarely if a Five was talented enough they got granted to become a Two, it is so rare that it happened once in mum's lifetime. In one hand there were the celebrities, athletes, actors, models, dancers. When I was little I wanted to be a Quidditch athlete like my first crush Viktor Krum. I wanted to be rich, beloved and famous.

 But I could only be a Two if I somehow could serve in the military. It is a draw who gets in. You can be a Two instantly, then go to Auror cops, Army, or become an agent dad reckons. The lucky few become Castle guards, but they survive it at least. Because if you get drafted the chance to enjoy your life as a Two is slim.

 Then comes the noble class, aristocrats who got granted duchies and earldoms. Usually the past Queen's families become the dukes and duchesses, as their claim to caste One wanes. They are the "noble" Twos, advisors and politicians. The top ten selected, the so called Elite can be those duchesses and countesses, because the chance to omega males make the Elite is zero. We have some like these like Queen Narcissa's distant family, the Blacks had an ancestor who made the Elite.

 And said Ones. King Lucius, Queen Narcissa and Prince Draco. The struck up arses my family betrayed hundreds of years ago. It is wild that mum even considers this opportunity. What good did even do that we have these royals marrying the Twos? Narcissa was supposed to be "commoner", yet she didn't change a bloody thing. I didn't want to be someone's little obedient omega wifey who can't say their opinion. I am already seen as such, an obedient wife. 

 So we have the bloody caste system in that we can move up or move down. But we still have the genders which we are born with. I would sell anything and become an Eight instantly if I could be an Alpha. At least I would be treated right. I mean alpha male and omega female was the normally accepted standard, betas were the incredible ones, I wish I could be and then we have alpha women and the rarest one omega men. I am the only one in my class and in the bloody school it is that rare. 

 It makes me crazy. All of my family, beside mum and Ginny who were both omegas as me and Charlie who is a beta, all are alphas. I am already the sixth child, the least talented one, just another Weasley son and this is the only thing special about me. I can bear bloody children and get into a heat dreaming of a knot. How special that I get unwanted offers to sex but no marriage proposals, because I am not that attractive. I am lanky, huge as a lamppost next to many alphas and yet not even that muscular. Freckles ruin my face, burnt hair and hand me down clothes. My nose is huge, my red face and ears give away all of my feelings and my pale blue eyes are uninspired. Yet a prince will marry me good one mum.

 I took up my cheap violin that was my grandfather's and I try to play it. It is better than laying around like a damsel in distress being mad at my parents. I understand them why they want me to at least try. It is me who doesn't want to even entertain the idea.

 As I start to play I remember back to the time when I thought about it. First about Krum. I dreamt about me getting into the military and by a lucky chance I met Viktor who was nice to me. We had some dates and not caring that we were two alphas we married right away. I filled one of my notebooks with drawings of him and I flying on brooms, playing Quidditch. Of course my dream shattered right away when he started to date his girlfriend.

 Then it was Harry. My good friend since eleven, two poor kids sticking together. He was a Four, I was Five we ran together from his bully cousin. I slipped him food when his family starved him and I even invited him around. My crush only grew after that. Sometimes I think he felt the same way if not for Ginny snatching him away from me. If I presented earlier then I would have now Harry. Harry wanted a family and many kids, this is why he choose Ginny. Then to add insult to injury last month finally I went into heat and I presented. Too late presentation. 

 So I didn't even dare to dream about castles and princes. Not when I knew Malfoy's smug face from the Report and Daily Prophet. He was the ideal Prince Charming, but I knew he was a git, a spoiled brat. Daddy owned this whole country why would he want his enemy's descendant as a husband and life partner?

 I finished playing and I decided to stop sulking. Mum will try anything to convince me to complete the form so time to face the music. I went down for lunch which today was a slice of beard for everyone. 

"Ron I will try one last time and I promise if you reject me again I will stop insisting." Mum promised. "I discussed with your Dad, Bill and Charlie." I felt a pang of bitterness. It is my future why not involve me? "You can even try to enlist into the military. I will even cook your favorite meals for a week if you complete the Selection form and at least try it." I really wanted both and mum must be desperate if she offered the second part. We couldn't afford a week of my favorite meals I knew that, but enlisting the military was my dream that she denied for a long time.

"Okay mum. Only make my favorite dinner and deal. I know we can't afford a week of my favorite meals." I said as she hugged me tightly. 

"Thank you Ronnie. Know that you would make an excellent prince." She kissed my face.

"Just let me go please."

---

 The form was easy to complete, name, gender, secondary-gender, caste, age such stuff. Mum did some measurements to the parts where they asked for my height and weight, shoe size, preferred clothes, hair color, eye color. I listed my grades and school accomplishments, only noble Twos were homeschooled and Sixes and Sevens in separate schools. I listed all of my languages, which I should say I speak English, Irish and French. Mum insisted we should all learn other languages from books we got from the library and after Harry gifted us with a stock of books my big brothers started to learn, so I had to keep up. As special skills I listed every art I knew. 

"You should also add that you eat dinner like a pig." Ginny who was visiting us added. Harry laughed good naturedly the twins followed suit.

"And add to the appearance part that your eyebrows are burnt down thanks to an incident we caused." 

"Obviously."

"Then add that he looks good in frilly robes from aunt Muriel. That performance was golden." Harry added too. That robe broke my confidence and I wish I could forget. Ginny got that year a wedding dress, I got an ugly robe for my most important performance that I botched. People laughed at me.

"Don't listen to them you looked good in robes Ron and I bet you would look good in gowns too." 

"No bloody way." I said, but mum insisted to add that too my form and the others laughed around me. I am already insecure about the omega thing, now they call me a girl.

"Imagine Ron the girl in his wedding day, long flowing white dress."

"Stop it. I finished it mum." And the chorus of laughs I left the living room to run into my shared bedroom with my brothers and I locked the door at me. 

 "Go change to your best clothes Ronald we are going to the Services Office." Mum shouted after me.

 I looked for my best robes, another generous gift from Harry after the Muriel dress robes incident. This one was ink blue and I usually wear it on my performances. I take a quick shower, I put on my robes and I try to put my long red hair into a ponytail. 

"Open the door you idiot I came to help." I heard a knock. It is Ginny and I open it for her. She started to dress better after her marriage and I liked her new style. She took a look at me, shuddered and took out some of her hair bands. "Let me make a better hair for you."

"You want to bread it?"

"Why not? I bet not many boys or girls think to do it." She offered and with an expert hand she waved my messy hair. "Sometimes I try to do something with Harry's hair."

"But it is untamable. I know." I agreed. She is the cosmetics expert. Then she took out something from her knitted bag. Makeup. I flinch.

"No way."

"Yes way. At least let me hide your eyebags." She insisted and I let her. What she didn't say was that she put up foundation, some shite that made my blue eyes more popping as she explained and some light blush. "Get used to it, in the castle they will have more makeup brother."

"I will start my grave then." She laughed anyway. 

"Ronald what is taking so long?" She asked her voice irritated. 

"Better go and take your picture. You always wanted to be noticed." Ginny patted my back encouragingly.

"Not this way." I muttered as I left the room. as I took one last look to our mirror. I was still me, but Ginny did a great job with making me someone who you can look at.

 Mum and I slowly walked to the direction of the Devon Services Office. It was the province's only official building. We already noticed the long line of people, which made me more self-conscious. All of them women and girls my age. No male omegas, which made me more annoyed. I noticed girls from my neighbourhood, girls from my class and girls from my previous performances. 

"Molly!" We heard someone shouting for mum. It was Mrs. Fawcett and her only daughter Serena Fawcett who was dating that Stebbins guy. She looked at me shocked that I was dragged there too. Her mom then forced a smile at me too. "I thought we will meet here but I expected Ginevra not Frederick."

"Stephanie. I am glad we meet. This is Ronald, my youngest son and obviously an omega male, this is why he participates. And Ginny is with Harry you know they married last year." Mum gossips good naturedly. 

"I am glad. I was thinking that Cecilia, you and I should meet up and knit together some time..."

"Why are you there?" I asked from Fawcett. 

"Mother forced me." She whispered. 

"Same. I don't fucking care about the prince." I whispered back to her. We were not friends, but I found someone who agreed that Prince Draco wasn't that bloody attractive as a catch.

"Steve was the one who convinced me. The money is supposed to be good." She didn't say loudly that they needed it too. 

"They are doing what?" Mrs. Fawcett asked loudly. We snapped back from our conversation. 

"Taking a picture." Mum said proud that she knew something Stephanie didn't. "Percy heard when he worked at Barty's house."

"This is supposed to be a lottery why do they need pictures?" Mrs. Fawcett wondered.

"Who knows. Maybe after they select then the king and prince want to check on the girls." Or it is rigged, I thought bitterly. 

 We stood into the line. I could see the difference from the Castes right away. A girl from my class and whom I made a drawing once, Fay Dunbar, wore her fanciest clothes. Her hair was in fancy knots and she wore a velvet dress. Then there was a Seven Verity who came in her waitress outfit clearly not knowing about the photo or she couldn't afford better. Others showed cleavage like two tits could make you a queen. Maybe in the past, but there was now an option for omega males too.

 Mum stopped paying attention to Stephanie's debacle of going home and change Serena to better dress robes or let her stay. Mum sized up the competition with worry and a proud smile. I was really the only boy who was there. At least another male omega my age would make me more confident. But no my classmates would be more embarrassed if they were dragged here by their mums. 

 The clerk woman smiled at me, as she read trough my form then stamped it and she said that one of the photo booths kept for the males was empty. I went inside and the bored photographer who read a book looked at me with owlish eyes.

"Finally someone who I can work with." He said quickly and started to work on the camera. I never thought about becoming a photographer the cameras were bloody expensive to operate and it took patience to learn this art. 

 Then Harry came behind the door smiled me his famous half smile and muttered to me a "you got it mate", but I understood "I love you mate". I smiled in that moment, and I bet nobody in Avalon can compare to my happiest smile. 

Chapter Text

Our TV was one of the things that fascinated dad. If Mum wasn't so convincing we would not have a working TV anymore. Dad loved to tear apart our machines, he fancied himself as a self made inventor, repairman and probably he would be in another life. He would marvel at knic knacks and build his own. But he was a sculptor only forming clay and stone. All of my family was in the Burrow's sofa, I found a rare place on the couch, now that I was the hotshot of the family next to Mum, Dad, Ginny and Harry. Bill like always took the only sofa, Charlie and Percy dragged in two chairs, the twins not bothering to sit anywhere both laid out on the floor.

"And Arthur some of the girls wore revealing outfits. Those scarlet women. At least Ronnie dear was natural and only wearing a little makeup. He was the only omega male today, maybe he is the only one. They have to choose him." Mum told our family. "And it was so nice of you Harry dear that you showed up to support Ronnie." My best mate smiled sheepishly.

"We, actually... It was the least I could do to Ron." He admitted as I looked at him. I know that I just imagined his love confession, he is besotted to my sister and the most loyal person I know. Still it made my picture and smile glowing and nobody knows my line of thought so...

"Thanks mate and thanks Gin for the makeup. Some of those birds had eyes so big as saucers." I said confidently.

"I was shocked to see the Fawcett family. Stebbins and Fawcett were courting." Mum continued the gossip. "If she is chosen she will be in trouble."

"We hope then that Ronnekins is chosen." Charlie reassured mum.

"I cannot wait that long to find out." Mum said impatiently.

"It is me who gets chosen or not." I shot back to mum.

Finally the bloody Report started. We heard the anthem something about wizards and Hogwarts. It is a good song sometimes I can play it on the violin, but it gets boring. And for some reason I was nervous. I knew that they will say the Selected names next week, but my stomach is in knots.

After one flash of the Report logo we see the royal family. Usually preferring dress robes King Lucius sported a green one, stoic as ever. His snakelike features always rubbed me in the wrong way. Next to him sat on her throne like chair Queen Narcissa, her long flowing blonde hair was put into a side knot. Like always she looked like the obedient wife she was. And ten my eyes looked at the prince. Unlike his parents he looked like a cat who got his mouse. Overconfident git.

"Your boyfriend your highness." Fred shouted at me, kicking lightly my leg.

Ignoring his ribbing I took another look. I admit he is handsome if you find a well defined cheekbone as handsome. Sleek blond hair, cropped perfectly, muscular features that says much more of his training regimen, fitting grey dress robes that accentuated his cold grey gaze. I mean he was cold as winter, he looked stiff behind his arrogant smile.

"Do I have a chance to even shape up for that?" I asked dramatically.

"The Queen before Narcissa was quite a surprise so maybe you can. King Abraxas fell in love with a Four and his close second was also an omega male like you." Dad recalled. Really? The worst king the tyrant had a four as a wife and considered an omega husband?

"The story is concealed and long forgotten after King Abraxas's shift in ruling, but the recent king and queen also have, a wonderful love story." Mum said bitterly. In one way she was ready to ship me off to our past enemy and she hated then, in another way she wanted a better life for all of us.

I turned off everything about the financial report, then they announced the hope of the new batch of recruits. Both Bill's and my eyes were on the TV. Bill also wished to join the military forces, his biggest wish was to travel the world. With our tense international relationships with both France and Lylliandyl we only just could hope to not find ourselves in the middle of the war. Lylliandyl is a new country with minerals and King Lucius wanted to seize it up.

After another rebel attack we finally saw the Master of Events and Sports, Ludo Bagman, retired Quidditch player and another person I look up to.

"Good evening Avalon. We all know why your eyes are glued to the TVs. Tonight it is all about our Prince." Must of us laugh at his joke. "You lot already received the letters from the castle where we asked every fair lady and handsome lord to give a chance to love.

"We have received the first count of submitted applications, and I am pleased to say that thousands of the beautiful women and man all across Avalon have already placed their names in the lottery for the Selection! I thank you for your time and consideration." He announced.

"He is a legend. Ron imagine that he could sign you an autograph!" Charlie was excited. "If you have a chance get one to me."

"Get your own autograph Charlie." I tried to pay attention.

Ludo Bagman was a legend. After he resigned from his Quidditch athlete years, he was asked by Lucius to host the most important events. His Yule, Christmas and Beltane commentary made even Percy shred a happy tear. Percy!

"But let's start the discussion with the real catch that our thirty-five seekers seek Prince Draco." The prince walked across the podium and sat to a more casual chair than the throne. He took a look around, arranged his robes again only I noticed the movement and smiled his perfect smile.

"Welcome back, Your Highness." Ludo said politely.

"It is good to be back Ludo." He said polite and frosty as ever. I can't be with someone who is as emotionless as a rock. Draco so far seemed to switch between his rock face and his arrogant git face.

"We all know why you are here. In two weeks time thirty-five people will move into your home and you get to choose your partner. How do you feel about it?" He furrowed his forehead.

"Honored. I can't wait to find a suitable bride for myself and a co-monarch for Avalon." His answer to diplomatic for my taste.

"What do you look in your future partner? I ask not only for myself all the participants I bet look for a hint." Ludo tried to dig for more.

"Obviously I want someone refined, graceful, yet someone we can hold a discussion. They have to challenge me and bring out the best of me. I aspire for a relationship like my parents have. Other qualities that I want I have to discover it, when I get to know the Selected." He answered. It will be the day when I could hold a discussion with Draco Malfoy.

---

I took one week of mickey, jokes and mum's smothering. It took one long Friday with Ginny and Harry as they couldn't keep their hands and eyes off of each other. I decided I have to tell Harry about my feelings. I can't live like this seeing Ginny happy, when I am dying inside. After the Report I will tell him, I decided. I hoped after that I can finally move on, finally live a normal life and the Selection will be another wishful thinking.

I swear that Friday mum made my favorite dishes. I felt like I couldn't swallow any food. I promised after the Report I will eat it. The image was the same in our living room like last week, only everyone were silent. No words were spoken, every eye was glued to the TV. I could see how nervous Mum was, Harry too. I felt my legs tap around and I rearranged my hair for fifteen times.

"Good evening Your Majesties, Your Highness." Ludo welcomed the whole royal family. Great finish the chit chat and get those names out already.

"Good evening indeed Ludo." King Lucius smiled.

"Looking forward for the announcement?" Ludo asked. "All of Avalon is."

"Of course, of course, I saw four of the drawings. All lovely ladies and one fascinating lord." He smiled coldly.

"Your Majesty any advice for the future Selected?" Ludo asked this time from Narcissa.

"Prepare the best version of yourself, the next few weeks or months will be tough one. This life and dedicating yourself for the crown is not for the faint hearted." Her words cut like a knife. She can stuff her advice back to her arsehole. I already knew that.

"Wise advice my queen." Then his eyes fell on Draco. "And with that, let us reveal the thirty-five young ladies and lords chosen for the Selection. Ladies and gentlemen, alphas, betas, omegas please join me in congratulating the following Children of Avalon! Take it away Prince Draco."

And with shaking hands Draco just did that. With thirty-five envelopes in hand he stood in the podium. Draco the pretentious alpha wanted to read the names himself. Already concluding his first impressions. The TV screen changed, in the right we saw the royal crest. There we will see the first time the girls and boys chosen by the lottery, on the left corner we see Malfoy's reactions as he reads the names.

"From Wiltshire Miss Hestia Carrow, Two." A refined brunette appeared on the picture with no trance of a smile. The Carrows were advisers of the king, probably she has a shoe in to be the princess. Draco's familiarity gave away that.

"Miss Pansy Parkinson of Yorkshire, Two." A pug faced girl appeared on the screen with her most charming smile. Then slowly girls named Lily Moon, Padma Patil, Susan Bones, Eloise Midgen and others went out, finally the first male appeared.

"Mister Ernest Macmillan of Huffsuttle, Three." A blond self-righteous boy appeared. Draco's reaction was a beaming.

"Finally a male omega. Ron you still have a chance!" Mum shouted. I turned off her nervous rambling as Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Terry Boot flashed by. There were two girls that got my attention, one who was from London Hermione Granger, a Three and the first Five Luna Lovegood, with a dreamy face.

"That Luna bird looks like she is coo..." I wanted to say something to Harry but my last word was stopped by a name, my name.

"Mister Ronald Weasley of Devon, Five." First I looked at the prince. He repeated the Weasley part and a scowl was obvious from his face. Nobody expected this turn of events. Not me, not the Malfoys nobody in this world. Yet here it was me beaming at Harry, face full of love, that I felt for my best friend. In a moment when I let out the truth. That smile was plastered all around Avalon.

Mum shot up like her backside was on fire. Fred and George was doing the same as they hummed an awfully familiar wedding song. Percy, Charlie and Bill shared a smile, Ginny was proudly appreciating her handiwork. Only I was frozen midway looking at the person smiling at me. I was on the TV for the wrong reasons. And Harry's sad green eyes told me another story. A what could have been. Only for Ginny to pat me in the ribs.

"You will be Prince Ronald from now on."

"I will make every Your Highness joke I can think of." Fred smiled up too, secretly proud of me.

Then a phone started to ring and owls bought letters. I forgot that I wanted to say anything to Harry.

---
I liked to think that hell would be a better place for me. I was already in living hell this year already started like one. First the only bloke I could ask out suddenly took an interest in my baby sister, my mother subtly set them up to make out Ginny as a caste climber then I presented as an omega.

I knew that I wasn't the manliest man around. My talents were similar to mum's, I enjoyed wearing gowns and sometimes a part of me dreamed about wearing a blue, silk ballgown, as on my head sets a golden tiara with expensive minerals that I don't know the names of. Once I wore a dress and it felt right. These feelings of course were buried deep inside a part of my brain where I never wanted to revisit again.

First came a palace representative a man with fluffy white hair Perkins. Dad and Perkins got along well as he went along the rules and regulations. He was the one who represented me, every selected had one of these. Then the castle sent out their own medi-witch Poppy Pomfrey. She had to check out everything on Ron from my small pelvis to my teeth.

"Nothing wrong with your health. For an omega you have have a fine physique tall and lanky. You are a little underfed, I leave this potion with you." She finished my medical evaluation. "Are you nervous?" She asked sharply. "Maybe stressed? Are you sleeping enough?"

"I...not really." I admitted. My doubts, insecurity and new confidence issues kept up me all night. "It is the stress."

"I can imagine." She agreed. "This is Dreamless Draught, only take one teaspoon of this and you will sleep until morning. Don't overdo it can be addictive." I took the potions.

The security was the most exciting to me. I let Bill stay around he asked every question he could from the special Auror unit. They went over our house, they found nothing of suspicion, they talked with the local military. Then they warned me that after the moment I was Selected the rebels, and other bad people can harm me. I asked if I can be drafted, then one guard said back.

"Your safety is more important than you becoming a soldier." He scoffed.

Other visitors were a woman who took my measurements. She asked what is my preference and I admitted with a slight blush that I don't mind wearing gowns, suits or robes. She smiled tenderly. "It is my job to make you comfortable and fashionable, your butlers will love to work with you."

Then one day Perkins asked everyone beside my mother and father to leave the kitchen. "We have to go trough the rules again. I am sure you already read all of them, but I have to give your first check and you have to sign your medical results." Perkins sighed. I signed every paper. "Now another uncomfortable topic. You presented last month." I nodded. "Did you go into a heat?"

"Yes." I answered. I hated where this conversation was going and this time in front of my parents!

"Did you share your heat with anyone?" He asked again. I blushed as my ears turned red.

"No." I answered.

"Did you ever commit a close sexual relationship with anyone." Perkins himself looked embarrassed to even ask.

"Of course not Perkins that is illegal!" Dad answered instead of me. I know the rules I wasn't courted or engaged to anyone so no. I shook my head too embarrassed to talk.

"That means you are a virgin. Sign it here. If we find that you are lying, which of course I know you are not, then you will face jail time or depending the case more severe or lax punishment." Perkins warned me. "And here, nearly I forgot." He took out another bottle. "Heat and scent suppressants, it tones down your scent and makes your potential heats more pleasant. Depending on omegas sometimes even a heat suppressant can't stop the heat. With many Alphas, not including the Prince, you have to be more careful around the castle."

I wanted to burn that bottle. Mum doesn't hide her heats. Ginny doesn't hide her own heat. I have to and I only experienced one. Not my brightest moment as I laid on the street moaning for a cock or anyone to make me pregnant. I hate myself for it. Maybe stopping the heat will be better.

"The rules are simple. We take very seriously both the royal family's safety and the selected. From the day your name was Selected you are the propriety of Avalon and the prince."

"I am my own person!" I shouted back. "This is insane!"

"I don't like the wording either Mr. Weasley, but this is the case. You have to take both the suppressants and every medicine or potion your mediwitch issues you. Your body and mental health are the most important. It will be a stressful life from now on, ask for help when you feel down. Poppy and I will be here for you." He smiled at me. "Now onto the rules. You can't take any clothes with you, the castle will have all the clothes you need. You can't accept any food or gifts from outsiders, only the food the castle chefs and house-elves cooked. From now on until the Prince dismisses you, you are only loyal to Prince Draco. Any emotional, romantic or sexual connection to another man, woman, alpha, beta or omega is punished by the severity of said connection. You will be removed from the castle, made a traitor and an Eight right away. If you are found in a sexual relationship with another alpha it can lead to both of your executions. If it is not consensual, rape," Perkins gulped, "then the other participant will be punished. If you share a heat with the prince and he won't choose you, and that heat provides a baby, said baby will be made an Eight and you will be exiled. I know the prince won't ask for sexual favors so don't tempt him."

I get it I have to wait until we get married. I didn't want to be a seducer so I promised I won't do such a thing. Perkins went over other rules like no fighting with other Selected, not stealing anything and then he subtly gave the check to dad. I am not supposed to see the money for "being in the competition for the wrong reasons", but mum's eyes of the price was enough for me. It is a good amount of money.

"From now on you are a Three." I gulped. I knew that the Selected can climb up in castes but all thirty-five of us?

"A Three? That means I have the highest caste now in the family!" I said proudly.

"It is for two reasons, it is a thank you for the time you spend in the castle and what you learn here makes you more adept. And another reason is that you will get used for the life in the castle. An aide will help you readjust to your new life after you are eliminated if it is the case."

"If you make into the Elite, usually the last ten Selected then you are made a Two or depending your role and adaptation to noble life you can get a noble title. That can reflect on all of your family or only on you, your future spouse and children. Should you win you and all of your family will become Ones." Now that I was so close to enter to the castle it didn't sound that absurd.

"One?" Mum asked amazed by the idea.

"That means Mrs. Weasley, Arthur that as the parents of the future prince you two become royals and depending on the current king's choice all of your children can have prince and princess on their titles if not all of them will be dukes and duchesses. Also should you win, you will be Prince Consort Ronald Malfoy and you have to dedicate your whole life to the country. In the moment you receive the engagement ring and you are wedded to Prince Draco you will be above the law. This part is not in the whole warning speech shebang, but yes the direct royals get away with everything."

"Consider me mind blown." I said then I stopped. "I don't want to take up that git's last name!" I shouted.

"You have to. Now that you signed every paper you are free until tomorrow. Pack your things your life will change forever."

and

Chapter Text

I learnt that when you have nothing packing up your life is easy. I didn't have to take any instruments, but as I looked at my old violin I packed it right away. I packed my old Chess set that was another gift from my grandpa Septimus. Then I find my favorite (and only) accessory, an old watch that was uncle Gideon's. Harry got the matching one Fabian's watch. I have to take it with me no matter what expensive jewels they give to us this watch is from mum and the last thing that connects me to Home.

"Ron you have a visitor." Mum shouted up and right away in my room's doorstep was Harry. He wore his usual working clothes, his golden watch was on his right hand and his wedding band mocked me.

"Messy as ever." He teased me.

"Try to pack your whole life up in a suitcase I dare you."

"What about your clothes? Are you not taking any of it with you?" He asked as he took up one of my hideous maroon jumpers. In typical Weasley family tradition mum made jumpers for all of us it was her Christmas gift.

"No from tomorrow they will clothe me. Which is awkward." I admitted as I took that jumper from him. I hated it, but now I wish I could take it with me, but the rules said I can't take clothes....

"Take it anyway. You don't follow the rules and when you leave you have to wear something." Harry pushed my ugly maroon jumper into my bag. I sighed, he knew me better than anyone. I packed my jumper, a pair of socks and some jeans. I know the person who leaves in these will be someone else. I slowly finished packing and we talked about our childhood.

"Harry... I have to tell you something before I leave." I took a breath as he looked at me. "Do you love Ginny?"

"What is it one of your overprotective big brother moments?" I glared at him. "Yes I love her, more than anything." He said and his gleaming eyes hurt me more. I have to tell him and then move on. I don't think that I will fall in love with the prince, but being miserable over Harry is not a way. I took a sniff in the air, one last time I snipped in his scent. The familiarity of treacle tart, burnt wood and old tea herb calmed me. He was the only Alpha I ever felt an attraction to, his scent calmed me, his small hands always hugged me when I needed it most. He was mated and he is married. I can't take him away from Gin, I can't make him heartbroken. I would be a monster...

"No, I have to say it. Promise to not break off our friendship over this." I begged for him. I imagined how would it be, losing my only friend for a stupid crush.

"I solemnly swear." He used our little phrase.

"I am in love with you." It burst out of me, his mouth hung open. "I mean I was... now it is just a crush or an attraction. When I presented all came back. I thought I stopped feeling it, but.... Look I shouldn't say anything." His reaction turned from shock to sadness, then he started to laugh. It wasn't happy it was hollow.

"Bloody hell Ron why did you not say anything? This is ironic cause I felt the same way about you. Then I presented and I spent time with Ginny and... I fell for her. You should have said it." Harry's laugh now turned to a wistful one. "Now it could be us, no complicated feelings, no Selection. Yesterday I felt jealous of that prat. I love Ginny I do, but yes you are special to me too. The most important person in my life."

"And you in mine." I admitted. I gave him a quick peck on his cheek, I didn't want my first kiss to be bittersweet. "I can't feel this way, not anymore. I will not ruin Ginny's life for silly jealous reasons. I won't ruin your own life, when I know to you Ginny is the One. I mixed romance into our friendship and I can say that my new love is in the castle."

"It still hurts like hell that you have to leave. How long it will take what do you reckon?"

"Max until Christmas." I guessed. It is enough time for the prince to make up his mind. "For me expect me back in next week. I am an early boot for sure."

"Then Malfoy is an idiot. You may have the charm of a gnome, but you are the best one from the Selected." Harry admitted. "Write and call often. I will be sure to make you a niece or nephew with Ginny.

"You prat. We just discussed our love for each other now you have to share your sexual life with my baby sister." He continued how he knotted her last night as I tried to plug in my ears. After telling Harry it was easier to think about my crush on him. It will be hard to move on, but I can finally close one part of my life.

"Now we should go downstairs. The twins already made a whole tale about your first meeting up to your wedding with Draco Malfoy. When I came up they were naming your kids."

"Those idiots." I walked down only to mum to rope me into one last afternoon of cooking together. We made some roasted vegetables with potatoes. Harry bought fresh bread and even slipped some chicken nuggets. I ate like it was my last meal and it was my last in the Burrow for a long time.

That night I took the potion to sleep well. Tomorrow I have to finally step into the castle and be on the spotlight. I had no dreams and a rested night.

_________

Next day I repacked my bag and stuffed in some of my old jumpers. All of them dreadful and ugly, only one colored orange in honor of Chudley Canons. I put in some of my old magazines, my old stuffed bear that only had one eye and a reknitted neck, thanks for the twins ruining it, and I put my dress robes in too, it was from Harry. I knew he wanted me to take it, but he didn't say anything yesterday.

Then I put on the officially issued Selected uniform. For the omega males it was simple black pants, not to form fitting to not show our arse or legs, a white shirt and leather shoes. Also we all had to pin a flower into our hair or ear. Ginny coming over earlier did another wonder with my hair. My own flower is a tulip. As red as my flaming hair.

I found the whole security detail stupid. They wanted to drive my family up to the centre and honestly we could just walk it was two miles away. The fancy car, stuffing in the ten of us and four additional Aurors made me mad.

After we set foot out of our house, I was shielded by my brothers and bodyguards who are with me until I am not escorted into the Hogwarts castle. Everyone who came with me to the airport were cleared with the security that they all are family members by blood or marriage. Cameras flashed and a set of reporters noticed me.

I heard the reporters: "Ronald Weasley, a stocky, tall omega."

"His family, six siblings, one best friend and brother-in-law are accompanying him."

"All artists on their own renown..."

"Harry and Ginevra Potter, owners of Cosmo-politan..."

"....unusually supportive crowd." The last one was shocking.

I hid right away into the bloody car they sent for me. A huge limo that accommodates my whole family in comfort. I heard the reporters and their report about me or my family. Of course Harry was the most glamorous one so they spent more time on him than on me, like I am not the Selected, like he was the chosen omega not me.... Then we finally arrived to the square.

The mayor Amos Diggory waved me over right away. He is a beta and usually in a friendly term with my family. They tend to invite mum, Ginny or me to sing and Percy did his son's portrait at his seventeenth birthday. I am sure he wanted his perfect son Cedric Diggory in the Selection, too bad he is an Alpha.

"I am glad that Ronald made it. We are one of the six provinces with a low ranking male omega. And such talented one." He started some small talk. "You have to stay in the middle of the small Platform as I announce you." I smiled that was easy. Finally I can soak in some attention and my lowly omega self can be noticed. "And you have to give a speech." Amos announced it like it was the most normal thing ever.

"What?" I froze. Perkins forgot about that. No way I can scrap up a decent speech in seconds. Ask me to sing or play something, but public speaking? I started to sweat nervously. What could I say?

"You can opt out son, but the first marking of a good leader is how he adepts in last minute situations, how does he talk in front of a crowd and what can he actually promise and act on it. Consider it, this can be your first chance to prove yourself as our future prince." Amos offered. "And you could get the support of our province."

"Fine I take it." I agreed. Harry would know what to do. I saw him in school when he had to take over a last minute class presidential thing. He was a natural leader taking over the DA, he taught that self defense class. I knew he should be there on the stage, giving a speech, wow the public and lead Avalon. I am nothing compared to him.

Yet here I am fate gave me an option I can't let go. I could be the same, loving the attention and changing Avalon for better. At least the Sixes, Sevens, Fives and Fours agreed in that regard. Fawcett, Stebbins and their families cheered for me, even if I took her place. I was shocked to notice the Dursleys in the crowd, Harry's uncle and aunt were still sour, but Dudley smiled and clapped as the mayor announced me.

But the Threes and Twos were irritated at worst, at best they planned my funeral. It looked like I already snatched the crown from them. I had to smile smugly at the thought of it. Ronald Weasley took something from the rich. We the low castes finally had a chance and I was the face of it, me. This wasn't about me and my feelings anymore, this was about the Fives and lower castes I embodied and it scared me.

"Devon has her fair share of Selected. The handsome omega son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, the new Lord Ronald Weasley." The crowd went into a frenzy of claps, roars and shouts. I could hear Fred,, George and somewhere their best friend Lee Jordan too showed up to cheer.

I smiled and waved, like this was natural for me. I loved attention. When I sang or played the violin on small gatherings I always loved the polite claps, that was the only thing I got from them. Now I was the centre of it, without even playing a note.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in sending off Ronald Weasley our favorite Son of Avalon!” Amos said one last time as a band started to play the anthem. People threw confetti and roses as the anthem played along. "Now our favorite omega would like to say a speech." I gulped now is the time to ruin my newly gained reputation. I searched for Harry, he muttered from the first row that I can do it, mum nodded encouragingly and Percy looked like he had a lecture coming up if I screw up. I thought of Albus Dumbledore the Royal Advisor and his complicated speeches. I could do it.

"it is a honor that I was Selected and I can stand here today." I took a breath, so far so good. "I am rubbish in this whole politics. My best mate can confirm that." The crowd laughed, this was the key to win over them, my jokes. "But I only have one shot so I will try to learn for all of our sake." I looked at the lower castes, they understood my message. But all the crowd cheered no matter what their numbers were. "I promise both a good laugh and a good competition. I am ready for everything, like... like a lion." I finished my speech and the crowd threw more roses.

Then it was time for the goodbyes. We were led to a silent room where nobody could bother us. Percy insisted that he wanted to be the first one. He fussed over me, hugged me tightly and gave me advices like a rapid fire.

"You have potential Ron just stop talking about your ideas, eat with manner and suck it up. Compliment the royal family as much as we all hate them." Percy gritted his teeth. "I want to see you in that throne, we all would need it."

"Thanks Perce." I said sarcastically. More like he needed it.

Fred and George continued to tease me, but when my family didn't look they both hugged me close. Bill and Charlie tried to be the supportive big brothers.

"You have it all in you Ronnie." Bill said suddenly. "And you have something that the others don't."

"What?" I asked.

"Our handsome Weasley look." Charlie said. "Even our mortal enemy has to fall for it."

"Maybe you two and the twins have it, it skipped me." I shrugged. We shook hands, hugging wasn't for occasions like these between us. Ginny and Harry came forward.

"I know you will succeed Ron, so don't come home until you are a prince." Ginny encouraged me.

"Whatever you will do win and knock over the prince for me." Harry said too still slightly annoyed by the royal prat.

"I will." I smiled at the idea, better than falling in love, I punch the prince instead.

Dad and Mum were the last ones who said goodbye to me. Dad said that they love me no matter when I come back home.

"But Ronnie try your best. You can do it. I still can't believe it. Ronnie is one of the Selected. Always smile and behave. Do try to write weekly. And know that to us you are special." Mum hugged me tightly. I felt conflicted, it took a slip and a TV announcement for mum to notice me, to say I am special. I wanted to feel insecure, but this is my last moment with her for a long time so I hugged her close.

"Thank you mum, dad."

"Lord Ronald we have to go." One of the guards said to me. My family said goodbye as I left the room. A white, shiny car issued by the palace waited for me, my old bag was in the car. "This way, Lord Ronald." It felt wrong, my new title. I dared to look at Harry, taking in his green eyes for the last time and I sighed. Goodbye Devon, old, boring caste Five. I have a chance to shine.

---

I stood alone in the airport. No crowd, no reporters just me and the assigned bodyguards. I had to fly for the first time in my life. Sadly we were taking an airplane not the brooms. I was excited for the flying part, not for meeting other three Selected. After a long wait two girls showed up.

"Hi, I am Lavender Brown." A pretty girl with a rose on her hair held out her hand. I never seen someone as beautiful as Lavender, I mean I met girls in my life, but she was already looking like a winner. "How exciting to see a male omega." She smiled.

"Merlin probably there is more in him than him being an omega." The other girl huffed. "Hermione Jean Granger from London, There not that any of that matters." She started to talk. I don't know how she managed to talk as fast, but she did. "I read and studied all about my competition and you Ronald look like a good speaking partner."

"Thanks... I think." I said unsure about any of these two girls. Hermione too looked pretty in her own way. With puffy brown hair that curled into every direction I could imagine and brown eyes that held wisdom probably I had no chance. "Ron Weasley, don't call me Ronald."

"What do you think about the prince?" Suddenly Lavender asked. "Do we lower castes have a chance with him? I mean I put on makeup already and I plan to dress my best, plus my tea leaves look favorable..."

"All the riff-raff gathered I see." The last one of our group arrived. I remembered him Zacharias Smith, another male omega, a Two and an annoyance. "When do we leave?" He asked.

"We don't know, you git." I answered automatically. Hermione glared at me and Lavender just laughed.

"Ronald do try to control yourself." She whispered to me. She gave me a good advice, but people like Smith rubbed me in the wrong way. I was second best to the rich snots like him.

"it is true then, redheads have a temper. I bet you won't last a day in the palace." He smiled smugly and I was ready to reply, when the captain of our flight finally showed up.

"I see all four of you arrived. Right?"

"Yes sir." Hermione answered. I could see she was well mannered.

"Ladies, lords if you follow me we can head off to your new home."

The flight was interesting I didn't pay any mind to Hermione, Lavender and Smith, but I scarfed down the food and snacks they offered and I watched the clouds. Flying was one of my dreams, finally I was living it. Hermione and Lavender already started an argument about feminism and Smith just slept.

This was my competition. A smug boy, who didn't look that good, a know-it-all and a girl who believed in tarot cards. But Lavender was pretty, Hermione could ace the princess part and Zacharias was a Two, I had nothing to offer.

"We are here. Ron wipe you mouth, you have a smudge there." Hermione warned me and my face turned red from the embarrassment. No way in seven hells that I can be friends with Hermione or any of these Selected.

We finally landed and walked off from the plane. Smith went to the front like he knew the way. The terminal doors opened and we heard the loudest screams. There were people jumping and scurrying up to see us better. A golden carpet was laid down and the crowd was closed off by rope barriers. We were treated like celebrities, even Krum didn't get a golden carpet and a waving crowd.

Zacharias took it in like a natural. I don't know what was his deal or occupation, but the crowd knew him. He hogged the attention and I was annoyed. The cameras were filming us and the people's reactions. If I wanted to be a front runner in this competition I had to win them over.

The crowd of Wiltshire was the small group of Avalon who will see us the most. We live alongside them, of course they wanted to see us, one of us will be their king or queen one day. I moved closer, dozens of people called my name. There were signs with my name and one of them got my lousy picture too. I felt both excited and scared.

These strangers already had expectations. It was not just mum, dad, my family anymore, not some of the people from Devon. These were Avalon's people, showing their support from plain old me. Then I saw someone with a carboard with my face and a small message, "REDHEADS AND FRECKLES RULE!" with a weasel drawing and a crown on it. I smiled, the little boy with a big rimmed glasses and freckles reminded me of my childhood. He probably wanted me to win, because of the sea of blondes, brunettes and blackheads I was the only one with flaming red hair.

I stopped to say something to her, only for her to show a pen and she asked for an autograph. This started a chain of reactions I didn't expect. I was asked by other kids for pictures, a woman older than mum wanted to shook my hand. I remember what Bill whispered, I need to be approachable, not my moody self and I soaked in the attention. I stopped more than once and Zacharias did the same. It turned into a competition of who is more adored. I was shocked that anyone noticed me.

"Ron, Smith come already the other flight is here." Hermione reasoned with us. Lavender was asking how did I come up with this strategy and I just shrugged. We were pushed into another car, I landed next to Zacharias.

"Good move, but don't expect that it will impress the royal family." He grumbled too mad to even focus.

"I did it for them you git not for clout." I said back and I tried to think what is next. So far I made good progress. I knew there was more days and weeks to face.

---
I saw more people with more signs, outside of the terminal I wasn't that popular. Hermione on the other hand had more than a fair share of fans, Lavender and I had a few. I felt jealous and I decided to show up all of them...

Finally we rolled up to Hogwarts castle one of the most beautiful sights I ever seen. The Report doesn't do justice for the old castle from the fairy tales. We had no time to take anything in, because a woman in a green dress and a crocked nosed male approached us.

"This group is already late." She noted as she checked a long list.

"One of these bumbling idiots probably had to take a bathroom break or missed the airplane." The man remarked. "I am Severus Snape the Royal Secretary and Professor Minerva McGonagall will be your Royal Tutor. We are here, unfortunately, to make you sorry lot to a refined ruler and you already fail because you are late. Punctuality is a virtue."

"It was Wea..." Smith was ready throw me under the bus great.

"My fault, I stopped to talk with the crowd." They both exchanged a look then Snape glared at me.

"I let it slide this time, now we are already late." We went to the right, avoiding the Great Hall for now. Left was a Common room and all the Selected and dozen of stands were shuffled there. "Now Minerva where to send them?"

"Ladies and lords here. We take a before and after photo." I flinched. "The cameras are for the special edition of Selection. Sadly people want to see your makeovers."

"To look exactly like you when this charade ends." Severus Snape continued. "I see that station six is open."

"Lord Zacharias you go there. Lady Hermione over station four. Lady Lavender to station eight and Lord Ronald to station seven." McGonagall said and we all left to our assigned station.

"What do you want to change about your image?" An annoying woman asked.

"What do you mean?" I was confused.

"I mean you have red hair. We can make you fiery, a tempter of the prince. Or we could play up your sweet side, your freckles would help..." She rambled. "Or you could dye your hair, hide away your freckles with some makeup and enchant your eyelashes..."

"No-bloody-way!" I shouted. "I am not the prince's dress up doll. Everything stays this way." It was one thing that I let Gin work on me, she is my sister I trust her with my life. This woman was a bloody stranger.

"Okay, okay. We work with what we have. Maybe your image is this a natural, simple boy. This can make you even stand out." She said.

"Why others want to make themselves full of greasy makeup and oils?" I asked back, knowing how Ginny hated too much makeup even if she ran a makeup business now alongside Harry.

"Most of the time yes. It is not a winning strategy but whatever the Selected wants we have top play along." She sighed. "We will polish you up, then you are ready."

I was humiliated beyond repair. An army of men bathed me, because they didn't trust me, then they put on me some scented oils anyway. It turns out that prat enjoys pine tree smell and vanilla like I wanted to smell like that for him. They focused on my hair insisting to make it more orange than red, then they painted my nails no matter how much I squirmed. Now my nails were a shade of azure blue.

A girl next to me insisted she wanted radishes on her ears not earrings and to knot her hair up to complex shapes. Her helpers wanted her to dye her blonde hair to brown cause it was the same shade as the prince's.

"You okay?" I asked the strange girl. She looked like Ginny's age.

"Warpboogles surround us, but I am fine. They want to recolor my hair. I like it how it is." She said. "I like your hair too."

"If you like blonde, don't let them dye. Luna right?" I asked, because I remembered her name.

"Yes. The light makes your hair like fire. And your ringings give a good vibe." I shook my head. Loony girl this one. In the end my hair was cut back, but I kept my long length. Like Luna said it caught the light and made it like a fire or other times carrot orange. Not the usually burnt red.

Then they led me to the clothing racks. I wore a robe after the bath and I was glad I could change to some clothes. Under my name there was a bunch of suits, robes and to my shock ballgowns. I gulped someone took seriously what I wanted. I shied away from the gowns, finally deciding to wear a suit. An azure blue suit, that didn't clash with my hair. Then they placed a red pin with my name onto the suit.

The Selected who finished were instructed to wait. I was nervous. It turns out they even wanted an exclusive interview with us. Merlin's fucking pants I just wanted to lay down already and process all this. Then a blonde woman with the most ridiculous fashion sense approached me.

"Rita Skeeter from the Daily Prophet and Selection Report Special. It is alright if I ask some questions?" I agreed, what else could I do. "Ronald Weasley right?" She asked knowingly.

"Yes who else to be?" I asked back, but she just fake laughed.

"A firecracker then, people adore that. Let's discuss your makeover. You changed a lot." She said, but I think my tied up ponytail and a blue suit was nothing. "What did change?"

"My hair, I have a light makeup on. I smell like a bloody pine forest and a vanilla desert cake. I even have nail polish look." I fake gushed. If they didn't like me this way then I won't play for the cameras.

"How nice. You are a Five right?" She asked to confirm something, to paint me in a negative light probably. "One of the four Selected from lower castes. How is so far?"

"Exciting." I answered curtly. "I hope I can stay longer and take all this in." I admitted. Hogwarts castle looked cool so far and I wanted to see more of it. Rita wanted more from me but seeing that I wasn't what she wanted finally wrapped up the interview.

And I felt a wave of tiredness taking over. I had to get out of this place right away. I looked around nobody paid any attention for me so I sneaked out. The guards were probably bad at their job, because I was both clumsy and smelling like a bloody desert. How could they not notice that I sneaked out?

I found a wing that led me out to the gardens. I went out and I found a willow tree. Not caring how expensive my suit was I sat down. I took in two breaths and I felt myself calmer, only to be harassed mere.

"YOU!" Someone shouted. "Intruder! You shouldn't be here!" It was a guard, he wore the typical guard robes and he looked smug. "A tasty little omega. Are you a rebel? I have to punish you."

"Get away from me you nutter." I shouted and not caring what punishment I get I punched his nose. The guard was shell shocked that I punched him, but he didn't stop.

"You heard him get the hell away from him Flint." Someone behind my back ordered. I was smelling another alpha's scent great. But I couldn't associate it with anything, only I knew it smelt good.

"But your highness he punched me..." Flint whined, wait he said your highness. I took a sharp turn to meet face to face with Draco Lucius Malfoy, crown prince of Avalon and the bloke that technically courted me.

"Weasley I see you already found trouble." He sneered.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Prince Draco stood there in all of his glory. A green dress robe accentuated his well kept muscles, his pale skin was red from fury. He probably was angry at me, obviously I can't start my Selected life without angering him.

"I'm sorry your pratness for sticking up for myself. You keep alphas who would knot every omega on sight." I sneered back. We already started out fine, a Weasley and a Malfoy were prone to anger each other.

"Vince, Greg." He ignored me as two bodyguards appeared. Both looked like gorillas and I barely could keep back a snort. "Take away Flint. He deserves punishment for touching one of my Selected." I could hear how he pronounced the my part. Obviously he hates me.

"Right away Draco." The two saluted and led away the guard.

"And now let's see a Weasley." He looked over me, studying everything on me. "I head from father that you Weasley lot are unkept, poor and have children as many as your freckles." Then as I wanted to insult him back he approached me. I stepped away. "But alas I have to be the well-mannered one in this relationship right?"

"Wait you still want me there? I hit your guard." I sputtered shocked.

"In self-defense." He agreed with me. "Come on if we are already out of the caste let's sit down." He took the lead and I followed him up to the first bench. The royal gardens were further away, the courtyard only had well cut grass and trees that gave out long shadows. We sat at a white painted bench.

"Why not sent me home then?" I asked from him. "I sneaked out when they asked me to wait and our families are enemies."

"I was curious from the moment I drew your name. A ginger Weasley trying to woo me. And I wonder why? Beside the money I know that your family is desperate for every knut they can get. Why put up with this competition?" He asked as he insulted me with every word, yet I could see he was curious.

"You have the gall to talk about my hair, yours make you look like a git." I shot back, he glared at me but didn't say anything. I pondered about his question. Why indeed? He was worse than what I saw from the TV. He was a spoiled brat, who probably cares more about status and beauty, than how well the Selected can lead a country. "I don't give a damn about your crown if you think about that. Nor for the status you can get by being here. Hm, maybe I care about the food."

"The food Weasley? That is the best reason you can come up with?" He asked ironically. "You can live in a castle, get to know well educated folk, learn about Avalon. Have a chance to be a king and you don't want that?" Now he was the only to look shocked.

"Do I look like a princess, like an airhead? No thanks. Yes the money that my family receives is a big help, but I really need to stay away from home. That is my main reason and Hogwarts looks like a place I want to stay." I gave an excuse. A palace with this prat is way better than seeing Harry with Ginny planning their wedding.

"Finally he says the real reason. I can send you away any time you say you got enough, until then let's not pretend that we like each other." Malfoy said with a finality. "You can stay, get some manners and etiquette into your head. We can exchange some insults. But don't expect a Romeo and Juliette romance."

"Romeo and JULIETTE?" I asked back annoyed. "I am not like those suicidal fools. Why would I ever fall in love with my family's nemesis?"

"It is the requirement of this competition. I seek an omega bride. You want a place for whatever reason you want to escape from home. We won't fall in love, I can insult and you you can insult me. It is refreshing to hear such words from someone." He admitted with a shrug.

"You like to get insults?" I gaped at him. I looked into his grey eyes searching for anything, but I couldn't read him. This bloke was weird.

"Close your mouth a fly will fly into it. Yes Weaselbee I like hearing you insulting from the moment I saved your arse from Flint. You only stay there, because I find you funny if not pathetic." He sneered. I felt the blood rushing into my head. I wanted to hit him too, but I knew what was the punishment for that. Treason and death. "You behave, your family gets the money. Can you do that? Can you stay calm and not hit everyone like an untrained dog?"

"Fine." I unclenched my fist. "But I'll do anything to make your life hell." I promised with a glare.

"Until you keep me entertained Weasley I am fine with that." His smile was smug. It didn't fit at all. He was annoying as hell, but I can play this game with him, because I was just that. A little game of his. "We should head back," he looked at my pin, "Lord Ronald. And we don't ever talk about this meeting. It is better if we officially meet tomorrow."

"What about the guards? They saw me outside talking with you." I asked from him, as we walked back.

"Flint will be punished accordingly." As he said that I felt a chill. He could be scary. "Any of my Selected, even you, should be treated well. And Vince and Greg are my personal bodyguards, they keep my secrets. Now I shall go. Don't get into more trouble Weasley. I am not your Romeo to save your omega arse from these alphas."

"I am not your bloody Juliette." I shouted. "And stop referring to my arse. Rot in hell Malfoy." I left him at the courtyard feeling his smell of pine tree, apple and parchments, and I sneaked back into the castle, as I heard Malfoy following.

"Wait Weasley, I forgot to warn you and you can't just leave me there like that, my father...." I didn't hear his rant as I tried to move faster. Then he grabbed my hand. I really felt the urge of hitting him. "I save you and call you Juliette and all that bloody stuff, yet you act like a big, thankless oaf."

"Thank you prince Malfoy, for being a decent human being. What should I do now? I really have to go back if not we both get in trouble." I said as I took in the corridors and I didn't know where was the Great Hall. "Bloody castle and confusing corridors."

"I can help, but you don't want my help ." The git prince still followed me as he offered his hand. He got on my nerves, how can I stay longer than a day if we had nothing in common?

"Fine. If you leave me alone after that." I took it with an annoyed huff.

"You went right, when the Great Hall is in the left. On the second floor are your rooms and on the third level is off limits of course." He explained as he still held my hand. I let go of his smooth hand, like it was cursed. He checked his golden watch and started to curse. "My father will be mad if I am late from the budget meeting. Like I said go left." With that he left.

"Bloody git." I muttered and I took his advice. He was right of course, in minutes I was back and nobody noticed that I left. I sat back to a canopy and waited for Snape and McGonagall to come for us. As I sat there I didn't notice how I held close my left hand. It smelt like the prince and his touch sent me shivers. I hate him, yet my traitorous heart wanted more...

"Where were you Ronald?" Hermione asked from me disrupting my thoughts.

"Bathroom." I lied. "You know it was a long day I took a piss."

"Language. You should stop cursing and using words such as that." She tried to educate me.

"Fine mum. For your dignity I will not speak like a Five." I answered back.

"I know how a proper Five speaks. You should be an example for your Caste and Avalon. You are here to prove everyone wrong that you lot are more sophisticated." She folded her hands and I noticed her eyes wandering around, studying every lady and lord. "You were outside the backyard, there are grass stains in your suit-" She showed me and I consciously tried to clean it.

"Ladies, gentlemen." We heard McGonagall as she checked a parchment. "Severus left for a meeting with his majesty and his highness," the sighs of relief of the Selected was an indication how much we disliked him, "I am going to give a tour of the palace." Hermione clapped her hands her face was full of excitement as she shared fascinating facts with me of what she read about Hogwarts and I pretended to pay attention.

"You will take your meals in this room, alongside the royal family. Occasionally some of the banquets are kept there. The proper name is the Great Hall. Usually the makeover part of the Selection happens in the Omegas room, but there were many of you lot. You will spend most of your time in the Omegas room. If you would follow me."

It was surreal how fast all of us stood in line. McGonagall had that effect on us, probably some of these people even had a teacher like her. The Omegas room looked like the name indicated. Comfortable green and white couches, chairs and fancy blankets decorated the big round room. There was a TV big enough for all of us to watch it, bookshelves and little tables were tugged into the corners.

"The Queen, her maids and other omega family members spend their time there. Most of your time will be spent there too and you are required to be present in this room." The women marveled how beautiful it was and my fellow omega men scoffed. I found it a good place to spend my days, better than cleaning out the garden from gnomes for sure.

"You saw the hall on the left side. Only Severus, the king and the prince can enter that corridor. Another part of the palace that is off limits are the third floor. The royal family has their private quarters up there, and any sort of intrusion will not be tolerated. Your rooms are all located on the second floor. You will inhabit a large portion of the guest rooms." We went trough the maze like palace. McGonagall led us to a familiar corridor. "These doors here go out to the back garden. Mr. Crabbe, Mr. Goyle I thought Mr. Flint was assigned here. " The old lady looked like she could smell out any issue.

My heart started to beat faster. The gorillas looked at me directly, both glared once and then Crabbe finally answered. "Marcus had dung on his shoe and left to."

"To clean it." Goyle quickly continued it. "We got direct orders from the prince to stay there."

"Good work gentlemen." “Then she looked back at us. "You are not to go outside under any circumstances. During the day, there will be times when you can go into the garden, but not without permission. This is merely a safety restriction. Try as we may, rebels have gotten within the grounds before." I could feel Hermione's gaze on me and her hand was nearly up in the air to snitch on me.

"Sod off." I whispered to her. "I didn't know about that." And Malfoy didn't mention it.

"You broke a rule." She whispered back harshly. "You could have died or worse sent home."

"Check your priorities I needed a breather."

We went trough more corridors and then there was a staircase. A plush red carpet adorned the place, high windows let in the light and vases of flowers were everywhere I could look. Not to mention the old portraits of old kings and queens, old leaders and landscapes.

"Your luggage are in your rooms. If the decor is unsuitable, just tell your maids or butlers." I froze and one of the Selected crashed into me. It was a girl with pug face and dark brown eyes. How many times will I be the fool?

"We have maids?" I asked.

"Yes, each of you have three assigned." She looked bothered by my remark or for asking stupid questions. "They will help with any unpacking you might have and will help you get dressed for dinner." I only wanted to eat some food and sleep. Unpacking was the last thing I wanted to do. "Before dinner tonight, you will meet in the Omegas Room for a special screening of the Avalon Capital Report. Next week, you will all be on the show yourselves! Tonight we let you watch how you came into the palace and how you said goodbye to your home provinces. The prince himself will watch it alongside Avalon and you can meet him tomorrow." I already did, I thought bitterly.

"Your lot will all be having dinner as a group, so you will be able to meet one another, get to know each other and then, tomorrow, the games officially begin!" McGonagall said finally finishing her grand speech.

I have to say it was just like home. Too man people, too many rules and a rigid structure. Mum was the same. Controlling when and where we have jobs, what lessons she teaches us and who does what chore. I thought maybe we can have more lenient people in the castle, but I misunderstood.

The Selected omegas dropped right into their rooms, without any words. We all needed some rest and peace. My room was two doors away from the end. As I ducked into the room three omegas smell wash over my nose. All three of them male omegas in the typical butler attire of the Sixes. One was drawing on the corner while the other two were arranging some dresses.

"Good day lord Ronald. We are your chosen butlers." One approached me. He had long black bangs over his face and smelt like clean clothes. I felt familiar with sharing a room. All of my life I shared everything so three butlers are nothing. "I'm Michael." He bowed.

"Seamus and he is Dean." The second butler who was cleaning came closer. I could notice he had an accent. "Who is working on his design ideas I assure you."

"He could draw birds for as much as I care." Seamus laughed at my joke. "I'm Ron Weasley." I introduced myself.

"We know." Michael said curtly. "But then we shall call you Lord Ron?"

"Ron is fine, no need for the formality."

"You plan winning this competition right?" I nodded at him. "Then Lord Ron it is."

"He is stiff and already your number one support." Seamus smiled. "We all are. And Dean my mate hop there for a moment."

"Sorry I lose track when I draw." He said sheepishly. "Do you want to change anything in this room? I can come up with any design you wish."

"I probably will in the future." It was wild to take all this in. "Can I ask for a moment alone?" All three nodded and with a bow left. Why in the bloody hell did they bow to a simple Five? No matter what do they dress me in I was just my old me.

Instead of letting my insecurities fester I took in my room. It was bigger than my own bedroom. I noticed a brand new violin in one corner, a guitar and even a big piano. In another part of the room there was fancy art supplies, an easel and paint. It was already used, probably Dean tried it out not that I minded.

My butlers came right back as they forced me to prepare for dinner. I had to ask why the need for more makeup and haircare, but beside Seamus the other two insisted on it. They forced me into a dress, a dark green delicate dress and the small heeled shoes I wore made me awkward. As I looked into the mirror suddenly I didn't mind that much about the dress.

To my concern Severus collected us not McGonagall. He knocked on all doors without patience and we didn't dare to speak. He led us into the Omegas room in time to watch the Report. I took a seat next to Hermione and Luna and Lavender followed me promptly.

"I will put on the Report if anyone of you dares to speak they will be reported to the royal family right away." His cold threat sent down shivers on my spine.

He took a seat in the corner of the room watching all of our reactions. The Report started out with the same old boring stuff. Voldemort and his rebels still were out there, the agreement with Lylliandyl was going smoothly. Then they showed Ludo talking over our footages.

"Miss Pansy Parkinson," It turns out the pug faced girl I crashed into was famous, "graced her fans with a hour long sendoff."

I guess if you can see some beauty in her. Her black hair was the only feature I could say was appealing. Next to her sat Hestia Carrow, who was another story. Her petite stature, nonchalance and neatly arranged brown hair made her stand out from omegas.

"Miss Astoria Greengrass. What makes her special is that she already carries herself as a lady. Graceful and confident like our current queen." I took a glance at Astoria. She could be the lost daughter of the queen, with her refined nose, pale blond hair and she was wearing a green dress which showed off her curves.

"Another crowd pleaser was one of the three Fives, Mister Ronald Weasley." I felt a squeeze from Luna. They showed a part of my speech, how I looked down at Harry, of course they noticed that. They didn't show the fumbling, big idiot. No they showed a young man who spoke clearly, who hugged his family close. "While he wasn't the only Selected to stop and take pictures with the crowd, he shouldn't be overlooked. He was the favorite from his group both Devon and the crowd were taken by his thuggish charm and brave approach. He took over from Lord Smith not letting anyone else to get the crowd attention and many people think Avalon needs an omega prince with this refreshing quality."

Suddenly everyone looked at me. Smith, Parkinson and others sent me glares. Others pitied me, but most of them looked jealous. I was taken aback by that. I did nothing wrong just took some pictures with some fans and I am now the bad guy. I wanted this, so I just ignored the looks. Dinner couldn't come sooner.