Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Humming a tune under her breath, the young girl flicked on the lights to the living room, a smile on her face. Her parents were out for the night, something about eating out with a possible business partner. While she would usually go with them, this time, the Beta decided to just stay home. In those few hours she would have the house to herself and without having to hear her parents’ complaints about her movie selection for the night, it was a blessing for her. Especially since she has been meaning to re-watch all the Halloween movies, one of her favorite franchises. Placing the stack of movies on the coffee table, Angela continues to hum as she turns on the telly. It wasn’t that her parents didn’t like horror movies, they had a few they watched along with her, it was more towards the fact that Angela tended to watch the same American horror films over and over again. She couldn’t help it, some of them were good, even if they were a little cliche. Setting up the player, she got the first movie and popped it in before moving towards the kitchen, the music blending into the rather quiet background of her house. 

If she was lucky, she might be able to watch two out of the six movies she owned. Hell, maybe she could even rewatch all of them if her parents decided to stay at a nearby hotel since the restaurant was about an hour away from where they lived and her mother wasn’t very fond of driving late at night. Grabbing a stovetop popcorn popper, she placed it on the low flame. Angela’s humming continued, this time she was copying the halloween theme song. The soft pop of the popcorn made her giggle, sure it wasn’t a big deal getting all excited over a movie, much less one that she has watched countless times, but it was the reason behind it.

Sure, she loved the movies and she would watch them whenever she wanted. But that wasn’t the only reason why. Lately, she had gotten to talking to an Omega boy in her chemistry class. At first it was just civil, the boy was sharp tongue and kept to himself, Angela didn’t like him at first. It was clear that he wasn’t a social person much less someone who would go out of his way to make the people around him like him. Maybe that was what attracted her in the first place. Most Alphas or Betas would do everything they could to get the attention of other Omegas, the Omegas would do the same. Yet here he was, writing notes on his notebook and correcting a few things in his chemistry textbook. Not once did he try to gain her favor or even make conversation with her. Angela was partly relieved and curious, she wasn’t popular but she wasn’t a background character either. A few of her classmates already made it clear that they were interested in her and while she had turned them down, she did like the feeling of being noticed. So when Severus Snape merely glanced her way and nothing else, she felt…well she felt like she should do everything in her power to have his dark onyx eyes back on her.

It started small, a few greetings here and there, then she asked him questions about their assignments and what he thought about their homework. Snape barely answered, and if he did he kept it short. Still, it was progress, Angela continued since Snape didn’t glare at her or told her to keep quiet like he did with some of their other classmates. Slowly, those greetings and small talks became full conversations when the Beta learned that Snape loved horror films.

To anyone else, it might have seemed weird to like them so much, yet when she saw the way his onyx eyes lit up as he ranted about his favorite films, she didn’t care. Even if she wasn’t a big fan like him, she did watch a few and told him about how she had all the Halloween movies that had come out. Her chest had filled with pride at the subtle amazed look he gave her. If she had been an Alpha, she was sure her scent would have made it quite clear how happy she was in having amazed the otherwise collected Omega.

Angela, being on a roll, even offered to lend him her collection. Snape had hesitated, clear suspicion in his eyes at her motives but the Beta made it clear that she didn’t have anything planned and merely wanted to share the love she had for the films with a fellow movie lover. In the end the Omega agreed and Angela counted it as another win for her. It has been a couple of days since Snape returned the films, she could still remember the small smile he gave her along with the lemon balm scent that clung to the movie cases.

She had wanted to invite him to her house to watch the movies, like a small date with just the two of them. They could share popcorn, talk about anything and nothing, discuss their favorite movies, heck, maybe she could have even gotten a kiss from Snape. But she decided against it, the Omega was already suspicious as to why she lend him her movies, inviting him over would have made him uncomfortable. 

Of course, that idea was not off the table completely. If she keeps going like she was, it won’t be long before they form a friendship and then she could maybe invite him out to eat at the nearby diner. For now, she would take it easy before asking to court him. The smell of butter entered her nose as the sound of popping mixed in with the music coming from the telly. Pushing herself off the counter, Angela took out a bowl and a cup. Once the popcorn is finished she will add a bit of extra butter and maybe accompany it with some butterbeer that her parents brought a few days ago. Placing all items on the counter, the girl continued to hum, brown eyes holding a brighter glint in them. She wondered what kind of snacks Snape liked, she had noticed that in class he tended to eat small pieces of dark chocolate. It was a cheap kind, one that she had seen in the corner store when she went out with her friends. She bought a few herself, mostly to offer to Snape whenever they had class together. She hasn’t grown the nerve to offer them yet, in doing so she will be making her intentions of courting him clear. Maybe she could find a way to offer them as a friend first? At this she pouted, it was difficult. Angela never focused on getting a boyfriend or girlfriend before, heck she never even had hookups. Snape is the first person she wants to court and maybe even have a future together. 

She wanted to take things slow and have them planned out. Nothing extravagant, just simple yet meaningful. Snape didn’t like standing out, so she would make sure to ask for courtship in private. Even when they had conversations she made sure to never cross any lines that he set out of respect. Her mother had taught her that slow and steady wins the race and that fools are the ones who rush into things just for the sake of it.

Angela let out a small laugh as she took out a butterbeer and filled her cup, Snape and her mom would definitely get along. Her mother was a reserved person, much like the Omega boy and liked her privacy. If anything, it was likely that she would be asking Angela when she would propose to Snape. Her father would be the same.
A sudden sharp ringing cut through the air, making Angela jump in surprised and causing her to spill a bit of butterbeer. “Fuck.” She mumbled, quickly getting a cloth towel she cleaned the mess before picking up the phone next to the kitchen light switch. “Hello? Who is this?” No one answered, frowning, she pulled the phone away to look at it. The small screen said the call was active. She put it back in her ear and repeated herself.

“Look, if this is some prank then cut it out.” Huffing in annoyance, the brunette was about to hang up when a raspy male voice answered. “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

“...What?” 

The voice chuckled, “C’mon, you must have a favorite scary movie.” Angela rolled her eyes and placed the phone between her shoulder and ear. “Look buddy you got the wrong number.” She checked her popcorn, it was almost finished. “Really? Maybe that’s the reason why my intended caller has been so frosty.” The voice chuckled again. Angela continued to frown, she should hang up. “Yeah…well, hope you get the right person next time.” Before the person could respond, she hung up and placed the phone back into its place. “Weird…” Shaking her head she sighs and takes a sip of her drink. It wasn’t unusual to receive a few calls that dial the wrong number or prank calls from the nearby children. However, something about that caller creeped her out. Maybe it was because it was late at night, yeah, that had to be it. Taking another sip, the Beta placed her cup down and made her way out of the kitchen just as the phone rang again. 

Angela ignored it, if it was her parents they would leave a voicemail. Her friends don’t call her this late at night and while she had given Snape her number, he had yet to call her. The phone stopped as she pressed play on the movie before it rang again. With a grunt, she stomped towards the phone and picked it up with a yank. “Look buddy, you got the wrong number. So stop calling!” Before she had the chance at hanging up, a deep yet smooth voice responded, a voice she was quite familiar with.

“I seem to have caught you at the wrong time.”

Severus Snape.

“S-Snape?!” She could hear a soft chuckle and instantly melted. It was rare the times she made him smile, much less chuckle or laugh. “Sorry, I had a weirdo call me a few minutes ago and thought it was him.” With a hop to her step, she turned off the stove and let the popcorn finish popping as she leaned on the counter, a smile on her lips and a flush on her cheeks.

“It’s alright, I just wanted to call you and ask if I could borrow Carrie? You once mentioned that you had it.” Like a fool, Angela nods before realizing the Omega couldn’t see her and responds. “Yes! Yeah I can lend it to you! How about tomorrow? After chemistry?” Snape answers with a yes and in desperation to keep the conversation going, Angela continues. 

“I take it that you have read the book?”

“Yes, it’s one of my favorites. Especially the lead, I quite like her.” Angela giggles, when Snape had mentioned that he liked the movie and book, she had immediately gone to buy it from the nearby book store after school. She read it in one whole day and had new material for conversation the next. “Me too, especially that scene in which she is covered in pig's blood.”

“Especially that scene, it kinda reminds me of you.”

 
Angela pauses, the hair on the back of her neck rising. “E-Excuse me?” Snape chuckled again, however this time it sounded off. “You are such a desperate little bitch aren't you?” The Beta flinched, hurt and anger swirling in her chest. “Snape, what-?”

She is cut off by a sharp and cruel laugh. “Did you really think that someone like him would ever share the same pathetic feelings?!” It was no longer Snape’s voice but the voice of that creep. Angela gulped, the air became colder. “My God are you pathetic, my dear Severus would never pay attention to you, not as long as I live.”

“Who the fuck are you?! What do you want with him?!” She snapped, wild brown eyes looking outside the glass sliding door and onto the pool illuminated by the lights. “The same thing you want, the only difference is that I am not following him around like a love sick puppy.” The voice said, an edge of something in it. “He is mine just as I am his, someone like you will never even dream of being with him.”

She didn’t care about the creep insulting her, it wouldn’t be the first time someone did. No, what concerned her more was the way they spoke about the Omega.
As if they owned him.

It made her sick.

And scared.

“Let’s play a little game, you answer my question and if you get it right, I’ll answer any question you have. Deal?” Angela cursed at him, “How do you know about Snape?! And how did you get this number?!” Her heartbeat was fast, her hands sweaty from panic. “Now then, why don’t we have a warmup? After all, once I ask my question there won’t be a second chance to answer.” 

“You bastard-!”

“What is the name of the killer in the movie Halloween?”

“Fuck you!”

Without hesitation she hung up and immediately began to dial 999 but before she could press the call button, the phone rang again. Cursing, she declined the call but the bastard kept calling her over and over again. With tears in her eyes and despiration running through her body, Angela accidently accepted the call. “Hang up on me again and I will gut you like a fucking fish you whore!” A small whimper left her, her hand tight around the phone. “What do you want?!” Her voice trembled, fear and panic along with so many emotions clouding her head.

“I just want to play a little game, you answer my question and no one gets hurt.”

At that moment, all the lights from the backyard turned on. She turned around and screamed in horror. It had been so dark except for the pool lights, Angela wouldn’t have been able to see him and even if she was looking for him, in her panic the Beta would have completely missed him. Sitting, bound and gagged, on a chair was one of her classmates from art class. Leo Green stared back at her, eyes wide in fear as he moved against his binds. A bruise had formed on his left eye and blood seemed to keep coming out of his nose. It was clear that the Alpha had put up a fight. “You sick fucker!” She yelled into the phone, making her way towards the sliding door. “Ah, ah, ah. I won’t do that if I where you.” Just as the lights had turned on, they turned off by themselves.

“Play my game and I won’t harm a single hair on his body. Hang up on me again or get the answer wrong, poor little Leo will be the first one to meet my knife.” Tears where now running down her face, fingers white from how tight she was holding the phone. With labour breathing she nodded. Angela needed to find a way to keep both Leo and herself alive and safe. She had no idea how this man got Leo or how he even knew his name, but it was clear that he knew both of them. It was a small town, everyone knew everyone, but it didn’t help her try and figure out who was doing this. For now, she will play his game with what she did know. The man was in her house or at the very least had access in order to see be able to see her. If she could just make her way to her room, she would be able to grab the other phone her parents had given her in case of emergencies. It had a separate line, all she had to do was keep the man on the main line and out of sight so she could call for help.

With that in mind, the Beta took deep breaths, brown eyes focusing on where the dark figure of Leo was sitting. “Good girl, now let’s practice. What is the name of the killer in the movie Halloween?” 

“M-Michael Myers.”

“Ding, ding, ding! Correct! See, was that difficult?” Taunted the voice, Angela glared, eyes looking around her. Slowly, she began to make her way to the living room. The movie was playing, the voices of the characters in the background along with the scent of lemon balm kept her grounded. She could do this, if the man’s questions regarded horror films, then she could do this. The amount of times she spent talking to Snape about them would help her.

So long as the man actually kept his word.

“Practice is over. From here on out, you only get one chance to answer my question. Get it right, Leo lives to see another day, get it wrong and you will get garden fertilizer." Her socks barely did anything to cover her from the cold of the tile floors as she reached the exit of the living room. Her room was just down the hall, Angela just had to keep him distracted. “What is Hellraiser based off of?”

“Um…from Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker.” Another horror novel Snape had spoken about and that Angela had bought and read. She managed to leave the living room and enter the hallway. With her free hand she turned on the lights, her eyes weary. “Correct!” If it had been any other situation and another person (Snape), Angela would have felt proud of herself. All that reading and watching horror films was paying off.

“Let’s move on to another question.”

“Wait! You said I only had to answer one.” She quickly cut in, a few more steps, she needs a few more steps. The Beta didn’t care if she had to answer another question but the longer she had him distracted, the better. “Did I? Seems I forgot, is not everyday you meet an actual horror movie fan.” The man hums, then sighs. “But really, do you think I don’t see you moving towards your bedroom?”
A cold, bitter threat washes over her. Her sweat felt cold against her skin even if the house was not even cold. “W-What-?”

“Go back to the living room, disobey me and my buddy Leo will be loosing a finger.” Any amusement the voice held was gone. Swallowing, Angela casted one last longing look towards her room and returned to the living room. What was she going to do? She had no idea how the bastard was able to see her and that scared her even more. Was he inside the house? Did he have cameras installed? A cold shiver of repulsion and uneasiness went down her spine.

It no longer felt safe inside her house.

While the kitchen had the sliding glass door, the living room had a rather big window. From where Angela was standing, she could see Leo, this time the lights where on. His wide blue eyes looked at her, tears running down his face and the blood that had been running down his nose was now dry. “Good girl, seems like you know when to follow orders.”

“Fuck you bastard.”

Why was this happening to them? To her? The voice barked with laughter. “I wonder, does Severus know you have a filthy mouth?” Angela glared, body tense and paranoid. Again he mentions Snape. If she had been more clearheaded she would have asked what the Omega had to do with this. But her focus was Leo’s scared face and on the fact that a crazy man somehow had access to her house.
“No more heroic attempts smartass. You move and Leo losses fingers. Now next question.” Brown eyes glanced at the clock hanging by the living room's entrance. It was nine, she prayed that her parents where on their way, that her mother decided it was best to head back home instead of staying in a hotel for the night. Maybe she could stall for enough time, still it was a gamble. She had no idea when they would be back.

“In the movie ‘From Beyond The Grave’, who was the one who bought that antique mirror?” Angela racks her brain, she had watched the movie, heck even spoke about it once with Snape but for the love of her she can’t remember. The Beta curses, if there was one thing she never remembered where the names of characters that were not the killers or the main leads. “I…I don’t know.” She mumbled, the sound of something crashing makes her jump in fright but she doesn't move from her place. It sounded like it came from outside.

“How upsetting, and here I thought you and I where kindred spirits.” The man said in a mocking voice just as the light outside turned off and Leo’s muffled screams met her ears. “Wait! Don’t hurt him! Give me another chance!” She rushed towards the sliding door and tried to slide it open but it would’t budge. With one hand holding the phone, she pulled as hard as she could with the other.
The man hums as if he was in thought, “Well since you have been such an obedient bitch, I’ll give you one more chance.” The lights turned on, Leo’s blue eyes wide as his chest went up and down, breathing hard. Angela nodded, once again tears in her eyes. “Tick, tock. Answer the question Angela. I am not a very patient person.”

Taking gulps of breath, the girl bit her lip and tried to remember. Fuck, her body was shaking and her hands where sweaty. What was the fucking name of the guy?! “It-It was Dave! His name was Dave!” She shouted. The line was silent and for a moment Angela held onto hope. Hope that she got the answer right, hope that Leo won’t be harmed or killed. Hope that she could survive this.

“Wrong.”

The man’s laugher was cruel. Angela felt her legs giving up on her as she saw a figure covered in black robes and a white mask, a costume she had seen last Halloween, walk behind Leo. “No…no, no, no!” She yelled. Dropping the phone the girl used both hands and pulled the door as hard as she could. Then started banging on it when the figure grabbed a fistful of Leo’s blonde hair and yanked his head back. Leo screwed his eyes shut in pain, fear painted all over his face.

“Leave him alone! Fuck, stop you fucking bastard!”

The man tilted his head to the side, then pulled out a knife. The silver glinted in the light, clean and cold. He placed it under Leo’s neck and added enough pressure to cut skin. Leo began to move, screams silent by the gag. Angela sobbed, she couldn’t open the fucking door, why the fuck was the door not opening?! Without any hesitation, the man plunged the knife into the left side of Leo’s neck, right where the scent gland was located. A scream ripped off Angela’s throat as she fell to the ground. Leo’s blue eyes seem to widen even more as the knife was pulled out. The lights when off again and Angela just stayed, sobbing.

Guilt and fear ate at her, if only she had gotten the answer right Leo wouldn't be dead. Ignoring the phone on the ground she got up and ran towards the entrance of her house. Yanking the door open, she let another scream as the same figure that had killed Leo appeared from thin air. She tried to slam the door shut but the man was quicker and pushed against her. Angela kept pushing, using every ounce of strength she could muster. With one last push, she threw her body onto the door just as the man got his arm through and in the process managed to slam the door onto it with such force that the man yelled in pain and backed off. Taking her chance, Angela shut the door and locked it before heading towards the living room when the sound of breaking glass made her pause for a few seconds.

As she came into view, she let out a scream of horror.

Leo’s eyes were open in fear, blood soaking his shirt from where he had been stabbed. However, what had made the Beta scream was how he had been gutted. Blood and organs pooled by Leo’s feet, the metallic scent making her want to throw up. The figure in black stepped over the now broken glass door and without thinking, Angela bolted to her room. Heavy boots hit the floor as the figure chased after her. Just as she made it to her room, a hand yanked her by her hair. She yelled in pain and fear and began struggling against her capturer. The man laughed, that same static filled laugh that filled her with fear and hatred. “Let me go!” As much as she fought, it was clear the man was stronger than her. “You sure are weak.” He said before lifting her off the ground and slamming her down.

The air left her body, her head hit the floor with a crack as white spots danced in her vision. The man looked down at her, shoulders shaking from laughter. “To think someone as weak as you would ever have a chance with him.” Angela couldn’t speak, still gasping for breath. Before she could even try to gather her strength, the figure slammed his boot onto her stomach hard. She screamed as the man repeated the same action over and over again. It felt like her insides where on fire. As if the man was determine to smash her from the inside out. She felt more than heard something inside her crack, the taste of metal entering her mouth as blood tickled down the corner of her lips. Seeming to get bored, the man stopped before grabbing one of her ankles and breaking it. Angela cursed, scream, begged, anything to stop the torture. The figure didn’t listen and repeated to do the same to her other ankle before dragging her across the hallway and into the living room.

At this point, she wishes that he would just killed her. That would be a better mercy than whatever he had planned. Without any care, he lifted her body and dropped her into a sitting position in the white sofa. “Your parents are going to have to get a new one.” Said the man, more amused than anything. Angela lifted her head, it was pulsing and it was hard to breath. She felt like she had pins and needles in her stomach. The man looked at the clock on the wall and sigh, as if he was disappointed. “As much as I wish I could take my time with you, I am on a time limit.”

Before she could even process what he had said, he plunge the knife deep in-between her ribs and pushed it up and down. Angela screamed, it felt like she was screaming for hours as the man did it over and over again. Blood stained the sofa, it stained her clothes and skin. At some point, he had even stabbed her on her vocal cords so she could no longer scream. Her body felt on fire, pins and needles digging into her flesh. Her bones twisted in ways that shouldn’t be twisted. Blood, so much blood left her body. The man sighs as he leaned back an observed her, as if she was a twisted masterpiece before cleaning his knife with his gloved hand and putting it away. 

“Told you, you look just like Carrie now.”

He  laughs at his own joke. Rolling his shoulders he looked around the living room, “Well, hopefully you don’t stay the whole night here. It’s bad for your posture.” With another laugh, the man leaves through the broken glass door. Angela can only watch and hear, her body slowly becoming numb. If only she had answered the question correctly, if only she had managed to buy more time. Leo would still be alive, she would have never been caught, she could have called for help. She doubts anyone heard her scream. It was a small town, the houses all had huge gabs between neighbors. She could only hope and pray that someone, by some miracle, had heard her. The Beta didn’t want her parents to find her like this. Slowly, she closed her eyes, her body and mind welcoming the darkness that followed her.

_____

Onyx eyes stared outside the window, watching as they passed trees and houses alike. Charity kept on talking, something about Aurora and a meeting they had discussing their music club. Severus had stopped paying attention around ten minutes ago. He leaned his head against the window, tired eyes slowly closing. He usually got a decent night of sleep majority of the time. Yet, for some reason yesterday he couldn’t fall asleep properly. He kept waking up at random hours of the night and no matter what he did, he just couldn’t go to sleep.

The Omega contemplated on taking his sleeping pills but decided not to. They always made him feel groggy in the mornings and it generally tended to mess with the heat suppressants he took. The last thing he needed was to mess with his heat cycle, he could always just drink some strong coffee in the morning before leaving for school. He rubbed his nose, Charity, much like him, was an Omega. Her scent tended to be soft and one he was fond of. Roses, much like the ones that his mother has planned in the garden in front. Yet not even her scent could get rid of that metallic smell his room had recently adopted.

No matter how much he cleaned it, there was always that smell clinging to it. He tried different cleaning products, even airing the whole house but nothing worked. He gave up after a while, he didn’t have the luxury of buying more cleaning products. If anything, Severus was just thankful that the smell didn’t stick onto his clothes. The last thing he needed was for Potter and his minions to have another reason to bother him.

“And get this, the boy just wouldn’t take no for an answer and just when I was about to give him a piece of my mind, Pettigrew stepped in.” Snapping out of his thought, Severus turned to look at Charity, an eyebrow raised. “Pettigrew? That same one who can’t even fight his own battles? That Pettigrew?” He asked. The blonde girl nodded, sharing his same expression of surprise.
“It took me by surprise as well. Still, I didn’t thank him, just because he stood up on my behalf dosen’t mean anything.” She huffed and rolled her eyes. It was no surprise that she didn’t like Pettigrew or any of Potter’s friends. Out of everyone in the school, other than Severus, she hated their guts. No amount of flirting could ever hope to win her over. Severus liked that about her, Charity never gets swayed by the superficial.

“Anyways, how are you? When I came to pick you up you looked like you came back to the world of the living.” Severus rolled his eyes as Charity gave him a grin. “It was fine, just kept waking up.” He mumbled, watching as she turned a left before stopping at a red light. “I managed to finish my part in the chemistry homework. I just hope Jones did her part. The sooner we get it finish, the better.” 
Over the last couple of months, Severus has been working with Angela Jones. It wasn’t like he wanted a parter for chemistry but Professor Slughorn made it clear that in order to receive a passing grade, they all had to work in a group of two or more. Jones may not have been his ideal choice but out of everyone in that classroom, he tolerated her more. She was decent, didn’t try to dig any personal information out of him and knew when to keep quiet and work.

On a few occasions she had even stood up for him with Potter and his gang wouldn't leave him alone. At first, he had been annoyed. The last thing he needed was to be indebt in any way, shape, or form, to the Beta. And he had made it quite clear he could stand up for himself yet Jones simply smiled at him and said she didn’t want anything in return. That is what friends did for one another.

That had been a shock.

The only people he would count as friends was Charity and that was because the blonde was stubborn. Lily had also been his best friend, but after fifth year…he shook his head. It didn’t matter, she made it clear that she didn’t want anything to do with him. It was nice in a way to have another friend other than Charity. Jones even seemed interested in the same things he liked. He could spend hours talking about the classic and new horror films with her and the Beta wouldn’t judge him or look at him weirdly. If anything, she encouraged him. Charity had teased him about it a few times, saying that Jones was clearly interested in him as more than just friends. Severus would deny it, even if the evidence was there. Jones didn’t make it obvious but it wasn’t subtle either. The Omega didn’t know how to feel about that. No one had ever shown him that kind of attention, they got weirded out whenever they saw his interest and choice of style.
Not that it was much to go by other than baggy shirts and pants.

Charity said he could make a garbage bag work and that people didn’t know what they were missing.

Severus disagrees.

“Ooh, how are things going with her?” His friend asked, eyebrows going up and down in a teasing gesture. At this point, Severus was going to get his eyes stuck at the back of his head with the amount of times he kept rolling them today. “Nothing is going between us. We are just classmates.” He didn’t want to hope for more than that. For all he knew, Jones was just being nice and he was reading too much into it. “Anyways, that’s not the only assignment I have to worry about.”

Charity didn’t point out his obvious change in topic and let him continue. “The art teacher wants us to build a portfolio to enter that competition she keeps rambling about.” He didn’t have anything against art, but one would think that Mrs. Allen would not be as intense as she usually is. Then again, it was a competition against the only other school in Hogsmeade and it was well known for teaching kids from the wealthier families in the town.

Severus guesses he can understand her determination to win. Anything to rub it on those rich bastards. “Much like Slughorn, she wants us to work in a group of two or more. Since I share that class with Jones we decided to partner up alongside Green. I already outlined a couple of designs to use. I am just waiting for them to tell me which of their designs we will add to put it together.”

Severus may like art and has it as a hobby, he wouldn’t say he would do that as a career choice. Still, even if it is something he doesn't plan to do in the long run, he will give it his all. After all, if he plans on getting a full ride to University of Oxford then he needs to have his grades as high as possible in order to even enter his name for the full ride scholarship. “Damn, thats already two project huh? Then again, it’s the middle of the semester which means we will be getting more competitive with the other schools.” Charity rolls her eyes as she presses on the gas. Much like Severus, she could care less about the rivalry between the schools unless it involved her music club which was more of a school band. On the bright side, he didn’t have to worry about Potter and his minions.

Around this time the schools rugby team was on full on practice mode. It usually meant that Potter and Black were too focused on the team to bother him. By extension, that means that Lupin and Pettigrew were also not around that much to bother him. They quieted down as Charity turned up the volume to her radio and hummed along to Queen’s ‘Another one bites the dust’. Severus nods his head to the music, maybe he should stop by the record store and rent one of the Queen albums. It’s been a while since he listen to their music, plus he knew his mother likes the group, it might cheer her up. Ever since his father up and left years ago, it has been easier for him and his mother. They no longer had to walk on eggshells and have their money wasted on gambling and beer. It was nice to be able to come home and not brace yourself for either verbal abuse or physical abuse.

Some music might cheer the whole house.

Yeah, he should stop by after school if he had time.

Time goes by fast as it usually did whenever he was with Charity. He even managed to take a small nap before she parked the car and turned off the engine. With a groan, both Omegas got out of the car and stretched. Severus tugged down his black long sleeve shirt down and made sure he had his wallet and house keys in his school bag before Charity locked her car. “Wait!” Severus stopped as Charity pulled a black hair band from the many she had on her wrist and told him to stay still. Severus sighs but obeys, at this point, might as well let her do what she wanted. In order to help her, he leaned down a bit so she could reach properly. Another thing people just didn’t like about him, his height. If he was an Alpha or a Beta, no one would point out his height but since he was an Omega, some people just couldn’t keep their opinions to themselves.

According to the rules of the universe, an Omega cannot be taller than Alphas or Betas. They need to be delicate and soft, cute and obedient. They must be modest but also not be a prude. It was everything that Severus isn’t. He is tall, taller than some Alphas and Betas and even just as tall as some of them. He dresses comfortably instead of for the eyes of others, his hobbies are anything but cute and delicate. He rather spend his time studying and painting then baring his neck to Alphas who only wanted to shag.

All in all, he was anything but a picture perfect Omega.

Maybe that’s why Potter and his minions didn’t like him.

Maybe that is why the school never did anything against the harassment. 

After all, why should they defend an Omega who isn’t from one of the rich families around? 

Charity gathered his black hair and gently brushed it with her fingers. Tying it back into a high ponytail, she got in front of him, hummed, and pulled a few strands of hair to fram his face before nodding in satisfaction. “I am so jealous of your eyes, they are so pretty.” She said, a smile on her lips. Severus huffs, feeling himself flush. Charity always went on and on about how his eyes where pretty and that it was the main reason why Jones was always following him around.

“Let’s scent each other before going into the hell hole.” Pushing a few of the scrunchies on her wrist, Charity exposes her wrist scent gland and gently rubs it onto the side of his neck where one of his scent glands is. Severus purrs softly, another thing that he has gotten used to while being Charity’s friend. It was common for packs to form in school, majority of the time the packs would stay together even after graduating. Sometimes, people within the pack would date each other or would just be friends.

Severus never found any interest in being in a pack. When he was friends with Lily, he though that they could be their own pack of three, including Petunia, even if the older Evans whined about it, she always seemed happy to be included. But that never came to be, Lily made her own pack with a couple of her friends after their friendship ended.

Charity had then entered his life a few weeks later and never left. She didn’t have a big pack either, it was only her and Aurora who invited Severus after a couple of weeks. He had been hesitate, if anything it was more fear that he had. He was afraid that at some point they would get tired of him and kick him out. Getting kicked out of a pack was more humiliating than not having one. But both girls where persistent and before he knew it, he was the second Omega in the pack of three. Charity being the first Omega and Aurora being the only Alpha. It had a few perks, he came to realize after the first couple of days of being in a pack. Potter and his friends couldn’t bother him as much, not if they wanted issues with Aurora who made it clear that Severus was to be left alone. Everyone knew how territorial Alphas were of their packmates, and Potter may be stupid but he wasn’t that stupid. He left Severus alone majority of the time, the same was for Black who only shot venom with his words instead of shoving him into lockers. 

“There, your turn.” Rolling the sleeves of his shirt, he scented Charity, who closed her eyes and purred as well. Scenting each other was also something packs did. It had taken a while for Severus to be comfortable enough to touch either girl but once he did, he tended to stay in the cuddle pile longer than anyone would have guessed. Neither girl minded, if anything, they were glad to have earned the right to see that side of him.

He pulled away after a couple of minutes and Charity smiled at him. “Alright, lets go to the music room to meet up with Aurora before class starts.” Grabbing his hand, the blonde girl pulled him along. The school wasn’t packed yet, students tended to come a few minutes before class started but it also made it hard to navigate the hallways without bumping into people. Which was why Severus liked to be here early. That and because they couldn’t scent Aurora unless they came by early. The Alpha had tried to find time to meet up with them before classes but with her busy schedule and the fact that she lived a little farther away from the school made it hard. Instead, they had just agreed to meet each other early before classes started in order for the pack Alpha to scent them.

Severus would come to realize why it was important to have her scent on him. While Alphas and Betas made majority of the population, Omegas were rare, even more so if they were male. Which made them even more desirable, if an Omega didn’t have a pack then people where always egear to welcome them in.

Exempt Severus.

As mentioned before, he unnerved a lot of people. Which also aided him in being left alone.

Still, people bothered him for a different reason, that reason being was to become a personal punching bag.

Aurora put a stop to it when he became part of her pack.

“We are in front of the school that the two victims attended.” 

Charity slowed down, he did the same behind her. He frowned at the small crowd on onlookers and at the news van parked at the front of the school gates. The familiar blonde hair of Rita Skeeter is among the crowd as she spoke to the camera man, crimson red lips moving as she gestured to the school behind her. “I wonder what that is about.” The blonde girl said softly. Severus wonders the same, nothing big has ever occurred in Hogsmeade other than the time Potter’s dad once again won the election for mayor of the town. Some students glanced at them before looking back at Skeeter but others seemed to just stare at them. “Why are they looking at us?” Asked the raven, his skin felt itchy under their eyes.

“Not at us, at you.” She said after a moment and she was right. People were looking at him with different expressions. Some with suspicion others with pity, the last one caught him off guard. “It is truly a tragic loss of two young and promising students. May we always remember Angela Jones and Leo Green.” Just as both Omegas had made their way around the crowd, Severus felt himself freeze. Had Skeeter just said Jones and Green?

Charity turned to look at him, worry in her eyes. Without thinking he turned to go back and ask what Skeeter meant by that when Aurora came out of the building, her eyes showing relief when she spotted them. Without greeting them, she quickly pulled them into the building and guided them into the music club room. As they walked by, more students continued to stare at them, more specifically, at him.

“Sorry for suddenly pulling you away like that.” Aurora said, an apologetic smile on her face. “Skeeter and The Prophet have been here way before the school opened its gates. Headmaster Dumbledore let them stay as long as they don’t enter the building to question students.” Gesturing for them to take a seat, the dark skin Alpha gives them each a coffee of their preference. As usual, he gets a plain dark coffee, no cream or sugar. Charity makes a face, as always, at his choice of coffee.

“I heard the news from my older brother before leaving in the morning. He didn’t say much, only that there had been an accident and he couldn’t say much.” Charity sipped on her coffee, relaxing. Severus raised an eyebrow, “Am I the only one who doesn't know what is going on?” Both girls turn to look at him in surprise. “You haven’t heard?” Asked Aurora, Severus shakes his head. He didn’t have time to watch the news before school. Usually he woke up early and made some breakfast and lunch for his mother to heat up before making his own food and getting ready for school.

Since he didn’t get a good night's sleep, it never even crossed his mind to turn on the telly. “Apperently, two students were found dead last night. I didn’t know from what school since they never mentioned it and I didn’t fully believe it. You know how Skeeter can be, I just thought it might have been an accident like my brother said.” Added Charity. “But God, Angela Jones and Leo Green? Those two never did anything to anyone. Heck, they always minded their business.”

Aurora nods, crossing her arms. “They were found in Jones’s house, both were ... .in a pretty bad shape. Mom says that whoever did it is no amature.” Severus stares at his coffee, just yesterday he had seen both of them. Since Jones shared both chemistry and art with him, she accompanied him from those two classes. Just yesterday they were talking about maybe checking the movie rental together someday and seeing what they had. 

Severus hadn’t agreed but told her he would think about it. His gut clenched, she smiled at him, brown eyes twinkling with hope. Sure, Jones sometimes annoyed him but she was a decent person. She never expected him to fit into the whole Omega stereotype and even seemed to share the same interests as him. Then there was Leo Green, an Alpha who shared art class with him and was on the rugby team.

Unlike the majority of the athletic kids, he never went out of his way to bother Severus. Instead, he always approached him for help in some of their assignments. Sometimes they even worked as a team in some of them. Much like Jones, Green wasn’t bothered by him and never tried to make him speak if he didn’t want to. When it came to presentations, Green always took the lead like a natural. He had even started to make conversation with Severus about the Omega’s interest and didn’t judge them. If anything, he asked for recommendations on movies and novels. He was decent and he never once used his scent to intimidate him, if anything, he always made sure his scent was barely detectable around Severus. Sometimes when he got too excited it would leak out and the Alpha would quickly apologize with a sheepish smile.

Both of them were decent people, and while Jones clearly wanted something romantic with him, it didn’t bother Severus. If anything, he felt flattered that someone looked at him in that kind of way. He had just spoken to them both yesterday about the assignment they were working on in art class, had spoken to them before leaving to go start his shift at work and even made plans to meet them on Saturday at the Three Broomsticks to go over the art assignment.

A warm hand squeezed his shoulder causing him to jolt in surprise before the familiar smell of lavender entered his nose. Aurora smiles at him in worry, “Sorry, this must come as a shock to you since you were close with them.” The Omega shakes his head, “We were just classmates, they were…decent people.” Both girls knew he quite liked their company with the way they just shared a look. “Is that why they kept looking at me?” He asked, trying to change a topic he wasn’t ready for.

“Ah, that.” Aurora sighs and leans back into her chair. “A couple of days ago Green had come to ask me for permission to court you.”

“What?”

“Yeah, he approached Aurora after rugby practice and we were packing the music room. Said he wanted to talk and then asked her and me if he would be able to court you.” Charity added and shrugged her shoulders. “We told him that we had no issue but that he would have to ask you and if you said no then to respect your decision.”

Another thing he hadn’t known about packs until Aurora told him was courting. If an Alpha or Beta of another pack wanted to court someone outside their pack, specifically an Omega, they had to ask permission from the head Alpha. In this case, that would be Aurora. Still, the fact that Green, an Alpha on the Rugby team and someone who was just as sought after as Potter wanted to court him was shocking. 

“He didn’t seem like he was joking either. Apparently, he had gotten into a verbal fight with Black, those who were there said it was about you.” Severus huffs, “About me?” Aurora nods. “I wasn’t there but a few of the club members were. Black was talking shit and Green just snapped at him.”

Huh, well Black always talked shit about him, that part wasn’t surprising. But Green really stood up for him? 

“Anyways, they probably think you are heartbroken at losing two potential mate candidates.” Charity rolls her eyes. “They think no one else would be interested but that’s just bullshit.” In a way, he was sad that both died but who wouldn't be? They had been decent people who never made it their mission to make him miserable. Hell, if Potter and his minions also died, he might have felt happy but even then, he would have at least mourn them.

For a minute or two before moving on with his life.

“Have they said anything about funeral arrangements?" He asked Aurora who shook her head. “No, not yet. Mom is doing the autopsy and the police are still investigating. As of now, the parents just want to be left alone. But I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.” He nods, she must have read his intentions. Severus may not know how it feels to lose someone close to you, his father may have left him and his mother to their fates but the Omega knew he was alive somewhere.

His mom was slowly dying, terminal illness. Yet she was still alive, he wouldn’t be crossing that bridge at the moment.

Once they announce the funeral, he will go pay his respects. It’s the least he could do for the two people who saw him as a human being.

“Just ignore their stares. Green and Jones didn’t make it subtle about their attraction towards you so they will try to dig some reactions out of you. If they poke too much, punch them in the nose.”

“Charity!”

“What? Sometimes violence is the answer. And don’t go lecturing me, you kicked Black in the balls last week because he wouldn’t leave Severus alone.”

Severus just sighs and rolls his eyes before finishing his coffee and throwing the cup away. Aurora began scenting Charity and then scented him, her lavender smell calming down his nerves. Hopefully, this will be enough to keep nosy students away. The sooner the day is over, the better.

By the time Severus made it to his first period, the majority of the students were no longer paying him any attention. He settled down for English class, Charity had calculus while Aurora had biology. Pulling the book that the class is reading, he takes out his notes and a pen. In most of his classes he would make it a habit to sit in the back since Lily and her friends sat in the front, which meant Potter and his friends would also be there.

Though, as of late, Potter had been showing less and less interest in Lily, much to the confusion of many. Severus tried not to let it bother him, but it did. The main reason his friendship with the redhead had gone up in flames had been Potter. From the moment the brunette Alpha had looked at Lily, he was in love as they say. Apparently, he saw Severus as a threat and since no one seemed to like him, he began to bully him.

That was when they were eleven.

They were now seventeen, soon to be eighteen and in their last year of school. 

Potter never stopped bothering him, not even after he and Lily stopped talking. At first he would shower the redhead with attention, always in front of Severus as if to rub it in. But even then it started to slow down. Lily was also confused, she didn’t go out of her way to get Potter’s attention but it was clear in the way she would frown each time Potter would walk by her without even greeting her. Severus was bothered by it because that meant that his friendship was broken for nothing. Not that he blames Lily for what happened that day. Severus was also at fault, he said things he didn’t mean, both of them did. He took it too far, called her names that his mother would disapprove of. He tried to apologize but Lily ignored him. It wasn’t until a week after their fight that the redhead Beta told him that she forgave him but that they couldn’t be friends anymore. Severus had been heartbroken but respected Lily’s wishes and left her alone.

Letting out a sigh, he opened his book to the chapter the class was supposed to read for homework and at the notes he had taken of it in his notebook. It wouldn't hurt to review them before Professor Flitwick sprung them with a surprise pop quiz about the chapter to see if they actually read it. The class continued to fill in, some chatter was heard here and there, mostly about Jones and Green.
Onyx eyes read over the pages, lower lip caught between his teeth as he read. The few strands of hair Charity had pulled from the ponytail she made grazed his cheek. He had been so into his reading that he failed to realise someone sat next to him until they cleared their throat. Looking up, his eyes narrowed as the green eyes he has grown to loathe greet him. Remus Lupin gives him a small hesitant smile. The two chairs behind Severus are pulled out and in them sat Sirius Black and James Potter.

Severus glanced around him, Lily was sitting in the front with her friends and there were still some seats open in the front. Why were they here? He frowns and shoots Lupin a glare before going back into his notes. He could move surely, but Professor Flitwick just walked in and currently, he didn’t want any attention on him. It was bad enough people thought he was a heartbroken Omega. If he caused a scene they would just continue with him being hysterical.

That and somehow, every time the marauders (because for some reason they called each other that) caused any kind of disturbance that included him, he ended up in detention with them.
Flitwick greeted the class and began writing on the board. Severus turned to a clean page and began to take notes. The first few minutes of class had gone by well, the three Alphas sitting (surrounding) by him left him alone and for a moment, Severus hoped it would stay like that for the rest of the class. Just as Flitwick talked about the two main characters and their actions in the book he felt a soft tug on his hair.

His eye twitched but he ignored it. Either Potter or Black will give up, hopefully.

There was another tug, this one a bit more rougher. Clenching his teeth, he waited until the professor turned his back to the class before turning to face the one pulling his hair. A pair of sharp gray eyes met him and he glared. “Stop.” He muttered before turning back to face the front. Five minutes later, Black tugs his hair again and again. At this point, Severus is sure that his ponytail had come loose.

He waited again until the professor turned around, and just as Black tugged his hair again, Severus was quick enough to turn around and grasp his wrist. The Alpha with curly black hair hissed in pain and Severus let go in surprise. Black shot him a glare, one that he returned just as Potter kicked the leg of his chair, sending him right into the desk. Before he could hit the table, Lupin put his arm between Severu’s stomach and the desk. It still hurt and by the wince Lupin let out, it had also hurt him but not as much if he had hit it without any cushion. “Guys stop.” Whispered the green eyed Alpha, shooting a disapproving glance at his two friends. Black rolled his eyes and Potter just shrugged and smirked.

Severus turned to face the front and shoved Lupin’s arm away from him. Of all days they just had to sit with him. Why couldn’t they sit in the front like they usually did? That was why he sat in the back when he had any classes with them. Though, compared to what they used to do before Aurora made him part of her pack, this was just mild.

Still, it was annoying.

Back when they were kids, Potter and Black were the main ones pulling pranks on him. Sure, some of them were harmless but it still left him humiliated. They loved to grab his backpack and throw it into the nearby river. It had gotten to the point in where his mother had to talk to the school because he kept missing assignment deadlines since well, how could he turn in any work when the work itself was destroyed. But it never stopped.

Potter was the son’s mayor, no one wanted to make an enemy of the mayor so they let Potter do whatever he and his friends wanted. Black was also part of the Black family, one of the many families that had power in the town. Everyone knows how Walburga Black and Orion Black are when they are questioned in the way they raise their children. Since no one wanted to deal with them, they let Black go with just a slap to the wrist.

Lupin, while he didn’t come from a rich or powerful family, still had a clean record in school and many professors tended to favor the nice and gentle Alpha. It made Severus gag, what a bunch of bootlickers. As for Pettigrew, well, by association he also got away with a lot of stuff. All in all, the marauders are assholes who will never get in trouble because they are the school’s favorites. Severus on the other hand was that weird creepy kid that sits in the back and acts nothing like how an Omega should act. 

At the very least now they don’t corner him like they used to do. While Potter may be the mayor’s son, Aurora’s parents and Charity’s parents were nothing to laugh at. They were also influential within the town and as far as Severus knew, they were also part of the Mayor Potter campaign that helped him win. Since Severus was in Aurora’s pack he also had her and Charity’s parents protection. So while the marauders still bothered him, it was tamed to how it was before. 

There was another tug on his hair.

Lupin hissed behind him, Potter chuckled, and Black pulled on his hair again.

Severus closed his eyes for a moment and prayed to whatever deity that could hear him to grant him patients.

Luckily time went by, even as Black and Potter kept pestering him, and he soon found himself in chemistry class. The seat beside him, usually occupied by Jones, is empty with a few flowers and a picture of her. Severus avoided looking at it for too long, that twist in his stomach returning. The class went by calmly, Slughorn made a speech about Jones and how much of a good student she was before having a moment of silence and then started the class. 

Everything was going fine until Slughorn called him to the front.

“Sorry my boy for calling you at a time like this.” He said, patting Severus's shoulder. The Omega just hums and lets the professor continue. “I know Angela was your partner for this class and that you two got along so well. But I’m afraid you will have to pair up with another group.” Severus bit his lip and he must have looked troubled because Slughorn smiled at him. “Worry not my boy, I have already spoken to a group and they have agreed to take you in.” 

Severus wanted to groan. Just how insensitive was this man? Sure Jones and he weren’t best friends but the least the professor could do was give him until next week to gather his work before throwing him into another group. A group, mind you, and he didn’t even know who it was made up of. “May I ask you what that group is?” He asked, hoping and praying it was anyone but Potter and Black. It was a surprise that they were even taking chemistry with the way they never got higher than a C on the subject. 

“Of course, give me a moment.” The man gestured behind him and as Severus turned to see who it was, he glared. Black looked at him, smirking as Potter crossed his arms over his chest. Severus felt a vein pulse in his temple. “These two gentlemen have offered to take you into their group. They even reached out to me before I could make the decision.” Slughorn chuckled and Severus resisted the urge to curse at him. “Now, I decided to extend the deadline for the project so you three will have time to adjust to one another. That way no one falls behind.”

“That’s very generous of you professor.” Said Potter, smiling at Slughorn. The bastard even had the nerve to put his arm over the Omega’s shoulder as if they were buddies. He scrunched his nose as cinnamon entered his airways. It was neither pleasant or unpleasant, but then again it was Potter so the scent might as well be shit. “We will make sure to make him feel welcome." Added Black as he patted Severus’s head mockingly, though for Slughorn it might as well have been a friendly gesture. Black’s pinewood scent mixed in with Potter’s and it almost made Severus gag. 

Why the hell was their scent so strong?

He resisted the urge to cover his nose, even as they made their way to Severus’s table. He shrugged their arms off him and was about to sit down when Potter grabbed his bag and Black grabbed his books from the table. “What do you think you're doing?” Severus asked, it was too early for this bullshit.

“What do you think? We’re a group, so we need to sit together.” Answered Potter as he and Black turned to walk back to their table. Severus sighs and reluctantly follows them. Just as he expected it was a disaster. Sure the two morons had a good chunk of the work done however, the majority of it was pure rubbish. He told them that and both just glared at him. For the first half of class Severus was telling them how to fix certain things. Black whined about Severus not doing anything, he just kicked him under the table when Slughorn wasn’t looking.

Surprisingly, Potter didn’t complain much. “Now switch these two and write this equation down. It should give you the answer.” Potter nodded and did as he was told. His cinnamon scent was soft now, almost gentle. Severus didn’t pay it any mind. He glanced over at Black and narrowed his eyes before hitting him in the head with his pencil.

“Ow! You greasy git!”

“Are you an idiot? I told you to use this equation, not that one.” Severus circled the equation boldly. “And write clearly, it looks like a toddler wrote that.” The last jab was unnecessary but he had to say it. Black’s hand writting was usually cursive, Severus would know since sometimes he helped some of the professors stack essays whenever he had detention. However, now it looked like someone was writing with their left hand when they were right handed. 

The gray eyed boy rolls his eyes and erases his mistakes before writing the correct equation. Severus huffed and went back to his own work, the scent of pinewood was also softer and once mixed with Potter’s cinnamon scent, it didn’t smell too bad.

Not that he would ever tell them that.

It was like that for the last few remaining minutes of class. To his surprise and suspicion neither Alpha gave him a hard time. Sure a comment was thrown here and there but other than that, it went by as calmly as it could have gone. They even managed to fix all the issues with the project that the Omega was satisfied enough to accidentally release a bit of his scent without knowing. Both Potter and Black had stopped chatting as they stared at Severus while he checked their work.

“Here, everything is correct. You might not be hopeless after all.” He said as he handed them their papers back, not noticing that they had stopped talking. Potter gave him a nod, and shockingly enough, a small smile. Severus ignored that and turned to look at Black who was looking at him instead of the paper. “Practice using that equation, we will be using it a lot for this project….” He trailed off as his eyes locked into Black’s wrist, the one he had grabbed last class.

It was bruised, horribly bruised. As if something or someone slammed it onto a hard surface. Black looked down and quickly pulled his black jacket over his wrist all while chuckling nervously. “Rugby practice was brutal yesterday, you know how it is.” He said as he took the paper and shoved it into his bag without looking at it. Severus gives him a deadpan look but says nothing about it. It wasn’t like he was worried about him, it had just taken him by surprise.

For a moment he forgot Black was on the rugby team.

“So, what do you think about Jones and Green?” Potter cut in before the awkwardness got even worse. The raven head boy merely shrugs, onyx eyes looking at the clock above the classroom door. Only five more minutes and he can meet up with Charity and Aurora for lunch. “Nothing? I thought they were friends of yours?” Asked Black, a brow raised. Severus sighs, it looks like they wanted to start a conversation.

Wonderful.

“They were decent classmates, I respected them just as they respected me.”

He wouldn’t add more to it because it was the truth. Plus, knowing how those two gits are, it would be better not to add anything else. For all he knows, they could spread rumors and he wouldn’t like that. Especially when those rumors could center around two dead students. The answer seemed to satisfy them both as they didn’t press on it. “I feel bad for their parents, apparently the ones who found them were Jones’s folks.” Added Potter, looking at Severus. The Omega bit the inside of his cheek, still looking at the clock.

He didn’t want to think about it because if he thought about it, then he would spiral down a rabbit hole. They weren’t close, but Severus still liked their company. Sure he has his own pack but it was nice talking to people who saw him and didn’t turn the other way. He was going to miss them.

“I heard you like horror films, what’s your favorite scary movie?” That snaps Severus out of his thoughts and turns to look at Black, who had asked the question. Potter gave his friend a look but the gray eyed boy ignored it. He was grinning and Severus couldn’t help but frown. “Wouldn’t you like to know mutt?” Black barked in laughter, smirking at him. “Just asking. My younger brother wants to watch some but we can’t decide on which one. I thought I might ask the expert himself.” Severus narrowed his eyes, was Black mocking him? By the way the mutt was looking at him, all teasing and sincere, no, he wasn’t. That didn’t make him feel any less on edge.

“Same for me,” Potter cuts in. “I wanted to watch a few of them and saw some at the movie rental but don’t know which ones to get. Any recommendations?” Ok, now it is getting weird. Both boys were looking at him expectantly. Severus really didn’t want to answer but horror films and novels where a subject he couldn’t help but always talk about.

Jones and Green never seemed to mind.

Fuck, why was time going so slow?!

“If you want to introduce your brother to horror films, I recommend going with the classics Black.” Fuck it, he can recommend something that will disturb Black so that he never asks again. “Carrie is one I recommend, though if I were you I would read the novel first then watch the movie. The Shining is also a good one, it’s from the same author as Carrie.” He then turns to Potter. “It’s more of a series but you can watch it in one sitting, IT. It also comes from the same author of the last two movies I recommended.”

Before the two boys can say anything, the bell rings. Without waiting for a response, he bolts out of his seat, thankful that he packed his things beforehand. Hopefully they don’t bother him again. When people think of horror movies, they tend to think about blood and guts. However, Severus prefers the ones that have psychological horror in them. Don’t get it wrong, he does like the ones that have blood and guts but he likes to expand his taste in order to fully enjoy it.

Lunch was alright, he talked to Charity and Aurora about his two new partners and both girls had to be reassured that he had things under control. He didn’t want them to worry about him, and if Potter and Black tried anything funny, well then, he wouldn’t mind getting detention for kicking their asses. He ate, talked a bit to the girls, ate a bit more, and then read Carrie again. By the time he said goodbye to his pack mates and was heading to class did he realize he, once again, didn’t have partners for the portfolio project.

He cursed under his breath. Hopefully the professor wouldn’t take the liberty to shove him into a group without asking him. Severus sat down in the back of the classroom, thinking. Who was in his art class that he got along with? The majority tended to avoid him since his particular art style wasn’t to their taste. Much like how he loves horror films and novels, he tended to draw on the darker side. Nothing gory, just things that the rest couldn’t comprehend and labeled dark and creepy.

Of course, much to his disappointment the professor had in fact, taken the liberty to place him with a group. Which is how he found himself in a group with Lupin and Black. Again, he wonders why Black of all people even takes art. He already knew they went to this class, how couldn't he when Black made it his mission to throw paint at him like a child?

Of course, Lupin would simply turn the other way despite the fact that he was on the student council. And as much as he hates to admit it, both mutts sure know how to draw. Their art style was different yet unique. Black was more of an expert with water colors and acrylic paints while Lupin focused his art in oil paints. “Wow, this is beautiful Snape.” Lupin stared at four different drawings that Severus made with white chalk. The one the green eyed Alpha was looking at was one of a wolf.

Black, surprisingly, didn’t have any scathing remarks about them. He was holding one of a dog, heck he was even being gentle with it. Severus clears his throat, “Those are just some of the ones I brought. Since we each have a different art style and draw or paint with different materials I think we will be able to do a bit of each.” He takes back the two drawings while Lupin grabs the one with a white stag and Black grabs the one with a white doe.

“I have more but this should be enough to let us know about each other's preferences.” He added once both boys returned the drawings to him. “True, now all we have to decide is on the theme of our portfolio.” Lupin says, a smile directed at Severus to which the Omega simply nods. “Do any of you have things you rather not draw or topics we should avoid?” He takes out a paper and pencil to take notes. Better to know what he is working with unless he wants Black to be insufferable. Gods above, the universe really likes taunting him.

Two projects with Black as his partner. May the Gods have mercy on him, he wants to be able to graduate.

“I don’t mind if we touch the darker stuff.” The gray eyed boy said after a few seconds of silence. Severus narrowed his eyes at him, was Black trying to edge him? Or was he taunting him? Black just looked back at him, then winked. The Omega looked at him with disdain. “Well for my part, I don’t mind dark subjects either.” Added Lupin, and Severus turns to look at him the same way he looked at Black. Right, well if both insisted then it won’t be his fault if they end up being disturbed.

“Fine, I can bring some of my darker art next week.” Since they had to accommodate Severus, all they had to do was discuss the topic they will be doing along with getting to know one another's art. Since they already did that, they had the rest of the class free. Pulling out his book he began to read but before he could even flip the page Lupin called out to him.

“Snape, I was wondering, would you be willing to meet up with us on Saturday? That way we can get a head start on our project. Sirius and James both have rugby practice and since you and Sirius are working on two projects at the same time, it would help not having a cramped schedule.” Severus bit back a sigh, he really wouldn’t like to see them out of class. Especially during the weekend.
But Lupin did have a point, Potter and Black would be busy with their team and Black was already doing two projects with him. They would need to divide their time carefully and accommodate one another, so meeting during the weekend wouldn’t be bad.

If it was anyone else other than them.

“And pray tell, where would we meet?” Like hell he would let them anywhere near his house or worse, willingly step foot into any of their houses. “How about the library? It closes around six at noon. We can meet up around two? That way you have time for both projects.” It sounded like a horror movie, and not the ones he liked. Sure, it did fit into his schedule since he had to go to work around eight for the night shift at the convenience store. But he also didn’t want to spend all his Saturday with the marauders.

Decisions, decisions.

“Fine, however you are buying me food. I don’t give my time for free.” Maybe it won’t be bad if he treated it like a tutoring session. Even then, Rosier wasn’t as bad as these guys, sure he was mouthy but did his work and followed Severus’s orders. “That’s no problem, food, drinks, and snacks are on us.” If Black had a tail, it would be wagging by how much excitement he was showing. Severus could smell how the pinewood scent got stronger. This time the smell of dark chocolate accompanied it.

Severus would never admit it, not even at gun point, but out of all the marauders, he preferred Lupin’s scent. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Severus loves dark chocolate. It has always been his favorite since he was a kid. His mom never had much money and yet she would always buy him a chocolate bar whenever she could. It was a treat he has grown to love.

It just had to be Lupin who had that scent.

If he had just paid a bit more attention, he would have realized he had unconsciously let out a soft content purr. His own scent answering Lupin’s dark chocolate scent. For the rest of the period, Severus was left alone much to his own pleasure. He didn’t bother saying anything to them when class ended, he simply got his bag and left the class. His last period was calm, he had no marauder in that class and that was more than enough to make him happy. 

By the time he met with Charity and Aurora it was the end of the day and students were leaving to go home or hang out with friends. Aurora had decided to stay after school to practice with her band and since Charity was also in the club she had to do the same. She still offered Severus a ride but he declined, the walk to his job was at best just ten minutes. He will be able to make it before dark.
“Fine, but are you sure you don’t want us to pick you up after your shift?” Aurora asked, a disapproving frown on her face. “No, it's fine. It’s not far from my house.” It wouldn’t be any different from any other day.

“Still, we have a killer on the loose.” Adds Charity.

Right, except that.

“Still, I’m sure your parents won’t want you out late either. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I will make sure to call you from the work phone to let you know when I clock in and clock out.” It didn’t do much to settle their worries but they let the topic go. With that he said goodbye and left the school building. The sound of rugby players faded into the background as he walked away. As he predicted, the walk to work was uneventful. He called Aurora to check in with her and Charity then clocked in and began a very boring shift.

His coworker was in the back restocking as Severus took care of the front. It was not the best job out there, but it paid well. Plus the manager accommodated Severus's school schedule. So he didn’t mind dealing with rude customers or creeps. The manager told him where the shotgun was if things ever got out of hand. If there is one thing his father ever did right, it was teaching him how to use a shotgun and gun.

When Severus presented on his 10th birthday, Tobias had expected either a Beta or Alpha, not an Omega. So when Severus was finally done with his transformation and heat, his father took him to the forest and began to teach him how to use his shotgun. Apparently, he didn’t want anyone to take advantage of him. It was funny, the way Tobias showed his fatherly love.

The hours went by fast, during his break he finished some of his homework for his other classes and even did a bit of the chemistry project. It was mostly uneventful, people came in and out. Some just wanted to buy snacks, others buying things last minute since they didn’t want to be out late at night. The telly at the corner of his workstation was on a random channel with the volume low. It was entertaining when he had nothing else to do.

Before he knew it he was already clocking out and calling Aurora to let her know he was heading home. He then called Charity to do the same and left after his coworker reassured him he would lock up on his own. The street lamps were already on as he walked down the road. There were a few shops open but there hardly seemed to be people there. No surprise, when a crime such as a killing occurred in the small town of Hogsmeade it was always a big deal because everyone knows everyone. Currently, all of them are suspicious of each other even if they won’t say it. Severus shakes his head, even with that going on, he can’t let it distract him. He has bills to pay and a mother to take care of. A killer is the last of his worries, plus, even if a killer were to target him there would be no reason to.
Then again, when did a killer need a reason to become a killer?

Great, now he is creeping himself out. With a huff he tightened his hold on his bag strap and picked up his walking speed. Just as he passed the familiar dark alleyway, the sudden sound of a metal trashcan hitting the wall stopped him. Severus stared into the darkness, his gut twisting with nervousness. The lights around here were always bad, it always went in and out, to his luck, it was out today.

He should leave, it was probably just a cat that accidentally pushed the trashcan. The Omega stays at the same spot, staring at the darkness before turning around. It’s none of his business, he should just get home.

“SOMEONE HELP-!”

The shout is cut off and the sound of gurgling accompanies it. Onyx eyes stared at the darkness, wide in fear. Shit, shit, shit. Someone was in trouble, and that definitely wasn’t a cat or any animal. A bark of laughter echoed eerily causing goosebumps to rise into his skin. He should turn around and go to one of the open establishments and ask to use their phone. That way he can call for help, but what if they don’t believe him? It wouldn’t be the first time the police did that.

Weighting his options, Severus curses under his breath, strengthens his shoulders and marches into the alleyway. For his peace of mind he needed to confirm, if the person was really injured then he would call for help.

But, what is the killer?

Severus freezes in his steps, the scent of blood hitting him in the face as the sound of muffled sobbing greets him. Before him is a man around his late twenties, he is laying on his back, blood seeping out of his throat from the giant slash it was made. Ear to ear, bleeding scarlett red. A person dressed in dark robes is standing above him, a white mask covering the hair and face. It was like that costume he had seen last year. 

He remembers because it had not been very popular and hardly anyone bought it.

The mask had splatters of blood on it, the person holding a knife in their hand, blood coating the sharp metal. Severus doesn't know if he made a sound or not or if his scent had turned sour in fear. Heck, he might have stepped on something and made noise. He doesn't know and he doesn't care to find out because now the person, the killer, looked up towards his direction with so much speed that Severus flinched.

The boy stared at the person’s mask, at the black holes where the eyes were supposed to be in. Neither moves, not even when the man bleeding on the ground whimpers in pain. One part of his brain is telling him to run, to call for help. The other is keeping him frozen in place. The raven head wasn’t unfamiliar to blood, with a father like Tobias, one would expect you to see blood often.

But never in this amount.

The person behind the mask chuckles. “Like the view, love?” It is a raspy, masculine voice. Severus tried to identify the scent but couldn't detect any. So a male Beta? He was tall, around the same height as him. The killer tilts his head, Severus didn’t respond, just continued to stare as he broke into cold sweat. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, the Omega bolted out of the alleyway. He could hear the killer behind him curse then the sound of boots hitting the pavement. Severus didn’t look back, didn’t even scream, for help. He just ran.

He couldn’t go home, he would lead the killer straight into his house, to his vulnerable mother. No, the police station was nearby, just a couple of minutes from where he had been. If he can make it there, then he would be safe. There is no way the killer would follow him into a building full of people hoping to capture him.

“You can run, but you can’t hide!”

Severus took a sharp left and then another left. He can still hear the killer chasing after him, taunting him. Turning a sharp right he continued to run, he took sharp turns trying to lose the man. For a moment, he couldn’t hear the sound of his voice or the stomping of boots behind him. He didn’t stop running, just a bit more and he would make it to the station.

As he turned left, he crashed into a solid yet warm wall. Both he and the individual he ran into fell onto the floor with grunts of pain. Severus quickly got up, panting and sweat running down his face. “What…Snape?” Any other day he would have found the sound of that voice annoying, but right now, it sounded like heaven to him. Severus locked eyes with Potter and felt relief.

There was no way the police wouldn’t take him seriously with Major Potter’s son with him. Without thinking, Severus stood up and pulled the Alpha up with him. Potter let out a surprised yelp, brown eyes furrowed in confusion and worry. “Snape, are you alright? You look like you saw a ghost.”

“T-There isn’t time to explain! We have to get to the station, the killer-”

“Found you!”

Severus lets out a startled scream and without hesitation takes Potter’s hand and pulls him into a run. He didn’t even finish answering Potter’s question, but there was no need, not when the brown eyed boy saw the same thing he saw. It looked like all color had drained from the unruly raven hair boy’s face. “What the fuck?!” He exclaimed, “Was that-!”

“It's the fucking killer! I saw him kill a man down an alleyway! We need to get to the police!”

That was all Potter needed. Without breaking a sweat the Alpha was the one pulling Severus into a run. At this point, his lungs burned and his legs felt like jelly. He had never run this hard or fast in his life. He also never felt such a relief at the sight of the police station. Potter pulled him along, bursting into the building and slamming the doors shut behind him. Severus, panting even harder, turned around but saw nothing.

No black robes, no white mask covered in blood.

They managed to lose the killer on the way.

A sudden wave of relief hit him that his legs gave away, if it weren't for Potter he would have fallen to the floor. The brown eyed boy held him by the waist, an arm thrown over his shoulder. “Wow! Someone, call the ambulance!” Severus didn’t even try to get away from the boy’s hold. If anything, he leaned in as Potter pulled him into his chest. The scent of cinnamon was strong yet warm and comforting. Severus buried his head into Potter’s chest, sobbing. When had he started to sob?

In all honesty, the events that occurred after were a blur. All he can remember is Potter holding him as he did his best to recount what he saw to one of the officers. He told them about the man in the alleyway, how he had been injured by the crazy killer that had chased after them. About how the killer was a Beta man, probably late twenties. They asked more questions but he couldn’t answer them.
An ambulance had also arrived there, they checked both of them though Potter had insisted for Severus to get checked on first. They had told him he was lucky, that he was in shock but no physical damage was done. As he sat in the back of the ambulance, Potter still kept him close. Severus didn’t have the energy to pull away or shove the boy away. Right now, he just wanted to go home, to curl up in his nest and forget about what he saw.

Potter rubbed his back, he whispered words of comfort. Severus let him, even if he detested the git, he found comfort in his scent and in his warm embrace. Tomorrow he can kick himself for allowing so much vulnerability in front of the Alpha. For now, he will take what he can.

“We found the man, he was dead at the scene.”

“Same like before?”

“It was less gory but it may be the same person. We won’t know until we get the autopsy report.”

Potter pressed Severus’s head towards his scent gland and the Omega let him. He let the Alpha comfort him, let him scent him, let him hold him just for tonight. After making sure they were alright, a cop was then driving them home. Potter had requested for Severus to be dropped off first, but he didn't protest. He was leaning his head on the other boy, Potter’s jacket draped over his shoulders.

On any other occasion he would have felt annoyed that Potter insisted on walking him to his door, but he felt grateful. Not that he will ever tell him. Once he had locked the door and heard the car drive away did Severus make his way to his mom’s room. Looking in, he saw her sleeping. He shouldn’t wake her up, tomorrow he can tell her what happened. For now, he will let her sleep. 

Closing the door he headed to his room and only bothered to take off his shoes before jumping into his nest and curling up into Potter’s jacket. Right, he didn’t give it back.

He can do that tomorrow, for now, he just wants to sleep.

Chapter Text

He didn’t want to go to school today. Severus had contemplated skipping for the day, it was Friday and while he tried his best not to miss any school days, it wouldn’t affect him much. He would be able to have the weekend to himself, to focus on other things instead of blood and being chased around by a psychotic killer. In the end, the boy ended up getting up early, earlier than he ever did. Sleep wouldn’t come to him after he managed to take a short three hour nap after coming home.

Nightmare kept him up no matter how hard he tried to shut his eyes and curl up into his bed. Severus would dream of him being in the same position as the man in the alleyway, pin down to the ground as the man above him mocked him. The knife slashing into his skin, cutting off his vocal cords so he wouldn’t scream, stabbing him over and over again. The dreams were never the same, but they all ended the same.

When he realized that sleep was far away from him, the raven haired boy decided it was best to just start his day early. He took a shower to get rid of the sweat and grime from last night, and to especially wash away the smell of cinnamon that now clung to his skin like a stubborn piece of gum. Afterwards, he would clean his whole nest, which wasn’t much as it was only a couple of scented blankets Charity and Aurora had given him. Luckily, Potter’s jacket didn’t infect the alpha’s scent onto the rest of his stuff. 

When that was done, Severus gathered the dirty laundry into plastic bags. They had a washer but it was old and it tended to break down. His dad was the one in charge of fixing it but since he left, Severus didn’t bother to even look at it. While his dad had taught him how to use a gun, he was still old fashioned. Omegas shouldn’t fix things, that is something that a beta and alpha do. It didn’t stop him from trying, though soon enough he just gave up. That thing was a lost cause.

The dryer still worked but there was no use for it if the clothes needed to be washed first. He tried to keep himself busy, from cleaning the house to making a list of things they need around the house. Anything to keep his mind from thinking about last night, about the metallic smell of blood, of the way a person had been killed right in front of him. Severus shakes his head and directs his attention to bills in his hands. The water bill and electricity bill will be the first ones he pays as the due date was sooner than the medical bills. He will have to see how much money he has, hopefully there will be enough leftover to buy a bit of food.

By the time the sun had started to come out, Severus was cooking breakfast. He made sure to leave some food that his mom could heat up and packed the rest for lunch. Waking his mother up, the omega made sure she ate before giving the older beta her medication. She smiled at him as she usually did, tired eyes warm with love. Severus stayed with her for a bit, letting her embrace him as he felt how her body took in shaky breaths.

Soon, he will have to move her to the hospital. While he did his best to take care of her, to ensure she drank her medication and that she ate, at some point she won’t be able to be left without any supervision. She could move and walk, eat and drink by herself, however everyday it seemed like her strength was leaving her body faster and faster. Severus had school and he was working two jobs, majority of the time he wasn’t even home.

She will need professional help, something that he couldn’t provide.

For now, he will keep her next to him until he can't anymore. It wasn’t long before his mom fell asleep, once she did, he made sure she was tugged in and left a small note reminding her of the times she needed to take her medicine before leaving her room. He still had a couple of hours left before Charity came by to pick him up. That is, if her or Aurora didn’t call him first. By now, they would have heard of what happened.

Charity’s older brother, Adam, worked as a deputy in the sheriff’s office, no doubt he remembers Severus. Adam would have told her about what happened, it’s a surprise she hasn’t called yet. Aurora’s mom worked in the morgue, she was in charge of doing autopsies for the police. No doubt she would have also informed Aurora about it. Between Charity and Aurora, the alpha tended to be more protective of both of them. If anything, he would have expected her to be at his door right about now.

Still, he was grateful he didn’t have to face them, not now. Maybe they were giving him time to come to terms with what he saw. No matter, he will see them today, they probably wanted to check on him. Going to the living room, he decided that for today he might as well turn on the telly. He has time, plus, he wanted to see what Rita Skeeter had to say about all of this. Not that he would trust anything that comes out of her mouth, unfortunately, she was their only other newsperson in the town. 

“Last night, the killer struck again, making three victims in total now. According to the police, during the late hours of the night two young men had rushed into the sheriff’s office claiming that they had been chased by what the public is now calling, Ghostface.” 

Severus frowns, settling into the old and worn out sofa. Ghostface, what a stupid and ridiculous name. No doubt Skeeter was the one who came up with it and was now painting it as something the whole town agreed with. 

“Luckily both boys, James Potter, Mayor Potter’s son and Severus Snape, managed to get away unharmed. Currently, the police are doing everything they can to ensure that the killer is caught and brought to justice. The identity of the victim is yet to be known, however it is recommended for people to be on the look out and report anything amiss.”

Bloody hell, Severus rubbed his forehead, already feeling the incoming headache. Skeeter just had to name him. He was a fool to have hoped the blonde woman would not do that, how could she not if Potter of all people was involved? It was basically a gold mine for her. Maybe people will leave him alone if they focused all their attention on the bespectacled boy. Hopefully, Potter would do him a favor without knowing and pull all the attention onto himself. 

He left the telly on at a low volume and decided to get some of his assignments a second look along with his schedule. However, just thinking about it and looking at the papers made him groan. He still needed to meet up with Lupin, Black, and Potter tomorrow. Which was one of the main reasons why he didn’t want to go to school today. Severus could always postpone the meeting and take Saturday off, but he couldn’t do that. It will put him even more behind on his projects and with work, he wouldn’t be able to find free time to do his work much less work with his less than ideal partners.

That, and he would look like a coward trying to avoid Potter.

The realization of what he had done last night didn’t hit him until the cold water hit his bare back. Once he had time to think, without adrenaline and fear pumping in his veins, he had berated himself. He was such an idiot! To think he ever let himself be vulnerable, much less even be scented and comforted by Potter of all people. No doubt the brown eyed boy will gloat to his mates and tell the whole school how Snivellus had cried and clung to him. Hell, he wouldn’t put it past him to lie and add more than what was true.

Severus wouldn’t even be able to deny the accusations because he had the evidence in his bed, wrapped in a plastic bag. He had wanted to wash it before returning it to the unruly haired boy but with no working washer, all that was left was to do it by hand and he just couldn’t touch the jacket without being reminded of what he did last night. He is sure his scent is all over that jacket. But he couldn’t keep the jacket, keeping it would give Potter ammunition and that was not needed.

Potter would just have to deal with his jacket smelling like lemon balm.

By the time Charity came for him, he had gotten ahead of his assignments and stuffed the bloody jacket into his bag. The blonde girl didn’t jump him with questions as he thought she would. She simply gave him a small smile and like every other day began to chatter about random nonsense. Severus listened and actually focused on what she said, he didn’t want to let his mind wander, if it wandered it would land right back to last night.

They did their routine of scenting each other, they skipped the part where she would put his hair into a ponytail, today he wanted it loose. And much to his disappointment but not surprise, the same news van was parked outside of the school. Rita Skeeter was once again reporting as the few students outside either avoided her or stood near, hoping she would ask questions in order to have their five minutes of fame. Charity made sure to guide him towards the back of the school. “Aurora is going to open the back door for us. We thought it would be better that way so you don’t get cornered.” Severus felt his chest warm up at the gesture.

“Thank you.” He whispered and Charity gave him a small grin. However they barely made it five steps away from the front when Skeeter’s shrill voice called his name. At the same time, the surrounding students immediately zone their attention onto him. Cursing under her breath, the girl began to tug him but before they could make a run for it, Skeeter had already intervened in their path, a guy holding a broadcasting camera blocking their only escape.

“Severus Snape, my name is Rita Skeeter, a reporter from The Prophet. First, I would like to say that I am so sorry you had to experience the terror of being targeted by Ghostface.” Charity was holding in a grimace, her hold on his arm tightening. Severus kept a blank expression. “Second, I heard that the two previous victims, Angela Jones and Leo Green, had been good friends of yours. Some might even say they were competing for your attention, you have my condolences."

A few students snickered, mocking expressions on their faces. Severus clenched his jaw but said nothing. Skeeter just smiled, that awful red lipstick on her lips. Red, almost like blood. Severus felt ill. “Thirdly, I would like to request an interview with you. As one of the surviving victims,” Severus refused to flinch at her words, refusing to show how much his hands were trembling. Charity gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I am sure your story would impact the community to help one another and have hope during these drastic times.”

A microphone was shoved to his face, he only glanced at it before looking at Skeeter in the eyes. “No comment.” Was his response much to the disappointment of the onlookers and Skeeter. The woman's smile twitched, her eyes narrowed. “I understand, after all you were almost another tragic victim. Speaking about it must be traumatizing, especially when two of your…special friends met their end at his hands.”

“Ok, that’s enough. We need to go.” Charity cut in and with a shove, she forced the camera man out of the way, Severus followed along, his throat having formed a knot. Hot bubbling anger simmered under his skin. Jones and Green were dead, they couldn’t speak for themselves, their lives had been cut short and all Skeeter and anyone could focus on was how it was a tragic love story?

Bloody hell, there was no love story. All that was left was two broken families who lost their children, friends who will be missed. Two people who had never done anything bad in their lives. They didn’t deserve to be turned into a spectacle for the public.

They almost made it to the back entrance of the school, right where the rugby team was finishing their early training. He could make out Black’s messy curly hair and hear Potter’s voice as he called the team into attention. Both omegas stormed into the corner of the field, they ignored the curious stares of the team and Severus refused to look at Potter despite feeling eyes burning onto the back of his head.

“Tell me Severus, why did Ghostface chase you? Surely, he could have killed you for witnessing the murder, instead he treated it like a cat and mouse game.” Skeeter was still following them, the camera man hot on her heels. The rugby team seemed to lose interest in what Potter was saying as they turned to watch, Skeeter was so focused on the omega that she failed to realize that Potter was right there.

Just as the doors were being opened by Aurora, Skeeter latched onto Severus’s arm, and tugs hard. If it weren’t for Charity holding his other arm, he would have stumbled onto the woman. Skeeter's grip was sturdy, not painful but it was clear he wouldn’t be able to shrug her hold off without an outright confrontation. “Could Ghostface be a beau that wants your attention? Or a bitter ex-lover who can’t stand seeing you with anyone else?” What kind of bullshit was this?! Severus tugged his arm, Skeeter tightened her hold even more. 

“Let me go you demented-”

“Or could it be that he saw you and James Potter together and couldn’t control his jealousy at you being in the arms of the most sought out bachelor? Was that why he chased you, to get James Potter?”

Severus considered himself composed, someone who was above jumping into action without thinking about the consequences that would follow. Charity always tended to act before thinking, even Aurora would do that from time to time. He just didn’t want unwanted attention on him or conflict landing on his already full plate.

Everyone had a breaking point.

Seemed like today it was Severus’s turn to snap.

He felt it first before realizing what he had just done. His knuckle throb, it was red from the punch he had just delivered to Skeeter on the nose. Charity had let his arm go from outrage at what the blonde women had asked and Severus, with no anchor holding him back, punched Skeeter. The hag stumbled back, a cry of pain leaving her red, red lips as blood poured out of her nose. The students who had been watching gasped in shock, some began to step back. Severus ignored them, his hand was hurting, he wondered how much force he used. Did he break Sketeer’s nose? Or did he only cause a nosebleed? Either way, it must have been a lot because he could see a bruise already forming on his knuckles.

It had been a while since he had any type of bruise on him that wasn’t caused by his father.

A hand wrapped around his shoulders, lavender entered his nose and the familiar warmth of Aurora pulled him back into the school building. The ringing in his ears was annoying, like a fly that wouldn’t leave him alone no matter how many times he swatted it away.

“Or could it be that he saw you and James Potter together and couldn’t control his jealousy at you being in the arms of the most sought out bachelor? Was that why he chased you, to get James Potter?”

That fucking hag.

How dare she? How dare she try and twist something like that into a romance?! People, real people where getting killed, the fucking killer has yet to be caught. Bloody hell, he almost died! And yet she is treating it as if it was a romance gone wrong! How many more, just how many more people had to die for people to take the situation seriously?!

Roses and lavender surrounded him and he let himself slump forward. Whispers of comfort entered one ear and left the other. Severus doesn't know how long he stayed in that cuddle pile or how the two girls even dragged him towards the now empty music room. The ringing in his ears was fading and all that anger he had felt drained from his body leaving him tired. Severus had punched Skeeter, he actually punched her, on school grounds.

Shit.

Everyone had seen him. She had grabbed him and wouldn’t let go, and when she started to spew bullshit he just couldn’t stop himself even if he wanted. It was only a matter of time before Headmaster Dumbledore called for him. The omega had hurt someone on school campus, he had punched Skeeter, someone who could ruin his life with a flick of her pen. It shouldn’t matter, his reputation was already in the mud, but that was only in school.

Outside, everyone just ignored him. He was Tobias’s boy, the one who took care of his ill mom and the one who was abandoned by his dad. He was the quiet boy who despite looking all dark and gloom was a good son and a normal citizen.

Skeeter had fucking painted him like a slag out in front of every single one of those student.

In front of Potter and Black.

And the worst part wasn’t even then, it was the fact that she used two people who had been nothing but nice to him in order to do that.

Severus let out a shaky breath, he should have skipped school today.

_____

Just as he had predicted, Headmaster Dumbledore had called him into his office after sending one of the staff members to look for him. By that time he had calmed down, the pain in his knuckle helped him focus on something other than the whispering students. Charity and Aurora had volunteered to accompany him but he declined, he didn’t want to drag them into his mess.

That’s how he found himself in the Headmaster’s office, sitting down on a blue cushioned chair and a now wrapped arm. Madam Pomfrey had been the one to find him and wouldn’t let him leave until his hand was looked at and ensured that his pheromones were stable. Apparently he had stank the back of the school with distress pheromones that affected some of the alphas.

It had been a hassle getting Skeeter out of school grounds since those who had answered his distress call wanted to eliminate the threat. Severus scoffed, he was sure they were already blaming him for that. He didn’t use scent patches because they were expensive, he could barely afford his suppressants and his mom’s medicine, scent patches were out of the question. Thankfully Professor McGonagall managed to keep the students in check while Professor Flitwick escorted Skeeter out.

Even when he didn’t want to bring attention to himself, he always did. Sometimes he just hated being an omega.

Thanks to Charity and Aurora he managed to stabilize his pheromones and wouldn’t need a scent patch. He still took one when Pomfrey offered it, better safe then sorry. It was quiet, the Headmaster had just given him a smile before serving him a cup of tea. Severus had slowly been drinking it, letting the warmth of the cup curl on his fingertips. He didn’t seem angry or even disappointed, then again Severus never knew that the older omega thought.

“I’m not angry with you Severus, you had every right to react the way you did.” The raven looked up from his tea, expression blank. “Skeeter shouldn't have stepped onto school grounds much less harassed you as she did so.” He still didn’t say anything, Dumbledore smiled gently, that familiar twinkle in his eyes. “Many vouched for you and said that she had provoked you and that you acted in self defense. You won’t be getting punished for defending yourself. She has also been reprimanded for her behavior and was strictly prohibited to approach you while you are here.”

“So she can still approach me outside of school hours.” 

It was not a question but a statement. The older man nodded, his smile dimming a little. “We can’t do much about that, however rest assured that she won’t be bothering you much outside. Mr. Potter has made sure of that.” His grip tightened around the ceramic cup. Potter, of course it has to be bloody Potter who once again saves the day. Severus just nods and once he finishes his cup, Dumbledore hands him a pass excusing his tardiness.

In his meltdown, the omega had missed his morning class and half of his second class. It would be no use going to it now so he opted to just wander the halls before he headed towards the courtyard. As expected, no one was there. With a sigh he slumped into the bench. The air was getting chilly, no surprise there, Halloween was close and soon the town will hold the annual Fall festival before flyers for the Halloween dance start to be passed out. 

At this point, Severus hardly doubts the school would be able to host it. If the killer isn’t caught by then. Ghostface, what a stupid name, a stupid fucking name. Was he going to come after him? Severus didn’t even see his face, all he knew was his height and that it was a man. He saw no eye color, no hair color, hell there wasn’t even a scent. The police had sketched out what he saw, which was just the black robes and that haunting white mask.

It wasn’t much help, surely Severus wouldn’t get killed just for that, right? Then again, those who kill people for the fun of it never need a reason to kill. He might come for Severus just to add him to his kill count. Ghostface might even go for Potter but that was laughable. Potter was more protected than him, he would be caught before he even entered the alpha’s house. Severus shakes his head, the killer didn’t even know where he lives.

Maybe.

He groans, thinking positive and being optimistic was not his thing.

He should have taken Dumbledore's offer and left school early. The only reason he didn’t was because the raven haired boy didn’t want to walk by himself. It may be daytime but that never stopped a killer from killing. Plus, he still had to do his shift at the movie rental after school and the campus was closer to his job than his own house. This time, he will take Charity’s offer to drive him home after his shift ends, or Aurora, either one.

He was not taking any chances tonight.

A bell for lunch rang and soon chatter of students followed behind it. Severus sighs again, then takes out his lunch. He didn’t feel like going to the cafeteria, not when even from here, he could hear people talking about what occurred in the morning. Some students scattered around the courtyard, thankfully none came to the secluded corner Severus picked for himself. Biting into his cold egg and ham sandwich, he grumbled. Charity and Aurora will know where to find him when they don’t see him at their usual table. Halfway into finishing his sorry excuse of a lunch, his pack mates show up. Both of them look relieved when they find him and once they are close it is Aurora who throws her arms around Severus and hugs him tightly.

“Bloody hell Sev, you had us worried.” She said as Charity set down their lunch bags. Severus returns the hug, “Sorry, just needed some fresh air.” Pulling away, the alpha guides both omegas into the bench and begins to eat. “I thought you would have gone home.” The dark skin girl says after swallowing a bite from her curry, licking the corner of her mouth where a bit of food was smudged.

“I was but…I didn’t feel like being alone.”

The two girls share a look that Severus pretends to ignore.

“Are you still going to work today?” Charity asks, poking her rice. Severus nods. “Why don’t you take the day off? With everything that happened, I’m sure your boss won’t mind.” She added after a while.

“Don’t want to. I need the money, plus I have nothing else to do at home. I…I just need a distraction.” The last part was mumbled.

“...Do you want to talk about it?” Both girls ask at the same time and before Severus could stop himself, he spilled everything that happened last night. From how the shift was boring yet normal, how he had been walking home only to unfortunately run into the killer. How Ghostface had chased him, how he had been taunting him while treating it like a cat and mouse game. How he ran into Potter and how the git had been there next to him, comforting him, while he gave his report to the police.

How he had held him all the way home and even gave him his jacket. The said jacket was still in his possession and planned to return it but now he couldn’t do it without bringing more attention to himself and fueling the already ongoing rumors. Finally, he ended it with how Dumbledore had informed him how Potter ensured that Skeeter wouldn’t bother him out of school hours or outside of campus.

By the time he finished, Aurora and Charity were done with their lunch and were staring at him with a mixture of emotions. After a couple of minutes of silence, Aurora spoke up first. “After you punched Skeeter, about five alphas from the rugby team had gotten defensive because of your scent of distress. To which I am not blaming you, you had every right to act the way you did.” She added hastingly when Severus grimaced. 

“It was particularly hard trying to subdue Black and Potter since they reacted more strongly towards your distress.” Severus scoffed. “It’s nothing to read into, they were running on the high of adrenaline and still had energy that they focused on Skeeter.” Those two gits made it clear that while they tolerated him, they still held a disdain towards him. It was the same for any of those alphas who reacted the same way.

It was just biology doing its work. An anxious and distressed omega tended to attract attention and protection from nearby alphas. Who you were didn’t matter at that moment.

“Honestly, I was barely holding back myself. If it weren’t for my need to comfort you I would have also jumped that hag’s ass.” Aurora chuckles while she says that. Severus huffs but laughs a bit at her response. With Aurora it was different, that’s why her response brought warmth to him than Potter’s or Black’s. Aurora, while wanting to listen to her alpha instincts, held back because she wanted to ensure he was alright. The other alphas just wanted to stop Severus from being in distress because the pheromones bothered them.

That’s why they reacted aggressively.

One was just surface instincts, the other was genuine care for him.

“By the way, that was a good punch. Teach me that when you get the chance.”

“Charity!”

Severus couldn’t help but burst out laughing at their antics. “I’m serious! If I had a punch like that, people wouldn't be messing with me!” The blonde said between her fit of laughter, Aurora just shook her head, a fond smile on her face. The rest of lunch passed by in a comfortable bubble between all three of them. Charity cracked a few jokes while Aurora just sigh and rolled her eyes, the smile on her lips betraying her.

“Do you want me to return the jacket to Potter?” Asked the dark skin girl as they packed up to go to their third class. Severus bit the inside of his cheek, he didn’t want to give Aurora one of his problems but at the same time no one would question her if she approached the rugby captain to deliver something either. Since she was the leader for the music club and Potter was the team captain, they tended to discuss things such as planning and all that. 

He stared at the white plastic bag where the jacket was.

“...Please?” He whispered and Aurora nodded before taking the bag and placing it inside her own. “I’ll give it to him, no problem.” Severus sighs, one weight was off his shoulder. As much as he wanted to deal with it himself, he also didn’t have the patience to approach Potter, much less deal with his friends’ antics. Walking inside, the two girls accompanied him to his calculus class and all three parted with a good bye and an agreement to meet at the music room once school was over.

One thing down, multiple others to go.

_____

All throughout their last two classes, Charity kept giving her small glances. Aurora just gave her a smile, already knowing what her blonde friend wanted to ask. The white plastic bag sat inside her school bag, away from sight. Yet the knowledge of it being there didn’t settle her nerves one bit. Aurora wasn’t intimidated by Potter and his mates or even charmed by them like so many at school were. They just happened to be kids who let power and popularity get into their heads.

That won’t count for much in the real world.

No, the reason she was nervous was not for herself but for her onyx eyed friend. Severus never liked the spotlight, he stayed away from it like it was the plague. It was hard taking pictures with him because of how much he just didn’t like being in front of the lenses. Charity was only able to have a couple of pictures with him after promising to never show them to anyone.

She knows Severus isn’t made of glass and has thick skin. He is independent and can deal with his own issues by himself without getting in any sort of danger. However, when it came to the marauders, that was a whole different story. He didn’t lose his temper or throw punches like Black and Potter. No, he just seemed to lose every filter he has and that is what sometimes landed him in detention. She is not defending the four idiots of the school, heavens, the day she does is the day she has officially lost her mind.

No, Severus did get in trouble when it came to the three boys out of the four. But it wasn't like people saw, Aurora saw things differently. To the regular eye, the marauders only saw her friend as a punching bag, an omega who got bullied because he refused to bow down to the four alphas. But to her eyes, it was different. Once, her mom had told her how people back then used to court omegas. It wasn’t with jewelry or showing them how much money you had. No, the alpha had to show the omega or beta that they could provide to them in ways money couldn’t.

The catch to this was seeing how the omega or beta reacted. If they seemed to give in too easily, the alpha would lose interest over time. What they wanted was someone just as strong as them, someone who had a will that couldn’t be shaken and who wouldn’t take shit from anyone. An omega or beta that had a strong personality, who while they may rely on their alpha also be able to be there when their alpha needed them.

Aurora had never truly understood that until she met Severus and Charity. The blonde girl may like soft colors and even be what most expected an omega to be but she wasn’t. She has a mouth that can curse you like a sailor and a punch that hurts like hell. She embraced her omega side without any shame and wasn’t afraid to make it clear that just because she liked soft and cute things didn’t mean she couldn’t hold her own.

Severus was different in that aspect, he would bite and growl before letting anyone come near him. The only person who ever seemed to be able to stand next to him and not get hurt has been Lily Evans but even then, Aurora suspected that the red hair beta never managed to truly climb the wall the omega surrounded himself with. Severus never displayed any animosity towards his omega side but he also never truly embraced it like Charity. And she didn’t mean it in a derogatory way but more in a way that he was never in a safe space to allow himself that kind of vulnerability.

When he had first entered her pack, he had been weary. His onyx eyes held distrust at her and Charity, distrust that slowly bloomed into trust the more they spent time together. He was a diamond in the rough, someone who didn’t stand out, not because he didn’t have anything to offer but because he had so much to offer that no one other than those he considered worthy were able to see. Severus gave as much as he was given, earning his trust was like earning the trust of a street cat who had seen and suffered so much.

In order to be able to climb those imposing walls he has, one had to witness his darkest moments and not leave. Prove to him that you will stay no matter what, that you will embrace him, imperfections and all.

Aurora and Charity knew and saw this.

Jones and Green did too.

Unfortunately, so did Potter, Black, and Lupin.

Aurora may not be friends with them and may not be able to read people like her mom, but she could easily recognise the look in their eyes whenever Severus was around. Hungry, not for violence, but for his attention. Each time the raven head boy would curse out Potter, the rugby captain would smirk, sharp teeth and all. His eyes would get this gleam in them, as if happy to have finally had the omega’s attention. It was even more obvious with the way he would flirt with Evans.

While he shot flirty winks and pickup lines, his eyes would always go back to Severus, waiting, expecting.

Black was the same yet different. He would shove Severus around, say snide remarks, shoot cruel words. When Severus returned the favor, he would smirk and add fuel to the fire. He seemed to enjoy it when the omega would stand toe to toe with him, challenging him. Most alphas, and by that, she means the ones with huge egos, hate when an omega or beta try to be their equals.

Black loved it when Severus challenged him. He seemed to even love it more when Severus managed to put him in his place.

Lupin was different from the other two but not any less intense. To Severus, he was a coward, someone who would turn the other way and ignore what his friends did to him. To Aurora, it seemed like Lupin wanted to see what Severus’s limits were. Lupin wasn’t unable to stand up for others, she had seen it first hand when it came to other students. He was stern and made it clear he wouldn’t take disobedience. With Severus, it was like he wanted to see how much he could push before stepping in.

So far, he hasn’t. He stood to the side, green eyes watching and waiting to see, eager. The few times he would step in, even if small, he always beamed when Severus merely gave him a look.

Which brings her back to her mom’s discussion about the older mating rituals. 

Alphas back then would not lavish their desired beta or omega straight off the bat. No, they would push them hard, test their patience, push every button to get a reaction. It was their way of seeing if the beta or omega would be able to stand not just mates, but as equals in every ground. Nowadays those rituals hardly exist. It was more about getting the attention of the person you liked and either shagging or dating.

It was more simple that way, less complicated.

Aurora didn’t pay it much mind, not until he saw the way those three alphas seemed to act around Severus and how the omega responded. It reminded her of those old courting rituals. Which was why it made her nervous, worried, and very protective of her omega friend.

You see, what many don’t know about those old rituals was that there was a good reason as to why they were forgotten. A rather dark and very gruesome reason.

When the beta or omega the alpha has chosen to court meets all the requirements yet refuses to mate with them, things get ugly real fast. It wasn’t always like that but the majority of the time, things just took a turn for the worst. The alphas would kill anyone they considered a threat, whether it was at wooing their intended or causing physical harm to them. In their eyes, they needed to be eliminated. 

At first Aurora thought it was just an excuse to cover up how messed up some people could be. If you commit murder then you commit murder, the only time someone could ever excuse murder was when protecting themselves or protecting the people they love. How could someone be willing to commit murder just because the person they liked wouldn’t give them the time of day?

Yet what she saw today scared her.

She had smelled Severus’s distress pheromones before she even reached the doors that morning. What she saw was something she had only ever read about in those history books in the library. Potter and Black had looked at Skeeter with so much hate in their eyes that even she felt bad for the women. Unlike the three other alphas that reacted to Severus’s scent, those two were calm, way to calm.

They didn’t circle around Skeeter like the others, no, they cornered her as if they were hunting her. 

She didn’t get to see more as her attention turned to her two pack mates but it didn’t leave her mind. Not when she could still feel the way Black had almost burned a hole into her skull with the way he was glaring at her. His gray eyes were dark, sharp, it had been the main reason as to why Aurora pulled Severus and Charity out of there. It had also caused Black to look at the dark skin girl with bitter hatred as she pulled Severus towards her.

Which was why Charity kept looking at her all through the rest of the day. The blonde omega had seen the ay Black and Potter reacted, had seen the way Black looked at her. Both of them silently agreed not to mention it to Severus, not when he looked ready to collapse with the amount of stress he had on him. Another reason as to why Aurora volunteered to take the jacket back to Potter.

As of now, her friend and pack mate was not emotionally stable to deal with whatever test Potter would try on him. The scent patch on his neck gland was more than enough proof of that. Potter and Black had been forced to wear them as well since they had a harder time controlling themselves. She had no idea what would happen if they saw Severus and she would rather not risk it.

“Do you plan on telling him?”

Charity asked next to her, their last class had ended and both of them decided it was better to return the jacket now before dropping off Severus onto his other job. The alpha shakes her head, “No, not yet at least. He already has so much to deal with. Especially with how Skeeter painted him to be.” The blonde girl huffs, “Well, I won’t either. Not until things calm down at least.”

It wasn’t that they wanted to keep it a secret, they never kept secrets for Severus but they also didn’t want to burden him even more. They will tell him once things cool down, he of all people deserves to know. He may call Aurora overthinker for her theory and even laugh at it but she knows he will also keep it in mind when he interacts with them.

Aurora didn’t peg the three alphas as murders or even capable of committing a murder. He had seen first hand how squeamish Lupin got whenever he saw blood. Black may be violent and encouraged people to see it but he didn’t want to associate himself with the infamous ‘Black Madness’ that people rumored surrounded his family. As for Potter, he was someone who always preached about good and bad. No one in this town hated criminals as much as he did. A bit of a hero complex if you will.

The sound of Potter shouting orders snapped her out of her train of thoughts. “I’ll go deliver this, you go and meet Sev in the music room, I won’t take long.” Charity frowned but nodded and left. With a sigh, the alpha rolled her shoulders and called out to the rugby captain. Potter turned to look at her with confusion but came towards her.

“Can I help you, Sinistra?” The bespectacled boy asked once he was in front of her. Aurora just smiled politely, took the plastic bag out, and handed it back to Potter. The boy looks confused as he grabs the bag, however the expression changes into one of shock as his eyes dilate once he opens the bag and a strong scent of lemon balm comes out. “Sev told me to give that to you. He would have done it himself but with everything that happened he thought it best not to approach you unless it was necessary.”

Potter swallows and holds the bag as if it were something precious. “T-Tell him thanks. By the way, how is he? I didn’t get to ask him about…last night.” Aurora raised an eyebrow at how quick he changed the subject, her gut doing that weird flip it did whenever something didn’t seem right. The alpha looked flustered but it was hard to tell, maybe it was the sun? “He’s as fine as he is willing to show us.” She answered. “Anyways, I wanted to thank you. He told me you helped him.”

It was more of a formality that she thanked him. If Severus ever found out she did, he would gut her alive. Potter blinked in surprise but gave her a small grin in return. “It was nothing, I was just at the right place, at the right time.” Her gut did that weird flip again. “Prongs!” Black appeared behind Potter, his hair tied up as sweat coated his forehead. He looked at Aurora and gave her a nod, she did the same. “What’s that?” He asked once he looked at the bag in Potter’s hands only for him to suddenly halt and stare at it with laser eye focus.

Much like Potter, his eyes dilated.

“The jacket I lend Snape last night.” The brown eyed boy replied, giving Black a side eye. Black coughed nervously and looked away. Aurora narrowed her eyes when she caught sight of his bruised wrist. It looked bad, as if it was slammed on a hard surface. “Practice must have been rough.” She gestured to his wrist. He looked at it and chuckled, eyes not looking at her. “Yeah, the new players are a little too eager.”

She hums, “Well good luck with practice. I’ll be taking my leave.” Turning around she went back inside. With a sigh, Aurora shakes her head. That was weird, not the bruise part but the way Black reacted. Maybe he got into a fight with his parents? It was an open secret that the Blacks didn’t get along, especially that their eldest son tended to be a rebel against them. No one was brave enough to point it out, and Aurora wasn’t going to ask either. It was none of her business.

Last she heard, Black was staying with the Potters.

“Sinistra! Wait up!” Lupin jogged up beside her, he looked a little flustered. Pettigrew was standing a few feet away, his face tinted red. She stopped and waited for Lupin to catch his breath. “Sorry, I just have a quick question.”

“Shoot.”

“I know this is going to sound…weird but,” Taking a deep breath, the blonde boy began to blush. “If one of us, from James’s pack, were to ask to court one of your packmates, would you allow it?” 

He was right, it was a weird question, one that made her gut do that stupid flip. Narrowing her eyes, Aurora crosses her arms over her chest. “Over my dead body.” Both boys flinched. If it had been anyone else she wouldn’t have minded. Green was an example, he asked and since she knew he got along with Severus, she allowed it and only asked that he respected her friend’s decision. However this was Lupin, he was part of Potter’s pack, a pack that has always been bothering the omega.

The same pack that she was weary of because of the way they treated Severus.

“If that is all, I will be taking my leave.”

Lupin’s green eyes took a darker tone as he nodded, the previous flush was gone. It would be better if she didn’t tell Severus about this. If it was a prank, then she will be the one to deal with them. Turning around, she left the two blondes in the hallway.

_____

That Saturday morning Severus woke up with the feelings of having rocks in his stomach. Work had gone on as normal yesterday and Aurora ended up picking him up since Charity had been the one to drop him at work. He did his usual routine of cooking and cleaning, the tv was on with some random show playing as he did all of that. 

His mother was in the living room knitting on the sofa when the morning news started. As usual, they gave a report on the weather, spoke about discounts in some of the stores, and finally Rika Skeeter made an appearance. She was sporting a bruised nose that clashed horribly with her signature red lipstick. His mom put down her knitting in favor of paying attention.

Last night when he came home she had been waiting for him. Her onyx eyes were filled with worry and fear as she hugged him, asking why he didn’t tell her about what occurred the night before. Severus explained that he didn’t want to wake her up and made it up by telling her what had occurred even if it was draining. She had been against him working so late once he finished but reassured her that Charity and Aurora had volunteered to pick him up and drop him off once night came.

Eileen still looked unsure but nodded.

Ignoring Skeeter’s voice, he went back to his room and began to pack what he would need for the day. Chemistry text book and packet project went in first, then his pens and extra paper. His sketchbook that contained black pages all having white chalk drawings in them was next. He made sure to place it carefully onto his bag. It had been a gift from Lucius before he left to study in France. The omega had long finished the paper but it was still special. 

Looking around his room he spotted a couple of DVDs he had rented two weeks ago on his table. Since he was going to be near his work place, he could take the opportunity to return them and see if they had anything else. Mark, his co-worker, had said today they would receive new movies in the morning. Might as well check it out before going to meet up Lupin, Potter, and Black.

If he had enough time he could stop by the record store and get a Queen album.

Once he had everything packed, he changed into a black long sleeve shirt and put a band tee over it. He finished his outfit, which was usually what he wore, with a pair of washed out baggy jeans. He decided to just leave his hair loose but took a hair tie just in case he grew tired of it.

“I’ll be going now mom, I left some food in the fridge so you can heat it up. Remember to take your medication around three.” Grabbing his black hoodie from the rack by the door, Severus turned to face his mom who was giving him a worried look again. “Are you sure you can’t reschedule?” She asked again, tone raspy from disused. He sighs and shakes his head. “I can’t. I fell behind on two of my classes yesterday, I can’t afford to do the same with the rest.” Coming near her, he placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “I won’t be out late, promise. I’ll drop by before my shift in the corner store.” Elieen sighs, a frown on her pale face. “Alright, is one of your packmates coming to pick you up after work?” 

“Yes ma, Charity will. I’ll give you a call once I get to work and once I clock out.”

Pressing a kiss on her son’s cheek, Eileen let him go with a soft yet worried smile. Locking the door behind him, Severus made his way towards the movie rental. The cold weather made him shiver, he would see if he could get a thicker coat. The last one had holes on it to the point his mom couldn’t even mend it anymore. He passed a few people, some nodded in agreement, others just ignored him.

The movie rental came to view after a few minutes of walking, through the display window he could make out Mike’s black hair as he put new movies on display. Severus pushed the door open, the bell rang and Mike’s blue eyes met his as he broke into a smile. “Sev! I didn’t expect to see you until Monday. Not that I am not glad or anything!” He alpha chuckled, his ears turning red.

Mike was a year older than him and already graduated. His parents had moved to Hogsmeade here a couple of months ago after he graduated, so all in all, Mike was new to town. Severus has been working with him since the beginning of the year, a couple of weeks before the new term started. He was a nice, if anything, clumsy guy who liked to crack jokes here and there. Like Severus, he liked horror films but watched every other film that caught his attention. Over the few months that he has known him Severus can say that Mike loves romcoms more than horror and that he was basically as dangerous as a butterfly.

“Hello Mike. I just wanted to return the movies I rented and see what new stock we got.” Mike hastily made his way towards him, all while tripping on the boxes next to him. Severus huffed in amusement and Mike blushed even redder. “Right! Let me help you with that.” He could have done that by himself but Mike insisted so Severus handed over the movies. Once Mike was done checking them in, he gestured for the omega to follow him.

“We got some American horror films, a few I think you will like.” Mumbling under his breath, Mike bent down and shuffled through the movies inside one of the boxes and pulled out five movies and handed it to the onyx eyed boy. “I’ve only watched the this one,” He gestured to the one with a yellowish cover and a man glaring with a knife pointed towards the viewer. The Hills Have Eyes , Severus observes it, it looked like a good movie. 

“It’s a good one if you like some suspense mixed in with the horror. It’s about a family that got stranded in the desert during their vacation. They have to find a way to survive and get help while also defending themselves from the cannibals receding in the mountain.” Mike explains, his pumpkin spice scent leaking out a little stronger than before. Severus noticed that the alpha only did this whenever he was excited about something. Just last week he had been explaining the rom-con to a client and the whole shop smelled like pumpkin spice for a whole day. 

He got embarrassed after but Severus didn’t mind. It wasn’t like Mike did it on purpose, plus, he has a nice smell. “This one is the second one to The Hills Have Eyes and these three are part of the same movie series.” He read the other three movies, Child’s Play, Child’s Play 2, and Child’s Play 3 . “I’ve heard about this one.” Added the omega as he stared at the covers. Charity had mentioned she and Aurora had seen it two years ago and recommended them to him. 

If he remembers, it was about a man who possessed a red haired doll in which he began to commit murders after landing in the care of a boy name Andy. “Apparently there has been talk about another one coming out.” The black hair boy commented. “I think there is more in the back. I can look for them is you want.”

Severus shakes his head, “It’s alright, I can’t stay for long, I am meeting a couple of classmates in a bit.” Mike seemed to deflate but still gave him a beaming smile. “That’s alright! If I find them I’ll make sure to part them aside for you by Monday.” The alpha winked playfully and Severus rolled his eyes, a small grin on his lips before following him to go check the films out. The door opened and a voice he was familiar with was accompanied by the small bell.

“I already told you Reg, those movies were recommended!”

“I’m just making sure since your taste is absolute shit.”

Both boys turned to face the two who just entered. Black was talking to another boy with similar hair and eyes as him. It didn’t take long to guess who it was, Regulus Black, the younger Black brother. Both of them were too busy arguing with one another to take notice of Severus and Mike. Black had his hair tied in a low ponytail, a few curly strands framed his face. He was wearing a black coat over his gray shirt and dark blue jeans and a pair of black boots. From where Severus was standing, he could make out a couple of silver piercings.

His brother was wearing a similar outfit, except he had on a green and silver scarf with black leather gloves. If he didn’t know them, he might have thought both of them were twins with how similar they looked. The only differences they seem to have was that Black was a few inches taller than his brother and that his younger brother had short curly hair rather than long.

“C’mon, let's ask if they have them. The sooner we are out of the cold, the better.” The younger Black said, shivering at the end to add his point. Black rolled his eyes with a hum before stopping a few feet from Severus. “Sniv?” He asked, gray eyes widening a bit. The omega glares, “Black.” He said with as much disdain as he could.

The younger Black looked between them, mirth in his eyes. Turning around he waited for Mike to finish checking his stuff out. “Since you are taking five movies out, it will be a total of £7.38. Are you going to add extra time?”

“Yes, five days.” Severus responds as he opens his bag to take out his wallet. Mike punches in the numbers, “Ok, that will be £11.04 and the movies will be due in eight days.” Before he could thank his co-worker, Black stepped in and handed Mike £14. “Here, keep the change.” Mike looked at Severus to Black, lips pressed into a line. “Um-”

“I can pay for myself Black.” Moving his hand aside, Severus took out his own money all while throwing Black another glare. The curly haired alpha just huffed, amusement in his eyes. “Well I am offering, after all, what kind of alpha does that make me if I can’t even pay off for you? Count it towards us spending time together today.” He shoves the money towards Mike who has no choice but to take it. Severus gritted his teeth, “I don’t need your charity.”

“I know Sniv.”

Arrogant bastard.

“Here Sev, I put the receipt inside the bag.” Thanking Mike, Severus takes the plastic bag and steps around Black when the grey eyed rugby player stops him. “Why don’t you help us look for some horror films? You are the expert after all.”

“Actually, I can help-”

“I am not working at the moment you mongrel. Ask my co-worker, he will be more than glad to help you.”

“But I want you to help me, after all you were the one who recommended the movies.”

“Why should I?”

“Because it’s what a good worker would do?”

“I am already spending a good chunk of my day with you and your friends, I don’t need extra time with you.”

“C’mon, I paid for your movies.”

“I didn’t ask you too, you fucking-”

“Alright! As much as it is entertaining to watch you two argue like an old married couple, I am still freezing my ass off.” Severus and Black turn to look at the younger Black. He was grinning at both of them, eyes dancing in amusement. “I’m Regulus, and you must be Snape. Nice to meet you.” Regulus extended his hand for a handshake, Severus stared at it for a minute before hesitantly taking it.

“I think we have it from here Mike, we’ll let you know if we need help.” Regulus addressed the stunned alpha who kept looking back and forth between Severus and Black. Not waiting for his response, Rugulus, whose scent was soft and flowery (an omega) turned around and gestured for Severus and Black to follow him. “I heard from Sirius that you got good taste in the horror movie department. Think you can give us a hand? My brother’s taste in any film is utter filth, it’s a pain when it’s his turn to choose one for movie nights.” Black scoffed, “You just say that because I don’t pick the movies you want to watch.”

Severus resisted the urge to curse. Black just looked at him, grinning like a fucking mutt. Not having any other choice, and because he didn’t need Black to keep reminding him of his oh so ‘generous’ act of chivalry. Like second nature, he guided them towards the horror section and began explaining each category.

“It all depends on what type of horror you are into. For example, they have a section on exorcism and demonic possession. The majority of them are based on true events, so if you are feeling brave, get those. Then on this side they have body horror and cannibalism. If you have a strong stomach and aren't easy to squirm, I recommend them. Over here we have the classic slashers such as Halloween and Friday the 13th , however those two are American. If you want ones made in the UK then there are Peeping Tom (1960) and Gothic (1986) .”

He continued listing off the other categories, for each one pointing out movies made in different countries. Severus could tell he got Regulus’s attention by the way his gray eyes seemed to move from movie to movie, eyes wide in interest. “I recommended two films to Black a day ago, you can ask Mike if they have been returned.”

“It was Carrie and The Shinning , right?” Asked Black, his attention on the onyx eyed omega. He nods, “Both of them are American films and based on novels.” He didn’t know why he felt the need to add that information. It was always like this, whenever conversation regarding horror films and novels was brought up, Severus couldn’t help but rant about it. To think it would be the same with Black of all people. The alpha nods in interest, he had yet to scorn the omega’s interest on the topic.

Regulus hums, “Huh, he was right, you do know your stuff.” Smiling, the curly haired boy goes to the psychological horror section. “Maybe this upcoming movie night won’t end in a disaster.” Black rolls his eyes again. “Brat.” Severus looked between them, a little surprise and in all honesty, impressed. He had always known Black to be a violent brute, always imposing and always ensuring the stand out. Even with his own packmates, the alpha was never that soft spoken. 

It took him by surprise to see him acting so…soft towards someone else. Then again, Severus was an only child, he didn’t know how it felt to have a sibling or how to behave around a sibling. “Do you know where those two movies are?” Paying attention back to the older Black, Severus sighs but nods. With a tilt of his head, he gestured for the other boy to follow him towards the return rack. Usually clients weren't allowed to touch any movies that weren't on the shelves but Mike was busy with restocking and Severus already knew what to do. There was no harm in doing this.

“Here.” Pulling the two movies off the rack, he handed them to the gray eyed boy. “You’re in luck, I just returned them. Wait for Mike to finish up, he will check them out for you.” Thinking that the conversation was over, Severus stepped around the alpha only to be stopped again. “Who said we were done?”

“I did, now move out of my way.”

“No.”

“No-?”

Black observed him, his eyes looking at the onyx eyed boy's face, hair, then back to his face before grinning. “We will have to see each other in,” He checked his wrist watch, “About five minutes. What’s the harm in going together?” The remark itself made him roll his eyes. Leave it to Black to do and say the most outrageous shit all while having the gale to puff his chest as if he said the smartest thing ever. Inhaling and then exhaling, Severus willed the headache away. 

“Smart ass.” Was all he said as Black winked at him. If you were to ask Severus who the most annoying and egoistical person was, he wouldn't know who to choose. Between Potter and Black, it was a tie. Back when they were children, the curly haired boy always went out of his way to bother him, from pulling his hair to taking his things and hiding them. At first it was small things, harmless pranks that even Severus sometimes laughed at. Much like any other children, he wanted to make friends and Black seemed like a fun person to be around.

He had Lily but at the same time he knew she would also want other friends. Severus had tried to interact with others, be social even if he didn’t know how. It never worked, people avoided him, parents would tell their children not to play with him because of his father.

Tobias’s boy.

Lily had been the only one to play with him and she didn’t seem to care if Severus was reserved or that his father was a well known drunk. Maybe that was what made him curious about Black at the beginning. Where people avoided him, Black went out of his way to seek him out. Even if it was for pranks, Severus didn’t mind, at the end of the day the other boy would return what he took with a playful grin and shining gray eyes.

Things changed when their secondary genders came. Potter, unlike Black, had treated him a little more nicely but it was mostly for Lily. He did play pranks, some of them even made him laugh. Severus thought that maybe he would be friends with them. Then he presented and so did the rest of the kids in their grade and that thought never entered his head again. Both boys still played pranks but they got meaner, rougher. His stolen things wouldn’t be returned and if they were, they were destroyed beyond repair. Severus tried not to let it get to him, they already made fun of him for his hair, nose, and called him names. 

It was no longer playful banter.

He would be shoved to the side, sometimes even onto lockers. They would steal his things and throw them in the nearby pond, and would pick fights with him. Severus sometimes let himself be riled up, when that happened he and the two alphas would end up in the infirmary with a bloody nose and a couple of bruises. That only seemed to rile them on, though, it never went too far. In some twisted way, they never use their scents, something that had scared him at the beginning.

It was known that alphas could make an omega submit with their scents, make them do whatever they wanted by using their voices in a command. And the more well known one, scruffing the back of an omega’s neck. That one terrified him the most, it was the main reason he never let people too close to him. The back on an omega’s neck was sensitive as it was also a spot where betas and alphas bit into to form a claim, but it was also a weak point. If someone managed to get their hands on it, to scruff an omega, it would cause the omega to go limp, all control of their body would be gone until the person stopped scruffing them.

Not once did either boy attempt that.

They pushed him around, said scathing remarks, called him names and pulled awful pranks. But they never used his status as an omega against him. Maybe that was why he was a bit at ease with them, not by much keeping in mind everything they had done. He wouldn’t trust them with anything, but at the very least they didn’t take advantage of him.

Severus scoffed internally, was the bar that low that basic decency was enough for him?

Regulus had picked about three different movies, he took another three that Severus recommended and had Black pay for them. “Have a good day Sev! I’ll see if we have more horror films in the new arrivals. If I do, I’ll keep them apart for you on Monday.” Mike reminded him, smiling as he handed Black the bag of his purchased films. “Thank you, I’ll see you on Monday.” He nodded and the alpha flushed again as the three boys left the store. 

Severus tightens his sweater around him, wind blowing cold air into his face as he grumbles. Regulus does the same, “I’ll be meeting a few friends up at The Three Broomsticks, you to go ahead and meet up with your two buddies.” With a wave of his hand, the younger boy went the opposite direction, leaving only Severus and Black alone. Huffing, the omega began to walk towards the library, not waiting to see if Black was following or not.

“Wait up!” He ignored the other and continued walking. By the time they arrived at the library, Severus was regretting even coming out in the first place. The rugby player kept on talking and talking, from asking him questions to pestering him when the raven head wouldn’t respond. It was like dealing with a toddler, except, a toddler was less annoying and knew when to take the hint.

Potter and Lupin were already seated down, notes and a sketchbook covered the table along with a couple of biology textbooks. Lupin was hunched over one of them, brows furrowed as he scanned the page. “I will do it James, just make sure things are prepared.” He sounded exasperated. Potter huffed, “Fine, Padfoot isn’t going to like it.”

“What am I not going to like?”

As if both had been shot, they jumped out of their seats. Lupin immediately slammed his textbook shut as Potter gave them a tense smile. “Sirius! Snape! Didn’t hear you guys.” Severus raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Black narrowed his eyes, looking between his two friends. “What Prongs meant is that I will be taking care of reshaping the skeleton for biology class since you messed it up.” Lupin added.

“What?! But I prepared everything already!” The green eyed boy glared slightly. “And you messed it up, so I have to go and clean your mess.” The way he said it shut down any argument that Black had. He looked pissed but huffed and nodded. “Fine, just tell me what to do later.” The omega didn’t comment on their behavior, he didn’t have biology with them so he didn’t know what assignment it was. He didn’t care either.

Taking a seat, he began to pull out his things, Black followed suit and soon enough so did the other two. After thinking about how he would work with all three and two different projects in the span of a couple of hours, he decided to split his time. Two hours for each assignment should be enough. The library closed at six, by four they should be done with a decent chunk leaving Severus with an hour to himself before heading back home and getting ready for his late night shift.

He told this to the three boys who seemed to agree, “I’ll be working with Potter and Black first. I need to revise what they have done so far before doing anything more. In the meantime, look around and see if you can find books regarding the history of art. They should come in hand once we start setting our portfolio.” Lupin nodded and without any further instructions, did what Severus asked.

At least out of the three, Lupin knew how to follow orders.

The same couldn’t be said about Potter and Black. Looking over the work they last did since chemistry class, the omega just sighs. It was better than before, not as many errors but not up to his standards. He made this clear to them as he made them correct their mistakes. “C’mon Sniv, you don’t have to be so tight about this. Slughorn won’t even nitpick it.” Mumbled the bespectacled boy. “I don’t do sloppy, Potter. Unlike you, when I start something I finish it properly.”

“Wouldn’t it kill you to relax a bit?”

He didn’t dignify that with a response.

Black was the same, his writing wasn’t as horrible and he could understand it now. But he kept using the wrong equation and no matter how many times Severus told him to use the other one, the mutt would only nod and proceed to do the opposite. It was on purpose, he could tell by the amused looks he kept getting each time he crossed out the wrong answer. “Black, I did not come here to waste my time. Either get it right or so help me-”

“What? You’ll put me in my place?”

The omega huffed, and delivered a swift kick to the shin.

Black yelped, earning a nasty glare from the librarian to which he then directed to Severus who was already finished with his agreed portion. “I’ve already finished my portion. You two keep working, I’ll be working with Lupin now.” The boy in question looked up from one of the many books he had brought over. “I’ve looked through a couple of the art and articles describing different themes that were used.” Lupin showed him the page he had been reading. 

Scanning it, Severus hums, “We already agreed on focusing on a dark theme, however we haven't agreed on what exactly that implies." 

“I was thinking the same thing so I did some digging into classical stage plays and musicals since some art pieces are inspired by them and managed to find a few themes that may fit.” Pushing his notebook towards the onyx eyed boy, Severus took a look at it and was amazed at what he found. Lupin had gone above and beyond in such a short amount of time. There were various themes, many of which had been circled as potential candidates.

However, one had been circled in red instead of black. “Dark love?” He asked, looking at the blonde boy who nodded. “Many tend to focus on the bright side of love. For example, saying that love is blind. When someone thinks of how love is blind they think about loving someone who they never thought would be a love interest or falling for someone who isn’t your type. What they don’t think about is how that can also fall into the category of falling for someone and growing an unhealthy…obsession.”

When he thought about it, Lupin did have a point. The saying ‘love is blind’ often implied that someone couldn’t help who they fell for. However, it could also imply how that same love could cause someone to do desperate things for love, how they could ignore all the bad because they love that person. It would often end in tragedy, either for them or for the people around them.

His mother was an example of that.

“Obsession, infatuation, and love being blind are all things that are tied together. I thought we could use this theme to explore the deeper meaning of love. Show people that even if it is morbid, it is still part of the whole love aspect.” Who would have thought that Remus Lupin, class president and overall perfect student would have the ability to think in such a way.

Severus was intrigued.

“Let’s do it then. We can do some research about forbidden love, doomed lovers, how the love of people doomed them and the people around them.” He glanced up only to meet green eyes. Lupin was smiling at him, Severus felt his stomach do a flip. Ignoring the rush of warmth, he began looking through the books. Since the first half of the portfolio required six classical art pieces to be presented to describe the theme, each of them would be doing two along with a small summary for each one.

From there they would then create two pieces of their own depicting that theme and describing what type of material they used along with what inspired them to do the art piece. Severus was doing the research first, love was something he didn’t know much of, it wasn’t something you could read and learn about because it was always changing. It was not set in stone and it wasn’t always planned. It came at random and sometimes, from people you would never expect it from. Sometimes that love came in violence. Whether the violence was directed towards you or others depended on the person.

Around four Severus took a small break and decided to check up on the other two boys. Black, surprisingly, had listened to him and completed the work correctly. There had been no mistakes and every equation was the correct one. “So, do I get a prize?” The grey eyed alpha asked. The omega gave him a dull look and gave the paper back. “What? Want me to give you a head pat and call you a good boy for following orders?” 

“Please?”

He sneered and turned to Potter’s paper. It was the same as Black, everything was in order. “Good, about time you followed directions.”

“Will you also call me a good boy, Snape?” Potter winced at the kick Severus gave him under the table. 

By the time it was five, they packed up their things and left the library. Because of all the work he had covered, the omega felt lighter. It would give him enough time to catch up on the other two classes he fell behind in. If there was one thing he was thankful for this whole day was getting ahead of his work. Black stretched with a yawn, “I don’t know about you guys but I am tired. I think I’ll go home early, I need to pick up Regulus and drop him home before seven. God knows mother dearest will pop a vein if he is later than seven.”

Potter laughs and Lupin sighs fondly. “I will do the same, mom wants me back early. With everything going on, she doesn't want me out late at night.” He turns to face Severus. “What about you?” 

“I will go back home then go to work.” 

“This late?” Asked Potter, frowning. “Some of us weren’t born with a silver spoon. Killer or not I still have responsibilities.” Even if he would rather be at home, the omega needs the money. Plus, today he gets his paycheck, if he doesn't show up he will have to wait until Monday and that was something he couldn’t do. Bills never waited on anyone. “Then I’ll walk you home. Maybe we can get something to eat on the way. We did promised to buy you food.” He shot Potter a tired glare.

“No thanks.”

“C’mon Snape, don’t be stubborn. Even if the sun is up, that won’t stop the killer from attacking.” Goosebumps spread over his arms and Severus scoffed. “I don’t need your worry.”

“It’s not about needing it! For once can you just agree?!”

“Why do you even care?! Last I checked, I was nothing but a greasy bastard!”

The atmosphere turned tense, Lupin looked back and forth between them while Black began to frown. “That doesn't mean we don’t want you safe!” Responded Potter, running a hand through his unruly hair. “You got attacked a few days ago! What would have happened if I hadn’t been there?!”

Severus flinched, his gaze turning dark. “So that’s what this is, you trying to feed your hero complex?!” Potter’s jaw clenched. “No, it’s about me caring about my packs’ omega!” As soon as those words left him, Potter turned a bright shade of red. Lupin closed his eyes in exasperation but it did little to cover his own blush. Black just stared at Potter with wide shocked eyes. 

“What?” Severus asked slowly, his hands clenching tightly. He could feel his face heat up, the cold wind doing nothing to calm the furious shade of red he knew his face was adopting. Potter stuttered, his cinnamon scent coming out in nervous waves. Lupin stepped forward, “Snape- Severus, we didn’t want it to come out in this way but what James was trying to say is; the three of us like you. We-”

“Don’t.”

All three alphas flinched.

His chest felt tight, the cold air burned his airways, feeling him with ice. “Whatever your going to say, don’t” If they say, if they dared to imply what he thinks they will…

“S-Severus?” Black called out cautiously, a hand reaching forward to touch him only to flinch away from it. They can’t, no, they have no right. Severus knows he isn’t the most pretty or outgoing person, he knows he isn’t desirable in any way. He doesn't even know why Jones and Green even liked him, there was nothing to like. Just a couple of hours ago he thought these three alphas wouldn’t use his omega statues to mock him.

Once again, he was wrong.

“I may be many things, but I am not an idiot and I refuse to be treated or seen as one.” His voice was hollow, eyes focused on the ground. He didn’t want to look at them. “This is low, even for you.”

“Severus, we-”

“Don’t fucking call me that! You have no right!”

After years of being Snivellus , they had no right calling him by his name. “I don’t know what kind of sick prank this is, but I want no part in it. I belong to no one! Least of all to any of you! I have my own pack, a pack that cares for me, a pack that never humiliated me for their own entertainment!” He finally looked up, glaring at all three of them.

Potter looked like he was in pain, his scent bitter and way too heavy. Black was the same, his posture stiff, pinewood was mixing into the cinnamon making Severus scrunch his nose in disgust. Lupin looked lost, as if he didn’t know what to do. He smelled like burned chocolate and that was what finally made Severus gag and cover his nose.

“We aren't lying Sev-Snape, and we aren't playing a prank.” Potter stepped forward, a hand on Lupin’s shoulder. Severus felt his eyes grow still. No, he refused to cry in front of the likes of them. 

“I don’t believe you. And even if for a moment I did, there is no forgetting the bullying you lot did to me over the years. That is not something I can forget with sugar coated words. Words mean nothing to me.”

Turning away from them, Severus left without waiting for a reply.

To hell with them, to hell with every single one of them.

Chapter Text

Severus wasn’t unfamiliar with betrayal, it was something he had known for a very long time. His first betrayal had been his father. Contrary to what many think, Tobias wasn’t always an abusive drunk who gambled all the time. He used to be a kind, loving husband and father. Whenever he got off work he would bring Severus little trinkets he would find. Pieces of metal that with enough shaping, would look like toys. Every weekend he would bring him to the park and play ball with him for hours, all while laughing and smiling.

Tobias would bring Eileen flowers of any kind, sometimes even seeds so she could grow them in her garden. Severus used to look at them and pray to have a marriage like that, in which he and his partner would live in domestic bliss, a pet, and maybe a child or two. The changes began when Severus was seven, he can’t remember why but that day his dad had gotten home drunk and upset.

Eileen had ushered the seven year old boy to his room and a couple of minutes later, shouting began. That had been the first time his dad had ever been violent towards his mother. The next day he brought flowers and a small cake as an apology that would only last a couple of days before it began again. It had been hard to love yet hate the man that had once been such a loving father. To this day, Severus couldn’t distinguish what he felt for Tobias.

His second betrayal had been Lily. After the screaming and shouting, Severus came to learn a lot about how Lily had felt and what she thought throughout their years in school. It had been hurtful and while he was also to blame, it had hurt him worse than when Tobias had laid his hands on him. Those two betrayals had taught him to always expect the worst because the heartbreaks that truly hurt weren't from people you expect but from those you least expect.

He had taken a huge leap of faith when he accepted Charity and Aurora. Severus hadn’t wanted to, not after Lily, but when he saw how happy she was with her friends, he couldn’t help but want the same. It was a hard process learning to open up, much less allowing himself to trust others. Sometimes he still doubted them and felt guilty later on for doing so. It explained his reason behind the ‘no dating’ thing he had going on. Sure, he would like to experience what it felt like to be loved in such a way, to be wanted.

But allowing someone to come that close to him scared him. 

That was why he pretended to not see Jones' interest, why he turned a blind eye at the flustered stares that Mike gave him, why he never thought more than ‘wow’ when someone liked him. There was no way any relationship with him would bloom. Not when everything he touched seemed to wither away. 

That's why he couldn’t believe that Potter, Black, and Lupin all wanted him as a lover. 

Potter who could have anyone he wanted, who was the golden boy, the one many looked up to. He was an attractive alpha, good at sports, popular, and charming in his own idiotic way. Black is known to chase anyone that catches his eye, he is a heartthrob, the rich bad boy people seem to crave. Lupin, while quiet, was well liked and wasn’t short of any admirers. During valentines day last year he had received a hefty amount of love letters and chocolates. 

All three of them could get whoever they wanted. It didn’t make sense that they would want him, of all people. It had to be a prank. A ‘let’s see who can make Snivy fall first’ type of prank. Potter had always been interested in Lily, that was the main reason why he bullied him, why he did everything in his power to separate them. To suddenly claim that he liked him and wanted him to be a part of his pack was preposterous. Black and Lupin were just supporting him because they were friends. He bets that by Monday, all three boys will return to their normal, annoying, selves once they realize their prank wouldn’t work.

To think he used to have a crush on Lupin when he was younger. Severus blames it on his weakness for people with green eyes. 

“Hey, boy! Are you deaf or what?!” Severus cursed under his breath. His Saturday just kept getting worse and worse as time went by. First the marauders and how this. To his rotten luck, today he had to work with Daniel, a grouchy middle aged man who seemed to hate Severus with every fiber of his being. The boy shared the same sentiment, especially considering how Daniel was old fashioned.

“Put the damn beers into the cooler! The sooner we finish restocking, the better.” The omega rolled his eyes but did as he was told. He found it easier to deal with him by just doing things faster. He usually got along well with his co-workers, never picking any fights and just working. Even if sometimes they got on his nerves he never said anything. Not unless provoked. Daniel was a special case, had it been anyone else Severus would have given them a piece of his mind. However, and as much as he hates to admit it, Daniel tended to remind him of the worst sides of Tobias.

He never laid a hand on him, if he had their manager, Noah, would have kicked him out and reported him. It was the way he would yell at the omega that set him on edge, it was the same tone Tobias would use for him whenever he was losing patience. Severus found it easier to just do as he was told in order to avoid any kind of confrontation.

Placing the last can of beer into the cooler, the onyx eyed boy closed it with a clink and picked up the empty boxes. Daniel had his back towards him, doing a count of the can foods. Without saying anything, Severus folded the beer boxes and placed them by the back door. He will let Daniel take out the trash. Just because Severus didn’t say anything against him didn’t mean he wasn’t petty. Glancing at the clock he sighs and goes to the employee backroom where Noah, their manager, was doing the final counts. “Ah, Severus! Are you finished?” He nods.

“Here then, since you stayed overtime last week I added a bit more money.” Noah handed him a white envelope with his name on it. Severus took the envelope with a nod, “Thank you. I’ll be leaving now. My mom wants me back as early as possible.” 

“That’s fine, Daniel and I can deal with the rest. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with that killer on the loose. Do you have someone to go home with? If not, I can give you a lift.” Unlike Daniel, Noah was nicer. He was a good manager and one of the reasons why Severus always put up with Daniel and the weird clients they sometimes get. He was like that cool and nice uncle you saw every once in a while. 

“It’s fine sir, one of my friends will be picking me up.” The honking of a car was heard along with Daniel’s angry shouts. “That should be her.” More honking was heard as Noah chuckled. At this point, the two workers knew Charity did it to get on Daniel’s nerves. “Alright then, be safe then and see you on Wednesday." With a wave, Severus collects his bag and puts on his sweater while passing a grumbling Daniel. 

Charity’s black car welcomes him as the bitter wind kisses his face. Shivering, the omega hops up to the car and gets in. “How was work?” Asked the blonde girl as she pulled away. “Same as always, got a bit more because of the overtime I did last week.” 

“That’s good! What about our good buddy Daniel?” Both of them burst out laughing. For a moment he could forget about the things that happened today. About Potter, Lupin, and Black and their confession. About how they looked at him with pleading eyes, about their scents and how much Severus doesn't mind them. He hasn’t told his two friends about his meeting with the three alphas. If he had Charity and Aurora would have insisted to accompany him. 

Not that he would be against it but he wanted to deal with them himself. It’s not like he was going to walk into his death by spending a couple of hours with them. He didn’t plan on telling them about their confessions either, Aurora, despite being the calm one, would raise hellfire on them. With Skeeter already painting him as some kind of attention whore, the last thing he would want is to drag Aurora into it. The rumors will die down soon enough, their focus going back towards the killer.

“Have they said anything about the funeral?” Charity shakes her head. “Aurora says her mom is still identifying the third victim. Maybe in a couple of days they will announce it. I know they will be having a memorial for Green and Jones hosted by the rugby team. We could go if you want.” He would have to see them again and be surrounded by people he could care less about but Severus wanted to pay his respects. Green and Jones had been nice to him, he could deal with a few unruly guys for an hour or two. “Yeah…I'd like to go.”

He should cut some of the flowers in his mom’s garden once he knows the date of the memorial.

_____

“Fucking kid can’t even do shit right.” Daniel muttered as he stacked the boxes with a glare. Noah just sighs, “Cut him some slack, after what he went through it’s pretty brave of him to keep working so late.” In all honesty, the older beta had expected Severus to stop coming to work after he heard the news. Being chased and almost killed was horrible to think about, he could only imagine how it would feel. 

“Bah! Just a bunch of bullshit if you ask me.” The older alpha sneers. “What was he even doing so late at night? And with another alpha no less.”

“He had a shift here Daniel, he was walking home. So don’t imply things like that, you know he is a good kid.” Daniel, like most of the older folk in Hogsmeade had bought into Skeeter’s ridiculous story of how the only reason Ghostface had chased the omega was because he had been out late at night with James Potter. To them, it was the scandal of the century. “And even if Severus was out with James, there is nothing wrong with that. Both are young, plus, you’ve seen how James looks at him.”

“That’s what you say, for all we know he was going around with others. Hah! Skeeter is on to something with that. Fucking whore.” Noah just huffs in annoyance. He really didn’t care about the young omega’s love life, that was not his business. However, he hardly doubts he would go around. Severus is reserved, even when he has admirers around him, he never paid them any attention. James was an example, despite him teasing the omega, the bespectacled boy always looked at him with tenderness.

He wasn’t the only one, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin looked at him the same way. Mike Smith, the young alpha that worked in the movie rental was the same, thought it was more obvious with the way he acted. It was no surprise that Severus Snape was the most sought after omega, even if he didn’t know. He had a certain charm that pulled people in, unlike the majority of the kids around here, he tended to keep to himself. He has friends, sure, but even with them he did his best to blend in with the background.

Noah wonders, who would end up winning the omega’s heart in the end?

“Just take the card board boxes and trash out Daniel, then we can call it a day.” With more grumbles the older alpha did as he was told. Shaking his head, Noah headed back to the manager’s office to finish the paper work for the week. Tomorrow the store will be closed and he wanted to get work done in order to have Sunday free. 

The next couple of minutes were quiet, he could hear shuffling as Daniel moved back and forth, a grumble here and there. It was already late and the tiredness in his eyes was making him sleepy. Noah yawned, he just needed to review the financials and have them ready for his boss. Rubbing his eyes, the beta continued to write. 

A booming crash echoed outside, startling Noah awake. “Daniel?” There was no response. Gulping, Noah stood up and got the shotgun under the counter in the front. He ensured it was loaded and that the safety was off before slowly going towards the back door that led to the alleyway behind the shop. Opening the door open, he took a cautious peek. It was dark, the street lamp was the only source of light he had. “Daniel?” He called again and received no response.

It was quiet, eerily so. Daniel was never the quiet type, always loud and rough around the edges. The fact that he wasn’t responding made him on edge. Nudging the door open wider, he took a step outside just as the shop’s main entrance was opened accompanied by the tiny bell alerting him someone had entered. He tensed, hadn’t he locked the door after Severus left? 

Hastily he went back inside only for the lights to go out. “Daniel, this isn’t fucking funny. Stop messing around.” A rack in the back crashed to the floor, the chips that were there all scattered into the ground. Noah pointed his shotgun to the direction where the noise came from, squinting. Walking slowly to where the mess was, he almost slipped, causing him to drop his weapon. “Fuck!” Holding onto the shelf, the beta steadied himself and looked down. 

It was too dark to make out anything, only a dark liquid. Crouching down, Noah dipped his fingers into the puddle and frowned. It felt sticky unlike soda and way too thick. Rubbing it between his fingers he stood up and smelled it. 

“What the fuck?!” He exclaimed, pulling his arm away from him as if it had offended him. The hairs in the back of his neck stood up and goosebumps spread all over his body. Blood, it was fucking blood. “Who is there?! Show yourself you fucker!” Scared, Noah began to search for his shotgun but with how dark it was, he couldn’t see it. Fuck! He needs to call the police! Stepping away from the puddle of blood, he turned around only to run into a sturdy wall.

A sharp, hot sensation tears into his stomach before it was pulled out and another was shoved into his lower back. Noah screamed in pain, staggering into the figure in black. His eyes looked up and met the same white mask he had seen on television and the newspaper. The man tilted his head, as if he was curious before pulling out the knife and plunging it again into his spine. Noah tried to pull away, to shove the killer off him but the wound on his stomach and the one on his back burned each time he moved.

Ghostface held on to him tightly and ruthlessly twisted the blade, up and down, left and right. Noah’s throat burned from how much he was screaming, that just made the killer more eager. Roughly, Ghostface shoved him into the ground as the lights came on. Noah was whimpering, tears falling down his face as blood poured out of his body. To the side, he could see his shotgun. Meekly, he tried to drag his body towards it. 

A heavy boot stomp on his back hard, a crunch was heard as another scream of pain left him. “Stay still, would you? I hate to make a mess.” Another stomp landed on his back then he was flipped to his back. “W-Why…why are you doing this?!” He asked, the taste of blood on his mouth. Ghostface chuckled, “It’s more about the fact that I am helping someone and getting something in return.” 

Noah coughed, “Where is…Daniel…?” The killer howled in laughter as he twirled the blade between his fingers. “Your buddy kicked the bucket first. Quite the fighter he was, wouldn’t stop squirming even after turning him inside out.” 

“You fucking bastard!”

The air left his body along with another yell of pain. Ghostface scoffed, pulling his leg back and landed another kick. “I would say it’s nothing personal, and it isn’t, but I do have a job to complete.” Noah froze, fear running in his veins, making him unable to move. Ghostface crouched down and gently caressed Noah’s cheek with his blade. The beta flinched as a shallow cut was made from his eyebrow to the corner of his lips. “Since you aren’t a complete bastard, I’ll make this painless. Unlike Daniel, who just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.” The last part was said with so much rage that Noah whimpered.

With quick swiftness, Ghostface grabbed his head and twisted it to the side. There was a faint ‘crack’ and Noah’s body went still. Gently, he lowered the beta’s body to the floor before closing his eyes with his hand. Standing up, the killer rolled his shoulders and cleaned his blade with his gloved hand before putting it away. Whistling under his breath, he stopped by the candy aisle.

Humming in though, Ghostface took a handful and shoved them into his pockets.

_____

“I’m already home, Sev said everything was fine today at work. He also rented a few American horror films, said we should watch them together.” Charity said, the sound of keys being put away in the background. Aurora giggled, “That’s good, I’ll see if I can clear up my schedule tomorrow. We could drop by his house and watch them.”

“Yeah! That sounds like a good idea, with everything going on it will cheer him up.” She could hear the blonde talk to someone in the background before she spoke to the alpha again. “Hey, I have to go. Dad wants me to come help him with dinner. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” 

“Alright, bye! Have a good night.”

Hanging up, Aurora put the phone back in place and went to the living room. Her mom was doing overtime in the morgue while her dad was doing his last shift in the hospital. Tonight, the house was left to her supervision, not that there was much to even supervise with just herself. Grabbing the control, she turned on the tv and turned up the volume. It was on a random show, a drama about a cheating husband. Aurora lets out a laugh and heads to the kitchen.

It was the weekend and since she was finished with her assignments, she could relax and go to sleep late. Tomorrow she had to go with her dad to meet a family friend, which was code for a potential business partner. Her dad was the director of the hospital, a very important position she was told. Aurora hated those meetings, they were always so superficial. It was one of the main causes of her parents’ fights. That was also the reason why her mom and dad tended to stay late in their jobs.

They were avoiding each other.

The last fight they had was bad, Aurora hadn’t been home when it happened. She only saw the aftermath when she got home from school. Her dad was out and her mom had been on the sofa, tears running down her face. She had asked what happened but her mother refused to tell her. That had been a few weeks ago and things were still tense.

Opening the fridge, she took out the jug of water just as the phone in the living room rang. Placing the jug on the counter, the dark skinned alpha went to answer it. “Hello? Who is this?”

“Hi, may I ask who I am speaking to?” Aurora frowned, “Who are you?”

“Sorry, I just want to know who I am speaking to, I want to make sure I called the right person.” 

“That’s fine but I’m sure you got the wrong number.” Aurora went back to the kitchen. “Really? That sucks, I thought I had the right one.” She giggles, “It happens. Well, I’ll hang up now.” 

“Wait! Can I ask one last question?”

“Um, sure? What is it?” She began to fill herself a cup of water, the phone balanced between her shoulder and ear. “What’s your favorite scary movie?” Aurora laughs again, “Wow, what a conversation starter. Well, since I’m bored, I’ll answer. That would be Carrie .” She had no idea as to why she was indulging this stranger when she didn’t even know his name. Maybe it was the boredom, maybe it was the fact that she was alone when she was used to having her parents with her. Or maybe, it was just the stress in her body begging her to find some form of relief. 

“Ah Carrie ! Yes, a classic, I also like that one.” The man chuckled, Aurora smiled. It had been a movie that Severus recommended to her when they started the tradition of watching movies at each other's house. After they watched it, Aurora had gotten the book and ever since it became her favorite American horror film along with the novel. From time to time she would watch it with her packmates or by herself.

“You never told me your name.” The man’s voice was soft, almost purring. Aurora smirked and leaned her hip against the counter, glass of water in her hand. “Why do you want to know?” She asked.

“Because I want to know who I’m looking at.”

The glass slipped from her fingers and shattered onto the floor. Aurora stood up, alert, the man barked in laughter. “You should see yourself, how much of an idiot do you have to be? Answering a call from a complete stranger and even entertaining him?” It was more out of reflex than anything when Aurora hung up the call. She looked at the phone in her hand, trembling. What the fuck had that been?

Putting the phone on the counter, she walked around the shattered cup when the phone rang again. The alpha stared at it, unease settling deep into her stomach. She watched it ring a couple of times before picking it up again. “Whatever this is, stop fucking around!” Her tone was meant to be angry, sharp even. However, it came out high pitched and scared. The man on the other line chuckled in amusement. 

“My, my, my. Where is all that bravado you showed me? Scared you that badly?” Dark brown eyes moved nervously as her grip on the phone tightened. “Listen here asshole, if you don’t stop I’ll tell my parents and call the police.”

“Your parents aren't home sweet cheeks and by the time the police gets here, you will be all wrapped up with a pretty bow made of your organs. Now, if you play my little game, I will let you live, if you don’t…well you already saw what happened to dear little Angela and Leo.” Another bark of laughter ran into her ear as she glared into the air. “It was you, you were the one to kill them!”

“Yes and no, but that’s not what we will talk about. Now, answer my question and you might just make it out, it all depends on your answer.”

“You are sick! Mental! You fucking bastard!” 

“Such a colorful language, too bad that won’t save you.”

Aurora was fighting every single emotion that ran through her body. One part told her to hang up the phone and call the police, another told her to play it safe. The killer, Ghostface, was near her, near enough to be able to see her. However, the rational part of her brain was telling her that it couldn’t be the killer, she had been home all day, she would have realized if the mad man had entered her house. 

“First question, where do you think I am?” 

“Up your fucking ass, you piece of shit.”

Unfortunately, the side that responded was violence. Ghostface chuckle, no longer amused. It sounded cold and cruel, as if she were a mere bug he was playing with. “You know, I was trying to be nice, really I was. But I forgot how much of a self centered bitch you are.” Before she could reply, the line got cut off. It was silent, all she could hear was her heavy breathing and the tv playing in the background.

Lowering the phone, she sighs shakily and goes to put it back in the living room. Nervously, she looked at her surroundings, nothing was out of place. The remote was where she left it, the lights up in the staircase were on, and nothing screamed ‘intruder’. Swallowing, she wiped her sweaty hands on her sweatpants and slumped onto the sofa. It had been a prank, a sick and twisted prank.

Some kid must have gotten bored and decided to call whatever number they found in the phone book. It just happened to be her house number, nothing more. She debated on telling her parents but decided not to. Her mom and dad were already dealing with their own marital problems, Aurora didn’t want to add to that baggage. She could always tell Charity and Severus but decided against it as well.

Severus was dealing with enough issues as it was and Charity’s parents were getting more overbearing as of late. If they found out that Aurora was being harassed, real killer or not, they will no doubt force Charity to cut ties with her for her own safety. The alpha wouldn’t allow that, it will not only affect the blonde girl but also the boy with onyx eyes. She could deal with this on her own.

Closing her eyes, she leaned her head back and took in a deep sigh. 

Aurora felt it before she even opened her eyes. Something thick and rough, rope she came to realize, was wrapped around her neck and pulled unbearably hard that it cut off her circulation. Choking, the girl began to try and fight back, eyes wide open in fear as her fingers dug into the skin of her throat in a desperate attempt to get the rope off. The figure behind her pulled even tighter, causing her body to fully press against the backrest of the sofa.

“I told you to play the game you dumb bitch.” It was the same voice she had heard on the phone. Watery eyes glanced up as her head was forced backwards. A white ghastly mask greeted her along with black costume robes. The black eye sockets looked at her and even if she couldn’t see his eyes, she could feel the hatred coming out in waves. “Tell me Aurora, how does it feel to be helpless?! It’s not so nice now, is it?!”

Gasping, the alpha dug harder but the rope seemed to become one with her skin. In her panic frenzy, she noticed the hardcover book she had left on the sofa next to her. It had been the one she was using to finish her math homework. Struggling, she reached out towards it while her other hand tried to pull away the rope. She was already feeling light headed, air was quickly leaving her body. As soon as her fingertips touched the book, she grabbed it and with all the force she could muster, swung it right into the killer’s face.

Ghostface yelled in pain and loosen his grip. Taking the opportunity, Aurora pulled off the rope from her neck and took deep gulps of air. Despite feeling lightheaded, Aurora slid off the couch and staggered as fast as her legs could carry her. Ghostface cursed loudly as boot cladded feet stomped towards her. Aurora managed to make it up the first few flights of stairs before she was pulled back by her braids. She yelled in panic and pain when her back hit the floor. All the air in her lungs was knocked out of her, still she put on a fight.

Like hell she will let this bastard take her out, the same bastard that almost killed her packmate, the same boy who she saw and loves as a brother. Ghostface had taken out a knife, crouched down and was ready to stab her when she gathered all her anger and strength and kicked him with her feet in the middle of his chest. He was pushed back forcefully and fell on top of the glass coffee table, shattering it in the process. Without looking back, she ran upstairs and into her room.

Barricading the door, the dark skinned alpha grabbed her phone and dialed the police. Just as the line clicked, the killer began to bang on her door. “Open up! Open up, you little cunt!” Letting out a yelp of fear, Aurora dropped the phone and ran towards her window and opened it just as the killer punched the door hard enough for it to start splintering. Cursing, Aurora looked down at the height her room was in and looked at the angry and frantic killer.

Swallowing down her fear, she swung one leg onto the windowsill. Just as she placed both feet out, she caught sight of headlights coming down the driveway. A hit of relief and hope hit her like a ton of bricks. Without thinking, she began to scream and shout. “HELP, SOMEONE HELP ME! MOM! DAD!” The door finally gave in, without looking back, she jumped from her window and rolled down the roof and into the grass. It was not a big height difference but it still hurt like a bitch. Ghostface leaned his head out the window and looked down at her, Aurora smirked weakly as the shouts of her mom came close.

“Aurora! Aurora, where are you?!” 

The killer backed away from the window and disappeared from view just as her mom came into view. “Aurora?!” Her face had lost a few shades of color as she tried to help her daughter. The young alpha was breathing hard, her body and specifically her neck were bruised badly that it hurt to even breathe. The sound of police sirens rang into the quiet night as they came near her house.

She was safe.

______

Severus paced around the hospital waiting room, Charity was sitting in one of the chairs with Eileen and Charity’s mom, Sophia. It was around five in the morning when Charity had called him to tell him that Aurora had been attacked and was now in the hospital. It had only taken him five minutes to change and another five for his mom to get ready by the time Adam, Charity’s older brother, came to pick them up. Eileen had held his hand the whole way, the same worry in her eyes had yet to vanish.

On the way, Adam had informed them that there had been another attack, two bodies had been discovered. It had been in Severus’s workplace, right after Severus had left for the night.

He felt like throwing up.

Aurora’s mom, Amelia, had greeted them with Charity in the waiting room, one with red eyes and the other looking pale. Amelia had told them that she had only heard her daughter shout for help, by the time she had gotten to her, the killer was long gone. The police had searched the grounds and inside the house but didn’t find him. The only thing the killer had left behind had been the rope he had been using to choke Aurora.

By the time Aurora had been admitted into the hospital, the police had gotten another call about finding a dead body in a back alleyway. That was when it was discovered that Ghostface had killed two more people before heading towards Aurora. Eileen had been shaken up when she heard the news. Severus wasn’t any better. What would have happened if he and Charity had left later? If he had stayed in late, would the one discovering his body be Charity? Or would she have joined the pile?

It had been a miracle that Aurora managed to get away and that Mrs. Sinistra got there on time. 

They didn’t let them see the alpha until Monday, even so, Charity and Severus would go to the hospital in hopes of hearing any news regarding their friend. Sometimes Severus's mom would come with them, other times Mrs. Burbage would be there, other times, both mothers would come.

Nothing else was known about the dark skinned girl’s condition other than her having a few bruises on her skin and that her throat was heavily bruised. The doctors had no idea how the alpha managed to talk, much less even scream with how bruised her throat was. The doors to the main hospital wing opened, Dr. Robert Sinistra came out looking relieved yet tired. Mrs. Sinistra got up from her chair, jaw clenched tight. 

“Well? How is she?” Asked the older beta, brown eyes glaring at her husband. Dr. Sinistra just sighs. “She’s well, her worst injury was the bruising on her throat. Other than that, she is fine, just shaken up.” He looked over the beta’s shoulder and looked at Charity and Severus. “You can go see her, she is awake and stable.” The black hair omega looked at his mother, Eileen gave him a small smile and nodded. 

“It’s fine dear, go see her. I will wait for you here.” Pressing a small kiss on her cheek, he left with Charity once Dr. Sinistra gave them the room number. When they entered the room, Aurora was sitting down on the bed wearing a hospital gown. Charity let out a gasp and Severus’s eyes widened at the giant purple bruise surrounding Aurora’s neck. The alpha turned to look at them with a tired smile.

“Oh my god, Aurora.” Whispered Charity as she walked towards her packmate. Once they were near enough, both omegas pulled the alpha into a hug. Aurora hugged them back, her lavender scent strong and heavy. Her hands trembled as she held them and Severus tightened his hold on her. He let out his own scent to calm her down, Charity did the same and even purred. They stayed in that position for a couple of minutes, neither one of them wanting to let go. Severus closed his eyes and let out soft purrs, Aurora’s shoulders began to shake as small sobs left her body. 

Charity began to hum a small tune as she rocked all three of them gently. By the time Aurora had calmed down and let go of the hug, the room was a mix of lavender, roses, and lemon balm. Both omegas took a seat at each side of Aurora’s bed while the alpha wrote on her white board. Apparently she was under strict orders not using her vocal cords for a couple of days.

“Sorry to worry you two.” She wrote, smiling, yet it didn’t reach her eyes. Charity scoffed, “Don’t be silly! You're our friend and packmate, of course we will worry about you.” Severus nods. “We’re glad that you are safe.” He added. Aurora sighs, her smile dimming a bit. They didn’t talk much, Aurora kept spacing out every five minutes and while Charity always filled any silence, she didn’t have the energy. Severus didn’t know what to say, he couldn’t find the words.

He was glad Aurora got away, horrified to learn that both Noah and Daniel had been killed mere minutes after he and Charity left the store, and scared. Scared for his friends and for himself, scared for his mom and for the innocent people who didn’t know why the killings were happening. He could understand why Ghostface had targeted him, he had seen him kill a man. But Aurora? Noah? Daniel?

Daniel was a pain in the ass, always grumpy and old fashioned but he never harmed anyone. His wife had died a couple of years ago and his children had left Hogsmeade to start their own lives. He was just your resident grumpy neighbor who had too much time on his hands. Noah was single with no kids, however he was well liked among the younger kids because every Friday he would give candy for free. The older kids respected him because he helped them, sometimes even sponsored a few of them to study out of the town.

Aurora was just a high school student who minded her own business and treated others with respect. She never went out of her way to harm people, instead she would help them. Much like Severus, she tutored whenever she could and accompanied her dad to meetings when it was needed. She wants to be a doctor, to help heal others.

Why? Just why did the killer target them? What was his motive?

Shouting could be heard down the hall, both voices angry. Aurora lifted her head, a grimace on her lips. Charity looked at the closed door, frowning. “Are those…your parents?” She asked after the yelling went down. Aurora sighs but nods. “Is everything alright at home?” Asked Severus, a frown on his face. The alpha looked to the side, tired eyes seemingly empty before smiling and shrugging.

“I don’t know, probably just arguing about the house security system.” She wrote, her eyes not meeting theirs. Severus felt a nagging suspicion that it wasn’t the truth but seeing how tired the girl was, let it go. Charity did the same, her blue eyes narrowing at Aurora before nodding. They didn’t say anything else afterwards. After some time Mrs. Sinistra had ushered them out of the room, telling them to go back home and get some rest. Before they left, both omegas said their goodbyes to Aurora and promised to visit her again later in the day since she was to stay for a while.

Adam had given them all a ride back home. Charity had said she would stay home and catch up on some sleep. With a wave, he watched as both Burbage siblings drove away. Helping his mom enter their house he began to cook. He wouldn’t be able to go to sleep even if he tried. His mother, while tired, didn’t seem to want to sleep either. So he fixed breakfast and they ate in silence. After that, she retired back to her room and Severus began to clean the house. After that he planned to do some studying but was unable to focus on the text so he gave up. Around two in the afternoon he found himself watching a random cartoon as there was nothing else other than Skeeter talking about the recent killings.

His entire Sunday had been spent in the hospital with Charity, the only time they left had been to go eat with Adam or Mrs. Burbage paying. When it was late, they headed back home and by Monday morning, before the sun had risen, Severus and Charity headed back to the hospital. 

The omega had wanted to call into work but decided not to. It was still early by the time he had changed into his clothes again and informed his mom that he would go in to work early. Eileen had frowned in disapproval but let him go once he promised to come home by six, before the sun went down. He needed a distraction, anything to take his mind off what was happening.

In a matter of days, five people had been killed, one of his friends attacked and almost killed. It was all the news could talk about. The police were already enforcing a curfew on the town, they wanted everyone home by nine at night. All shops and businesses were to close early too for their own safety. It didn’t affect him much schedule wise. The corner store was now a murder scene and like hell he would ever step foot into it ever again.

When he got to the movie rental, he saw Mike behind the counter helping a couple check out their movies. A few others were looking around, some of them gave him a nod, others a wave. Severus returned the greetings with a nod of his own as he went into the employee room and put his things in his locker. Putting on his name tag on his oversize gray hoodie, he went back to the front. Mike was already done with the couple when he turned to face the younger boy.

“Hey, heard what happened, are you alright?” The black hair alpha asked in a soft tone, making sure the other people wouldn’t hear them. Severus nods and doesn't say anything else. Mike only gives him a small pat on the shoulders and goes to help another couple. His body moves as if it were on autopilot. He restocks returned movies and fixes the ones that were left out of the shelf. He hardly interacts with the clients, Mike had that handle. 

It's calming, grounding in a way that Severus desperately needed. Even if all he could hear was about the attacks from the people who came in, he learned to treat it as white noise. Mike had bought him some lunch around five in the afternoon while on his lunch break. Severus had been so distracted that he didn’t even realize he had skipped his own meal time. He thanked the older alpha and promised to pay him back despite the older boy saying it was fine.

Severus managed a couple of bites of his fish and chips when an annoying yet familiar voice reached his ears. He was in the employee room eating when Lupin’s warm voice was heard. He was asking Mike if he knew of some action movie, a little unsure as he did. Severus doesn't know why he got up from his chair, much less why he had a sudden urge to seek out the owner of that voice. When he stepped out, Mike was by the far left side of the store, looking through one of the shelves. Lupin was leaning on the counter, his back turned to him.

He was wearing a brown coat and a red and yellow scarf. His dark blonde hair was slightly ruffled, he looked casual, normal. “Lupin.” He called out to him before he could think. The alpha straightened up and turned to look at Severus. “Snape!” He exclaimed, green eyes going soft as he smiled at him. “I didn’t see you in school today. I heard what happened, are you alright?” He asked in that slightly deep rich voice. The omega shrugs, “I’m fine as it can be.”

He doesn't know why he was starting a conversation with Lupin, only that it brought that sense of comfort he so desperately needed. The blonde boy frowns, worried. “Are you sure? We…we got worried. After we learned about what happened at the store you work in, James had wanted to go check along with Sirius but I managed to stop them.” He chuckled wearily, “It was harder to do it a second time when we didn’t see you in school.” Severus crosses his arms as if to comfort himself, a few strands of his black hair covering his face as he looks down.

Hearing about how the three marauders reacted made his stomach do a weird flip, the same weird flip it had done yesterday at the library when he locked eyes with Lupin. He pushed it aside, uncomfortable at not being able to identify the feeling. “I’m fine, it happened after I left. I’m…I’m just glad that Aurora managed to escape.” Lupin reached out to him but stopped and pulled his hand away. Severus gave him a look full of suspicion but didn’t say anything. 

“Well, I’m glad that you are safe and that Sinistra managed to get away.” He said after a minute had passed. He was still staring at the omega and Severus couldn’t help but look back at him, right at his eyes. Curse him and his weakness for green eyes. The first thing he always noticed about people was their eyes. His mom had the same eyes as himself while his dad had a darker brown color. When he met Lily for the first time, it hadn’t been her hair that caught his attention, but her bright emerald eyes. 

It had been the first time he ever saw that shade of color and instantly made it his favorite color. Aurora had these dark brown eyes that always made him feel safe while Charity’s blue eyes made him feel happy and seen. Potter had brown eyes, a simple color yet when the sun hit it right, it looked like gold honey. Black’s gray eyes were sharp when focused but bright whenever he was around his friends.

Lupin’s green eyes were different then Lily’s own. While hers had been a bright shade of green, Lupin’s eyes were softer, almost like a lime green. Severus remembers how he instantly liked that shade of green as well. It had been the same reason why his younger self had a crush on Lupin all those years ago. Even now, when things were sour between them, Severus couldn’t help but admire how beautiful those eyes were. 

“Snape, about yesterday, I wanted to apologize." Severus raised an eyebrow but let him continue. “The way James went about it was wrong and it’s entirely our fault. I am not going to speak on their behalf, they can do that themselves but I want to at least tell you my side.” He glanced behind him, Mike was still shuffling the movies on the shelf. “We do mean it when we say we like you, a lot. I know that our past actions contradict what we told you, and the fault lays entirely on us.”

That was one way to put it. Potter and Black had always antagonized him, throwing words with venom whenever they saw him. Calling him that stupid nickname they made back when they were kids, stealing his things and never giving them back. Pushing him into lockers, not often but it still happened, and overall just being a pain in the ass. You could see why Severus had a hard time believing any words that came out of their mouths. 

“So, you're telling me it was a case of ‘pulling the pigtails of the girl you like’ situation?” He asked sarcastically, Lupin looked a little embarrassed. “I know it’s not an excuse for how we treated you, nothing can excuse our harassment of you. But we would never joke about our feelings towards you. It took a while to come to terms with what we felt, but we know what we feel for you. I know what I feel for you.”

For a moment, Lupin looked like he wanted to reach out towards Severus, but held back. “I know you probably would never forgive us, and you have every right not to. But I want to make it up to you, to show you that I am not joking around. Let me prove to you that I mean what I say. You said words are not enough for you, so please, let me show you.” Onyx eyes stare into lime green eyes, wide in slight shock. 

It was…a lot.

The omega looked at Lupin, truly looked at him. He tried to read his expression, dissect his words, anything to prove to him that Lupin was lying and that he just wanted to humiliate him. Taunt him, shove into his face that he was undesirable and that how dare he believed someone like him would ever be interested in courting him. Yet those eyes were sincere as the blonde boy looked at him. He could see the warmth in them, the care and kindness he held in them.

He could see…no, he won’t say it.

If it had been Potter or Black who was telling him this, he would have laughed and demanded that they left. But it was Lupin, and as much as he hates to admit it, Lupin had always been a soft spot for Severus. It had started as kids, way before they presented. He can still remember it, it had been a rather cold day and his parents were fighting again. In his haste to leave the house, he forgot to bring his jacket. So there he was, shivering while sitting on the swing. It was late afternoon and there was hardly anyone outside, many deciding to stay indoors to avoid the cold.

Severus had been hugging himself to provide comfort and warmth for himself when a jacket had been placed onto his shoulders. When he looked up, he was met with warm lime green eyes as Lupin smiled at him, a dimple in his chubby cheeks as he sat next to Severus. He didn’t ask why the black hair boy was there or why he didn’t have a proper coat. Lupin just talked about everything and nothing, filling in the silence in the park.

Severus didn’t engage in the conversation but he listened attentively. By the time his mom had shown up looking for him, he had been warm again.

To this day, he still has that small brown coat deep in his closet.

The omega wanted to sneer, call him a liar and tell him to shove it where the sun doesn't shine. But he was unable to speak, his throat dry and his mind all drained out. After everything that happened with Aurora and finding out that his manager and co-worker were killed, his mental wall had grown weary. Lupin had managed to dig his fingers into the cracks and slip inside. 

Severus was too emotionally and mentally tired to argue with him.

“Prove it then. If you like me as much as you claim, then prove it.” He finally said in a soft mumble, Lupin’s eyes widened, a certain shine in them making them stand out even more. “Show me that you are no longer that asshole that I loath, and only then will I allow you to court me. If your two friends want the same, then they have to approach me. You are getting this offer because for the first time, you finally seem to be using that spine of yours.”

The jab went unnoticed to the green eyed alpha as he nodded. There would be no harm in letting Lupin try, he wasn’t promising anything to him. If the alpha messed up, then Severus would have more than enough reason to demand the other leave him alone. “However, I am not promising anything.” He added, “The moment I see that this is a trick, that I am being made a fool out of, you will wish you never met me.” The threat was softly spoken yet the sting behind it was sharp.

Lupin gulped but nodded. “I understand, I will respect any decision you make.” Severus still didn’t believe him, not fully at least but nodded in agreement. “Here, a token of us starting again.” The boy pulled out a chocolate bar, the same kind that Severus liked, out of his pocket and handed it to him. Hesitantly, the omega took it and held it in his hand as if it would go off. 

“Don’t make me regret this.” 

That was all he said as Mike returned with the movie in his hands. Lupin nodded, softly smiling at him. The blonde’s dark chocolate scent reached his nose and unlike yesterday, where it smelled burnt, this time it was soft. Severus turned to look at the chocolate as Mike finalized the check out. With the movie in hand, Lupin grinned softly at Severus, “See you tomorrow then.” And left. Mike looked between Severus and the departing figure of Lupin.

“Friend of yours?”

Severus was looking at the chocolate, “No.” He said, opening the candy bar and taking a bite out of it. “Not at all.”

Curse him and his weakness for green eyes.

Maybe he was more like his mother than he thought.

Chapter Text

Ever since Lupin confessed to him, Severus hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. Even when he forced the thoughts out of his head, they always came back to him on that cold day in December, when everything had started. They had been kids, not even friends, yet Lupin was never shy about showing kindness to him. Of course, things changed as they grew older, secondary genders came into play and puberty played a big part in it too. Lily had started to focus on other stuff other than building dirt castles and picking up shiny stones by the pond. 

Severus changed too, just not into what people had imagined. He grew a fondness for horror films and novels, liked to draw and paint whenever inspiration hit, and he liked science, specifically chemistry. While others went out to party, he would be in his house watching tv or helping his mom keep the house clean. He didn’t have the luxury of going out with friends much less going out to eat out and buy things. Lily used to invite him with her own group, but he always ended up rejecting the invitations.

Not because he didn’t want to go, but because he just wasn’t able to. At some point she even stopped asking and Severus pretended it didn’t hurt him. She has her own life, she shouldn’t accommodate him. Severus wasn’t her only friend and he couldn’t ask her to keep waiting for him. It wouldn’t be fair to her. People change, the trick to that change was whether it was good or bad. Good people could always turn bad and bad people could always turn out good in the end. Sometimes, they would stand between good and bad, never picking a side.

Just because someone was good didn’t mean they couldn’t do bad things and just because someone was bad didn’t mean they weren’t capable of doing something good. The world was not black and white. People were capable of change, Severus just wasn’t sure if the change Potter, Black, and Lupin claim to be was good. He told all of this to Charity the next day on their way to school. The blonde was quiet as Severus explained what had happened in the library on Saturday and his run in with Lupin on Monday.

Severus could still taste the chocolate the blonde alpha had given him.

“...I can’t tell you what to do or what you shouldn’t do, but as your friend and packmate I can give you my opinion.” Charity said after a moment of silence. “While it is hard to believe they change and that they are not playing a prank, there is also no guarantee that they are not being truthful about their intentions. I know they did a lot of things to you, I was also there to witness some of it. But as an outsider, I don’t know how much that affected you. I can tell you to give them a chance but then again, I was never bullied by them. I can also tell you not to give them a chance, but if I do, then how would you feel about it?” 

Severus looked at the passing houses. When it came to his life, he never had any control. He couldn’t control who his parents were, their living situation, or his secondary gender. However, having the ability to choose what to read, what to eat, what to do before bed. Those were small decisions but his nonetheless. Charity could tell him to ignore them, to shut them out since he had every right. But then, would that truly be what he would want? Maybe if you asked the younger him, he would have nodded and done as his friend told him. Anything to appease the only friends he had.

“At the end of the day, it is you who can make that final decision. However, I will always stand by you no matter what happens. If you think giving them a chance to prove to you that they have changed will make me mad, then you're wrong. I just want you to be happy. Sure, I don’t like them but if you want to see where this goes, then I will always be here.” She turned to give the omega a smile, blue eyes twinkling. Severus looked down at his lap. “I…I don’t know if I…if I want to but I also don’t want to just…shut down the idea.”

Maybe he wanted closure, wanted to know why they bullied him, why they seemed to hate him even though he never did anything to them. What had caused this change of heart? “Sev, you don’t owe them anything. If all you want is answers, then get them but make it clear that you are in control. They are not allowed to expect or demand anything of you, if they truly change as they claim, then they will respect your decision, whatever it may be.”

Severus let those words circle inside his brain as they arrived at school. They did their usual routine, except they didn’t have Aurora with them. She had been discharged from the hospital but Mrs. Sinistra had refused to let her go back to school. They had tried to visit the dark skinned alpha but she was always shut in her room. At one point, she outright refused to see them. Charity had been worried but Severus could also see that the response had hurt her.

It had also hurt him too, but he also understood in a way. The omega had been chased and almost killed if it hadn’t been for Potter. Aurora had been by herself, she had to fight the killer alone. Ghostface had managed to get into her own house, which in itself was terrifying to think of, to experience it must have been worse. She must want some time for herself, to come to terms with what happened. 

They could wait. 

As they walked towards the building, they saw the news van parked outside again. Skeeter was there, her eyes looked over to them and then looked away. The bruise she had was almost none existent, she must have covered it with makeup. The students around them were all talking about the same thing, about the attacks and the deaths. About how Aurora Sinistra managed to get away and was now hiding. Thankfully, both omegas managed to get into the school without any trouble. 

“Do you want to stop by the music room with me? I need to put a notice about the music club being canceled until further notice.”

“Sure-”

“Snape! Can I have a word with you?” In all honesty he should have expected this. Ever since he took that chocolate from Lupin, he should have known that he had given them an olive branch to reach out. It would only be a matter of time before Potter and Black tried to talk to him. Severus hadn’t been able to form a plan on how to deal with them. It was easy with Lupin, the green eyed boy was never violent with him or reacted in anger unless he was deeply provoked. 

Even if Potter and Black were never outright violent with him, he had seen them do it first hand to someone else. It was around two weeks before Lily and he had their fall out. Both of them had decided to go into the courtyard during their free time to get both fresh air and some time to review for an exam. They sat under a tree and everything was fine for the first few minutes. There was a group of boys playing rugby nearby and a couple of students just hanging out with their friends. 

Then shouts of panic formed where the group of boys had been. Lily had looked up first and gasped, making  Severus also look up and just like his friend, he also gasped. Potter was fist fighting another classmate. It wasn’t the prospect of the fight itself that startled the onyx eyed boy but the violence behind it. He had seen Potter angry, happy, smug, disgusted, yet that rage in his eyes was different. It had made him flinch even when the gaze wasn't being directed to him. Black and Lupin had managed to pull Potter off the other boy, Pettigrew had got between them to prevent the bespectacled boy from lunging at the other boy again.

Severus never found out what the fight had been about, only that Potter got away with it with a week of detention. 

When it came to the banter he had with the marauders, it had never turned that violent. They taunted him, shoved him, called him names, but not once had they ever laid their hands on him the same way Potter had with that student.

Then again, it was how the abuse against his mother had started.

Did he really want to talk to Potter now? He could always reject him, tell him that he had no desire to speak to him. When he spoke with Lupin, he made it clear that the one he was giving a chance to was him, not his friends. Sure, his friends had to approach him if they wanted to be heard, but whether Severus wanted to or not was never stated. The omega could turn him away, tell him that no amount of explaining or apologizing will make him listen. There was nothing holding him back.

However, as much as he would want to, he knows that Potter is a stubborn fool who would stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. It doesn't mean Severus will just bend backwards and give the egoistical prick anything. 

No one said he had to make it easy. If Potter truly wanted whatever it was that he was chasing, then let him chase. At some point he will just have to get tired of chasing. But right now, it was better to get this over with, the last thing he needed was for the alpha to pull him aside in front of people. Because of Skeeter’s ridiculous theory, there had been rumors going around about how he was easy to get.

Add Potter into the mix and everything will just go up in flames.

Taking a deep breath, Severus turned to face Potter. The alpha was jogging towards him, still in his rugby uniform, he must have just finished morning practice. Charity stood next to the omega, one hand on her hip, eyebrow raised as she stared down at Potter. Once the alpha was close enough, he smiled sheepishly at them both, sweat clinging onto his forehead. “Snape, I…um, I was wondering if I could talk to you.” His brown eyes went to Charity but didn’t say anything else.

Severus tightens the hold on his bag strap.

“Sev, you don’t owe them anything. If all you want is answers, then get them but make it clear that you are in control. They are not allowed to expect or demand anything of you, if they truly change as they claim, then they will respect your decision, whatever it may be.”

He did want closure, and dammit all, he was going to get it one way or another! He didn’t own them shit. They were the ones who approached him, the ones to claim that they liked him. If anything, they are the ones who owe him answers. 

“Charity, I’ll meet you in class.” The blonde girl looked at Severus, then smiled. She looked proud of him, that gave him a boost of confidence. “Alright then, don’t take too long.” With that she departed, leaving the two boys alone in the hallway. Without saying a word, Severus gestured with his head for Potter to follow him. They found one of the empty club rooms and entered it. Severus kept his distance, his back facing the door. Potter was by one of the tables, looking more nervous than Severus felt.

“Out with it Potter, I don’t have all day.” The omega said as he crossed his arms, body tensed. He hoped this wasn’t a mistake, that what he was doing wouldn’t come bite him in the ass. The raven head alpha nods, takes a deep breath, and begins to talk. “About what happened in the library, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have sprung that on you out of the blue, especially when…when my treatment towards you was anything but nice.”

Severus scoffed, that was one way to put it. “Is that all?” Potter shakes his head. “I also wanted to tell you that I mean it. I do like you, quite a lot actually.” The boy blushed, his ears turning a bright shade of red. “I am not playing a prank, I would never play with someone's emotions like that. You can think of me as a reckless mutt, a stupid alpha that never thinks before acting. But I will never joke about something like this.”

“What about Evans? Last I checked, that had been the main reason for your constant harassment.” The alpha had the decency to look ashamed and embarrassed. “I did like Evans, still do but not like that.” He stuttered, if it was possible his face turned even redder. “She is nice and smart, but I don’t see her as more than a friend.” Potter trailed off, unsure whether to continue or not. Severus stayed quiet, then spoke up again. “I don’t believe you.” The alpha flinched. “You may tell me all the sugar coated words in the world and I still won’t believe you.”

Potter had been the first to antagonize him, the one who started the whole chain reaction of how people treated him. To Potter, it might have been a harmless bit of fun, simple school yard teasing. For Severus, it had been hell. Just because the marauders didn’t get physically violent with him didn’t mean other people didn’t. He could hold his own in a fight, heck, if he wanted to he could even use his scent. But he would have preferred if he had a normal school life.

No fighting, no bullying, just him and his books. “I want to prove to you that I am serious!” Exclaimed Potter, hazel eyes blazing with determination. “I know that my words are not enough, but I am willing to prove to you that I am not joking. I don’t care how long it takes.” Severus scoffed, “And what if I never believe you?” The alpha has the audacity to smile, “Then I will never stop trying.” The omega shakes his head. He forgot how annoyingly stubborn Potter could be. 

“Do whatever you want, I don’t care. But I will tell you the same thing I told Lupin, don’t expect anything from me. I don’t owe you or your mates anything. So don’t you dare get upset if you don’t have the reaction you hoped for.” Charity had a point, Severus did want to know why the three alphas had a change of heart. He was doing this more out of curiosity than anything, or so he told himself. “Ok then, I will prove it to you then.” Beamed the alpha. That had been the calmest conversation he ever had with Potter without it turning into snide remarks.

“The moment I see that you are trying to make a fool out of me or that your actions will affect my friends in any way, shape, or form, I will make you never know a day of peace.” The hazel eyed boy just smiles, not mockingly but gently. Severus could only hope it would be the same with Black. No doubt the gray eyed boy will also approach him. If not today then sometime this week. 

As they left the empty classroom, Potter gave him one last grin and jogged towards the directions of the locker rooms. Severus sighs, whatever it is that he is planning, he doesn't know if he wants to know. Potter was known to never think before acting. Something that truly just didn't make sense in this situation. The confession in the library wasn't planned but the conversation that just took place had been. He wonders how long it took Potter to come up with what to say.

Well, it's none of his business.

The day went on as normal as it could be. News about what happened on Friday was everything the students talked about. Many were already theorizing who the killer was, others claimed that there must be more than one. That one made him uneasy. If there truly was more than one killer, then things were more dangerous. Then there was that group of students who just laughed about the whole situation. Some of them even had the audacity to buy the same costume that Ghostface wore.

Frank Longbottom, another member of the student council, had already confiscated three different masks while Alice, his girlfriend, had to report them to the Headmaster's office after one of the students fainted from fright. Severus did his best not to show how it affected him. Charity had called some of them out, blue eyes blazing with rage each time some of the pranksters tried to jump scare them.

By the time lunch came around, Severus was tired. Both omegas ate in silence, Charity didn’t even try to start a conversation. Other than what was going on in school, she was starting to get more worried about Aurora. It had been only yesterday when they saw her but the alpha had quickly shut herself away. Charity had tried to call her around the time lunch started but Mrs. Sinistra said that her daughter didn't feel well and that was it.

“Let's give her some space.” He suggested, stabbing his chicken with the fork. “She's still recovering from shock.”

“I know…it's just that I'm worried. She never shut herself out like this before.” 

Severus didn't add a response. Aurora has always been someone who told them everything. When he had joined her pack she had made it clear that there would be no secrets and that everyone was there for one another. Whenever either omega felt bad or something happened to them, she would be the first one to reach out and offer help. It was the same way with her.

To be shut out like this made them nervous. 

_____

They had finally set a date for the memorial for both Jones and Green. It was to be held on Friday after school. Police officers would be set around the school in order to provide as much safety as possible. Severus had decided to call off work for that day. 

Since he no longer had two jobs, he worked almost full time with Mike. From Monday to Friday he would be working there after school. His free days were Saturday and Sunday, nothing much had changed with that. His boss had granted him that day off and the omega was glad for that. Charity had once again called Aurora to pass on the information. However, Mrs. Sinistra had been the one to take the call, promising them that she would tell her daughter once she felt better. 

“You do know that even if Aurora wanted to answer, she can't. She can't use her voice.” 

“Oh shut up Sev, it's the thought that counts.” 

Severus didn't bother to answer and Charity left it at that. Like usual, she dropped him off at the movie rental and promised to come pick him up once his shift ended. Throughout the whole day he had been expecting Black to approach him like Potter, but the curly haired alpha kept his distance. Whenever he spotted Severus he would give him a small smile and wink but wouldn't approach him.

He was thankful for that.

Having a one on one with Potter was more than enough for one day. The raven haired boy wouldn't even know what to say to the alpha if he had approached him. Maybe curse him off, that was very tempting. Lupin had approached him again but only to greet him and give him another piece of candy, chocolate again. Charity had been there when the green eyed boy had approached the omega. She didn’t say anything, only winked at Severus who refused to acknowledge the blush on his face.

Potter had also done the same, however he just smiled and greeted him. Severus didn’t return the gesture. That didn’t seem to diminish the alpha’s mood as he just smiled and waved before leaving with his friends. It was all so confusing, and he could tell he wasn’t the only one with unanswered questions. The majority of the student body had been wondering why Potter and his pack had yet to pull anything.

Mary Macdonald had even voiced this when he had been nearby. Lily hadn’t responded, instead she turned to look at Severus, green eyes looking at him as if she was solving a puzzle. People expected for the red haired girl to be upset, Potter had made his advances clear from the beginning, to have him turn away in a matter of days should have upset her. However, from what Severus had observed, the girl looked relieved if anything else.

Pushing his hair out of the way, Severus continued to organize the comedy section of the store. Very few people were in today, most likely staying in doors after what happened on Saturday. “Sev, can you come help me in the back? There is a box that needs to be opened.” Placing the last movie case on the shelf, the omega nods. Mike had been more chatty than usual, rambling about a new movie he had seen or about something else. He wasn't paying much attention with his thoughts drifting away every couple of minutes. 

“Here we go. The boss said these were new romance and action films.” The alpha sliced the tape with his pocket knife in a swift motion. Severus stares at the blade, uneasy. Mike didn’t seem to notice as he opened the box and began pulling out the movies. “Since the curfew was set in place, we will shut down before nine. It’s already five, if we hurry we will be able to finish without a hitch.” 

Grabbing the movies that were handed to him, the omega and alpha left the backroom and began to place them where they belonged. The place was quiet now, the people that had been here had already left. Mike was humming, “Hey Sev, what’s your favorite scary movie?” Severus flinched hard, some of the movies he has been holding dropped to the floor with a clatter. “W-What?” He asked. “Hm? Oh, I just realized that I never asked you that despite knowing each other for months.”

He had been asked that question before by Black, so why was he so unnerved at hearing it again? It must be the stress, it was getting to him. Taking in a shaky breath, he crouched down to pick up the movies. “It’s Carrie , an American horror film.” Standing back up, he noticed that Mike wasn’t there. The boy frowned, he moved his head side to side trying to locate his co-worker. “Mike?” He asked but received no response. Shaking his head, Severus placed the remaining movies on top of a shelf and went to search in the back. Maybe Mike went out to get more movies and didn’t hear him.

The familiar ringing of the work phone made him pause. Casting one last look at the closed door of the backroom, the omega went to answer the phone. “Hello, this is Jack’s Movie Rental. What can I help you with today?” The voice, a man by the sound of it, chuckled. “Hello darling, I’m actually looking for some horror films, I wanted to set them apart so I could pick them up.”

Ignoring the pet name, Severus pulls out a small notepad and pen, clicking it as he places the phone between his shoulder and ear. “What would the names be?’

“I was hoping you would give me some recommendations.” Why did that voice sound familiar? “That depends on what specifically you're looking for.” The lights on the far back of the store turned off. Severus frowned, was it time to change the lightbulbs? There was some rustling in the back, then a curse. The hair on his nape rose, “I prefer slashers, the American ones.” 

Another section of the store went dark, the entrance in the back opened and shut. Where the hell was Mike? “Tell me, what’s your favorite scary movie?” The shop went fully dark, the only light available was coming from the display window. It was late afternoon but the light from the sun let him see through the dark of the store. Severus abandoned his notebook and pen, now grabbing the phone with his hand. “Mike, this isn’t funny.” It was the same question the black haired alpha had asked him. It had to be him, right?

Mike was usually a tease, sometimes he would do a prank or two, nothing harmful and it usually had Severus laughing. This wouldn’t be the first time Mike had called him as a prank, however, it was the first time he used a voice changer. Walking towards the backroom, Severus tried to open it but it was locked. “Mike, open the door. You know I don’t mind the prank calls but our boss is going to kill us for messing with the lights.”

There is more shuffling but the door remains locked. “C’mon love, what’s your favorite scary movie?” Gritting his teeth, Severus turns around. The keys to the backroom should be behind the counter. This was getting weird, as soon as he opened the door and got the electric box, he would turn on the lights and give Mike a piece of his mind. “Stop playing around. Just because we have been working together for months doesn't mean I won’t report you to Mrs. Longbottom.”

While their boss may be generous, it didn’t mean she would let them mess her store. She took pride in it, even when she had other businesses around. Something about it being in the family for years. The voice, Mike, chuckled, “If you're looking for the keys, they're not there.” Severus stopped in his tracks, his stomach dropped. “W-Why are you using that voice changer?”

“Well, it wouldn’t be fun if you knew who I was from the beginning. Tell me, did you like that little chase we had in the alleyway.”

It finally clicked. That voice had been the same one the killer had. Mike Smith, his co-worker, the man he thought was a decent guy was the fucking killer. “You bloody bastard!” He yelled, Mike laughed, “Let’s see how long you can keep up that fearless facade.” The line went dead and Severus slammed the phone into the counter. Without thinking, he went behind the check out station and opened the bottom compartment.

Mrs. Longbottom had decided to keep a gun in a safe in case of emergencies. She had told them the code, saying that it was better to be armed especially with a killer on the loose. He prayed in his head that Mike hadn’t taken the gun. Rotating the combination, the omega pulled open the door just as a figure pulled him by the hair and slammed him into the ground. 

Ghostface peered down at him, the same blade Mike had used to open the box held in his right hand. “Not so fast love, wouldn’t want to end our time together so soon.” Getting up to his feet, Severus added some distance between them. Mike was standing by the door, onyx eyes went towards the back door. “Don’t even think about it. I made sure you wouldn’t be able to slither away.”

“I already know it’s you Mike, so take off the damn mask and stop using the voice changer!” He spitted out, breathing hard. Mike tilted his head, chuckling. “Where is the fun in that?” He lunged towards the omega, Severus stepped out of the way and grabbed one of the movie racks, throwing it in the way. Mike stumbled on it and he took the opportunity to go around him and towards the front door. Cursing under his breath, Mike growled and chased after him.

Severus’s fingertips brushed on the handle when a strong arm wrapped around his throat and pulled him back. With a grunt, Severus struggles as Mike tightens his hold. He hears more than sees the blade fall on the ground, knowing that the alpha had no weapon, the omega pulled back his head and slammed it into Mike’s masked covered face.

“Fuck!” The killer threw him to the ground hard. A whimper of pain left his body, panting, the boy crawled towards the open safety and pulled out the small hand gun. Loading it with shaky fingers and pulling the safety off, he turned on his knees and pointed it at the staggering Mike. Pulling the trigger, a loud BANG rang throughout the movie rental. Mike dogged the bullet, running between aisles as Severus kept shooting. “Come back here you bloody bastard!” He yelled, black hair in disarray, eyes filled with pure hate. “Not so brave now are you?! Can’t handle a bloody gun?!”  

The back door of the store opened and shut, Severus swirled around, wild eyes as he pointed the gun at the door. The lights came back on, allowing him to see the mess he had made in the struggle. The shelf he had used as a barrier was on the floor, multiple movie cases scattered around it. One of the back windows had been hit by one of the bullets, the walls had the same fate.

“What the fuck?” Swiftly, he turned to the now open entrance, gun pointing at the new intruder. “Hey! Hey! Hey! I know you hate me but please lower the gun!” The eyes of Sirius Black and Regulus Black meet his own. Both brothers had raised their hands in the air, fear and uneasiness directed at the gun pointed at them. “What…what the fuck, why are you here?” He asked, gun still pointing at them.

“W-We heard the gunshots.” Answered Regulus, his tulip scent bittering slightly. “Sirius and I wanted to see if we could get more movies since the ones you recommended were good. On our way here we heard the gunshots and ran to see if we could help.” Now that Severus took a good look at him, he noticed how both brothers were slightly out of breath, sweat coating their foreheads. “What happened?” Cut it Black, the alpha was looking at him with weary concern.

"It's Mi-Smith, he’s Ghostface.” 

Regulus' face turned pale, “What?!” Severus frantically got the phone from the counter, lowering his gun. “The fucker cornered me, tried to fucking kill me.” He needed to call the police, tell them what he knew. The omega could still smell Mike’s pumpkin spice scent, it made him sick. “We already called the police.” Black said, his body less tense now that there was no gun pointed at him. “Before we ran here I told Reg to call in case there was someone injured.” 

Severus nodded, “Right, we-we need to get out of here in case he comes back.” The sound of police sirens filled the air, but the omega couldn’t relax. All this time he had been working with Ghostface, had laughed with him, talked to him, hell he had enjoyed his company! All the while Mike was probably laughing at his face, on how stupid he had been as he slaughtered people left and right.

As he almost killed Aurora.

A new wave of anger filled him, that motherfucker had the audacity to seem like he was worried about him.

A warm pair of fingers touched the hand that held the gun. The omega jumped, pinewood slowly surrounded him as Black gently took the gun from his hand and placed it on the counter. “Hey, your safe Severus. He’s gone.” The alpha’s tone was soft, his gray eyes looking at Severus with tenderness. The omega shakes his head, “No, he got away, he’s going to come back.”

He didn’t even realize he had begun to tremble. Black frowned and Regulus took a look at the scene before them just as the first few cop cars arrived. Much like how it had been with Potter, Black stayed by his side as he gave his account of the events. Severus explained how he had been working with Mike, how the alpha had asked him a question before disappearing around the time the phone rang. 

Just like how Aurora had told her attack, the man had called her first before attacking, just like Severus. Black and Regulus explain their involvement, how both of them had been walking towards the shop and heard the gunshots. They called the police before taking off to see if anyone had been injured only to find Severus holding a gun and the store a mess. One of the cops found the blade, however there was no sight of the keys of the establishment. Severus explained that Mike had admitted to having taken them with him.

The boy was now in the back of the ambulance, sitting down and wrapped in a blanket one of the paramedics had given him. He got lucky again, only a few bruises from the manhandling and shock that was running out of his system. Regulus was on the phone to the side, a frown on his face as he seemed to argue with the person on the other line. Black was leaning on the side of the ambulance, looking at him. The omega ignored him.

One of the cops approached them. “We had a look around the establishment, but we couldn't find anything else. Seems like Smith got his stuff and left, the only thing left behind was the blade.” Severus clenched his jaw. “We will keep looking but for now it’s better you boys head home. Do you need a ride?” 

“No, a friend of mine will be here in a bit.” The cop sighs but nods. “I will have a patrol stationed around your house, in case Smith comes back.” That was all he said as he left Severus and Black alone. “Are you sure you're alright?” Asked the alpha after a minute, Severus shrugs. “I didn’t get killed.” It was more than he could have wished for. Black frowned but didn’t say anything else. 

“Severus!” Charity ran towards him, her older brother behind her. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around the omega and brought him into an embrace. Regulus had come back, finished with the call. He looked stressed as he whispered something to his older brother. Black sighs, running a hand through his long curly hair. Severus returns his attention to Charity and hugs her back. “Fuck, are you alright? I can’t believe you were alone with that psychopath.” She said, her head on his shoulder. Severus didn’t respond. Adam gave him a small smile before heading towards the shop, no doubt he had also been called. “Are you taking him home?” Black asked, Regulus next to him. Charity pulled away and nodded. “Yeah, thank you for keeping him company.” 

The words must have shocked Black because he blinked in surprise before giving the blonde a hesitant nod. “No problem.” Severus finally looked at Black. The alpha was once again looking at him with those gray eyes but didn’t say anything. That was good, for a moment Severus thought he would have sprung on him the situation from the library but the mutt kept quiet. At least he had basic decency to wait. “C’mon Sev, let’s get you home. Your mom is worried.” At the mention of his mom, Severus sprung up.

“Where is she? Is she alright?”

“She’s at your house, my mom is with her.” A wave of relief hit him, the adrenaline he had faded a while ago, leaving him tired. Severus sighs in relief, “That’s good…” His eyes widened as the familiar news van parked hastingly a few feet away from the police cars and Rita Skeeter came out with her camera man. “You should probably leave now, before the hag sees you.” Black said, getting in front of them and using his body to shield both omegas out of view.

With both Black brothers covering them from Skeeter’s view, they walked towards Charity’s car when Adam came out of the alleyway connected towards the back of the movie rental. “We found him!” Severus halted, his head snapping towards Adam as he was accompanied by two other cops. Both of them had Mike handcuffed between them as the alpha struggled against them.

“Wait! You guys don’t understand! It wasn’t me! I was also attacked!” His nose was bruised and he had dried blood on his lips. It must have been after Severus slammed the back of his head to his face in order to free himself. “Keep telling yourself that you were caught red handed.” A third cop came behind them holding Mike’s bag in one hand, the other had that fucking white mask. 

Mike locked eyes with Severus and shouted. “Sev! Sev you have to believe me! It wasn’t me, I didn’t attack you!” Black scoffed, eyes glaring daggers at Mike. “I’m being framed!” A fresh wave of loathing washed over him and before he could stop himself, the omega was storming towards the struggling alpha. Charity and Black called his name but he ignored it. Mike looked relieved, for a moment he must have thought Severus would come to his aid.

Pulling his arm back, and before the cops or Black and Charity could stop him, he swung at Mike right in the nose. There was a satisfying crunch and yell of pain that followed as strong arms pulled him away, pinewood entering his nose. “You fucker!” He yelled, “You were the one who killed them! You almost killed Aurora!” Black was holding him back, arms wrapped around his middle. Mike looked shocked, two different types of hurt filling his face. Severus’s breath was ragged, his knuckle hurt. There was a flash of bright lights as the police hastingly pulled Mike away, the alpha looked defeated.

Severus struggled against Black as the curly haired boy began to pull him away. He didn’t even know why he was struggling, only that he needed to let his anger out. To scream and shout, to break something. “We have to go Severus! Fuck, Skeeter is comming this way.” In an attempt to move faster, Black bent down and lifted the omega into his arms bridal style. 

“Put me down Black!” He shouted, kicking his legs and pushing against the other boy with his arms. Black grunted but held on tight. With a head gesture, Charity began to speed walk towards her car, Black and Regulus following after her. Severus was cursing at the alpha, scratching and hitting, demanding to be let go. Black ignored all of that, even when he got himself a nasty scratch on his face.

Skeeter was fast on their heels, her voice loud over the commotion. She was asking questions, trying to catch their attention. Severus didn’t care, he didn’t care that there was a camera taking live footage or about the one taking pictures. He didn’t care that Black was trying to calm him down, he didn’t even care that he was making a scene.

All he wanted was for Mike to drop dead

_____

Mike had never broken the law, he was a law abiding citizen. The simple thought of stealing something was nerve wreaking. The thought of murder was worse, he would never kill anyone! To take someone's life was horrible, there should be no reason to bring that kind of harm to anyone unless it was self defense.

“I’m telling you officer, I didn’t do that! I would never hurt Severus!”

The cop interrogating him just looked blankly at him. It had been two hours of non-stop interrogations. The older women kept repeating the same questions and Mike kept giving her the same responses in return. “You already told me that Smith, what I don’t understand is if you are innocent, how did the costume and keys end in your bag?”

“I don’t know! I didn’t even have the keys with me!” He had been fixing the shelves with Severus and he asked what his favorite scary movie was when he noticed a figure walking behind the alleyway that connected to the movie rental. Mrs. Longbottom had always been strict about people going there. Mike had found his usual pair of lovers making out there, sometimes loiters. 

Not wanting for Mrs. Longbottom to get after them for not checking, he had left without telling the omega. It was meant to be a quick check. When he got to the gated area behind the movie rental, he had noticed that the lock was opened. He hadn’t thought much of it. Severus and the alpha sometimes left the door of the gate unlocked to take out the trash or when new movies came by. It was easier that way, they always locked the door at the end of the day.

Mike had pushed the gated door open and walked further in before turning the corner that led to the store’s back room. There was no one there and the door was closed. He checked the second door connected to the employee’s room and it was also locked. He had huffed in confusion before turning around and meeting someone’s fist. The blow had been so hard that he staggered backwards and landed on the floor, his head hitting the floor hard.

His vision went blurry as that person stood over him, before the alpha could react, he was punched again and everything went black. By the time we woke up, his body had been shoved into a nearby dumpster. With a grunt and a killer headache, he got out and began to make his way towards the movie rental. His pain had been momentarily forgotten when he saw the police cars. For a moment, Mike thought the worse case scenario had occurred.

That the Ghostface had killed Severus, he had killed the boy he had been friends with for months. The boy who laughed at some of his jokes, who made his day better with a few spoken words. The alpha began to run out of the alleyway when he ran into a few cops. He remembers feeling relief, he had smiled and was about to ask about the omega when they all came charging at him.

All he could hear was them saying that they caught the killer. Mike was confused, why had they detained him? What happened to Severus? Was he alright? He asked these questions but none of them were answered. It wasn’t until one of the officers held out his bag and in it was a voice changer, black costume, and that horrible white mask. It all clicked in place. Mike had pleaded, telling them that they had the wrong guy. Begging them to tell him what happened to Severus. 

They didn’t reply and pushed him forward.

In his frantic begging, he had gotten a glimpse of Severus. He was with his friend, Charity Burbage, and with the two guys from last week. The omega had looked back at him and for a moment, Mike felt relief. He will tell them that this was all a mistake, that they had the wrong guy. That same relief went down the drain when Severus punched him.

His nose began to bleed again and this time it appeared broken but Mike didn’t care. All he could see was the rage and pure loathing in those deep onyx eyes as the alpha with curly hair pulled him away. Severus had never looked at him like that, sure he had gotten an annoyed glance here and there, but never one so full of hate. He couldn’t stop staring at the omega as he was pulled away and the bright flashes of cameras blinded him. Even as he sat in the cop car, he kept staring as the curly haired alpha picked Severus in his arms and pulled away from the press.

Something in his chest had broken.

“Your alibi for the days of the other murders also say something different.” The officer said, her eyes burning into him. Mike groans, “I already told you, I was home alone! My parents are out of town, I have no one else to speak for me but I’m telling you the truth!” The alpha woman just sighs and shakes her head. “The night Matt Oliver was found in the alleyway near the corner store that Noah Baker and Daniel Brown were found dead, you had clocked out early and the last person to see you was a client at the movie rental. From there on, no one else saw you. It was the same for the night Baker and Brown were killed.”

“Those are just coincidences! I was at home!”

“Not to mention, that same night Aurora Sinistra had also been attacked an hour after Baker and Brown were killed. Some of the eyewitnesses claim to have seen you leave in your car right before the double murders. So here is what I think, you clocked out of work early and went home, then waited for a couple of hours before heading towards the corner store where you saw Severus Snape and Charity Burbage leave.”

She slammed a manila folder onto the table, pictures of the crime scene spilled out. “Your plan had been to kill Snape because he had witnessed you kill Matt Oliver in that alleyway. However you didn’t take into account that he had changed his work schedule and so, decided to kill his coworkers in order to send a message.” 

“I would never harm Severus!”

“However,” She cut off, now glaring at Mike. “You thought that wasn’t enough, oh no. You had to ensure he got the message. So you went back to your car after the job was done and headed to Aurora Sinistra. She was alone at home, you saw the perfect chance and sneaked in by using the garage door connected to her house. You called her to scare her, then when she had her guard down, you attacked her by using rope.”

Mike was shaking his head. “What you didn’t expect was for her to fight back. Or for her mother to get home that early. So you ran. Since you already failed in killing Sinistra, you decided it would be best to just get rid of Snape.”

“I already told you, it wasn’t me!” He slammed his fists into the table, the women just scoffed. “Both Sinistra and Snape both have matching reports. You even asked him the same question before trying to kill him twice.”

“What question?”

“What’s your favorite scary movie? We find it weird how the killer asked these questions before he attacked his victims.” The alpha could only stare in shock. It had been a harmless question, one that he asked in order to have a conversation with Severus. He never even spoke to Sinistra other than when she was there with Severus at the store. “The rope you left at the crime scene also matched the rope you have at home. Apparently you decided not to take all of it and only left the other half behind.”

Was this how it felt to be completely hopeless? 

“While we originally thought Ghostface would be a beta, we also came to the conclusion that the person might be using scent patches to cover up their secondary gender. Something you ended up proving considering that the costume you used is full of both your scent and a few strands of your hair.” 

No one was listening to him. Not this woman, not the cops, and not Severus.

“Which is something interesting since we also found scent patches in your bag. A few of them have been used already.”

Yes, from time to time he used scent patches, but that was only when he was in crowded areas or it was a long day at work. His scent tended to leak out whenever he was tired or upset, like right now. Not that either alpha could smell the pheromones, they had placed a scent patch on him before the interrogation, the same with the alpha sitting in front of him. 

“There is also the voice changer, your fingerprints were all over it. The same with the small blade, the same one you were going to use to kill Snape.”

At that point, he couldn’t hear anything else. It was horrible, he was being accused of killing three of the five people who were the victims and about the attack that happened to Sinistra. He was being accused of attempting to kill Severus.

Mike didn’t know how to defend himself.

_____

Aurora stared blankly at the tv, the news channel was on. Rita Skeeter was talking but the young alpha wasn’t paying any attention. Her eyes were focused on the figures, the words spoken just became background noise. There had been another attack, this time, they managed to catch the killer. That was about as much as she heard before zoning out. She didn’t hear who the killer was or who he had attacked, only that the person managed to get out alive. Aurora considers them lucky, or unlucky if you thought deeper about it.

Maybe the survivor will get the same treatment as she was? Has Severus and Potter gotten it? It didn’t seem like it, Potter was going on with his life like nothing ever happened and while Severus was still reluctant on going out too late at night or going home alone, he seemed put together. Yet here she was, falling apart. It had been one full day since her attack, by all accounts, she should be better, happy even to have survived.

She wasn’t happy, if anything, she wished Ghostface had finished the job.

Had she known, Aurora would have let him finish her off. That would be a better fate than being alive and knowing what she knew. 

After coming home from the hospital, her parents had once again began arguing, louder this time since there was no one other than their daughter to hear them. The alpha had left them be and went to her room. They had been so into their fight that they didn’t hear Aurora’s personal phone, the one her mother got for her after the attack, ringing. She didn’t answer it, if anything she just stared at it until it stopped. The girl thought it was probably Charity checking up on her or Severus. Her parents must have given them her number.

She didn’t feel like answering and even if she did, she couldn’t even speak.

Then the phone rang again, and like before she ignored it. It wasn’t until the fourth time that it rang that the alpha had gotten annoyed and picked it up only to be met with the same voice of her attacker. He had mocked her, calling her names and laughed at the state she was in. Aurora had immediately hung up but the phone rang and rang. She could have told her parents and she would, once they stopped fighting. But they never stopped. She never told them.

The calls kept coming and at some point, Aurora had begun to answer them. Even if she couldn’t speak, his voice was better compared to her parents’ screams and shouts. If she had been more clear headed, she would have called the police and told them about Ghostface calling her. Heck, her usual self would have reached out to them one way or another. Aurora was no stranger to sneaking out, she could have done that and went to Charity or Severus to let them know what was happening.

The thought had been appealing, she even had a bag packed with some of her clothes to spend some time with the blonde girl. However, that had been then, now, the simple thought of either of her friends made her sick.

Ghostface was her only company, not that it was any better. Not when he made sure to remind her as to why she was almost killed, why her parents were arguing, why her friends would hate her once they learned the truth of what her and her parents did, why they were responsible for the recent killings.

The worst part of it all was that everything he said was true.

He called her self-righteous, a hypocrite, and he was right. Here she was at one point stating how much she hated those who killed, those who took advantage of others and did wrong in the world. When under her very roof, her parents were doing all of that. Aurora had turned a blind eye to it, pretended that everything was alright and continued to live her life. A part of her had fully believed that if she did right by others then she could correct the wrongs her parents continued to do. 

Ghostface continued to prove her wrong.

Her phone rang again, snapping her from her thoughts. She didn’t bother to look at the number, it was never the same but it was always the same person. As if it were second nature, she answered it. “I do hope you saw the news, Aurora.” The man chuckled. “The police really believe that I was caught but they are wrong. They're so desperate to catch me that they will pin the blame onto an innocent boy in order to appear as if they have done something.”

Aurora looks at the tv and for the first time, pays attention to what they were saying. There was a picture of a boy with messy black hair and blue eyes, Mike Smith. She remembers him from the movie rental Severus works in. “It was easy to frame him, an idiot if I ever saw one. I mean, who goes to a back alleyway all alone? Everyone knows that you aren't meant to split up when a killer is on the loose, it’s basic horror movie knowledge.”

Mike Smith was framed, the police believed they had caught Ghostface. Yet here she was on the phone with the same killer. She merely hums. “Are you going to tell anyone? You know an innocent man is going to be convicted, are you going to help him? You know that he isn’t the killer, not when I am on the phone with you.” Ghostface taunted, his voice soft yet mocking. Aurora looked back down at her bedsheets.

She could do that, let her parents know that Smith was innocent because the real killer was on the phone with her. Has been ever since she left the hospital. That way no more people have to die at his hands, that way Charity and Severus won’t be targeted. Her friends would be safe. Ghostface chuckles. “But we both know you are too much of a coward to do that. The second you tell them, the police will investigate you as a possible suspect and your parents will also be investigated. There will be a high chance your family’s side business will be discovered.”

A family side business Aurora knew about yet never thought about much. It was better to ignore it, to pretend it doesn't exist and live in ignorance. It wasn’t something she was proud of, hell, she loathes what her parents do but what was she to do about it? She couldn’t tell them to stop. Her family was in too deep to stop. Aurora didn’t know who the people affected were, who had fallen victim to her parents business, she never bothered to learn. Some of the victims didn’t even know they were victims, some found out later on, some never did.

Ghostface must be one of the victims that found out.

She just couldn’t understand why Severus was also being targeted. Her parents business targeted specific people, her friend wouldn’t be among those people. Sure, Eileen was ill and would need special care soon, but she hardly doubted Severus would be able to afford it. Plus, her parents wouldn’t stoop that low, right? They knew the omega is a dear friend of hers, that he is her packmate. They wouldn’t dare to do that to him.

“You must have a lot of questions, but I won’t answer. Not now, it will ruin all the fun.” Aurora just blinked, an image of Severus came out next, the words under made her eyes widen. “Ahaha! I suggest you pay attention to this part! Man, was he something!” 

“According to the victim, he barely managed to get away from Smith because of the gun the movie rental owner, Augusta Longbottom, had placed there as a safety precaution. It was pure luck that Smith didn’t get to it first.” Skeeter said, tone as scandalized and dramatic as ever. “It was amazing, watching him stand there with a gun in his hands. Nearly blew my head off but man, was he a sight. It almost makes me feel bad having to go after him like that.”

Aurora couldn’t say anything else. Tears were already rolling down her face. He targeted Severus again, almost killing him in the process. She was sure that the only reason the omega got away was because he had a gun. If the gun hadn’t been there, Ghostface would have killed him and framed Smith either way. Would he also target Charity? Would he break into her house and try to kill her? Would he taunt her, make her play his games?

Maybe the reason Severus was being targeted was not because he was a victim of her parents, but because he was friends with Aurora. It is clear Ghostface wanted revenge, not the simple kind in which one involves a lawyer, but the kind in which it would leave a clear message where it hurts. By hurting Severus, he was hurting her, and by hurting her, he will be hurting her parents. It was twisted and sick, but who was she to judge?

She knew of what her parents were doing and decided to live in ignorance because she was too afraid of doing anything. Aurora knows that they are in the wrong, knows that she should call them out, but she was so fucking scared. What would happen to her parents? What would happen to her? She was sure the rest of her family would cut her out, they would disown her for what they had done. Then there were the families her parents had wronged.

Would they come for her if they couldn’t get to her parents?

That was what Ghostface was doing. He was getting back at them by hurting her.

Maybe, just maybe, if she distanced herself from them, made them hate her, Ghostface would leave them alone. If he saw that they were no longer friends, she could spare Charity from this. Severus has already been attacked twice, Ghostface may attack him again. If she cut off the friendship, he could be safe. They were a pack, they were her friends, if she had to make them hate her, then so be it. Charity will be stubborn, she would know something was up. The only way to sell her act would be to turn on Severus first.

It made her sick just thinking about it. It had taken so long for her to gain the omega’s trust, she knew how careful and weary he was. As much as it hurts her, she will have to use this to her advantage. Ghostface wants to hurt her, to cause her pain. What she planned to do will be what he wants. Surely, he would leave both of her packmates alone if he saw how much it pained her to do this. 

“While it does bring me joy seeing you suffer, I am not that much of a prick. I have a sort of test for you, one that will determine if you win or lose everything.” He was taunting her again, “Depending on how you act, you could redeem yourself. If you manage to do that, then I will leave you alone.” It sounded too good to be true. He had gone so far as to kill to get his message across, there was no way he would give up this easily. “I won’t tell you what it is, I’m sure you are smart enough to know when the time comes. Let’s see if you truly care for the people you claim to love.”

The line goes dead and Aurora just stares into the tv. Robotically, she places the phone down and lays on her bed. The young alpha was no longer crying, the tears in her cheeks were dried. This must be it. The test Ghostface mentioned must mean that Aurora had to cut her friends out of her life. She loves them with all her heart, but she couldn’t stay with them. If staying with them ensures their death, then she will leave. 

To ensure they don’t come back, she will have to ensure they hate her.

Chapter Text

Everything was going according to plan, or well, most of it was. He had to change a few things here and there but other than that, it was all going how he planned it to go. The hardest part was done, he didn’t have to worry about that idiot Mike Smith trying to pull any moves on Severus. 

His omega. 

Well, not yet but soon enough. 

He hated seeing them together, even if it was only for work. That stupid alpha was always giving Severus love sick smiles and soft eyes. It honestly was revolting, Smith was so obvious about his crush on Severus that it almost made him laugh.

Severus for his part didn’t give him that much attention, not the attention Smith was looking for anyways. Sometimes, when he went to the movie rental, he would keep an eye on them while he checked out what was new. He didn’t really care about movies, they never managed to catch his attention. One of the main reasons he kept coming there other than to see Severus was to watch the horror movies the omega liked. Each movie he would take out were the same ones Severus had watched and returned.

As of now, he had a lot more knowledge about them than before. Ghostface even began reading the novels the omega seemed to like. He had yet to actually speak about horror films and novels with Severus but that was no issue. With the way everything was going, he will soon have more than enough time to talk to him. In all honesty, he wouldn’t even be into horror films or novels if it weren’t for Severus. The movies were interesting and the novels had their own charm but he quickly lost interest in those kinds of things after a while.

With Severus it was different. Even when they were younger the omega had a way to attract him. Unlike most kids their age, he would be by himself, often with Evans or sometimes with a small group of kids his age. He wouldn’t say much, he didn’t need to, not when those deep obsidian eyes did all the talking for him. 

Honestly, he could get lost in those eyes for hours. It didn’t matter that his omega would glare at him with loathing or disgust, all he cared about was having those eyes on him. As of recently, he had formulated a plan that could have worked into getting Severus to like him. It was foul proof and while it would have taken a while, he could be patient.

That all went down the window the moment he became part of Sinistra’s pack. That day had been one of the worst for him. He had to swallow his growls each time he caught a whiff of another alpha’s scent on him. He didn’t care that Sinistra only saw him as a friend, the fact was that she stole what is rightfully his. Time and time again he had to stop himself from attacking her. It wouldn’t do him any good and if anything, it would make Severus hate him more than he already did.

So he changed his plans a bit. 

Severus was never meant to be involved, it had all been Sinistra’s fault. If she had just kept her slimy hands off of him, then he wouldn’t have scared his omega the way he did. Though, he had to admit, seeing him fight him the way he did almost made him lose his cover. He never thought the sight of Severus with a gun would turn him on the way it did. Those deep dark eyes full of rage and hate had been the cherry on top.

How he wished he could have taken a picture to add to his collection.

While it had complicated things now that his omega was added into the mix, it also gave him more freedom to do other stuff. Take examples of Jones and Green. Both of them had been a thorn to his side for days and no matter how hard he thought of ways to get rid of them, none ever seemed to stick. 

Green was always a gentleman, an alpha that many wanted and many wished they were. He had seen the way Green would look at Severus, eyes full of amazement and adoration. He never wanted to kill someone that much before. Always standing up for his omega, always talking to his omega, always hovering over his omega! Green had it coming in all honesty. How dare he believe he could ever be enough for someone like Severus?

Sinistra had given the green light to that bastard, and while he didn’t want to kill out of the list he made, he could make a few exceptions. It had been so easy to catch the asshole by surprise, all he had to do was use the voice changer and pretend to be Severus. One of Green’s many mistakes had been giving his omega his phone number. It wasn’t hard taking the piece of paper away, all he did was bump into him and get it while his omega glared at him under that silky dark hair while collecting his things from the floor.

It had been laughable the way that stupid alpha instantly let his guard down when he heard Severus’s voice. Even more so when he managed to knock him out. 

The rest of the set up was easy, all he had to do was use the same tactic with Jones. 

Though, unlike the alpha, the beta actually did put up more of a fight. She, much like Green, had also been a thorn to his side. She was constantly making conversation with Severus outside of class, asking him about horror films and novels. Fuck, she even bought the novels just so she could speak to his omega. It was sickening to watch, even more when Severus would give her a rare smile.

That smile was not for her, that smile belonged to him.

Then she had the audacity to ask him out on a date. By then, Ghostface knew he had to get rid of her. So he did, on the same night he got rid of Green. It was messy but so worth it. Sure, they were never on the list but it worked out either way. What fun would it be if the police were to catch wind of his motive so quickly? Though, as days have gone by, they have yet to make a connection.

Rita Skeeter on the other hand was poking her nose where it didn’t belong. She was getting too close to the truth, though it had been put on pause in favor of paying attention to Smith. It would only buy him some time, hopefully enough to get things done. He didn’t want her attention back on his omega. In all honesty, he had thought the blonde beta would have accused Severus for the murders.

After all, the omega had been closed to the majority of the people killed except for Matt Oliver. But she didn’t, instead the fucking hag had the audacity to paint his beloved as a whore. While it did prevent his omega from becoming a suspect, it didn’t make him happy. Severus would never be a whore. So what if people liked him as a potential mate? That just meant they had good taste.

Unfortunately, that also meant that they would be met with the end of his blade.

So far, Jones and Green had been the only ones Ghostface has killed because of their attractions towards his omega. Daniel Brown had also been a satisfying kill. That asshat had the audacity to speak about Severus in such a way, as if he had any right. Sure he was in the list and didn’t want his omega in the way Ghostface wanted him but he made sure Brown was dealt with first before Noah Baker.

All he had to do now was drive a wedge between Sinistra and Severus. Once she is out of the picture everything will finally be set in motion.

He wasn’t worried about Burbage, the blonde omega was attached to Severus like gum and unlike Sinistra, Burbage would be easier to win over. Burbage always trusted the words and decisions of Severus. Once he broke whatever friendship Sinistra had with Severus, Burbage would follow the other omega instead. From there all he had to do was play his part and charm Severus who in turn would convince Burbage to give him a chance.

Once he had Burbage’s approval, he would be able to lay claim on his omega. Sure, he could kill the blonde omega and then take advantage emotionally of Severus when he is at his lowest but he also wanted the omega to have friends. His friendship with Lily Evans was beyond saving, and even if it was, the redhead would figure out who he was way too soon. Plus, Burbage is a critical piece in his game of chess. She has more value alive than dead.

With her, Ghostface will reach his goal quicker.

If push comes to shove, he could always roughen her up a bit and be there for Severus to pick up the pieces.

_____

Before he knew it, Friday was upon them. Since the movie rental was closed until Mrs. Longbottom got the damages fixed, Severus had the rest of the week off. At first he had been worried, he still needed to work to earn money, however, Mrs. Longbottom had insisted for him to take the week off and even stated that she would pay him as if he had worked a full week. That also included the Friday he was going to take off.

The older alpha was feeling guilty for what happened to Severus. 

The omega didn’t blame her or even held her accountable for what happened. No one could have seen that coming. Hell, Severus had been working with Smith for months and not once did he ever suspect him. He was just thankful that there had been a gun in the building. Severus wasn’t the strongest person out there, sure he could hold his own in a fight but the fight changed when it was about life or death.

At least Tobias did something good before leaving.

After Charity dropped him off, he had for the first time in years, gone to his father’s personal room. It was a room in which he would keep his work tools and both his gun and shotgun. When he had left, Severus had decided to keep it locked. There was no need to open it and he didn’t even want to step foot in there either. His mom had kept the keys in her room, she too never seemed to have any desire to go there.

Not that he blames her. 

One of the main reasons they didn’t like that room was because he always came out of it with a tool to use as a weapon against them. He still has phantom pains from the time when his dad had beat him with one of his work belts. The scars were nasty and had healed horribly. His mom had wanted to take him to the hospital but Tobias had refused. In the end, she had healed him as best as she could, bruises and everything. 

He got both guns out, ensured that both had bullets and placed one in the living room under the sofa. The other one was placed in his room, under his bed. His mom hadn’t liked to see the guns but after what happened to him, she had preferred to at least have some weapons. 

The police had Smith but there was no guarantee the alpha had been working alone or if he would be set free.

Better safe than sorry.

Eileen had wanted him to stay home the rest of the week and while he would have agreed, he only stayed for one day before going back to school. It was more for his own peace of mind than anything. If he stayed home all he would be able to think about was about what happened. Sometimes when he closed his eyes, he could still see the glint of the blade as Smith chased him. Other times, he had nightmares of being killed and put on display for the world to see. Whenever he woke up from those nightmares he couldn’t go back to sleep. 

Which in turn would make him over think.

Going to school and doing his assignments had his mind occupied enough that he didn’t have time to think. Since he was not working for that week either, he had decided to spend his time with Potter, Black, and Lupin. Not because he wanted to, they still had those projects to get done. That and the three alphas seemed to be hovering over him in worry. If Potter had been insufferable, he was even more annoying now. He would always offer to accompany him to class and at some point even insisted on walking or driving him home.

Lupin had put a stop to it when he noticed Severus was getting annoyed. That just pissed him off more. Black was the same, though he made sure to keep his distance which in itself was weird. The omega didn’t comment on it. They had yet to talk after the incident, Severus wasn’t going to be the first one to make a move either. 

Luckily they managed to get their work done. The chemistry packet was already done, all they had to wait was for the due date to turn it in. That should have been the end of his interactions with Potter but once again, the alpha proved him wrong. He still came along with Black and Lupin despite not having art class. Potter was annoying as ever but at least he kept quiet when they worked on the art project. 

Black was also well behaved and didn’t tease him as much. Didn’t mean the mutt wasn’t snarky, he just kept it to a minimum. Lupin for his part ensured his friends were in line. Severus scoffed at that, out of all times the boy finally decided to step in. Sometimes it made his chest tighten in a way it never had. One time he even found himself thinking about how things could have been if Lupin had just used his spine in their younger years.

What if Potter and Black never bullied him the way they did? What if Lupin had stood up for him when they started? Would Severus have been more inclined at giving them a chance? 

The omega quickly cast those thoughts out before scolding himself. He wasn’t going to waste his time on ‘what ifs’ when it came to the three alphas. What’s done is done, there is no changing that.

The art project was going well, they managed to get a good chuck of it done. If they kept the same pace, he was sure that they would have it done before the due date. By then he hoped the three marauders would finally leave him alone. It’s not like they will have an excuse to be near him after they are finished. Potter was only there because his friends were there. Maybe by then they will finally give up. 

Yet, whenever he thought about them just…leaving, he got that weird twist in his chest. 

Like before, he shoved it aside. It was his body probably showing excitement on finally getting rid of the marauders. 

Anyways, that was the least of his problems. 

Aurora had yet to call and despite Charity giving her time to rest, the alpha had yet to reach out to either of them. Charity had even gone by to ask about her during the week only to be turned down once again. It didn’t stop the blonde omega but it did annoy her. Severus had also tried to call but was met with the same response. Aurora was still not in school and it seemed she was avoiding them.

Severus couldn’t even go in person without some reporter of The Daily Prophet following him for questions. The first time that happened had been one morning while he was with Charity. A man had come near him and asked if he had anything to say about Smith and how it felt to almost die. He would have punched him the same way he did with Skeeter but Charity pulled him away before he could.

The second time had been after school when he had just stepped out of the building. It was a different person but the questions were the same. Potter and Black had used their bodies as shields to escort him to Charity’s car. The blonde girl had laughed the whole way back home as Severus fumed about not needing help while simultaneously ignoring his burning face.

If anything, that alone seemed to spike up the rumors of how Smith was killing people around him to get his attention.

It was utter bullshit. Smith had tried to kill him! He wasn’t doing this because of some twisted affection he had for Severus. If that was the case, then he wouldn’t have tried to kill the omega twice. Severus tried to avoid the three marauders after that but they just seemed to find him no matter where he hid. It got to the point where all four of them began sitting with Charity and Severus during lunch.

Yes, that also included Pettigrew who seemed to take a liking to Charity.

Charity, much like how Severus was doing with the other three boys, ignored him.

He will never admit this, but in a way he was grateful they did. A couple of the younger students had grown curious enough to approach him and asked about Ghostface and if the rumors about him being the center of it all were true. It was frustrating, especially when Charity was also being hounded for answers. It didn’t stop when Potter and his pack decided to sit with the two omegas but it did diminish anyone from approaching them most of the time.

However, that also caused another rumor that he truly despised. 

Some idiot had taken one look at them all during lunch and came to the conclusion that Aurora had abandoned her two omegas and James Potter, the saint that he is (Severus had nearly gagged at that), decided to take both omegas under his wing. Severus and Charity tried their best to clear up the misunderstanding but nothing worked. 

Not when Pettigrew seemed to hover over Charity the way Potter, Black, and Lupin seemed to hover over him.

Then there was the situation with his mom. Eileen’s health was beginning to deteriorate after his second attack a couple of days ago. It had given her such a fright that she had remained bedridden ever since. Severus had tried his best to care for her, from making her food to leaving the medication near her so she wouldn’t have to walk far. His mom could move for sure, but it took a lot of her energy.

He spent the majority of his time taking care of her after school when he had no meetings with the other three alphas. Charity and her mom would drop by to help him. Mrs. Burbage had even offered to stay and watch over his mom while he was at school so he wouldn’t worry too much. Severus had wanted to pay Mrs. Burbage for her help but the older alpha had declined and stated that he was basically a second son to her and that she had offered not for money but because she cared about him.

It still didn’t sit right with him to let her do that without anything in return but at Charity’s reassurance, he let it be. It still didn’t stop him from worrying about his mom. He didn’t want to rely on the Burbages’ help in the long run. They also had their lives and Severus didn’t want to be the reason they paused them to help him. 

As much as it pained him, the omega had begun to do some research about nursing homes.

Eileen needed 24/7 hour watch, something a teenager like him couldn’t do by himself even with help. He knew that this day was coming, that at some point he would have to send her to a nursing home but it didn’t make him feel any better. Eileen, even with all her flaws, is his mother. She had always been there when he needed her and even when they suffered Tobias’ abuse, she always took the worst of it for him. After his father left, he dedicated his free time to her.

Severus got as many jobs as he could. From helping people with their lawns and gardens, walking their dogs, to tutoring. He would take about any job just to have food on the table. His mom did her best with the job she had, it wasn’t much but it was more than enough to keep them warm and with full bellies. Then Eileen got sick and instead of two people working it was one.

Severus started to work late shifts, two jobs, every day of the week. All while juggling his school life and taking care of his mother. It was hard but he never complained. It was all worth it anyways, as long as his mom was safe and happy, that was all he cared about. But now he wouldn’t be able to do that.

“Here.” Mrs. Burbage handed him a light blue and white pamphlet, Legacy Hospice was written in the front in cursive letters. Severus put down his cup of water in favor of reading over the pamphlet. Mrs. Burbage had decided to stay a couple of hours after Severus returned in order to keep him company and talk to him. Charity had done the same and was currently sitting next to him as he looked at the pamphlet. 

The conversation they were having revolved around Severus looking for nursing homes nearby that didn’t cost much and that they were decent. So far, he only managed to find a couple of them but they were not in Hogsmeade. If anything, there didn’t seem to be one in Hogsmeade at all. 

“It’s the same nursing home I had placed my mother in before she passed away.” Said Mrs. Burbage, “It was the nearest one in town and it also has good payment plans for those who are struggling financially.” Severus flips the pamphlet open, pictures of elderly smile back at him. There were a few paragraphs describing what Legacy Hospice was about along with what they offered. “I thought it might help you.”

It did. Compared to the ones he had found, this one was only two hours away (still not near enough but he wasn’t going to complain) and just from looking at the payment plans, he would be able to make them if he was working two jobs again. It honestly sounded good, they would be able to take care of his mother and keep her comfortable. While it was far, he could still call and send letters if he couldn’t drop for a visit. Maybe he could ask Mrs. Burbage to drive him during weekends?

Charity looked over his shoulder, blue eyes scanning the words. “We could drive you there to visit your mom. Right?” She looked at her mother who nodded with a smile. “You don’t have to make the decision now but do think about it.”

Think about it he had.

Over the week when he had time, he would go to the library to use their computers and search as much as he could about Legacy Hospice . It was set in a remote plot of land not too far from Hogsmeade and according to the ratings, it was also a place you wanted your loved ones to spend the remainder of their days. People spoke highly about it and much to his surprise, it was Aurora’s parents who owned the place. The uneasiness of leaving his mom somewhere unknown had settled a bit at that information.

He had met Mrs. and Mr. Sinistra a couple of times when he would hang out with Aurora. They were nice people overall and seemed interested in his talks about chemistry and biology. At one point Mr. Sinistra had told him that if Severus ever wanted to become a nurse or doctor then he would be glad to sponsor him. That had been what really made the omega like Mr. Sinistra. He didn’t see Severus as just an omega who would one day marry and never work. He saw Severus as a person with ambition and hunger for knowledge. A few times the older alpha would tutor him when it came to biology and even gave him a few college level books regarding the subject.

Mrs. Sinistra had a masters in chemistry and much like her husband, she too had taken Severus under her wing and taught him as much as she could. A few of her lessons included chemicals but she trusted him enough to know how to handle them. He thanks her deeply for without her help he was sure he wouldn’t have been able to get far in chemistry as he was. Both alpha and beta had given him the tools he needed to succeed and now he was on top of his class.

If anyone would ensure that Eileen was well taken care of, it would be them.

Severus had told this to his mom on Friday, an hour before the memorial for Green and Jones. As expected, she didn’t approve, not for the reasons one may think but more because she knew who would be paying. “Dear, I can’t let you do that.” Eileen said softly, her face marred with tiredness. “You will be working to the bone just to ensure the medical bill was paid.” Severus held her hand in his, her fingers holding his with all her strength.

The only downside about Legacy Hospice was that it was a private nursing home. He would have to pay every month to ensure his mother’s place. With the payment plans he wouldn’t need to pay as much but it was still steep. At the beginning of the month he would pay one half of what was due and at the end he would pay the other half to complete the month. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst either.

“We don’t really have a choice, mama. I can’t stay the whole day here and I can’t ask Mrs. Burbage to do the same. Trust me, I would like nothing more than to keep you with me but we both know we can’t.” Eileen looks down at their joined hands sadly. Her deep onyx eyes no longer held the same spark they did years ago. Contrary to what people believed, Eileen used to be a very energetic woman in her youth.

Before the abuse started, his mother liked to go to the book club the local library held twice a month. She would sometimes take him with her and together they would read while sitting down on one of the many hidden corners of the library. If it wasn’t that then she would be at the cooking club. His mother once told him that before she met Tobias, she didn't know how to cook but slowly learned in the cooking club.

That knowledge she had was passed down to him whenever Severus helped in the kitchen. Eileen was someone who was always on the move, never once stopping and always smiling. Even when she got pregnant and had him, his mom never let that slow her down. Before her spark died, people would often say how much he looked like his mom. Severus had taken pride in it. In his eyes, his mom was the most beautiful person he ever knew, no one could compete with her. Even now, when she was older and broken, she still held that beauty. He wonders, would he ever be as beautiful as her?

“I know love, just…give me time to think about it. I promise, I’ll give you an answer, I just need time.” Kissing the back of her hand, Severus nods. “Alright. Mrs. Burbage will be coming here in a few minutes. I need to get ready for the memorial.” With a small smile, Severus got up and left the room. He knew it would be difficult to convince his mama, but he had to. Think what you will but he would never send her to a nursing home without her acknowledgment. 

Life had screwed them both over the years, the least he could do was ensure she was able to make her final decisions on her own. If she didn’t want to, then he wouldn’t force her. It would be hard but he always found a way in the end. This would be no different.

The omega took a look at his closet and decided to wear a pair of black slacks and a black button up shirt Narcissa had given him last year before she left back to France. It had been a Christmas gift she bought while studying in Paris. Severus didn’t have many clothes that would be considered fashionable. The majority of what he had was second handed or gifted. Lucius and Narcissa had taken it upon themselves to give him as many clothes as they could.

Even when the omega made it clear they didn’t need to, both alpha and omega never did. If anything that just made them spoil him even more. When he asked, Narcissa had huffed and said that they didn’t need a reason to spoil him. She and Lucius had claimed him as a younger brother the moment they saw him wandering the park one evening. Which in all honesty was how they first met. But that was a story for another time.

Changing, Severus decided to put his hair up in a loose ponytail, leaving a few strands of dark hair out. Putting on his dress shoes, the only pair (courtesy of Lucius) he owned and walked out of his room just as there was a knocking on his door. He didn’t need to ask who it was, Charity had the habit of knocking into people’s doors in a small pattern she made a few years ago.

“Sev! Wow, you look good! Where were you hiding those clothes? I don’t think I ever saw you wear them.” Charity for her part was wearing a black dress despite the cold weather and a thin black jacket with black flats. Her golden hair was done in a few curls that framed her face delicately. The final touch was the eyeliner and lipgloss she wore. “It was a gift from Narcissa and Lucius.” He answered as he stepped to the side and let Charity and her mom enter.

“Next time they visit you, tell them that they have great taste.” She giggled, winking playfully at him. Severus rolls his eyes fondly and nods in welcome to Mrs. Burbage. “You look handsome dear. My, it feels like it was only yesterday that Charity brought you home.” The blonde alpha said fondly while gently patting Severus’s cheek. Severus felt himself blush.

It was still weird hearing compliments directed at him. The first time Charity and Aurora had done it, Severus had believed they were mocking him. Over the course of his life, he had never once had someone call him pretty, beautiful, or handsome. Potter always called him a greasy bastard because of his hair. Black always made fun of his body build, pointing out how skinny he was. How he was nothing but bones underneath his baggy clothes. 

Lupin didn’t join in the taunting but he never stopped it either. Pettigrew would sometimes join but he usually let the other two take the lead. In the end, it was either his body or his face (specifically his nose) that was always a target for bullying. Severus had been hurt by those words when he was a kid. The amount of times he cried into his pillow was a testament but as he grew older, the taunts no longer bothered him.

It was the same insults, never changing. If anything, he had grown bored of them.

Or maybe he was just used to hearing the same thing; it no longer mattered.

Those three bastards had the fucking gale to come up to him and claim they like him when their words and actions said a whole different story. Was that why they approached him? They saw that their words no longer had the effect they desire so they decided to think outside the box for once? Well, Severus will ensure that he has the last laugh. Let them chase him like the mutts they were. At the end of this, he will be the one to win when they realise that no amount of begging or pleading will ever make the omega trust them.

He refuses to be made into a joke.

“T-Thank you, Mrs. Burbage. I left some food in the fridge for when either you or my mama get hungry. I am not sure when we will be back but it will be before nine.” He told her. The curfew for the town was still in place, even when the police had captured Smith they were not going to lift it until Smith fully confessed. From what Severus had heard on the news, Smith was pleading innocent. Severus couldn’t help but scoff at that.

With a last goodbye to his mama and Mrs. Burbage along with taking the white lily flowers he had bought, both omegas left. Despite Charity turning on the heater in her car and both of them wearing an extra layer of clothing, they still felt cold. “Fuck, I love and hate the cold.” Said Charity after a while, Severus grunts in agreement. “Have you managed to talk to Aurora?” He asked despite already knowing the answer. Charity huffs, a scowl on her face.

“I tried again before picking you up but it’s the same. I told Mrs. Sinistra about the memorial, hopefully we will see her there.” Severus hopes they do. Neither of them have managed to get a hold of the alpha to see how she was. All Mrs. Sinistra said was that Aurora was fine and that she just needed rest. The older beta didn’t tell them if Aurora could speak again or not, there was no way of asking the dark skin alpha when she wasn’t speaking to them. “Anyways, I heard they were also going to add the other victims of Ghostface in the memorial as a way to remember them.” Added Charity.

Severus stared at the white flowers in his lap. With everything that had happened, he hardly had time to think about the other victims. He won’t necessarily say that he was close enough to them to feel the loss but he knew he would miss them. Maybe not Daniel but he didn’t want to sound like a jerk. As for the victim in the alleyway, Matt Oliver he later learned from the news, he did feel guilty. If he had just run fast enough he would have been able to call for help sooner.

From what the statements that were realized, Oliver had bled to death from the wounds he had received. It had taken some time between being chased by Ghostface and arriving at the police station when Oliver passed away. By the time the paramedics found him, he had been dead for around ten minutes. Severus still has nightmares about that night. If it isn’t the movie rental then it’s the alleyway. It was tempting to drink the sleep medication but he refrained from doing so.

His heat was in a few days and he didn’t want anything to mess with it. Last time he had taken the sleep medication his heat had suddenly started in school when it was meant to start during the weekend. He was lucky that during that time, Lily had been the one to watch over him until Mr. Evans came to pick them both up. A good cup of tea helped him sleep and a good cup of coffee let him stay awake, that was all he needed.

“Have you looked into Legacy Hospice ?” Charity asked, breaking the silence. Severus nods. “I have, it’s still far for my liking but it’s also the most affordable one with good reviews. I asked my mama but she said she needed time to think.” Charity hums, “That’s to be expected. I think she is more worried about leaving you alone in the house. Even if the police have someone to pin the murders on, there hasn’t been an official statement. You were attacked two times, for all we know Smith had a partner in crime who could come after you.”

Severus shudders just thinking about it. One murderer was more than enough, to have two would be a nightmare. “She may want to stay with you even if she can’t do much.” The raven head boy had thought about it in that way. If his mother were no longer in the house, he would be by himself. He has been taking care of himself and Eileen for years, it wouldn’t be hard to maintain himself fed and clothed. He was working and despite two of his work sites being targets of Ghostface he still had options.

As of recently he even began thinking about taking tutoring again. The neighborhood school only had rich kids because it was a private school. Many of the well off families preferred sending their kids there and sometimes those kids would need tutoring. Severus could care less about school rivalry. As long as they paid him for his time, he would keep teaching. The last two people he had tutored before stopping was Evan Rosier and Bruce Mulciber. At that point in time he hadn’t minded either boy, however they were hard to please.

Rosier was more of a visual learner and needed to do things while learning in order for the material to stick while Mulciber was vocal about how he didn’t want to have an omega teach him. Severus ended up sucking it up since the pay was good. When he finally got his first job he had dropped Mulciber with the excuse that his schedule was already packed and couldn’t keep tutoring him. The dark skin alpha had taken it well and even gave him a small gift for his time.

That surprised the omega the most. Mulciber had an odd way of thinking about omegas, when Severus first taught him the alpha had jumped to the ridiculous conclusion that Severus would be the one to do his homework. That was soon proven wrong the first few couple of minutes. To this day the omega is stunned that Mulciber never told his parents how the omega had punched him in the nose on the third day of their tutoring. In his defense, Mulciber had gotten mouthy and Severus had just had a run in with the marauders after school. 

Rosier was also mouthy but he also had his own opinion about people in general. The blonde alpha seemed to hate and saw everyone the same. Which was a pain in itself but Severus managed. Over time he had Rosier’s respect (much to Mr. and Mrs. Rosier’s surprise) and the alpha was, surprisingly, the first one to be eager about their tutoring lessons. Those also came to an end around the time his friendship with Lily had ended. He was dealing with too many things and tutoring was the last thing he had on his mind. Plus, he had already gotten a second job at the movie rental so he didn’t need to tutor anymore.

But with how things were, he might as well put up an AD around town and see if there was anyone who needed it. He was still planning to work for Mrs. Longbottom but if he was going to send his mama to a nursing home, a private one at that, then he will need a second job. Tutoring paid well, and if he has any luck, those rich parents will be recommending him. That was how he landed with Rosier and Mulciber. 

“She’s also worried about how I am going to get the money.”

“And I don’t blame her for that. Sev, I love you but you tend to overwork yourself in order to achieve your goals. It’s not healthy to keep working with no rest.” 

Severus sighs, already knowing how this conversation was going to end. “You know I don’t have a choice, Charity. I need the money, now more than ever.”

“I know, I’m not telling you to stop. I am telling you to at least ensure that they fit with your schedule and I don’t mean to cram it up but to ensure that you also get a break.” He knows what the blonde means. It was something both Aurora and Charity always nagged at him. His two jobs paid him well to the point that there was no need for a third job as tempting as it was. But it also came at the cost of his social life and personal life. At one point he had double shifts on some days that he barely had time to sleep.

“I am planning on still working for Mrs. Longbottom.” The omega mumbled, “And I also plan on taking up tutoring again.” Charity paused at this, blue eyes looking at him in surprise. “You plan on taking up torturing? But it’s been a while since you did that, how will you get clients?”

“Belive it or not, the rich and well off get desperate enough to have their children be taught by a poor omega. Every single one of them never complained about me since their kids ended up getting high marks. Once they hear I am taking clients again, they will jump on the boat. Especially now that testing is near and they want their kids to get into the best universities around.” 

Charity grins, “Mind if I pay for those services? You know I am horrendous at biology.”

“Then why did you take the class?”

“Because they didn’t have any classes for botany and I need at least two science credits to enroll in a botany major for the university I want.” 

Severus huffs, grinning fondly. “Fine, but don’t expect a discount.” Charity laughs. “Wouldn’t dream of it!” He knows Charity isn’t bad at biology or any subject regarding science. If she truly wanted to, she could be a top student but the blonde girl always does the bare minimum to pass the class. Her reasoning was that while she did like biology, she just didn’t have any passion for it. Severus understood, he liked his literature class but compared to his other classes, it would be the last class he would put extra effort in. He reads for fun, as a hobby, and he only ever reads what he wants to read.

There was no point in reading if he was forced to read something he didn’t like or want.

Plus, he knew both Aurora and Charity liked to schedule a tutoring lesson with him because they could help him. The first time it happened Severus had insisted that they didn’t pay, they were his friends and he didn’t want them to think he was just using them even if they had offered to pay in the first place. Both of them had been miffed about not paying but left it at that only for the next day to wake up and find two envelopes with money in his mail box.

When he tried to return it, they just shrugged and smiled, telling him to keep it. Turns out, once they set their mind on something they will have it done. Severus gave up on the third attempt.

“Who knows, we might even rope in Aurora into it.” Charity giggled. The raven head just sighs with fondness. 

_____

The memorial was packed.

Severus stared at the crowd already forming in the front where five different pictures had been placed. The rugby team were front and center, one of the players was placing Green’s jersey next to the alpha’s picture and another was guiding the people who were looking for empty seats. His onyx eyes stared at the smiling faces (Daniel was not smiling but then again, he never saw the alpha smile in joy) of the five victims. No matter how much Severus pondered, he couldn’t come up with an explanation as to why Smith targeted them.

Hell, he couldn’t even think why Aurora had been a target when they barely even spoke. Severus understands why Smith went after him, the omega had witnessed him kill and had been the one to describe his attire and gender. Smith would have wanted him dead, but Aurora? It didn’t make sense. 

A part of him was saying that all the killings had been his fault.

He is sure people notice how the majority of the victims seemed to be connected to him at some point. However, only one was not and maybe that was why no one pointed fingers at him. Or, it could be that Skeeter pointing him out as a whore was more juicy than pointing him as the potential killer. Even so, Severus couldn’t help but feel guilty. If he had noticed Smith’s behavior early on he could have put a stop to it. Noah and Daniel wouldn’t have died and Aurora wouldn’t have been attacked. The killings could have stopped with Matt Oliver. 

Charity grabs his hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I don’t see Aurora but maybe she will come later. Let’s go look for a seat.” It was easier said than done. They didn’t want to sit in the front because it was packed and it was reserved for those who were close to the victims. The back was less crowded but it had a few reporters, among them was Skeeter and Severus wanted to avoid her. The middle section seemed like the better option, not the best since the omega didn’t want to be sandwiched between a crowd of both crying people and news reporters.

Taking a seat, Charity let out a huff. “It’s packed, I didn't think people would actually care this much unless it was friends and family.”

“They don’t. The majority of them are from the high class families who want to make a good impression upon the town.” Someone had taken a seat next to him and had the nerve to place an arm around his shoulders. Turning to face the person with a glare, Severus stops short, obsidian eyes widened in disbelief. 

“Rosier?”

Evan Rosier gave him a grin, his eyes looking at the omega with mirth. “Long time no see Snape.” It had been a while. The last time they spoke was on their last tutoring lesson where Severus had let him know that he will no longer be tutoring at all. The blonde alpha had looked a little disappointed but didn’t say much. For a while he had taken to calling Severus on the land line since they didn’t go to the same schools.

Over time, those calls had also dwindled down. Charity looked at Rosier and Severus, blue eyes twinkling with questions. Clearing his throat, Severus turns to face his packmate. “Charity, this is Evan Rosier. I used to tutor him a while back. Rosier, this is Charity Burbage, my friend and packmate.” Rosier looked over at Charity, as if looking for something before breaking into a smile that half reached his eyes. 

“Nice to meet you, Burbage. Kinda surprised you managed to get Snape into your pack. I tried a while back but he was stubborn.” Charity smiles, a knowing look in her eyes as Severus rolled his eyes. Back when they had gotten to know each other, Rosier had invited him to his pack but the omega had declined. During that time Lily and he had made plans on forming their own pack and the beta had made it clear about her distaste for Rosier. 

It wasn’t because the alpha came from a rich background or anything of the sort, it was just that the blonde boy tended to speak his mind without filter. The first time Lily met Rosier had been in the library, where he used to hold his tutoring sessions. The beta had decided to accompany him and met Rosier. The meeting had crashed and burned to say the least. Rosier’s opinions on secondary genders played a huge part in it.

Lily always advocated for the equality of secondary genders, how one gender wasn’t superior to the other and how the other wasn’t to be seen as below. Rosier didn’t care about that, in fact, he didn’t seem to care about secondary genders at all. The next time he had a tutoring session with him, he had decided not to tell Lily or bring her. He hardly got any work done and Rosier wasn’t even doing his own work because he was busy riling Lily up. 

From then on he avoided bringing Rosier up in any conversations unless he wanted Lily to blow up.

So when the blonde alpha invited him to his pack, Severus declined. He wasn’t interested anyways since he fully believed that Lily and he would have their own pack soon. Even after their fall out, Rosier had invited him again and as before, Severus declined. Sure, the blonde boy was rich and with his name alone Severus would be able to live a comfortable school life but it also brought trouble along. You see, Rosier tends to get into trouble most of the time with people from both schools. The omega didn’t want to pay for something Rosier did just because Severus was part of his pack.

That and the raven head just didn’t like some of Rosier’s pack members. He had the misfortune to meet them one day and he wishes to keep it at that. Their opinions about betas and alphas were somewhat expected however their opinions on omegas were just despicable. Severus was not going to join a pack full of betas and alphas who only saw him as someone who would spread his legs whenever his packmates wanted to.

Overall, their pack dynamic left much to be desired. Which was one of the main reasons why he had been hesitant in taking up Aurora’s offer in joining her pack. He later came to learn that while some packmates dated or even had a sexual relationship, it wasn’t mandatory. Aurora didn’t want Severus for sexual favors, she only wanted his friendship. With Rosier, he didn’t know. The alpha never made it clear.

“Nice to meet you as well Rosier and I get it. Sev didn’t want to join at first but we managed to convince him.”

“We?” The blonde asks, his eyes looking around to see if he could find the other members of Severus’ pack. “Aurora Sinistra. She’s our head alpha and the last member of our pack. She isn’t here yet though.” Rosier lifted an eyebrow but said nothing at Charity’s words. “Lucky you, getting Snape to agree on something is difficult.” Both blondes laugh as Severus rolls his eyes again. 

Rosier and Charity begin to talk while Severus just listens. It wasn’t as if he didn’t want to talk, he just preferred to listen over talking. It was interesting to see how quick his packmate managed to find common ground with the blonde alpha. Rosier was a hard person to impress, the fact that Charity managed to keep his attention on her was a miracle. The soothing scent of mint had him less tense to the point he didn’t even bother shrugging the alpha’s arm off of him.

It hadn’t been the first time Rosier got all touchy with him. For some reason the alpha always made it his mission to at least hug or have an arm around the omega back during their lessons. Rosier said it was because he was a physical person, Severus called bullshit. Because of the amount of time they spend together tutoring, the scent of mint would often cling to him like gum which caused the majority of his classmates to look at him curiously.

Lily had known who it came from and would remain in a foul mood for days while the marauders seemed to take the taunting and snide remarks up another notch. Severus always made sure to wash the clothes he used for those tutoring sessions the moment he got home and would take a long shower to get rid of the smell. As long as he didn’t smell of Rosier, Lily would be happy and the marauders would not bother him as much.

The only other person he had that same issue with was with Mulciber but that was towards the end. The dark skin alpha would sometimes scent him, explaining that since Severus walked home no one would mess with him if he had the scent of an alpha. The omega had been embarrassed and offended. He had insisted that he didn’t need it and that unlike whatever Mulciber thought of him, he wasn’t fragile or weak. 

The alpha still managed to do it without Severus agreeing. At least it was better than Rosier who would hug him, Mulciber just scented his sweater whenever the omega took it off. It didn’t make it any better. While Lily would just look at him curiously whenever he showed up with his sweater smelling like sandalwood the marauders would just steal it and he would later find it deep in a trash bin or in the nearby pond where they used to throw his book bag.

That was why he was hesitant whenever Aurora scented him. He didn’t want the marauders to steal his sweater or make fun of him more than they already were. Surprisingly, they never did. Charity later told him it was because Aurora had made it clear that if they did anything to him or his stuff they would be answering to her. A week later, Black had ignored that warning and took one of his books only for Aurora to take his car keys and hold them hostage until he gave the book back.

After that, his things were never taken again.

“Burbage! Snape! There you are, we were looking-” The person cut themselves off. Severus opened his eyes (when had he closed them?) and looked up to meet Potter’s hazel gaze. The alpha was looking at Rosier, an unknown shadow passing over his face before he smiled tensely. Charity looked at the alpha and gave him a small wave. Rosier, who still had his arm around Severus, gave Potter a smirk.

“Is he a friend of yours or a packmate?” The blonde boy asks. Potter seemed to puff his chest out and Severus rolled his eyes. He would never understand what it was with alphas and territory. He should have expected this. Rosier was from the rival school, the school that Potter will be competing against in a couple of days. No wonder Potter was trying to puff out like a peacock. The brunette was trying to intimidate Rosier and Rosier was about to egg him on.

“He is a classmate.” Responded the black hair boy as Potter seemed to deflate a bit. Rosier tilted his head, smirk still in place. “Well, then nice to see you again Potter.” The bespectacled boy narrows his eyes and returns the greeting tensely. “Rosier. What are you doing here?”

“Oh you know, the same as the other high class families, yours included. My parents wanted to boost their morale. Especially now considering that Mayor Potter has had five deaths while in office. My father can’t help but want to reassure the town that things will go smoothly once your father’s term is over.” Something dark flashes in Potter’s eyes as his eyebrow twitches. Charity and Severus look at each other. He hadn’t known Rosier’s dad was after the position of Mayor.

While Mayor Potter did have competitors none of them ever stood out since people seemed to love the current mayor. “Well, I am certainly grateful that you want to ensure people don’t panic Rosier. My father is doing everything in his power to ensure no more deaths occur. Especially now that the culprit has been apprehended.”

Rosier chuckles, his arm tightening around Severus’ shoulders. The omega glanced at him, he was getting uncomfortable being this close to the scent of mint. It had been soft before, but now it was just getting irritating. Charity seemed to think the same as she leaned back, her smile more tense than before. Potter’s eyes glower at the arm around the omega as if simply looking at it would set it on fire.

Severus was…confused in all honesty. Was Potter trying to assert dominance because Rosier was from the rival school or was he…jealous? The omega almost scoffed at that. Yeah right, Potter is jealous of Rosier over him? It was laughable just thinking about it. “We still have no confirmation that Smith is even the killer. I mean, where is the evidence?”

“What do you mean by that?” Intervene the raven head, his onyx eyes glaring at Rosier. The alpha seemed taken aback before realization hit him. “I don’t mean that you're lying Snape. Just that the police are having a hard time connecting two more deaths to Smith. Not to mention, that as much as they want to pin the other three murders, they can’t find a motive.” Severus roughly shoves off Rosier’s arm and stands up. 

“So you're telling me that the person who tried to kill me a second time isn’t Smith? That I must have been in such distress I couldn’t identify who the killer really was?” Rosier looked panicked for a moment as Charity stood next to her packmate. “No! My mother is Smith’s lawyer and she told me that it just didn’t make any sense that Smith is Ghostface. Maybe you were out of it when the killer attacked? I mean, it’s not unusual for someone to ask: what's your favorite scary movie? ”

Severus flinches hard, nostrils flaring. “Don’t fucking ask me that Rosier.” Without waiting for a response, the omega marches off. Charity and Potter both follow him, one concern, the other smiling smugly at the now glaring alpha. 

_____

An hour went by since the memorial service started. In the end, Severus ended up sitting at the front with the rest of the rugby team. Potter had apparently reserved a seat for both omegas and ensured that it was out of view for the news reporters stationed in the back. Since the memorial was held outside, it was easy to blend in with the background even when the rugby team’s red letter man jackets stood out.

His conversation with Rosier had left him with a semi-permanent frown. He had known there were people who were advocating for Smith, saying that Severus had made a mistake in pointing him as the killer. The omega tended to avoid those who were blaming him for accusing an innocent man. It was a surprise that no one had shown up to his house to protest. Charity, sensing his horrid mood, decided to stay at his side. Her soft rose scent was calming as she held his hand.

Headmaster Dumbledore had begun with an opening speech regarding each of the victims. Starting from Green and ending with Noah, each of them was recognized for being an upstanding civilian who always went out of their way to ensure the people around them were alright. Severus and Charity shared a look when he spoke about how kind Daniel was. They weren’t the only ones. Black and Potter seemed to hold their grins back.

It was no surprise to him that both alphas met Daniel. His grumpy co-worker would always complain about a pair of alphas who walked as if they owned the place with too loud laughter and smart ass replies. It wasn’t hard to place a face to who the alphas might be. Lupin had elbowed them sharply, a frown of disapproval was cast on both of them. Pettigrew just sighs while looking at his friends with a mixture of fondness and exasperation. 

When the Headmaster finished his speech the people in the front, which consisted of the rugby team and family members with friends, were allowed to come forward and place the flowers they had brought for the victims. Severus had stood up, planning to go alone when Potter stood to follow him. “What are you doing?” He asked. The brunette had already gone up to deliver his flowers.

“Accompaning you.” He said it in the most obvious of tones. Severus glared at the alpha. “I can walk up there just fine on my own.”

“I know, but Rosier has been looking this way and I don’t think you would want to deal with him yet.”

“I can bloody deal with him at any moment, Potter. I don’t need you hovering around me like I’m something fragile.” The alpha clenched his jaw, “I never said you were fragile. I just don’t want him to make you uncomfortable.”

“The only one making me uncomfortable right now is you.” Severus spitted, with a click of his tongue he turned around only to feel Potter’s presence behind him. “For fucks sake Potter just sit your ass down! I know how to deal with Rosier, I don’t need any saving from you.” He turned to face him, glowering. Potter just crossed his arms, eyebrows raised. The omega’s hold on the flowers tighten. He really didn’t want to fight in the middle of a memorial.

The news was painting him as a tragic surviving victim that could break at any moment. Online wasn’t any better, people there thought he had pointed to the wrong person because he had been in hysterics. He admits, punching Smith on live tv wasn’t the best idea but at the moment he wasn’t thinking. In school, people already thought he had been taken under Potter’s care because Aurora wasn’t there. If he caused a scene because of the alpha, people will justify their views of him being fragile minded but if he let Potter walk him to the front, it would only encourage the rumors of how he was soon to be Potter’s pack omega.

Either choice was humiliating, either paint himself ‘fragile’ or fuel the rumor mill at school.

Charity looked up from her one sided conversation with Pettigrew, blue eyes looking from Potter to Severus. “Fine then, I’m just going the same way you are because I want to pay my respects to them again.” This shitty bastard. Black and Lupin turned to look at them, the blonde boy was frowning and looking at Potter disapprovingly. “James, just let him go alone. There is no need for you to accompany him.” Lupin’s words just made Severus more annoyed.

He didn’t need Lupin to speak on his behalf and he didn’t need Potter to treat him like some damsel in distress. “Moony! I can’t just do that, not when Rosier is just waiting to jump on him.” The last bit was growled out. Severus rolls his eyes while Charity gives Potter a distasteful look. Black frowned while Lupin just shook his head. Pettigrew just looked done as he sighs. “What do you mean Rosier?” Asked Black, fully ignoring the main problem.

“When I went to look for them, Rosier was all over Snape! Fucking scenting him and all! Then he had the audacity to insinuate that Snape was lying about Smith being the killer.” The bespectacled boy nudged his head towards where Rosier was with his pack, the blonde alpha was looking at them. “And he's been staring at him ever since he came over here.”

Black was already glaring daggers at Rosier who in turn did a once over of Black and scoffed. That just seemed to set a fire under Black, a low growl coming out of his chest. Lupin was also looking at Rosier, an unreadable look in his green eyes. “You let that fucker scent you?” Black asked as he directed his piercing gray eyes to the omega. Severus just crossed his arms, the faint scent of mint he had on him had long been covered by Charity’s rose scent when she noticed how much it was bothering Severus. 

“Last time I checked, it wasn’t any of your business who scents me.” That seemed to be the wrong thing to say with the way Black’s jaw clenched.

“How do you know Rosier?” It was more of a surprise at who had asked the question than the question itself. Severus glanced at Lupin, the alpha was calm but something about it raised the hairs on the back of his neck. “None of your business.” The omega casted a look at Charity who immediately got up, her nose scrunched up in distaste. “Then I’m accompanying you too.” Black stood up next to Potter, both sporting a look in their eyes.

Severus glared again, his patience running thin. Why was he even bothering entertaining these fools? He took a look at Lupin who seemed to be looking at Rosier, clearly he wouldn’t be of any help. This is why he hates it when the blonde boy steps in when Potter and Black begin getting into his personal space. Lupin was selective whenever he stepped in. Sometimes he would scowl the two boys and apologize to Severus, other times he would just stand back and observe.

If Lupin wasn’t going to speak up then he shouldn’t speak up at all.

“Guys! That’s enough!” 

It was Pettigrew who had spoken out, glaring at his three friends. All three alphas turned to look at the blonde beta, eyes shining with annoyance but that didn’t seem to face the shorter boy. “Just let him go alone, you're acting as if he were to be jumped by Rosier at any moment. We’ve seen him fight before, he can handle himself. So just stop it.” Charity and Severus looked at the beta, surprised that the boy even stood up for them.

Of all his years of knowing Pettigrew, the beta always went with whatever Black and Potter did or said. It didn’t matter if he landed himself in detention, he always seemed to follow them the way a dog would follow its master. It was different with how Lupin would just stay back and watch. Pettigrew would join but he at least had the spine to sometimes intervene, even if it was useless.

“But Wormtail-” Began Potter before Pettigrew cut him off. “No. Your scents are already attracting attention to us. I’m sure Snape and Burbage don’t want to land on the front page of Skeeter’s article tomorrow with the way you three are acting.” He turned to look at the two omegas, “I’m sorry about them. Go and pay your respects, I’ll keep an eye on them.” Severus didn’t bother to say thank you or address the boy in any way. 

Without looking back, he marched forward, Charity behind him. “What is with them?” She said, a frown on her lips. “I don’t know and I don’t care.” He muttered. If this is how they would react any time he talked or interacted with anyone else, then he shouldn’t have given them an olive branch in the first place. He wasn’t their pack omega, he wasn’t their omega, and he diffidently wasn’t theirs at all! “Stupid alphas and their stupid possessiveness." He grumbled under his breath. Never had Aurora done that to him. Hell, even when speaking or interacting with others she never once tried to coddle him or insinuate that he was weak.

Yes, she would stand up for him whenever the marauders would gang up on him but if it was Severus against one person, even two, she would let him handle it. Because she knows that the omega isn’t weak, that he isn’t some damsel in distress. Potter, Black, and Lupin are all idiots! And so what if he let Rosier scent him?! How was that any of their business?!

“You got that right. Acting like they have a right to be like that.” They made it to the front and without stalling, Severus splitted the bouquet of white lilies for each of the victims. He wasn’t a religious person, not like his father, but he still said a small prayer for them. Charity did the same and both of them left once they saw that Rosier and his pack started to go near them. Since he was still angry at the marauders, both omegas wandered to their usual lunch area whenever they ate outside.

Potter and his two idiots had tried to follow them but again, Pettigrew stopped them. Surprisingly they listened to the beta and only two out of the three seem to grumble in frustration. Rosier had wanted to follow him but had lost sight of them once they entered more towards school grounds.

“Sometimes I forget how packs like that tend to go haywire fast.” Added Charity after scenting one another. Severus had been so deep into his fight with Potter and Black that he hadn’t noticed how three different scents clung to him other than Charity’s scent. Cinnamon, pinewood, and dark chocolate seem to mix in with his own scent.

It made him even more frustrated that when mixed together, they didn’t smell that bad.

“What do you mean?” He asked after letting Charity scent his sweater. “Well, when it comes to packs, it’s unusual to have more than two alphas, hell, even having two alphas is unusual if you don’t have an omega or beta.”

“Why’s that?”

“Alphas tend to be more territorial, sometimes without knowing. Which is why packs with more alphas than betas or omegas don’t last long. It’s recommended to have at least two betas and one omega in those kinds of packs, or the opposite, two omegas and one beta. While the alphas lead and are the heads of the pack, the betas meditate any problem that arises and the omegas ensure that things are running smoothly in the background. Contrary to what many believe, when the alphas are not doing their job it’s the omegas who take the leadership role, and if they can’t then the betas take the role of leader. Nowadays they just don’t want to admit that all secondary genders are equal.”

He had known about packs needing to have omegas and betas, but not because of that reason. The media tended to portray it as omegas being there to provide relief of any kind to their packmates. Which was why it was rare to have an omega in packs, the majority didn’t want to do that. Not that Severus blamed them, it was one of the main reasons he didn’t want to get into any pack.

With Lily it had been different because she never made him less then and what they had was a sibling bond. They would stand as equals. Aurora had proved herself over time when she asked him to join, once he deemed that she didn’t have any ulterior motives, he joined. Charity had already been in the pack and had been overjoyed at that. Which was why many didn’t mess with him a lot, to have one omega in the pack was a miracle, to have two, well, that just meant the alpha in charge was lucky.

“Though, I am surprised Pettigrew managed to reel them in. With how he is with all three, I would have suspected he would just let them do as they please.” Charity said finally. Severus had also been surprised at that. If he were to be asked who out of all four were the most spineless fools in the marauders, he would answer with Lupin and Pettigrew. However, after that little performance, he might just take that back.

“I’m more surprised that Pettigrew grew a spine before Lupin…if Lupin ever grows one.”

Charity and Severus both laugh. 

“I…haven’t seen Aurora anywhere.” The blonde girl said after the laughter died down. Severus sighs, “Do you want to stop by her house after this is over?” The blue eyed omega nods. While they had been sitting with Potter and his pack, both omegas had been hoping to see their pack alpha but they couldn’t spot her. He had wanted to see her for two reasons: to see how she was and to finally get rid of the marauders.

It was concerning, her radio silence. Something like this never happened, not once since he was in her pack. Even before he was in her pack, Aurora never liked to keep quiet when it concerned peoples’ wellbeing. She may be serious and sometimes comes off as cold but she never had any issue communicating with them. Miscommunication was something she avoided like the plague.

“I’ve been meaning to ask but by the way two out of your three possible casonovas have been behaving around us this week, I take it you have reached common ground with them?” Severus groans, Charity already knew about his chat with Potter and Lupin, but he had kept the details to a minimum. “I did, but now I’m regretting it.”

If it meant having to deal with them whenever they got territorial, then he would gladly cut off the olive branch he placed for them. The omega had made it clear that while they may try to convince him of their change, he didn’t promise anything. Severus never said he would become their omega or that they could act as if they were dating.

Just the thought of it made him gag. 

Him, dating the three marauders? Yeah, right.

It didn’t help that Potter and Black seem to bring out the worst in each other whenever Severus wanted to do something alone. Potter suddenly wanted to carry his things and accompany him everywhere while Black acted like a bodyguard. It was irritating and annoying. It was as if they had to treat him like fragile glass.

They stopped calling him that horrendous nickname but they still spoke with the same sharpness whenever Severus denied them something. The omega returned the favor, but even that had somehow dwindled down. The retorts become more like nagging on both ends. They came out more like teasing, especially with Black who seemed to take it as a way of flirting.

“I haven’t even spoken to Black yet.” Not that it was much of a loss but it was setting him on edge. Out of all of them, Black tended to be the most unpredictable. “Who knows, maybe you’ll get your chance in a few seconds.” Charity pointed to the walking figure of Black. Severus almost groaned again. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Damn, this place is well hidden. No wonder we couldn’t find you.” The alpha said once he reached them. Charity smiled, blue eyes narrowed. “That’s the whole purpose Black. Do you need something or have you finally finished your dick measuring contest?” Both omegas snigger as Black’s face turns a bright shade of red.

“We were just wondering where you two went and…um, I wanted to speak to Snape.”

Charity looked at Severus, a teasing grin on her face. Told you so! Was what the expression she was wearing said. Severus held the urge to roll his eyes and nodded. “Fine, but make it quick. That stunt you and your little friends pulled already drained the majority of my patience.” The blonde girl got up, dusted the imaginary dust off her dress, and turned to face Severus.

“I’ll be with our dear macho companions then. If anything happens, kick him in the balls.” With that, Charity walked away. Black looked at her retreating back, disbelief etched all over his features. “I thought Sinistra was the one we had to look after. Burbage might give her a run for her money.”

The raven head couldn’t help but agree.

Black took a seat next to him, his leg bouncing up and down while he looked at his hands. Severus didn’t say anything, if the alpha wanted to talk to him, then he would have to start. The only sound available was the distant chatter of the people near the entrance of the school. The omega crossed his arms and waited.

Hopefully it wouldn’t take too long for Black to gather his thoughts, he wanted to go check on Aurora before heading home.

“Listen Snape, I’m sure the other two already explained their side. I thought about how I was going to say my part but I waited since you got…attacked again. I didn’t want to jump you when you already have to deal with the press and everything else.” Started the curly hair boy, his gray eyes glancing at the boy sitting next to him. “I…fuck this is more difficult than I thought.” He mumbled, running a hand through his hair.

“What I want to say is that I’m sorry. I know that a simple apology isn’t going to rewrite the things I said and did or that it will make them disappear. Hell, I was and still am a bastard but I won’t conceal it from you. You already saw my worst parts, there is no need for me to hide them even if I wanted to. You’ll probably think I am tricking you if I turn my personality around.”

At least Black was self aware of that. Just imagining a different version of Black, one where he spoke softly to him and tried to be a prince charming sent a shiver down his spine. The alpha may look like a prince charming but he certainly wasn’t one. If he tried to do any ‘gentlemanly’ gestures towards him, Severus would have called the police on him.

“So I’ll just say it straight. I like you a lot. Don’t ask since when because even I don’t know when it started. One day I just looked at you and thought about how pretty your eyes looked whenever the sun hit them just right. Before I knew it, I started to pay attention to the smaller details, such as how you bite your lower lip in concentration, how you always tie your hair whenever you read or how you prefer to sit in secluded corners of the library whenever you want to read by yourself.”

Black began to ramble, the previous flush on his face darkened as it reached his eartips. Severus stared at him, gaping. He hadn’t realized how much attention Black had been paying him. 

Usually whenever Black looked in his direction it meant that the alpha was planning to pull a prank. 

“It took me a while to come to terms with my feelings. I was angry but also relieved.” 

Black finally turned to face him and for the first time, Severus could see tenderness directed at him. He felt himself flush. “I was angry because I thought that the reason I bothered you so much was because I didn’t like you. Because you looked at me and just didn’t seem to care. I wanted you to look at me, to see me.” The alpha barks a laugh, “When you did look at me with disdain or hate, I was always satisfied. So I did the only thing I could and kept bothering you.”

Black sighs, “But even then, it wasn’t enough. I thought If I hurt you I would finally feel satisfied but I just felt the opposite. Then, one day, James admitted to liking you and so did Remus. That was when it finally clicked. I like you, I always have and like the fool I am, I reacted to it with violence.” For once, the boy looked crestfallen. Severus stared at him, not knowing what to say.

He had seen Black express his emotions wildly. Happy, angry, worried, and everything in between. To see him with defeat written all over his face was different. In a way it made him feel glad. Glad that Black already knew he would never have a chance, that no matter how much he tried to prove to him that he changed, Severus wouldn’t believe him. It was different with Potter and Lupin who still held hope that maybe he would allow them to court him.

Black already knew his chances were slim to none and that made Severus happy. 

It made him happy because it was clear that the one in control was Severus.

“I felt relief when I found out what I felt for you because I finally placed a name to that emotion. And like the fool I am, I honestly thought I had a chance. I even had this big speech I was going to tell you when the time was right but…well that went down the drain when Prongs decided to spring on you our feelings. When I saw the way you reacted I finally understood that it would take more than words and my feelings to make you see that I am being sincere.”

Even now, Severus doubts Black means any of this. How does he know that what he is saying is the truth? That he isn’t just messing with him because he is bored?

“So I’ve decided to show you, even if it takes me years to prove it to you, then so be it.”

Potter and Lupin had said the same. Severus looked at the sky, it was turning into a lovely shade of pink. All three alphas wanted to show him, to prove to him that they weren’t playing. Severus had entertained the idea simply because he had no plan of taking it further. Once he had what he wanted, he would make it clear he wanted nothing to do with them. He only wanted answers for their treatment, that was it.

So why the hell did it feel like someone was twisting a fist into his chest?

Unlike the three marauders, Severus didn’t plan on staying in Hogsmeade. He had plans to leave the town once he settled everything he needed to take care of. He didn’t know what they wanted, or if what they wanted was long term. He had hoped it was just a short infatuation, hell maybe in a couple of days they will get over their supposed crush on the omega.

Black, even if he was at odds with his family, was still the heir, and that was only because he is an alpha. Potter, who’s dad already laid everything out for him, had no reason to leave town. Lupin’s family owned one of the many books stores around town, Severus is sure the blonde boy would want to keep it in the family. They all had reasons to stay, if anything, from what he has seen, they would probably leave to go to college and then come back.

Severus wouldn’t be coming back.

Aurora and Charity had made plans to go study out of town and while they were a pack, had made it clear that they didn’t want to be the reason Severus abandoned his goals. All three of them had different plans, Aurora was going to probably take after her dad while Charity was planning on traveling to learn more about botany.

Severus just wanted to get his degree in chemistry and become a chemist. That has always been his goal among others. He wasn’t going to stop pursuing it. His packmates understood this and they even said that despite all of them choosing different paths, they would never stop being friends. Sure, they won’t be seeing each other as much but with time, they will. 

It had finally clicked in his mind that the three marauders were not just aiming to express themselves to him, no, they wanted a relationship. Severus didn’t believe that for a moment all three of them liked him, much less were even serious about their desires. Whatever they told themselves, it was painfully clear that they weren’t competing in any way. 

All three of them wanted a chance.

Severus should put a stop to this.

He should tell Black that this will never work out, that whatever they want from him is not there. Tell them that they can try all they want but the omega had already made his mind a long time ago, way before any of this even happened. It may cause them to be angry but he didn’t care. All his life he had lived with their anger, just because they have been treating him and Charity well for the past few days means nothing.

It doesn't change their treatment of him or reverse it. If anything, telling them to fuck off will be better. They will finally leave him alone and only interact when it is school related, nothing more and nothing less. Hell, he even bets that in a couple of days, they will all forget about this whole ordeal. 

Severus opens his mouth, Black leans forward, eyes looking at him, waiting for his response.

“Whatever you do is none of my business. Waste your time, I don’t care.” Severus got up, “Don’t involve Charity or Aurora, the moment either one of them gets involved in this, I will make it my business.”

He didn’t wait for the alpha’s response as he walked away. His hands were clenched besides him as he came nearer the chatting crowd of people.

His mind had told him to cut the problem, yet his mouth decided to say something different. Why couldn’t he just put an end to this? He wasn’t going to gain much, hell, the only responses he had gotten as to why he was treated in such a way came from Black. It wasn’t hard to piece the puzzle together.

It was like how Lily had once told him.

Some people just liked to bother the people they liked because they didn’t know how to deal with their emotions.

He had seen it with Petunia once, a boy who would always insult her hair or clothes would only single her out. Petunia would yell at him and the boy would look happy to have her attention. Lily had laughed and said it was obvious the boy liked Petunia. Severus didn’t find it funny nor did he understand why the boy would say mean things to the girl he liked.

Pulling the pigtails of the girl you like.

Has Eileen been the same with Tobias? Had he been mean then sweet to win her affection? Had his mother thought his father changed and gave him a chance? Was that why she stayed with him? Because she thought Tobias would change?

Should Severus do the same? Wait for all three of them to prove their change only for them to let the other shoe drop and show him their real, ugly colors?

No, Severus was not going to end up like his mother. He wasn’t going to wait for something he knew would never come. 

Then why the hell didn’t he just put a stop to this?!  

Cursing under his breath, Severus let out a small, self mocking laugh.

Chapter Text

When he returned, the energy surrounding the marauders was no longer tense. Lupin and Potter were talking animatedly while Pettigrew was finally able to hold a conversation with Charity who glanced at him once he came near. Severus hadn’t bothered to see if Black had followed him but based on the way the blonde girl looked over his shoulder, he could guess the alpha was not that far behind.

“How did it go?” She asked once Pettigrew and Black occupied themselves with their own conversation. “By the looks of it, it must have gone down well.” She gestured towards the smiling Black. Potter and Lupin turned to look at Severus, each one directing a small smile at him. The omega looked away and ignored the heat on the back of his neck.

“The same as the other two.” Charity narrowed her eyes at him. “There's more.” It wasn’t a question. “I’ll tell you later.” She still gave him a look but dropped it. “I tried looking for Aurora but was unable to find her. I did see Mrs. and Mr. Sinistra though.” At this, she frowned. “Did something happen?” He asked.

“I went to speak with them but they just…gave me the cold shoulder.”

“What?”

“Yeah! I mean, they did speak to me but they seemed to brush me off at the end. I even asked about Aurora but they told me that she didn’t want to speak to you or me. For some reason they seemed irritated.”

It was Severus’ turn to frown. Mrs. and Mr. Sinistra had never treated either of them in such a way. Even when they first met them, both adults were respectful. Did something happen?

“Anyways, if they are here then so is Aurora. As to where she could be hiding, I have no clue.” The way Charity changed the subject was rather weird. Severus narrowed his eyes but the other omega just averted her gaze. There was more to this. He glanced at Lupin and Potter, both of them sharing grim expressions, did they know?

“I’m surprised Pettigrew managed to reel in his pack.” Severus offered a different topic of conversation that Charity was quick to take. “Yeah! When I came back both Potter and Lupin seemed composed and even apologized for what happened. I don’t know if I should be amazed that Pettigrew managed to make them apologize or that they know how to apologize.”

Severus scoffed in amusement. “Here I thought they didn’t have that word in their dictionary.” The fact that they had apologized to him individually was out of character as a whole. Then there was the blonde beta being able to actually put his packmates in their place. The marauders just kept surprising him. 

“Here.” Two cups of pumpkin juice were given to them by Lupin. Charity and Severus must have given him a look full of skepticism because he had the gall to chuckle in amusement. “Don’t worry, I didn’t put anything in them.” When they still didn’t grab them, Lupin sighs and takes a sip of each cup. After waiting for a full minute, both omegas take the juice. They still don’t drink it until five minutes pass and see that nothing happened to Lupin.

The marauders had never played a prank on Charity but she had seen the after effects. Much like Severus, she wasn’t about to take anything from them without double checking it. Potter seemed to find it amusing, even after Charity threaded to neuter him if anything happened to either omega. Severus hides his smile behind his drink, the cool juice going down his throat. He hadn't realized how thirsty he had gotten. 

“Are you guys going back home after this?” Asked Black once they managed to find one of the many tables placed outside, empty. Severus shrugged and averted his attention to the chocolate cake Black had given him and Charity. The omega would have gotten it himself from the refreshment and snack table but before he could even make his way there, Black had already placed it in front of him. 

“After we check up on Aurora, I will drop Sev off and maybe I can stay over?” Blue eyes look over at him and he sighs. “We have school tomorrow.”

“But we haven’t done our usual movie night!”

“If we do, neither of us is going to sleep until the sun comes out.”

“Oh c’mon, we can afford to skip one day.”

“Your math grade will beg to differ."

Charity let out a scandalized gasp, clutching her throat where she had a necklace of white pearls. “How could I have been outed in such a way?!” As if she were a Victorian woman, Charity placed the back of her hand on her forehead in mock distress. Severus stifles his laugh by shoving a piece of his chocolate cake. Pettigrew and Black laugh as Lupin shakes his head fondly. Potter is chuckling, hazel eyes soft.

“How dost thou dare to betray me thus?!” Severus couldn’t help the laugh that left him. Blue eyes looked at him full of laughter. Charity was known for her love of Shakespeare, hell she had a whole collection of his works. The blonde girl over time learned to speak the same way the man wrote. Most of the time, she would use it for her own amusement. This was one of those times.

“Is’t treachery when it be but the truth?” Charity gasped again. Severus smiled. Because of her little habit in speaking in Shakespearian, Severus learned a thing or two. Sometimes, both of them would banter like that. Lupin let out a snort alongside Black. Pettigrew’s face had gone red from how much he was laughing while Potter was trying not to laugh too loud.

“O, how couldst such a cherished friend of mine commit this foul deed?!”

“A comrade who doth cherish.”

If you had told Severus that one day, he would have found himself laughing and enjoying his time with the marauders without it coming at the expense of either party, he would have laughed. Yet, here he was, laughing as he and Charity went back and forth while the other four boys laughed. Lupin and Potter (much to his surprise), began to add their own words into the mix. Which earned more laughter. For a moment, Severus forgot that he was supposed to hate them.

Charity and Severus had let their guard down as they continued. They had been so into their little banter that they hadn’t noticed Aurora come out of the school building or the way she longingly looked at their table with regret.

It wasn’t until Black looked over Severus’ shoulder that the table fell silent. “Aurora!” Exclaimed Charity, standing up with a beaming smile. Severus turned around, and while he did smile, he could see the way Aurora seemed to shrink from him. The blonde omega didn’t seem to notice in her excitement at seeing the dark skin alpha. Just as the blonde was about to hug Aurora, the alpha crossed her arms and stepped back.

Aurora was known for her glare, it was something Severus had seen many times directed at people who always seemed to get on the girl’s nerves. Not once did the raven think it would be directed at him, much less when it had so much loathing in it.

“Guess the rumors were true.” The girl scoffed, her voice rough but still audible. “Both of you just hop from one pack to another.” Charity’s smile dimmed, blue eyes flashing in hurt. Severus stared at his friend, his chest seemed to tighten. “What?” Asked Charity in disbelief. “Aurora, what are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. Everyone is talking about how you two were quick to jump onto Potter’s pack. I didn’t want to believe it but here you two are.” With a sneer, she directed her gaze to Severus. “And you, I wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for you.”

“What? Aurora-”

“Don’t call my name you fucking whore!”

The raven omega flinched back, hurt and anger bubbling under his skin.

“Because of you Ghostface targeted me! If you had just minded your business that night he wouldn't have attacked me! Hell, your co-workers would have also been alive! I bet that the killer was targeting you!” The omega returned the glare Aurora was giving him and ignored the way his throat formed a knot. “I had nothing to do with what Smith did. I didn’t attack you or cause those deaths so don’t direct your anger onto me!”

“Oh please! Don’t act like you don’t know! Every time you are involved something always goes wrong!”

The scent of lavender was becoming stronger. Severus fought the urge to cover his nose, Charity was biting her lower lip. “Aurora, calm down before you say something you can’t take back.” The blue eyed girl said, her own scent spiking in distress. “Severus isn’t at fault with what happened. Hell, both of us have been worried about you ever since you were attacked! We were trying to reach out-”

“Cut the shit Burbage.” Charity flinched back just as Pettigrew appeared at her side. He placed an arm around Charity’s shoulders and the omega seemed to calm down now that something was grounding her. Aurora just rolled her eyes before turning her attention back at Severus. “If I knew taking you into my pack was going to cause me so many issues I wouldn’t have done it in the first place.” At this, Severus winced.

“I didn’t ask you to be let in!” He yelled, not caring if it attracted attention.

“Please, you were dying to get in! No one would want little Snivy within six feet of them!”

“Don’t fucking call me that!”

Aurora smirked cruelly, “It’s true. I took pity on you because Charity seemed to like you so much. I didn’t want to but oh well, I would be doing you a favor anyway.”

He could hear two low growls behind him, no doubt it being Black and Potter. Severus ignored them in favor of trying to control his breath. His clenched hands had turned white, the previous warmth he had felt upon seeing her was long gone. Why was she acting like this? He didn’t know, and at this point, he didn’t care to know. Aurora may have been his friend, but she had no reason to call him a whore and use that fucking nickname.

Even if she was mad, he wasn’t going to let her take out her anger on him.

The omega could tell his face was burning in shame and anger. A few bystanders were muttering to each other as they watched the scene before them. Severus wanted to curl up and have the ground swallow him. If this had been done privately, then he would have put some effort into figuring out why Aurora was acting this way.

However, all he wanted was to put an end to this.

“I don't know what your problem is, Sinistra.” He spat her name, doe eyes glaring venomously. “But I am not at fault-”

“You are! Everything you touch gets destroyed! Look at what happened to Jones and Green! For some reason they liked you and look what happened! Brown and Baker also ended up dead! I almost died! Who is next? Potter and his pack?! Burbage?!” 

The pressure in his chest intensified, his eyes were beginning to sting but he refused to cry in front of so many people. A small voice, one that he had learned to ignore over the years whispered back to him. If he really thought about it, Aurora was telling the truth. He just refused to acknowledge it. If he had never seen the killer, so many people would have been alive, if he had just kept to himself, no one would have died.

“You are a fucking parasite! Sucking to anyone who will show you a smudge of care! You are pathetic! If only I had told Burbage to stay away from you, I would have saved myself a load of trouble!”

Aurora’s voice cracked at the end. Severus’ breath was coming out short, he could feel his fingernails digging into his palms, feel the sting they left. The pain was what was keeping him grounded. He should lash out, tell her to fuck herself. But a part of him was telling him that the alpha was right. He briefly felt a hand on his shoulder as the scent of dark chocolate pulled his mind away from his thoughts.

He glanced to his left, Lupin was glaring at Sinistra. Unlike Potter and Black, he was focusing on soothing Severus while Pettigrew did his best to ensure Charity wouldn’t spill more of her stress pheromones. Some part of him was telling him to calm down, if both Lupin and Pettigrew were trying to calm both omegas down, then it must mean their scents were affecting those around them.

He risked a glance at Potter and Black only to flinch back at the vicious snarls they were directing to Aurora. Swallowing, he tried to reel in his scent. If both alphas were acting like that, it would only be a matter of time before others did the same. 

For once, he was grateful the marauders were here. 

“Ha! Look at them, already at the palm of your hand. Gosh, and here I thought you were a defective omega. Who knows, maybe you are good at something if all three of them are jumping at your defense.”

Whatever sharp retort he had prepared died down instantly. His dark eyes widen at the implication of what Aurora just said. She simply smirked, her once soft dark eyes were ice cold.

“Or maybe they just feel pity for the charity case. Even as an omega, you were always a freak. No wonder your father left, look at you. Who would ever want you?”

Something inside him broke.

When Charity had invited him into her pack with Aurora, he had declined time and time again. He had no reason other than not wanting to be let down when they realized he wasn’t what they thought he was. Omegas were always seen in a specific light, something that Severus never managed to embrace and never bothered to. Even as a person, he would stand out in every negative light.

He was too violent, too vulgar. No one wanted to be near Tobais’ boy, to the dirty, awful boy who lived in the rundown house in the bad side of town. His friendship with Lily had been the one good thing he had until it ended. Then when his dad left, he had thought he could finally be happy then his mama got sick.

Every good thing that came into his life was then taken away.

Nothing good ever lasted for him because he was undeserving of it.

He didn’t want or bothered to find love like the majority of his peers. Severus found it useless and something that someone like him will never be able to achieve. No one wanted an omega with sharp edges, someone who was both bite and bark. Most people wanted someone soft, someone nice, not someone who’s only example of love was bruises and broken bones. 

The raven was happy with simply being friends with Charity and Aurora. He didn’t dare wish for more even when he so desperately wanted to be accepted. The blonde ended up wearing him down and he agreed with the foolish hope that maybe he could earn this one good thing.

Aurora had been nice, she had been understanding. She had been the first person other than Charity and Lily who he had ever confined in. The first person who had seen the scars on his back, who had seen the abuse left on his body. She had embraced him, promising him that nothing like that would ever happen to him again. Severus had let her see his dark and ugly side and she had stayed. She accepted him despite how odd he was. 

Severus waited for the other shoe to drop, for her to show her real colors.

That never happened and like a fool he truly believed that this one good thing would be his forever.

He had once again been mistaken.

“Take that back you bitch!” Potter’s yell sounded so distant despite him being able to smell cinnamon next to him.

“Fuck off Potter!”

“When I get my hands on you Sinistra-!” Black was also yelling, Severus couldn’t make out what he said at the end.

Aurora, no, Sinistra was just like everyone else.

No, she was worse.

At least everyone else was honest in how they thought and felt about him. They never tried to go out of their way to make him feel accepted when they didn’t want to accept him. They didn’t lie to him and form a friendship based on a lie. Sinistra had lied to him, smiled and lied all along while Severus, like the idiot he was, spilled everything.

Had she laughed on the inside? Had she disregarded everything he told her and just pretended to care?

She had.

It made him sick.

His throat was closing, his chest was tight and he could hear a ringing in his ears. Potter and Black were arguing with Sinistra, the dark skin alpha was matching their fire. Pettigrew was looking at Charity with concern as the blonde girl’s blue eyes glimmered with rage and tears. Lupin was saying something to him, Severus couldn’t hear him, he couldn’t hear anything.

Had the omega been that easy to fool? Had he been so desperate for acceptance that he never saw past Sinistra’s facade?

Doe eyes glance at Charity, was she also faking it? 

He looked at Lupin, his green eyes were filled to the brim with worry. His lips were moving, two warm hands were on his shoulders, gently shaking him. Was he also lying? Was his big speech just a bluff?

The omega looks away and locks on Potter and Black. Both alphas had been brutes towards him for years. They never softened their words or their taunts, yet they had been so soft when they spoke with him. They had smiled with so much tenderness when they spoke with Severus, their eyes going soft that it made the omega want to see it often even when he denied it.

Had they also been lying? Were they all just waiting to make a fool out of him?

Did they even like him as they claimed? Or was it out of pity? Was he a person worth loving in their eyes or just someone who would boost their egos?

“Who would ever want you?”

He felt dizzy, his lungs burned as did his whole body.

Fuck this, fuck them, and fuck everything.

Severus doesn't know if he said anything or even made a noise. Only that Lupin was looking at him with alarm but Severus didn’t care. He ignored the yells and cries of his names as he bolted away from the scene. The cold wind that hit his face didn’t bother him, not when his whole body felt on fire. His face felt oddly damp despite him knowing it was red with rage and embarrassment.

The omega didn’t know where he was running or had any destination in mind. 

His only goal was to get away from them all.

_____

Aurora watched as Severus pushed Lupin’s hands off his shoulder and without sparing anyone a glance, ran away. She barely managed to see the first few tears leave his eyes. The knot in her stomach was so tight that she felt like throwing up.

She knows she went too far with what she said but it had gotten the job done. It didn’t make it any better. 

It was a low blow, using his insecurities like that. 

Severus was no longer going to be her friend or packmate. He would be safe from Ghostface and so will Charity. Ghostface will finally leave them alone, Aurora has ensured their safety.

So why did it feel like she lost?

The alpha had only planned on saying a few hurtful words, maybe taunting Severus to make him lose his trust in her. But nothing had worked, his dark eyes were still looking at her with concern even when he was angry.

She decided to go for the low blow.

Aurora could see the precise moment in which Severus’ trust had shattered. It had burned her but it was already done.

All she felt was disgust in herself for having used his trust to push him away.

“Snape! Snape! Shit, Severus wait!”

Lupin didn’t hesitate to run after the omega. Charity was glued to her spot, blue eyes glaring at her with spite. Pettigrew was also looking at Aurora with resentment. “Moony?! Sev?!” Black looked away from her and towards the two running boys. Potter had looked at them as well, hazel eyes holding both worry and rage. “Go with them, Padfoot.” Black turns to face Potter, frowning.

Nothing was said between them as Black nodded and ran to where the two boys had gone. Potter turned to face her and she had to suppress a flinch. It wasn’t rare to see the hazel eyed alpha angry or irritated. It was a look Aurora had seen whenever the boy was playing the enemy team.

This was different.

It is as if he was planning on killing her.

“Listen to me well Sinistra.” He spat, a low growl underneath. “I don’t know what your deal is, and I don’t care. It isn’t going to be my problem if you regret everything you said tomorrow and try to apologize to Severus. Stay the hell away from him and from Burbage. You’ve done enough damage.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” The words left her lips before she could think. She should be glad that Potter was standing up for her two friends. It proved that the rumors had been true and that the marauders intended to befriend both omegas. Aurora should be annoyed, irritated even. If there had been any other situation, one that didn’t involve life or death, she would have challenged Potter for ever thinking he could take away two of her packmates.

Deep down she wanted to.

If anything, Potter would keep both of her friends safe. He had connections she didn’t have, his dad was the mayor of the town. That alone made him and his pack untouchable. Black was from one of the many prestigious families and much like the hazel eyed teen, he had more authority in his pinky than Aurora could ever wish for. Lupin and Pettigrew didn’t come from rich or powerful families but their involvement with Black and Potter was more than enough to earn them respect and caution.

Surely, if Ghostface was to attack, he wouldn’t attack Severus and Charity if both omegas were under Potter’s protection, right?

She hates this, hates giving her two friends on a silver platter to the alpha in front of her.

Severus hates the boy, hates all four of them. Yet here she was, hoping against all hope that the marauders would protect him and Charity. They have been trying hard to earn the raven’s trust, going as far as to taking both omegas under their wing while Aurora was away. No prank had been pulled on either of them, no insults and no snide remarks.

It was foolish of her to just hold onto hope with those things. So what if they hadn’t pulled a prank on Severus in the last couple of days? So what if Potter and Black ensured that no one messed with Severus? Or that Lupin went out of his way to ensure that not only Severus was well, but also Charity? So what if Pettigrew had taken a liking to Charity?

She didn’t have many options, it was either break the pack and leave both of them alone or push them towards the marauders’ arms and hope they were protected.

Maybe she already knew they wouldn’t mess up an opportunity like this because deep down, she knew that those three alphas cared about Severus in a way that no one expected. Aurora had seen the way they looked at him, even when they spat nothing but cruelness.

Love.

As messed up as it was the way they treated Severus, they loved him. It’s the same look she had seen her parents give each other, the same look Smith gave Severus whenever she dropped by.

Love was the only reason why they decided to change their behavior.

“Don’t play coy. It was clear enough that you kicked Severus out of your pack.” Potter’s voice snaps her out of her thoughts. “So what? You aren’t his alpha and he isn’t your pack omega. I can approach him whenever I want.” She is sure that the only reason the raven had yet to punch her was because people were watching. Aurora could see that way he was clenching his fist, the way his nose flared.

He wanted to resort to violence, yet was holding back.

“I hardly doubt anyone would want him or Burbage after this. No one wants spoiled goods.”  

It felt like ash had entered her mouth as she said that. But it had been the final push, Charity was now glaring at her, heartbroken, blue eyes finally letting her tears fall. “Fuck you Sinistra.” That was all she said before storming off, Pettigrew right behind her. She didn’t need to elaborate, it was clear, their pack was no more. 

For a brief moment, Aurora saw satisfaction flash on Potter’s hazel eyes before the boy masked them with apathy as he continued to glare. “Keep your trap shut if you know what's good for you, Sinistra. Stay away from both of them, starting today they are part of my pack.” He turned around and went the same direction his packmates had gone.

Aurora could only swallow and blink away her tears. No, she won’t cry, if they saw her cry then it would be for nothing. By tomorrow, everyone will know that Severus and Charity were now in Potter’s pack. She hopes it reaches Ghostface so he would leave both of them alone. The killer might be cocky, but surely, he won’t go after two omegas who will from now on, have connections. 

Even as she tells herself this, she knows it wouldn’t ease the pain in her chest. The pure betrayal that flashed in those onyx eyes had made her want to forget her plan. To get on her knees and apologize. Severus didn’t deserve her cruel words, he didn’t deserve to have their few years of friendship thrown to his face.

Aurora had proven his worst fear. 

And Charity, the blonde omega had looked at her as if she never knew her. That was good, it meant that she wouldn’t ask any questions, that she would keep her focus on Severus and ignore Aurora.

Even if it pained her having to cut off years of friendship, Aurora will do it all over again if it meant keeping them safe.

“What you said was cruel, Sinistra.”

Her dark eyes centered on Evans’ green glare. Besides the beta was another blonde omega, no doubt her older sister. Despite being so different, they shared the same hateful glare. Aurora only scoffed, this time, the irritation she felt was real. Who was Evans to tell her that? The red head had cut off her friendship with Severus over one fight and while Aurora had done the same, she did it to protect him.

“Don’t pretend you are any better. Weren’t you the one to cut off Snape because he kept talking to Rosier and Mulciber, even when it was only for tutoring?”

Yeah, Aurora knew all about that fight. How Evans disapproved of Severus tutoring both alphas, how she didn’t like Severus hanging out with both of them even if it was only for tutoring. That had been the tip of the iceberg that caused the ship to crash and sink. Severus didn’t like talking about it much. He had apologized to her on multiple occasions and while Lily also did the same after a while, it was clear that friendship would never recover.

Evans flinched, her green eyes widened for a moment before she sneered. “You don’t know anything between Snape and I. I know what I said and did was wrong, however not once did I ever use his trust in me against him.” Aurora did flinch this time. Evans had a point, while she had also been out of line with Severus and the argument, she never once used his home life or status as an omega against him.

Anyone would have spilled everything, Evans didn’t. Not when people asked questions about Severus, not when people tried to see if they could find anything to use against the raven. Evans kept quiet and didn’t say anything ill about her once best friend.

Maybe that’s why Aurora resented her at this moment. If Evans had been in her shoes, the beta would have cut off her friendship with Severus without having to use his insecurities against him. She wouldn’t need to betray his trust because even if they were no longer friends, it was clear Severus still trusted the beta.

Hell, Evans would have probably never needed to cut off the friendship in the first place.

Maybe, after all of this, Evans will finally speak to Severus.

She hates this, loathes the killer for putting her in this position. But at the very least, Severus will gain a proper pack that will protect him and maybe a chance to start over with Evans.

_____

After he had run blindly and found himself in the school’s parking lot, he had snapped at them. Lupin had tried to calm him down, spoke to him in a tone that just rubbed him the wrong way. The blonde teen even made an effort to hug him but was met with scathing remarks and a few scratches against his face.

Black had given it a try and ended up with a bruised cheek, yet the boy didn’t give up. Severus doesn't remember what he yelled at them, only that he wanted to hurt them as much as he had been hurt. He wasn’t even angry at them, they just happened to be the nearest outlet he had. The omega called them names, yelled that they were bastards and were probably hoping to humiliate him the same way Sinistra had. That they must be dying with laughter at how Severus had been kicked out of his pack.

Ignoring the tears running down his face, he bared his teeth knowing fully well that compared to the teeth of an alpha, his were small and were only ever used to place a mating bite. It didn’t matter, even if they weren't as intimidating, he could still do damage. Lupin had raised his hands, green eyes begging him to let him near. Black didn’t know what to do, his scent reaching out yet not knowing how to comfort the distressed omega.

“Laugh! Fucking laugh you bastard! This is what you wanted, isn’t it?! That’s the whole reason you wanted to be near me, you wanted to trick me and then do what Sinistra did! Well she already beat you to it, so just leave me the fuck alone!” A violent and ugly sob left him but he kept going.

“You don’t like me, hell why would anyone like me?! All you stupid alphas want is to pass time! You're bored, that is all you are!”

“Severus, that is not true!” Exclaimed Lupin, he looked pained. “Fucking liar!” He yelled back, “Severus please!” 

How could he have been so foolish?

Those three didn’t like him just like how Sinistra never saw him as a friend but a nuisance. Why do they keep insisting on being in his life?! Why couldn’t they just leave him alone?! They already had their fun, Sinistra gave them the show they had been craving for. They saw him get humiliated, saw him get yelled at and thrown away by someone he thought he could trust. By tomorrow, people will know about it and say that Sinistra had every right to kick him out.

“Shut up! Just shut up Lupin! You think that some sweet words and kind actions are going to make me believe you?! That I will just smile and allow you near me?! You and those bastards made my life a living hell! So just drop it and leave me alone!”

Lupin flinched back as if he had been struck. Severus hated how those green eyes of his made him feel guilty for what he said.

“Severus, you need to calm down. You're not thinking straight.” Black’s scent reached his nose and Severus stepped further back as the curly hair boy followed him at a distance. “What, humiliating me isn’t enough Black?! Want to give it a try yourself?!” Gray eyes don’t flash with the expected anger. Instead they soften, as if the alpha was looking at an injured animal.

“Don’t look at me like that!”

“Like what love?”

“Like I am something helpless!”

All his life people only ever gave him negative looks. Disgust because of his unhygienic appearance even when it wasn’t his fault. Disappointment when they saw that he would never be able to fit in. Anger when he let his mouth run. Pity whenever they saw him working and taking care of his mama. Sadness whenever the school nurse had to take care of his injuries caused by the other kids.

He could deal with those looks, he would rather have Black look at him like that.

Instead, he is looking at Severus as if he is something he wants to help but doesn't know how.

He won’t fall for that look, he refuses to fall for that look.

Sinistra had looked at him with different emotions, each one positive and warm. Now, he knows that it was all just a game to her. Those looks mean nothing because they were never real. He won’t allow the marauders to look at him as if he is worth something only for it to be all a lie.

“You aren’t helpless love. Hell, you are one of the strongest people I know. So please, don’t shut us out. We want to help you because we care about you.”

“Liar!”

He saw a shadow flash over those gray eyes and Severus latched onto it. He could deal with an angry Black, he was familiar with that Black. Unlike the one who was looking at him with so much tenderness it made his insides hurt.

“All you know is violence.” He hissed, “You like kicking people when they are down, like to tear them apart when they don’t give you attention. Violence is the only thing you know! You won’t help me because you won't gain anything from it!”

For one stupid moment, he truly believed that maybe they were telling him the truth. That they wanted him even if Severus wasn’t sure if he wanted them in return.

It was all lies.

“You don’t like me! I don’t believe you or that stupid excuse for a speech you gave me!”

Severus will cut it off before it gets a chance to grow. He won’t have a repeat of what happened with Sinistra.

“Since when did you ever care about me?!”

“Since fucking forever you idiotic dunce!”

Lupin had been the one to shout. His eyes were blazing with anger, however it wasn’t directed to the omega. Before Severus could even try to hit the alpha, Lupin had already gathered him in his arms. Severus thrashed, yelling to be let go. But no matter how much he hit, scratch, or even stomp, Lupin didn’t let go.

His throat hurt, this had been the most he had ever screamed in his life. Another pair of arms wrap around both of them and trying his best not to give up, Severus digs his fingernails into the first arm he comes in contact with. Black lets out a small hiss but doesn't loosen his hold. The omega digs harder and it earns him another hiss but no signs of pulling away. 

Dark chocolate and pinewood surround him, for a moment a shot of fear runs though his body. It is only after he starts feeling calm that he realizes that both alphas were not trying to sedate him with their scents. Slowly, the fight leaves his body following his anger and all that is left of him is exhaustion. He doesn't even fight back when Lupin guides his head towards his neck scent gland in where another calming wave of dark chocolate greets him.

He can feel Black let out a small hum, he feels the vibration on his back. Severus wants to pull away, tell them to fuck off and leave him be but he just dosen’t care anymore. His past self would have done everything in his power to break free from them. His present self was doing the opposite. As much as he loathes to admit, he liked their scents. He already had a soft spot for Lupin’s scent since he was a kid, but Black’s scent had a charm of its own.

As if his body had a mind of its own, he let go of Black’s arm and instead placed his hands on Lupin’s chest and just grabbed onto his coat. Black, and really Severus shouldn’t even be surprised, buries his head between his shoulder and neck and winds his arms around his waist. He stays sandwiched between both alphas, letting them scent him in order to calm him down. The only time he had ever been in a cuddle pile was with Charity and…Sinistra.

Just the thought of her made him half angry and half hurt. He had trusted so much with her, and had opened up because he thought he could trust her. The only fights all three of them ever had were regarding how Severus seemed to have little care for his health or when Sinistra would get into a confrontation with the marauders.

And wasn’t that ironic? Each time the marauders would bother him he would end up in a cuddle pile with his pack mates and now it was the opposite. Sinistra had spoken words full of poison, not even the fight with Lily could ever compare to this. At least Lily didn’t use anything he confined in her to hurt him. The fact that he was comparing both of them was already a huge difference. 

If it had been like his fight with Lily, then he would have wanted to know why she reacted the way she did, however that was not the same. Sinistra already made it clear that she never thought much of him, especially when she just threw his insecurities in his face all while glaring at him with loathing.

The sound of crunching gravel made him look over Lupin’s shoulder. Charity was walking towards them with Pettigrew beside her. The jacket he had worn was over her shoulders. Her usual bright blue eyes were tinted red at the edges and that eyeliner she loves had been wiped clean. No doubt she had also cried and decided to clean herself a bit before looking for him. For a moment, Severus was glad Pettigrew had been with her. At least she hadn’t been alone.

However, that relief was short lived as another question swam in his head. What would Charity say about all of this? She had been the first one in Sinistra’s pack, both girls had been friends way before Severus came into the picture. Would the omega be mad at him for ruining her friendship and getting her basically kicked out of her pack? Would she also tell him that their few years of friendship were born out of pity?

Would she discard him just the same?

“Sev…” Her voice broke halfway as her shoulders began to shake. As if reading his mind, Lupin and Black let him go and Severus makes his way towards his crying friend. Charity doesn't say anything else as she lunges herself into his arms. Her scent was no longer that bitter distress he had smelled earlier. It was soft with a hint of freshly clean laundry. That must be Pettigrew’s scent. Betas don’t have defined scents like alphas and omegas nor do they have strong scents at all. However, they do have calmish pheromones that work on either opposite gender.

He supposes the blonde beta had done his best to sooth Charity. He looks at the plump boy and gives him a small nod of thanks. Pettigrew returns it with a small grin. “I don’t know what got into her, I swear Severus!” Her hands tighten around him, as if afraid he would pull away. “I never thought of you like that! Never! I love you and care for you! I never befriended you out of pity!” A dry sob left her. “Don’t listen to what she said, you aren’t any of those things!”

He rubbed her back soothingly, “It’s alright.” It wasn’t but he didn’t want her to enter a state of panic. “I believe you.” That was half true. He did believe that Charity was being honest with him. Even if his mind told him not to, he knows that the omega would have sided with Sinistra instead of being here with him if she agreed with the alpha. The other half didn’t believe her that Severus wasn’t what Sinistra said.

The majority of the people in his life left him one way or another.

His father, Lily, and now Sinistra.

Three people, not a lot but still quite the number.

“She’s right, you know?” Potter said as he jogged towards them, he looked flustered. His jet black hair was messier than before and his hazel eyes looked a little bright. Must be the light reflecting off his glasses. “Sinistra was out of line with what she said. Don’t listen to anything she says Sev.” The raven raised an eyebrow at the use of the nickname. Potter only beamed.

“How are things over there?” Pettigrew directed the conversation as Charity quieted down. The tension in her body left now that Severus wasn’t making any move to push her away. Had she been afraid of his rejection? How comical. Out of the two, it is Severus who should be afraid. Charity was well liked and even as an omega kicked out of her pack, the honey colored hair girl would no doubt be in another pack soon enough.

Severus was not that. He would just suffer the humiliation but that was nothing new.

“People are talking but that's to be expected.” Huffed the bespectacled boy. “What about Sinistra?’ Black spits the girl’s name with distaste. “I already dealt with her. She won’t be bothering Severus or Charity.”

At that, the girl looks up from Severus’ chest. “What do you mean by that?” Her voice is still shaky but more composed. Potter smiles bashfully, “I told her that both of you are now part of my pack and that she should leave you alone. It was also a warning to the others so they don’t bother you.” 

“What?!” Exclaimed Severus, startling the others. “I know I should have asked before making that decision but you already have so much to deal with.” Began Potter only to stop at the glare given to him by Severus.

“Damn right you should have asked you idiot!” It wasn’t the prospect of being in Potter’s pack that disgruntled him but the backlash the pack may receive. Once a pack member was kicked out, they were considered taboo and someone who was no good. They would be avoided by others as if they were a virus. In a small town like Hogsmeade that was basically a death sentence. Everyone would know and you would become a cautionary tale for others.

To take someone into your pack after they were casted out was both unusual and unheard of. It may work in big cities and towns but in smaller ones that was basically social suicide. He would not be held responsible if Potter suffers a fall from grace. Not because he cares for the idiot and his goons, but because he didn’t want them to hold anything against him that big.

“The last thing I want or need is to be in debt to you or be held responsible if your pack receives backlash.”

Charity had pulled away from him and stared at the four boys, a gleam in her eyes. “You won't be, Severus.” Black spoke up, the same look Potter had was also plastered on his face. “Think about it, you’ll get more benefits! People won’t bother you and they will keep away if they know what's good for them.” The last part sounded suspiciously like a threat.

“So what? I’ll be expected to do whatever you want?” The deal sounded too good to be true. Sure, the pack may suffer reputation wise but at the same time no one would want to mess with either Potter or Black. He took a peek at Charity, the omega was surveying him already. “No, nothing like that.” Answered Lupin, “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. None of us had any responsibilities in our pack other than get along and have each other's back.”

“Why?” Charity asked the golden question. “You gain nothing from it. If we don’t want to do anything for you, then what do you gain?” Instantly, three pairs of eyes zoom in on Severus while Pettigrew looks at Charity. Of course, how could he have forgotten? Those three have already declared their feelings for him and were determined to clean their image for the omega.

Pettigrew, despite only being around the plump boy for a couple of days, had clearly taken an interest in Charity. The girl scoffed, a small smirk on her lips. “Severus and I need to discuss something.” Not giving them any time to answer, she pulls the boy aside a few feet away. Far enough to not be heard but still within view. 

“They make it so obvious.” She said, crossing her arms. Severus snorts. “I still stand by what I said. I am not going to be responsible for any backlash.”

“Same, but we really don’t have many options.”

She was right. They could decline the invitation (even when they had been the last to know) and tell the marauders to leave them alone. But in doing so, they will no longer have a shield against the whole school. He wasn’t worried about himself, he had dealt with worse at the hands of his father. He just didn’t want to bring Charity down with him, not if he could help it. If being in a pack with Potter prevented his friend from being targeted as an outcast, then so be it.

“Let’s do it.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel obligated to accept them for my sake.” She gave him a knowing look. Severus looked away, “They said it themselves, they won’t expect anything from us. If they end up being disappointed then it’s on them. It’s not like we will stay here forever.”

If they happened to get kicked out of this pack by the time they graduate, then it won’t matter. Severus will no longer be at school and while people will talk, Mrs. Longbottom isn’t the type to hire based on rumors. Charity would by that time probably be in college and out of Hogsmeade. Severus would follow soon after once he sorted everything out.

“I say we deal with them until graduation. We can figure out the rest later.” He added after a while. Charity hums, she observed the four boys who were waiting for them. “And if we get attached?”

“We will deal with that in due time if it ever happens.”

“What happens if they think you are reciprocating their feelings? The three musketeers of fuckery will surely overthink your decision and jump into the conclusion that you must feel the same if you joined their pack.”

Severus glanced at the watching boys, the three alphas perked up at his attention. “What about you? Pettigrew hasn’t been subtle about his attraction towards you.”

“He may be my type but I haven’t forgotten what he did to you. I won’t date him or even pursue anything with him. Even if he apologizes to you and repents, it won’t be enough for what he did.” He turned to look at his friend, she was looking at Pettigrew. “What if I forgive him?”

“That just means he has to earn your trust and mine by extension. You are my friend and brother Sev, no boy will ever come in between us. If you happen to be fine with me dating him and he steps out of line, then it’s a guarantee that I will always stay by you.”

Those words had brought both warmth and uneasiness. While he was glad that Charity would never side with the marauders fully, it also would mean that Severus will stand in her way of being with others. It was already a given that not many people liked him, if they saw him around Charity, no doubt they would stay away. Severus didn’t want that, he wanted for her to find someone who loves her and be there for her.

The decision was clear.

“Let’s do it.” He repeated. “I will…deal with the other three on my own.” It was risky but he wasn’t about to be the reason why Charity no longer had friends or why her love life would never work. She smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes. It was clear why he was doing this and while she didn’t like it, she wasn’t going to go against him. She was probably thinking the same thing he was: if they stayed with Potter’s pack then it would guarantee the safety of the other.

“Fine, we will…join your pack.” Severus said once they went back to the four boys. As expected, Black and Potter both looked on cloud nine while Lupin gave him a thrilled smile. “We should go out to eat then! You know, to celebrate our two new members.” Black slung an arm over his shoulders and brought the raven omega close to him. Charity gave Severus a teasing smile as he grumbled but didn’t fight back.

So what if he liked Black’s scent? It didn’t mean anything.

That was how they found themselves in The Three Broomsticks. It wasn’t bad, hanging out with them when it wasn’t related to school or on school grounds. They were just as energetic as ever but they didn’t bother anyone else. They were loud but at the same time, not loud at all. Since it had been Black’s idea to go out to eat, he had volunteered to pay. Severus had wanted to decline, he didn’t want to owe the alpha anything. 

But no one else was against it and since he had offered, Severus let him. Charity had quickly gotten used to the dynamic the pack held but that was nothing new. She was always quick to figure out dynamics and the best way to blend in them. As he expected, she got along well with Pettigrew who seemed to beam at the attention she was giving him.

He was still unsure about any of this. On one hand, being with the marauders would be advantageous and could guarantee their peace of mind in school. On the other hand, they might all take this as a sign that Severus was giving them the green light to keep trying. He glanced at Charity, she was speaking with the blonde beta, her previous sadness replaced by joy. If it had been only himself, the omega would have rejected the invitation.

He owed this much to his friend. She didn’t deserve to be outcasted because of him. If being with the marauders gave her a sense of normality then he could deal with them. Plus, as he turned to look at Potter and Black discussing their next rugby practice, Severus couldn’t help but admit to himself that they weren’t that bad. Sure they still kept their edges and were brats but it had softened down. 

The most they did was tease him without the humiliation added.

He glanced at Lupin, he was looking at his friends fondly. While Potter and Black kept things lively, Lupin was the one who brought a sense of stability. Over the past few days that he had spent with the marauders, Severus had gotten used to their presence no matter how annoying it was. He thought it was because he missed his pack being whole and in some way was projecting that onto the marauders.

He turned away from Lupin and met the hazel eyes of Potter. Instantly, as it had happened the last couple of days, he felt his face flush. Potter smirked and winked as Severus glared in return.

Now, with the way his stomach did that horrendous flip each time they looked at him, he wasn’t so sure.

He couldn’t be falling for them, right?

_____

That was a question that kept circling his mind as the days went by. True to his word, the majority of the people left him and Charity alone once they went back to school. The most they did was give him curious glances but nothing more. A few times he would see Sinistra in the halls and in some of the classes they shared. By the looks of it, she seemed fine. 

That just fueled his resentment.

She would not look at him and the times she did, she only gave him sneers before turning the other way. Severus felt the sting of it but pushed it away. It was still hard for him to adjust in such a large pack. He had gotten used to it only being three people, now it was more than that.

However, it wasn’t only the size of the pack that he had to adjust to, it was also the person that was missing. No matter how much he told himself, Sinistra had been someone who was important to him. Despite how much she had hurt him that night, he missed her. Charity wouldn’t voice it but Severus was sure she also missed the dark skin alpha.

The marauders proved to be a good distraction much to his displeasure. Since he still had that art portfolio with Black and Lupin, they spent the majority of their time together. After school Potter and Black would have rugby practice and on days that Severus didn’t have work, he would be forced to stay to watch them play.

Charity liked to tease him about that, pointing out how he would ogle them when they practiced.

“C’mon Sev, who are you trying to trick? I can see the way you look at them on the playing field!”

“Shut up.”

The omega may not make his desires crystal clear but he wasn’t immune to them either. They had nice bodies, so what? He wasn't the only one who would look at them. It had been the same with Lupin. The blonde wasn’t in any sports team but once in a while he liked to join the other two whenever practice ended early. Severus would blame the sun if he felt his face heat up. It must be his heat, it will be there in a couple of days. Yeah, just hormones speaking.

Nothing else.

Though, as much as he wished that they were his only problem, life was never that fair. During those days he had been staring into the Legacy Hospice pamphlet with mixed emotions. After everything that occurred with Sinistra, he didn’t know what to do. His mama had already agreed to be interned into the nursing home and while Severus had wanted to tell her he had changed his mind, he couldn’t.

He knew better than to let his emotions get in the way of big decisions but he couldn’t help the uneasiness that crept up to him each time he looked or heard about Legacy Hospice . On one hand, it was a good opportunity to have his mama get the help she needed and it was not that expensive if he was careful with his money. On the other hand, he didn’t want anything to do with Sinistra’s family.

In the end, he decided to just go with it. It wasn’t as if he was going to personally talk to her parents. He called the place and in a couple of days he had the application mailed to him. It was sitting on his desk, half of it filled. The omega had pushed himself to get it done, his heat was about to come in a couple of days and he wouldn’t be able to do much. He agreed to spend it in his house under the supervision of Charity and his dad since the older man was an omega.

After that he would be starting on tutoring officially since Mrs. Longbottom refused to give him more workdays in the week, claiming that while she did understand his need to work, she didn’t feel comfortable having him work full time alone when he still had school. Once his heat is over, he will state his tutoring days and hope that at least one person would be interested.

Being in Potter’s pack had perks but also drawbacks. One of which was that it did drive people away from him. He was used to people ignoring him and it wasn’t any different. The difference was how they avoided him. Before it was because no one wanted to be the marauders next target by being friends with him. Now, it was more out of fear.

He put the blame on Sinistra for that.

There was no way people were afraid of him because he was in Potter’s pack. They still approached him when it came to school work and seemed to have adopted a calmer tone to him. However, it was difficult for him to work with anyone who believed Sinistra about how being next to him would put a target on their back.

He always wished to be avoided and left alone, but not like this. People looked at him as if he was cursed.

Rosier snapped his fingers in front of his face.

Startled, Severus glared at the blonde alpha. “Sorry. I called your name multiple times but you weren’t responding.” Looking down, the raven saw multiple movies placed in front of him. Right, he was working right now. Shaking his head, he pulled them towards him. “It’s fine. What were you saying?”

“I was asking if you watched this movies?” The omega looked at the movies again. Some of them were actions which he didn’t really watch. A few of them had romance and some were horror movies. “Only the horror ones.” Rosier chuckled. “I should have expected that.”

“Is this all you're getting?”

As of recently, Rosier had gotten into the habit of visiting the movie rental every couple of days. At first it had been weird since the blonde would rather die than step foot into an establishment that didn’t meet his posh standards. He didn’t dwell on it too long, Rosier was known to be spontaneous in his actions, it was a waste of time trying to decipher them.

However it was annoying having to deal with him.

“Go on a date with me.”

“No.”

Especially when the idiot kept asking him out. Rosier wasn’t bad looking, if anything, Severus did find him easy on the eyes. The omega just didn’t like him personality wise. Sure, the alpha was nice to him when he wanted and when he was tutoring him, Rosier tended to be calm. That didn’t change how he is as a person. He looked down on those who didn’t meet his standard and was an asshole overall.

Not to mention, the blonde boy had a habit of speaking down on omegas. Severus, for some unknown reason, was an exception. It didn’t make it better. Just because Rosier didn’t speak badly about his secondary gender to him didn’t mean he wasn’t thinking it. Even if the alpha didn’t care about secondary genders in general, he had preferences and opinions on roles placed on them.

No amount of looks will ever get him to agree to go out with him.

He could just imagine himself having to obey every order Rosier gave him. Severus scrunches his nose in distaste. He rather kiss Black in a public place than ever degrade himself for Rosier. Scenting was one thing, Severus didn’t mind because at the end of the day it helped him avoid creeps on the way home.

Being with Rosier was out of the question.

He has standards, thank you very much.

“Why not?” Severus gathered the movies and began to check them out. “I’m not interested.” Rosier huffs, “Is it because of Potter?” He asked with irritation. The omega rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything. It didn’t take long for word to travel outside school about whose pack Severus and Charity joined. No one had a negative thing to say about it other than Sinistra and now Rosier. The blonde had been disappointed to say the least.

Not like Severus would have joined his pack even if it was the last one on earth.

“C’mon, you don’t have to tell him. It’s not like you were ever one to follow the rules.”

“Don’t have to tell me what, Rosier?”

Severus flinched and quickly faced Potter, he hadn’t even heard the damn door open much less noticed the bespectacled boy enter the store. The alpha had his arms crossed, hazel eyes glaring down at Rosier. The blonde scoffed, lips pulling into an annoyed smirk. “Wow, he follows you like a shadow Snape. Or should I say a stalker?” 

“I am just looking for new movies, though, I can’t say the same for you. Still begging for attention like a starved dog?”

Severus turned his back to them and finished checking out the movies. The faster he gets this done, the better. He didn’t know much about the problems between Potter and Rosier and would like to keep it that way. Each time the blonde alpha was mentioned, the raven alpha would get all territorial. It wasn’t like Black who would spit insult after insult about him or like Lupin who would just huff and roll his eyes.

It was genuine hate from Potter’s side.

“Like you are any better. It’s been days since he’s been in your pack yet I don’t detect your scent on him at all.” Severus rolls his eyes. He wasn’t about to let Potter or any of the marauders fully scent him. He was fine with them having an arm around his shoulder (no matter how much he pushed Black and Potter away, they wouldn't listen) or them forcing their company onto him. However scenting was a whole different issue.

When Rosier or Mulciber did it, Severus didn’t care. They meant nothing to him and if anything, he got to walk home without having to deal with creeps around the corners. Plus, it wasn’t as if he let them do it whenever they wanted. Severus would put this foot down when he just didn’t feel like having any kind of human contact. With Sinistra and Charity it was different. It had been a sign of the trust he held in them.

There were three types of scenting. One was the one that only required clothing artifacts like sweaters or scarfs. That had been the one Mulciber did. The second type was the one where a person would stand close to you and scent you, not like cuddling or exposing your neck. Just having an arm around you or even just sitting together was enough. That was the one Rosier did.

The third one was the one he did with Charity and Sinistra. It was where they would cuddle and expose not just the wrist scent gland but the one located in the neck area. Severus would never let anyone near his neck in such a way, not when the risk of getting scruff was high. The three marauders had scented him before but it had been the second kind of scenting. That didn’t last long, only a couple of hours or a few minutes depending on how strong the scent had been placed.

When they scented him, it was light. Not strong enough for people to notice but light enough for it to stick for a few minutes.

Severus had expected them to take full advantage of the small closeness he had allowed them but they merely stuck to him like glue. They didn’t ask anything from him or even try to impose any roles. Just how they promised. It was weird, seeing them actually follow their word. The omega wasn’t sure if he should believe them or not, they had yet to do anything to earn his mistrust ever since he entered their pack.

So yes, Rosier rubbing onto Potter how he had yet to actually scent him was a low blow.

Potter let out a small growl. “Pathetic, truly. You let one of your omegas run you?” Severus slammed the white plastic bag onto the counter with extra force. Both alphas turned to look at him but the omega only directed Rosier with a glare. “Here is your purchase. For future reference, think back to what you said and you will realize why I am not interested in you. ”

Adding emphasis to the last word, he smiled sarcastically at the stunned Rosier. “If that is all, please move out of the way. I have other people to attend to.”

“Snape, you know I don’t mean it-”

“You heard him Rosier, you're holding up the line.”

Rosier throws Potter a vicious sneer, snatches the plastic bag, and slams the door open on the way out. Potter huffs, hazel eyes trained on the retreating blonde with hyperfocus until he is no longer visible. “He still keeps coming, fucking bastard.” The messy raven mumbled after a minute or two. Severus grunts, “Why are you here?”

“Like I said, I wanted to see what new movies came in.”

That was a lie. Ever since Rosier had taken into coming here to ask him out, Potter, Lupin, or Black would drop by to ensure the blonde would leave him alone. It all started with Black (like most things) when he had come into the shop with his younger brother to return the movies they rented. Regulus had liked his recommendations so he asked Severus to give him more.

Both omegas had been deep into their conversation about horror movies that Severus failed to notice Rosier come in or the way Black had immediately zoned in on him like a hunting dog. It wasn’t until he had left Regulus to wander the romance reaction that Severus noticed how Rosier was taunting Black. Much like how Potter and Rosier had acted on the day of the memorial, both alphas were, in Charity’s words, having a dick measuring contest.

He had just managed to get both of them under control, Black being easier than Rosier, when the blonde opened his big mouth and asked Severus out on a date. The omega had been so sure that he had been the recipient of Black’s most murderess glares in the past but in that moment, he truly believed Black wanted the blonde dead.

After that day, the three musketeers of fuckery (Charity’s words) had taken it upon themselves to drop by and check on Severus. It even got to the point where they would be the ones driving him home. Severus would have fought harder against that but he still didn’t feel safe walking out so late at night. He also didn’t want to keep asking Charity to drive him when she was already doing him so many favors.

Those three had offered, might as well take what he can.

“If you are looking for the new arrivals, they will be to the left, next to the comedy films.” Potter smiles and with a hop to his step, he walks to where Severus had pointed. If they wanted to spend their money on movies they could easily buy, that was on them. It just meant he got more money until Mrs. Longbottom finds another worker. 

Just like the previous other days, Potter stayed until it was closing time. He only took out two movies, one being Severus’ favorite American horror film and the other a romance film. “You do know I can make my way home just fine.” He said as he locked the door of the establishment. “I know. But I still want to. Charity is busy with her music club after school and by the time she gets here is dark. She would be worrying about getting here on time so it’s better if one of our other packmates picks you up.”

That was one way to say it. Severus hadn’t told the marauders much about his home life, he made that mistake with Sinistra and looked where it had landed him. The most he told them was that his mama was sick and that Mrs. Burbage had been looking after her while Severus was in school and working. He didn’t go into detail and thankfully, they didn’t ask.

However, it was clear in their actions that they wanted to help in their own way.

Sometimes, even Pettigrew would drop him off home. Severus suspects it’s more to impress Charity but he won’t point that out. In a way, he enjoyed the beta’s company. Unlike the other three, he was pleasant to be around because he never pushed or asked too many questions.

“I could just walk.”

“And let that Smith guy try to attack you? Hell no.”

Another problem in his already full plate and another reason for Potter, Lupin, and Black to be all protective. Smith had been written in as a suspect while also being let go by the police. Apparently, there wasn’t enough evidence that he had killed the remaining two people out of the five victims. Severus had been scared that day, he knows he was scared because the marauders had noticed.

Once again, in silence, they offered their help in a way.

“Sure, because the sight of a big rugby player is going to intimidate him.” It was meant to be sarcastic but by the way Potter puffed his chest, the omega could tell it had the opposite effect. Without sharing any more words, Potter opened the passenger door for Severus. The omega didn’t say anything, just got inside and watched as the alpha quickly walked around the car and got into the driver's side. 

Potter began talking about something, probably the upcoming match they were going to have against the other school. Severus leaned his head against the window as the messy raven pulled out of the parking lot. Usually Severus would sometimes engage in Potter’s chatter, if only to keep the alpha from annoying him. 

Potter’s voice blended in with the background as Severus stared out of the window, his eyesight becoming a little blurry. The smell of the car didn’t help much, usually it smelled of that ridiculously expensive car freshener that the alpha liked. Now, all he could smell was cinnamon. Has Potter’s scent always been this strong?

He glanced at the alpha, he was still talking. Onyx eyes traveled from Potter’s messy hair, to his hazel eyes, then to his lips. Severus licked his own, his eyes traveling farther down. The brunette was wearing a short sleeve shirt, a jacket had been taken off when he entered the car. From here, the omega could see how those hands held the steering wheel with a firmness that made him squeeze his thighs together. Since when has Potter looked that attractive while driving? Severus had seen him drive multiple times, so why was it so different now?

“So I told Sirius that we should make a second game plan in case the first one didn’t work.”

Severus pulled his head away from the window and turned to fully look at the alpha besides him. His voice had a smooth rumble, he could listen to it on repeat. He wonders, how would it sound next to his ears as the alpha bends him? Would Potter speak to him softly or would he spill pure filth while he fucked him?

Startled by his own thoughts, Severus blinks furiously. Petrified, he could feel how his body seemed to heat up. Why had he thought that?!

“Of course, Pads being Pads, he complained but ended up helping me with the backup game plan. You should stop by and see it when you have time.”

The image of both Potter and Black, sweaty and panting just made the ache between his legs become worse. Severus bit his lower lip to suppress a small whine. Why did the car feel stuffy? Hell, even the smell of cinnamon was delicious. How the hell did Potter smell so good?! If Black were here, would he also smell just as good?

Just the thought of a panting and sweaty Black on top of him made him salivate. He wanted to run his hands through Black’s curly hair, pull it as the alpha took him over and over again.

“Remus was also telling me that you guys managed to gather all the information you needed for the art portfolio and that all you needed to do was create the art pieces needed.”

An image of Lupin flashes into his mind. It had been when the professor had allowed them to use the art classroom after school to get some ideas on what to create. Lupin had been experimenting with the oil paints while Black experimented with the water colors when he accidentally pushed the water cup he had been using for his brushes, causing it to land on Lupin’s white shirt.

Severus had known Lupin had scars, he had a few of them visible on his face. The omega never asked, he knew how much of a sensitive topic that could be. However, he never expected to see scars all over Lupin’s upper body as the alpha took off his shirt in order to change into the spare one he had. 

People had different opinions regarding scars. Some found them disgusting, others saw them as badges of honor.

Severus never thought scars would make him lust over Lupin in such a way.

Would his dark chocolate scent drive him mad too? Would it be just as good as Potter’s scent? Just thinking about it made his mouth water.

“Moony was also telling me that you are good with charcoal art. You think you could show me some of your works one day?”

Fuck, he really wanted Potter’s hands on him. He wanted Potter to hold him, to touch him, to put his lips onto his skin. Severus shifted in his seat, glassy onyx eyes looking at the alpha. Would it be so much to ask Potter to kiss him?

“Here we are! Do you-Severus? Are you alright?” Potter turned to look at him, those hazel eyes widening as he took in Severus. The omega was fighting a losing battle with his mind. One side was telling him to bare his neck to the alpha, to beg for Potter to take him. The other was yelling at him to snap out of it, that just because he was in heat didn’t mean he should throw himself at Potter of all people.

Heat.

Onyx eyes widened as he felt slick slowly stain his underwear.

Fuck! He was in heat?! Now?! That couldn’t be it! His heat wasn’t due until a few more days!

“Sev? Shit, you're burning up?” A warm hand makes contact with his clammy skin and that was when all self restrain Severus had snapped just as a tiny moan left his lips.

_____

James Potter prided himself on his self restraint when it came to Severus Snape.

When Severus had agreed to let him prove his change, James had wanted to pull the omega into a hug and kiss him. Of course, he restrained himself, the last thing he wanted was to scare the boy away just as he had finally gotten his chance. So he took things slow, which was a lot on his side.

He knew his chances of being with Severus were low, but not zero. Remus and Sirius had also agreed with him and the three of them made a plan. The first step was to earn Severus’ trust as friends and then deepen that trust into something more. It would be slow and while James tended to be a fast paced person, he knew that if he wanted Severus to be with him, he needed to slow his pace.

Sirius was no better than him since his friend tended to get inpatient quicker. James is certain that without Remus’ help, both alphas would have already messed up their chances. 

It had come as a shock to learn that his two friends also felt the same for the raven boy. Hell, the hazel eyed boy expected to feel anger and even betrayal but it never came. Whenever Severus was around other alphas or betas, James always got this urge to claim, to mark, to ensure people knew who Severus belonged to. However, when he saw the omega with either Padfoot or Moony, that feeling wasn’t there.

It was easy to see why.

James, much like his two friends, didn’t mind sharing. As long as the sharing was with only them three, that is. 

That’s how the plan came to be; win Severus’ trust and get him to become their omega. It would have been hard, especially with Sinistra in the way but the alpha girl managed to do them a huge favor by pulling that stunt she did during the memorial. Without even knowing, Sinistra had pushed Severus into their arms, right where James wanted him to be from the beginning.

Though, he admits that Severus would have been within his reach a long time ago if he hadn’t been a little shit. There isn’t a day that goes by where James doesn't berate himself for his treatment of the omega. If he had gotten his shit together sooner, Severus would have been theirs sooner. If Lily hadn’t called him out on his treatment of Severus and how he seemed to obsess with him, James would have never thought deeper about his actions.

Not that Lily did it to help him, she had witnessed another prank being pulled on the omega and even though they were no longer friends, she had ensured James got the scolding he deserved. It was funny, really. The redhead beta didn’t know the chain reaction she caused that day.

So yes, his self restraint regarding Severus was something to be amazed in. When Severus joined his pack, even if James knew it was more for Charity than himself, James had wanted to finally lay his claim but held back. 

Even now, with Severus on his lap and his tongue in his mouth, James was holding back.

“James.” Whined the omega, his pale fingers gripping his hair as he grinded into the alpha’s lap. James groaned, returning the kiss with so much want. His hands were on Severus’ hips, guiding the boy into a gentle pace. His lemon balm scent was softer yet it was sweet in a way that lemon balm shouldn’t be. James knew what it meant, knew that Severus was in heat.

He should have noticed when Severus remained silent. While the omega didn’t add to his chatter, he always hummed or added a sarcastic remark. Sometimes he did stay silent but that silence had been different today. James had been so deep in his happiness at being able to have Severus in his car (despite the fact that it wasn’t the first time) that he didn’t notice the change in the omega’s scent.

“Love, we can’t do this.” Mumbled James between kisses, Severus only moaned as he grinded harder on the alpha’s hard bulge. James moaned, his hold on Severus’ hips tighten. He could feel the raven’s body heat, the way his slick was leaking and staining his own clothes. He could smell it, hell he could almost taste it.

Breaking the kiss, James left a hot trail over the omega’s neck, Severus gasped as he exposed his neck further, pushing the alpha’s face into his scent gland. James licked and sucked on the pale flesh. A thrill of satisfaction bubbled within him at how easy it was to leave small reddish marks on Severus’ skin. The sweet scent came in waves once James reached the scent gland and without hesitation, he buried his nose into it and inhaled.

Fuck, hadn’t he always dreamed of this? Hadn’t he imagined how it would feel to be this close to his omega? To kiss him, touch him, please him? He lost count of the amount of times he jerked off to that sweater he returned to him. It was still in his bed, lemon balm scent clinging to the clothing article. It would be so easy, Severus was already barring his neck to him. All James had to do was bite him on the scent gland and his omega would never leave their side, his side.

“Please James, please.” Their humping picked up the pace. James panted, his nose inhaling the scent as he helped Severus move his hips. His teeth ached to finally lay the mating bite, to finally get a taste of his omega. He would finally be able to sink in and take Severus over and over again. See how his deep obsidian eyes roll to the back of his head in bliss as chants of his name spilled from his lips.

He could already imagine it. 

Severus moaning his name, calling out to him. Him begging James to fill him up, to claim him over and over again. Severus crying in pleasure as James kissed his body, as he ate him out. Severus begging James to fill him with his pups. Severus with a round pregnant belly, proof that he belonged to James. That he belonged to Sirius and Remus. That he belonged in his pack.

The image of a pregnant Severus was what pushed him towards the edge. 

“Fuck! Severus!” 

“James!”

Both came at the same time. Panting, the omega buried his head on James’ scent gland, purring. The alpha was also panting, sweat, cum, and slick mixing together as he gently rubbed Severus’ back. Hazel eyes stared at the closed door of the omega’s house.

It would be so easy to tie Severus to him.

But he won’t.

Not like this.

Severus was in heat and he was looking to relieve the pain he must be feeling. James wouldn’t take advantage of him in this state. He already felt guilty for having gone this far with the omega. It had taken him and his packmates a while to finally gain Severus’ trust, he wasn’t going to throw all of that away just because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.

He was sure Severus would be mad and embarrassed once his heat passed. James will do his best to apologize, to let him know that while he does love him, he would never take advantage of him in such a vulnerable state. Sirius and Remus would never forgive him if he messed their whole plan up.

Once he got his breathing in check, James placed a gentle kiss on the now sleeping omega's forehead. Severus stirred, a small sound leaving his kiss bruised lips. “C’mon love. I need to take you inside.” Opening the door with one hand, he carefully got out with the boy in his arms. He knows Mrs. Burbage was inside with Mrs. Snape, he will drop him off and let the older alpha ensure Severus is alright.

Right now, the omega was calm, having already gotten through the beginning wave of his heat. As much as James wanted to stay, he couldn’t. He barely managed to control himself, if he stayed any longer, he was sure he would do something he would regret once clarity came to his head. Before leaving the car, he got his sweater from the backseat and used it to cover Severus’ lower area.

James is sure that Mrs. Burbage will know what occurred by just looking at them but he didn’t want Severus to be seen in the state he was in. Taking one last inhale of lemon balm, the alpha approached the door and knocked.

“Oh! You're here! I was just about to call Severus’ work place to ask if anything happened-”

Mrs. Burbage paused, her blue eyes looking at James who was flushed then at the sleeping Severus in his arms. “Oh.” Was all she said, a teasing smirk on her lips. James cleared his throat. “Sorry for taking too long. Severus got his heat on the way here.”

“Did he? My, it came early this time.” Ushering them in, the blonde women guided James towards Severus’ bedroom. “I’ll call Charity and my husband so they can come over and watch over Severus.” She paused by the door, “If you want to help, you can start by scenting some of his items or bringing some of your own clothing. Usually an alphas scent soothes an omega in heat…especially that of their pack alphas.”

James felt himself blush even more as Mrs. Burbage left. Settling the omega down gently, he removed his shoes and made sure to cover him. Severus only grumbled, burying his face onto his pillow. He smiled, then took the sweater and added it to the pile he was sure was Severus’ nest. Immediately, the raven grabbed the item and snuggled with it.

James smiled softly, brushing some of his strands away from his face, he placed one last longing kiss on the boy’s lips. “I’ll check up on you once your heat passes. I’ll also see if I can gather some of my stuff along with Remus’ and Sirius’ things for your nest.”

Severus only grumbled but stayed asleep.

Closing the door, he stayed there for a while then headed to the living room just as Mrs. Burbage hung up the phone. “Is he alright?” She asked. James nodded. “Yeah, just caught me by surprise. We were lucky to have arrived here on time.” He leaves out the part in which they basically made out while humping on one another. The older woman nods, “He’s lucky you were with him when it happened. Usually his heats don’t come this early. Must be the change of packs.”

Something primal stirred in his chest at that. Had he been part of the reason why Severus had his heat early? “Luckily Charity still hasn’t gotten hers but it’s safer for her to head here now in case it does.”

“Would someone be here watching over Sev?” James didn’t want to leave the omega alone. Not even Charity, though it was more because Peter took a liking to her. Since the blonde beta was helping them, James only found it fair to also help his friend get the girl he likes.

“My husband is an omega, he will be watching over both of them. I will be dropping by to check on them so you don’t need to worry yourselves. Oh, but if you want, you can drop off some scented items for them, just make sure to call in advance.” 

James nodded. He was sure Peter would volunteer some of his items to Charity even if his scent was not that strong. He should probably give her some of his things too, after all, if he wanted Severus to look at him in a different light, he had to also treat the blonde omega well. “Alright, again sorry for dropping him late.”

“It’s fine! You were with him, plus, by the looks of it, you were a bit…busy.” Mrs. Burbage laughs as James chuckles in embarrassment. With a final goodbye, the alpha leaves. He is turning on his car when his personal phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Where the hell are you Prongs?!”

It was Sirius, and by the sound of it, he was pissed. James sighs with a wince, right, he forgot about that. “Sorry, something came up and I had to deal with that first.”

“What could be more important than this?!”

“Severus went to heat today.”

A sound between choking and gasping greeted him. “What?!” Demanded Sirius. “Did…did you-”

“No! That would just set us all the way back. We just…made out a bit.” He glanced down at his now semi-dry jeans. He could still feel Severus’ heated body. “Lucky bastard.” Chuckled Sirius. “So, he's home, right?”

“Yeah, Mr. Burbage and Charity are going to look after him.”

“That’s good.”

“Oh, by the way, make sure to scent some of your things. Mrs. Burbage said it would help sooth Sev. Make sure to also add some for Charity. Tell Peter and Remus too.” 

“Alright, but hey, can you lend me your sweater?”

James frowned, “Which one?” Sirius sighs, “The one that has Sev’s scent. You’ve been hogging it these past few days.” The bespectacled boy rolled his eyes. “Fine, but after we get this thing done with.”

“Alright. Hurry up though, I want to get this done before curfew.”

James held the phone between his shoulder and ear as he pulled out of the driveway. “Pads, do you think we will be able to fit one more?” His friend hummed, the sound of papers being flipped entered from the other side. “Depends. Red or green paint?”

“Green paint, but a fucking thorn to the side.”

“Who?”

“Who has been asking our omega out these past few days?”

Sirius paused, then a low growl came. “Rosier.” James nods, “I’ll see with Moony.”

“Ok, tell Remus then. I’ll meet you soon, I just need to change clothes." He glanced at the clock his car had. He would have preferred to shower but there wasn’t time. He liked having Severus’ scent on him but it would distract him along with Remus and Sirius. For now he could just put away his clothes and change into a fresh pair.

Padfoot laughs on the other line. “Don’t take long! And by that I mean don’t jack off, we still have things to do!” James scoffs but smiles. “Shut up, you'll have your turn soon.” With that he hangs up.

Right, there were still things he had to take care of before he could fantasize about having his omega in his arms.

One of them being Evan Rosier.

Chapter Text

“I still don’t understand what you see in Snape. You have a list of omegas your parents want for you and you still decided to go for the one that was kicked out of his own pack.” Edmund Avery Jr said as he waited for Evan to pack up. The blonde alpha huffs. “That’s the point. All of those omegas will just throw themselves at me. Snape is different.”

Ever since Snape had started to tutor him, Evan had noticed how the raven would maintain a certain distance and wouldn’t even try to charm him. At first he thought it was because he was playing hard to get, something Evan was used to with other omegas. But no, Snape kept things professional, even as Evan flirted with him. 

No amount of sweet talking or even playing nice with that redhead beta made the boy look at him any differently. It had been the first time someone didn’t fall over themselves to please him. It had intrigued him to the point he simply began studying Snape closer. Contrary to what people said about the omega, Snape wasn’t that bad to look at once you got used to him.

Plus, his scent was nice.

Evan had made it his goal to try and crack down the onyx eyed boy little by little. The redhead was out of the picture and while that still didn’t prompt Snape to join his pack, Evan was not one to give up. He had no plans on keeping Snape for long, just to have some fun and then throw him out. Then he went and joined Sinistra’s pack, got thrown out and while the blonde thought he finally had an opening, Potter came.

“What, you like him or something?”

“Ha! Like him?! For a quick fuck, sure.” The thought of pursuing anything further with Snape other than sleeping with him was hilarious. Snape wasn’t a bad choice, he was smart and knew how to behave in front of those with power. The only downside was that he didn’t have anything to offer power or money wise. If Snape had been born into a prestigious family, Evan would have ensured his parents secured an arranged marriage.

“If that’s all you want then there are easier ways to achieve that.” Avery said, rolling his eyes. “At this rate you're going to start a fight with Potter and Black. Remember what happened last time you messed with another packs’ omega?” Evan groaned, “As if that was my fault. He threw himself at me. All I did was give him what he was asking for.”

The boy, whose name he doesn't even remember, had been the one to chase after him. Batting his eyelashes and speaking in sweet tones. It was obvious what he was after and who was Evan to refuse someone so willing? “It’s more than that, Rosier. That pack didn’t have anyone with enough power to scare you. Potter and Black do. Black may be at odds with his family but he is still heir. Two heirs of two powerful families, is Snape really worth getting into all that trouble?”

“Avery, whether Snape is worth it is not the question here. Tell me, aren't you tired of always getting things the easy way?”

“Not really.”

“Then you're an idiot. Snape to me is like an achievement. No matter how much you try to win him over, you won’t. But everyone has a breaking point, and I will make sure to be the one to expose it.” For Evan, it wasn’t a waste of time, not when he was sure the prize would be worth it in the end. Snape will give him the chasing he craves and once that was sedated, he would move on.

“You're crazy.” Was all Avery said as he shook his head. Both of them exited the library and headed towards Evan’s car. It was already dark, only an hour before curfew. Rummaging through his bag, the blonde boy hears Avery curse. “Shit, I forgot my homework folder inside.” Evan sighs. “Go get it then, before the librarian closes for the day.”

“I’ll be right back then.”

Evan watches Avery jog back to the library. “Idiot.” He mumbles under his breath and pulls out his car keys. 

“I thought the same thing.”

Suddenly, a pair of arms pulled him back, causing him to drop his keys as the figure drove a knife onto his stomach. Evan barely lets out a grunt of pain as the figure pulls out the knife and thrust it back inside. “Fuck!” The blonde alpha tries his best to push away the masked man but Ghostface only chuckles before roughly shoving him to the ground.

“You know, from everything I heard, I thought you would offer a good fight.” Evan looks up, his hand pressing on one of the stab wounds. “Smith?” He asked through labor breath, Ghostface only laughed. “Guess again fucker.” A powerful kick is delivered onto his gut, right on the fresh injuries. Howling in pain, Evan grabs onto the leg and pulls hard.

“Let me go!” With his other leg, the killer stomps on his chest hard causing Evan to let go. As if on a rampage, Ghostface begins to deliver multiple kicks, each one filled with more force. All he could do was cover his head and curl up as best as he could despite the burning sensation on his stomach. “Always letting your mouth run like you're untouchable! I have been dying to put you in your place!”

Evan was breathing hard, his blood hot and sticky on his body. Something on his sides cracked and he was positive Ghostface had just broken a rib. Finally, the killer stopped kicking him in favor of laughing. The injured blonde could only glare from below, blood tickling down the corner of his lip.

He wanted to get up and fight him. To show Ghostface that he wasn’t one to be messed with. For fucks sake, he is a Rosier! One of the most prominent families in town! For God’s sake, he should have listened to Snape. Even if the killer in front of him claims not to be Smith, who else could it be? His mom had been so sure that Smith was innocent, that the guy was set up by someone.

So why, why was he being attacked just as Smith was let out of custody?

No attacks happened while Smith was held in for questioning and now here Ghostface was.

Taking advantage of the killer laughing, Evan pushed himself up with all the strength he could and lunged at him. “Shit!” Ghostface exclaims as he lost his footing and both of them fell to the ground. Evan, for once, was glad his parents forced him to be in his school’s rugby team. Even with all his injuries, with the pain that was burning him from the inside, he was not going to be another victim of this asshole.

“If you think I am going to let you kill me, your fucking wrong!” Struggling, the blonde alpha threw a punch onto that irritating white mask causing the man to fall back and allowing Evan to get on top of him. “I should have known your ass was guilty!” Using both hands, the boy grabbed the mask and just as he pulled, Ghostface used his legs to kick him on his chest. Evan cursed loudly and before he could gather himself, the killer was on top of him.

“You cunt!” This time, the killer sounded enraged. Getting a hold of the bleeding alpha, Ghostface pulled his fist back and a sickening crunch rang in the empty parking lot. Evan’s head snapped back, the back hitting the gravel with so much force that for a moment all he saw was a double of everything. A faint ringing was all he heard as he felt punch after punch land on his face.

Each time a punch landed on his face, his head would hit the gravel, he could feel warm blood running down his neck. He could taste the metal on his tongue, feel the way his broken rib poked at something that was not meant to be poked. His nose felt inflated and clogged, tears ran down his eyes. He didn’t know if it was from the pain or the knowledge that he was about to be killed.

“Not so tough now?! And to think that a bastard like you would ever have a chance with my omega!”

The punching stopped but Evan didn’t care. His body was in pain, the two first injuries he got were making him lose blood faster. His head hurt like hell, even the simple act of shifting it brought him into more tears. Ghostface panted on top of him, “Finally, I can get rid of you.” Weakly, Evan raised his arm and with a bloody hand, got ahold of the white mask. The killer scoffed.

“Go ahead, take it off. Not that it would matter.” Getting a good hold on the mask, Evan pulls it away just as the killer grabs a chunk of his blonde hair. The momentary bemusement at his attacker’s actions leave when that familiar face greets him. The boy on top of him smirks, canines on display as his eyes stare down with gleeful hate.

“Surprised?” A sharp laugh leaves the boy’s body. Evan gasped, trying to glare but unable to with the bruises forming on his face. His voice was no longer that scratchy one yet it didn’t make it better. The boy above him smirked with viciousness and slammed his head onto the gravel. Evan felt the crack before he heard it, felt the way his skull cracked at the force.

He repeated the action, slamming his head onto the gravel over and over again as he grinned sadistically. Evan’s blood splattered onto the ground, some of it landing on the boy’s face above him. To think that he of all people would take pleasure in this. Evan expected this from Black, but not the boy above him.

Not from the boy who would preach about justice and law.

Now that he was seeing who the killer was, who had been tormenting the town, it felt real.

This was no longer a masked  killer who people would dress as a joke. This was real, Evan finally had a face for the killer.

It wasn’t Mike Smith.

It was-

“Rosier!”

A figure rugby tackled the killer and both boys landed on the ground with a mixture of pain and angry groans. “I got you fucker!” It was Avery. From what Evan could see, the beta had managed to take a couple of hits from Ghostface while the killer tried to push him away. The blonde alpha winced, a groan of pain leaving him as he sat up. He had forgotten about Avery. It didn’t matter, now that the beta was here, they could take that bastard together.

Pushing himself off the ground and ignoring his dizziness, the blonde alpha walked forward only to stumble and fall back onto the gravel. The pain in his skull along with the gravel digging into the skin of his palms kept him awake, attentive. Heaving, he pushed his body to obey, to get up and help Avery.

The beta screamed as he sunk his blade into the beta’s chest. He pulled it out, kicked the beta in the chest, got on top of him and sunk that blade onto Avery’s chest again. Evan watched helplessly as he repeated the action. More blood landed onto his skin, making that insane glint in his eyes more prominent. Avery tried to push him away, to get away from him and his blade. 

Evan managed to get himself up, blue eyes watching Ghostface stab Avery multiple times, when the door to the library opened and another figure emerged. The alpha’s eyes widened as a figure dressed in the same way as him ran towards the three teen boys.

Seems Umbridge’s theory of there being more than one killer was right.

Evan opened his mouth, he wanted to warn Avery that a second killer was heading their way. The only thing that came out was blood, his throat aching even if he hadn’t screamed. Had he landed a punch onto his throat? That would explain the sudden throbbing he felt in that area.

The beta had managed to kick off the first Ghostface off himself and got on top of him . He even got a hold on the knife, Avery was ready to kill him when a deafening BANG echoed in the empty parking lot. Avery’s body fell down, blood trickled down onto the pavement from the bullet hole on the beta’s forehead. Evan stared at the empty glassy eyes of the beta, the shout of warning stuck on his throat.

“Are you an idiot?! Put your mask on!”

The second Ghostface yelled, his right hand holding a revolver, the tip letting out a small amount of white smoke from the first bullet being released. Blue eyes lock on the weapon, at the familiar family crest engraved on the visible side on the handle, and they widen. There was no way that the second killer was…was -

He cursed loudly, pushed himself off the ground and headed towards Evan. The blonde teen didn’t have time to move as he kicked him on his broken rib. This time, a scream of pain left his bruised throat.

“Shit! Hurry up! The librarian managed to call the police before I got to her!”

“You killed Miss Pince?!”

“She got in the way! I had no choice, it was either let her help Avery or kill her and then get Avery!”

Grabbing the white mask from where Evan had dropped it, he pulled it back on. The fear he felt intensified as both killers turned to look at him. His body had seemed to realize that there was no chance of getting out of this alive because it gave up any fight it had. “Kill him, the police won’t take long to get here.”

“Fine, is he on his way?”

“Yeah, he’ll pick us up.”

Picking up the fallen blade, he walks to where Evan is laying. Crouching down, he pulls harshly onto a chunk of blood matted hair. Evan cries, the pain in his skull pulses and sends a wave of dizziness all throughout his body. The blade slices the skin on his throat like butter, a gush of scarlet goes down his throat and onto his already blood stained clothes. 

  He chuckles, that static filled voice back in place. Evan blinks slowly, his vision going blurry as he is shoved roughly to the pavement. He watches as a pick up truck arrives, a rush of hope comes and goes when he sees another figure clad in those black robes. The ringing in his ear takes over, he can no longer hear what they are saying, just watch as their lips move.

The driver takes off the mask and if Evan could, he would have laughed at how obvious yet ridiculous this revelation was. Of course those two would also be involved if he was. He watches as the other two get in the pick up truck, follows them with his eyes until they're gone. It was as if his body sensed that danger was long gone for a sudden wave of exhaustion hit him.

He closes his eyes and submerges into darkness.

_____

Aurora stared at the computer screen, eyes scanning every new file she opened. Her parents were out, something about a business dinner. That was fine, for the first time since her attack, Aurora had been left alone. She double checked that all doors were locked and windows secured before heading towards her dad’s private office.

There were things she needed to check, to see if her theory was correct. Ghostface had stopped calling her after she regained some of her voice back, and despite being glad at no longer hearing him taunt her, she felt on edge. Not once had the killer given her a break, if it wasn’t a call then it was a small ‘gift’ which turned out to be different organs from different animals.

The organs had unsettled her but what unsettled her even more was how Ghostface managed to get up the second floor window without anyone noticing.

She had tried to stay hidden in her room to catch him in the act but he never showed up. It was only when she wasn’t actively trying to catch him when he left those messages. Otherwise, it was just phone calls.

Some paranoid part in her was still waiting for the killer to come back, for him to finish the job. He hadn’t and that just placed her more on edge. If he wanted her dead, he would have done it by now. Ghostface wants her alive, for what; she was trying to find out. A couple of days ago, after breaking off her pack, Aurora had taken to investigating every piece of information regarding the killer and the victims.

It was the only thing that kept her mind intact. If she did nothing but wallow in her misery, then the alpha would go crazy. School work could only do so much, usually she would have both Charity and Severus with her as a distraction but that was no longer possible. Both omegas hate her. Each time she passed them in the hallway Charity would immediately glare at her and walk closer to Pettigrew if he was with her.

Severus would just look through her, apathy in his obsidian eyes. That look didn’t hurt as much as when she saw Severus in the company of the three marauders. There wasn’t a time where Aurora would turn around and not see one of them around the omega. Shared classes, lunch time, free period, hell, even when it came to rugby practice. It was as if the marauders made sure she could see them together.

What hurt the most out of all was how much both omegas seemed to enjoy their time with their new pack. Charity seemed to find a new music buddy in Pettigrew and a literature friend with Lupin. Severus always looked animated whenever he spoke to Black about horror movies and while he may seem annoyed at Potter, Aurora could tell the omega didn’t seem to mind his company. Hell, Lupin even got one of Severus’ soft smiles.

It had taken so much in her not to go over to them and beg for forgiveness, to explain why she did what she did that day.

Aurora wanted but couldn’t. 

At least not yet, maybe never.

Right now, her main priority was to uncover the reason as to why Ghostface was killing, then find out why he targeted each victim, finally, use that information and find out who the bastard is. Once she does, Aurora will deal with him.

Looking at the clock, the alpha sighs and runs a hand down her face. The pile of papers beside her seems to grow the more she dug into her parents’ side business files. If her hunch was right in Ghostface wanting revenge, then the first place to look into was the files. The killer never stated why he killed those people, only that the reason for it was her parents and their illegal business. That bastard knew too much to just be someone random.

It had to either be a worker or a past patient. Though, the more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed. Maybe it was a family member? Right now Aurora didn’t have all the puzzle pieces, so every file she opened she printed in hopes to find something. Everyone was a suspect until she managed to find a pattern. 

Though, the more she looked and printed, the more she felt sick.

Aurora had known about the side business but never took any interest in it. It was better to ignore it, to turn a blind eye to it. Now that she was forced to see what exactly they were doing, the young alpha didn’t know what to think. It was horrible, barbaric even. The number of victims kept piling up that for a moment, Aurora felt like screaming.

Were her parents any better than Ghostface?

They had more blood on their hands than the killer.

She shakes her head. No, this is what he wanted. He wanted for her to lose any trust she had on her parents, to turn against them and truly leave her alone. No matter how revolting their actions are, Aurora can’t turn against them. All she has to do is stomach it and keep searching. All she hopes is that they didn’t mess with anyone of higher power. While the Sinistra family has a good reputation, they are nothing compared to the Potters, Blacks, or Rosiers, fuck, any of the prominent families.

If her parents messed with any of them, then things were over before they even began.

Glancing at the clock again, she printed the last file and turned off the computer and printer. Making sure that her dad’s office was the way it had been before, she leaves and heads to her room. Closing and locking the door, Aurora places the files onto her work table and sits down before opening the first one.

For the next two hours, the dark skin alpha highlights names that may be relevant. Documents that don’t help her are placed in a separate file while the records of either patients and workers are placed in another. She even had a whole bulletin board filled with possible suspects and motives.

It had been once filled with polaroid pictures of her and her two omegas. Of shared smiles and celebrated birthdays. No matter how small the achievement, Aurora had made sure to capture it with her camera. Now, it was stripped of that happiness and replaced with information and red strings connecting certain points.

After a while, the alpha groaned in anger. No matter how much she corrected her board depending on the information she would find, nothing added up. She knows that Ghostface is looking for revenge, that much was clear. How he was planning on delivering that was the issue.

If he simply wanted good old fashion revenge, then he would have already killed her and her parents. No, the killer wanted something else, wanted to expose her parents before landing the final blow. 

He wanted to make a statement in blood.

Ghostface already succeeded in shattering her pack. Aurora no longer had friends, her classmates didn't count. He wasn’t satisfied with that because if he was then he wouldn’t be calling her and leaving animal organs on her window sill. He wanted something else. Then there were her parents, Ghostface had yet to attack them. Aurora thinks that maybe he didn’t need to. He already almost killed her, that alone must have given her parents a fright.

Ghostface wants to cause fear.

But what else?!

Her eyes travel to the newspaper clippings she had collected over the last couple of days. There wasn’t much there other than things she already knew about. The latest one was about the only suspect having been released from police custody. Deciding to take a break from her parents’ files, she grabbed the top newspaper clipping. 

The Daily Prophet

09/XX/1996

By Rita Skeeter

Ghostface captured?!

During the early hours of the evening, another attack occurred in Jack's Movie Rental, owned by Mrs. Longbottom. The victim in question is Severus Snape, a young omega boy who had been previously attacked by Ghostface.

Mike Smith is currently being held in for questioning and it is unknown if he had any part to play with the past killings. According to the victim, Smith had attacked him out of nowhere and almost took his life if it had not been for the handgun Mrs. Longbottom decided to place in the establishment for protection.

For now, it has been released to the public that Smith had in fact been in possession of the signature black Halloween robes and white ghastly mask. More items were also found in Smith's bag that further incriminate the young alpha. The authorities have not disclosed their thoughts on this as of yet.

Attempts to speak to Severus Snape have also been in vain as the young boy, traumatized by encountering death twice, has refused to speak with the press. One thing is for certain, the small town of Hogsmeade will be able to sleep calmly at night for now.

We have also attempted to communicate with Aurora Sinistra and James Potter, both alphas also having doge Ghostface's sinister hands. The young Sinistra has not come forward to speak about her near death experience but we have yet to give up. As for young James Potter, he only was able to provide limited information since he had only seen Ghostface briefly before helping his classmate, Severus Snape, run for safety.

Further information regarding the Ghostface killings will be written here along with any new evidence that may come to light. If anyone has any information that might help shed light on these brutal murders, please contact the numbers provided below.

For now, let us all remember the five unfortunate victims that meet their end at Ghostface's hands. All of them had been beloved members of our community and their names should not be forgotten.

Aurora hummed, her eyes going to the names she had highlighted a while ago. The article itself was useless, Skeeter tended to be over dramatic with things, it was her way of catching the peoples’ attention. However, there were some things that stood out to Aurora. One being that in everything that happened to her, she hadn’t even thought about speaking with Potter. Much like Severus and herself, he had also been chased by Ghostface.

Though, maybe it was because he had only been chased. Ghostface had attacked both Aurora and Severus, he spoke to both of them. Potter had only been chased because he had ran into Severus who had already been getting chased by the psychopath. Unlike both of them, Ghostface wasn’t targeting Potter. It made sense, Potter was not a friend of hers and he is the son of Mayor Potter.

Ghostface knows that once he messes with a Potter, things could go south.

The other thing that stood out to her was Mike Smith. Aurora had only talked to him a couple of times. Whenever she went to the movie rental, it was mostly to pick up movies for the usual movie night they used to have. During those times, Severus would be working and since sometimes he was busy with other clients, Aurora had to get help from Smith.

The raven head alpha was kind if not a little clumsy at times. From first glance, Aurora could tell the guy wouldn't and couldn’t even harm a fly if he wanted. People had been quick to cast their judgment of him simply because they wanted to pin the murders onto someone. To finally put a face to the walking nightmare that is known as Ghostface. They didn’t care if Smith had proven incapable of hurting others, all they wanted was to end this chapter of horror.

It was even encouraging to think that Smith was the killer because Severus claimed the alpha had attacked him. Aurora hadn’t been there when the attack happened, so she can’t say what went down. However, the omega never saw a face and only heard a voice. The police had claimed that Ghostface was able to use different voices because of the voice changer he used. Who could say that the person behind that mask had been Smith? 

She in no way blames Severus for accusing Smith. He had been attacked and almost killed again, if anything, the omega must have been panicking. To him, Smith was the killer because he used the alpha’s knife and had his voice. It didn’t help that when the police found Smith, he had a black robe and mask in his possessions.

All in all, when Aurora really thought about it, Smith could have very well been another victim. Instead of getting killed, Ghostface used him as an escape goat. But why? The killings have stopped for now, even after Smith got released from police custody there hasn’t been any Ghostface attacks. There was no way the killer had decided to quit, not when he kept harassing her.

No, Ghostface was planning something and he needed a decoy. That was the only reason she could think as to why Smith had been targeted. If Ghostface wanted Smith dead, he would have killed him, not use him. The question remained the same. Why? Another one was, why had Smith been targeted as the decoy? She could understand why Ghostface targeted Severus. He had been her friend and packmate, anything related to her would get attacked.

But Smith? She wasn’t even friends with him. Smith didn’t even have deep roots in Hogsmeade. Unlike the rest of the townspeople, his family had moved into town a couple of months ago. So why had he been picked out specifically? Ghostface could have picked anyone else, why Smith out of all people?

Aurora had already looked into the five victims, and just as she had predicted, some of them had once been clients of Legacy Hospice , the nursing home for the elderly her parents own and the place where they conducted their illegal business. Those files had been entirely separated from the rest and were placed in her board. Placing the newspaper down, she gazed at her full board of white paper and red strings. 

Matt Oliver, the guy who had been murdered in the alleyway. He had an older sister who was once a patient of Legacy Hospice . She had been interned there because she had schizophrenia. Just as she completed a full year in the nursing home, the doctors there declared her dead. Apparently she had attacked one of the nurses during meal time and it ended badly. The nurse was injured while the patient had made a run for it. From what Aurora read on her file, she had managed to climb the gate when she lost her footing midway and fell. 

According to her autopsy (conducted by her mother), the patient had twisted her neck in the landing and died instantly. Since it had been an accident that happened out of the blue, Matt Oliver didn’t press charges and left it at that. Aurora dug more and soon found a pattern, a pattern Ghostface had been quick to learn about and explained why he left her animal organs on her window sill.

Miss Oliver hadn’t died because of an accident.

It had been hard to unlock, but Aurora managed in the end. In her dad’s computer, there was a specific file that was heavily guarded. It had taken her a while to unlock but managed to guess the password and what she found there made her disgusted. There were multiple files about different patients that died in the nursing home. That was to be expected, after all, the majority of them were elderly who needed care and those who were living their last years. It was expected of the nursing home to keep those files and records.

What she found in that file had been that, but unlike the regular death certificates and autopsy reports, it was a file dedicated to how much value each person was estimated to be and how much profit they got once they died.

Her parents were harvesting organs and selling them illegally.

Miss Oliver had been one of the chosen among many others to sell. She had schizophrenia, it was in her records that she tended to have violent outbursts. No one would bat an eye if one of her outbursts happened to lead to her death. Her parents had already picked her and once the year passed, they had one of the nurses overdose her with fentanyl.

Since Aurora’s mother had been the one to perform the autopsy, there was no way to find the drug in Miss Oliver’s system because all the older beta had to do was lie. The report given to Matt Oliver indicated that his older sister died due to an accident while the real report was kept by her father.

Once Miss Oliver was dead, they cut her open and took whatever organs were valuable. Matt Oliver would never know what happened to his sister. He would never know that she had been killed and her organs had been harvested.

Aurora had actually puked when she finished reading Miss Oliver’s file. 

The young alpha had to take a mental break after that before digging into those files and transferring them into her USB. There, she found files related to Daniel Brown and Noah Baker. Both of them had family members in Legacy Hospice . Daniel Brown had put his late wife there because he couldn’t take care of her anymore. Much like Miss Oliver, Mrs. Brown had schizophrenia. 

The only difference was that Mrs. Brown was already an elderly and her health had always been fragile according to the files. The doctors told Mr. Brown that his wife had less than a year to live and just as they had said, Mrs. Brown passed away six months into Legacy Hospice . No one questioned her death, there was no need to. Her organs were collected and they passed her death as a natural cause.

Mrs. Brown had been murdered the same way Miss Oliver had.

Noah Baker’s father had been a patient with dementia. Much like Mrs. Brown, he was also in poor health. Aurora had quickly found the pattern her parents left. They targeted those with fragile health or the ones that were vulnerable mentally. No one would question if they died, especially when their files stated their behavior.

Three out of five murders that Ghostface committed was because of her parents.

Ghostface had known what they were doing. He was targeting specific people, people who had been screwed over by parents. She just didn’t know why he was killing innocent people. Wouldn’t it be easier to just report them? Or maybe he had and it didn’t work. So now he was killing people connected to Legacy Hospice in order to bring her parents’ crimes into attention.

She huffs and rubs her eyes. It was too much to think about with so little information.

Aurora had managed to piece one part of the puzzle together, yet the majority of it was still a mess. Angela Jones and Leo Green had no file, they never had any family member in Legacy Hospice , not even a family friend. If Ghostface was targeting past clients of that place, how did those two fit in?

How did Mike Smith, Angela Jones, and Leo Green fit into this revenge plan?

Did he kill them to drive away attention? To buy himself more time and hunt down more people? Did he frame Smith in order to finish something big? 

“Fuck.” Standing up, the alpha decided to turn on the tv. It was too much. She felt like she almost had the complete picture yet it still felt incomplete. Maybe if she dug further into the files she copied from her father, she would be able to find more.

“Right now I am standing in front of the Hogsmeade Public Library in which a tragedy has struck yet again.” Skeeter held onto her microphone, eyes wide with poorly concealed panic. Aurora frowned, another attacked? “There is reason to believe that Ghostface is behind these killings even if two out of the three attacks were out of the killer’s signature.”

Three different pictures are on the screen. Aurora drops her remote control in shock. “Two out of the three victims you see on screen tragically were pronounced dead at the scene. Edmund Avery Jr and Irma Pince. Evan Rosier had miraculously been found with a pulse before being rushed into the hospital. As of now, all we know is that he is in a critical state.”

No…there was no way.

Aurora launched herself towards her desk and turned on her computer. Skeeter’s voice became background noise as she immediately clicked on the file she copied. Her eyes moved from file to file, desperation in her movements. Ghostface attacked again, and this time, he attacked two boys that came from two powerful families.

Rosier and Avery.

Aurora began to pray, praying that her parents hadn’t messed with either family, that they hadn't messed with more than those two. 

“The community along with the authorities have already suspected Mike Smith since he was no longer in police custody during these attacks. The head of the police department has already issued a warrant for his arrest.”

She swirled around at the mention of Smith’s name. His mug shot was on the screen, blue eyes wide with fear and hair as messy as ever. Aurora cursed. Right, people still believed Smith was Ghostface, meaning that there won’t be any search for him unless Rosier makes it out alive. She goes back to her computer and lets out a victory yell that quickly dies down once the realization hits her.

One folder was named Elizabeth Avery. Aurora clicked it, she already knew what she was going to see, knew what awaited her but it didn’t stop the feeling of disgust from filling her body. Elizabeth Avery had been Avery’s grandmother. She had been diagnosed with dementia and once three years passed, she was overdosed with fentanyl and her organs sold.

Aurora buries her face into her hands and screams. Her throat hurt from that alone yet it brought her a sense of calmness that wasn’t even calmness at all. All this time, Aurora had prayed that her parents hadn’t messed with anyone from the prominent families. It was one thing messing with someone who was normal, messing with someone with power was another thing.

Ghostface was after her parents’ and the way he was doing it was by killing those that they had wronged. Aurora had pushed her two friends into the arms of the marauders in hopes that both the Potter and Black names would be enough to protect them. It had been her one solace, which gave her peace of mind.

Now it’s gone.

How many other prominent families were wronged?

Ghostface already proved that he wasn’t afraid of killing members of those families. Avery was dead and Rosier in the hospital. What happens if they wronged the Black family or the Potter family? The killer won’t care who stands in their way as long as he can catch his target.

Taking a deep breath, Aurora sat straight and began to search. She has to find out how many families in Hogsmeade had a family member in the nursing home her parents ran. From there, she will be able to see who could be a possible target. 

Ghostface has a pattern, one that he made very clear to her. If she can find out how he picks his targets and in what order, she would be able to prevent any more murders.

_____

Severus stares at the ceiling.

Three days had gone by and his heat was finally over with. Yet, what he had done had not left his mind. During his heat, all he could think about was Potter, Black, and Lupin. Just remembering how he had thrown himself at Potter made him angry at himself. Nothing like that had ever happened with anyone else. The first time he had gotten his heat and Sinistra was there, he hadn’t thrown himself at her.

Yet with Potter it had been different. The moment the alpha had touched his forehead, the barely visible retrain he had snapped and he threw himself onto Potter’s lap. His mind had been clouded with thoughts of Potter and his scent. At that moment, all he wanted was to get as close to that smell as possible. To feel Potter’s skin against his own, his lips on his lips.

During that moment, he didn’t care that he had been kissing the bespectacled boy or that he was humping on the alpha. He had wanted to do that, to have Potter take him in that car. It no longer matters that it was Potter who relieved him during the first wave of his heat or that he had kissed him or made him cum.

Or maybe it did.

When he woke up again, the first word that left his lips was Potter’s name. When he realized Potter was not there, he had grabbed onto the black sweater the boy left and touched himself until he came. Even just thinking about it made him want to slam his head onto the wall. Not once in his life had he come that hard and quickly by just using his fingers. 

His body had reacted to Potter’s scent, and had made the ache between his thighs worse. 

That was how he rode the second wave of his heat until he managed to fall asleep. By the time he woke up again, Mr. Burbage had helped him eat and drink some water before helping him shower and change his clothes. When he came back to his room, his nest had new articles of clothing.

Shirts, scarfs, sweaters all smelling of three different scents.

On his third wave of heat, he had buried his nose into a gray shirt that belonged to Black. Much like with Potter’s scent, that shirt had immediately made him moan out Black’s name. It was somehow worse. Since he had basically almost had sex with Potter, it was easy to get himself off by thinking about what would have happened if the raven alpha had actually buried himself inside Severus.

With Black, his imagination went wild. In his heat induced mind, all he could think and imagine was Black pumping either his fingers or his cock inside of him. Sometimes those images would shift and Severus would find himself on all fours as Black pounded into him from behind. The curly hair boy was always crude with his words, never holding back any insults. That had been added into his imagination and ended with Severus climaxing over his fingers again.

After that he cleaned himself again and did his best to stay away from those scented clothes but his body had a mind of its own. No matter how much the omega ignored his urges, he couldn’t help but grab onto the nearest article of clothing. Dark chocolate had greeted him and before he could even think about what he was doing, he laid on his back, fingers inside his cunt once again.

His imagination on Lupin had been different from Potter or Black. While the other two alphas would fuck him until he was nothing but a whimpering, blissed out mess, the Lupin in his head would start by eating him out. His fingers didn’t do justice to that image, not when he wanted the real thing. He wanted to know how it would feel to have Lupin’s tongue inside of him, or how it would feel to have him sucking on his clit and turning him into an even wetter mess.

Severus ended up coming while arching his back.

By the end of it, once his mind was clear from lust, Severus decided to take a well deserved bath. He spent a couple of hours cleaning himself and trying to forget what he had just done. None of his heats had been like that. Whenever they came, just Charity’s and Sinistra’s scents helped him sleep for the majority of it. Once in a while the ache would not leave so he relived himself but no images or scenarios came to mind.

Once he was clean and changed, Severus took his time cleaning his nest which was just his bed. Clean sheets replaced the stained ones and new pillow covers replaced the ones full or drool and tears. The omega had rearranged his nest and had only placed the things Charity had given him. The rest of the marauders’ clothes were put in the box that they had been delivered in.

Less than five minutes passed before Severus took them out and placed them on his nest. Surprisingly, none of them had been stained by his slick. The only difference was the scent since he spent his heat hugging the clothes.

Mr. Burbage had smiled when he saw the new and arranged nest but didn’t say anything. Severus was grateful for that. His onyx eyes traveled to the corner of his room where Sinistra’s scarves and two blankets laid. She had given them to him as a welcome gift when he joined her pack. Severus frowns, during his heat he had all but thrown the items out of his nest in agitation.

He could no longer stomach the lavender scent.

Shaking his head, he decided to leave his room and get something to eat. Charity was in the only empty guest room riding out her heat. According to Mr. Burbage, she had gotten it right as Severus finished his. It had taken him by surprise how his heat had come out earlier than planned. For a moment he thought Potter had somehow triggered it on purpose until Mr. Burbage explained to him that it was because of the change in environment.

“Since you changed packs, your body is getting used to not only new people but their scents as well. You might have a second heat this month but don’t worry too much about it. If it does happen it’s most likely that it will be around the same days this one did.”

It had been both reassuring and horrifying. To think that a simple change of packs had caused his body to go into early heat. Not only that, but if he was unlucky enough, he might get a second one as he adjusted to his new pack. Just thinking about going through another heat and repeating what he had done made him go red.

To think that he would ever call out to those three idiots.

“We reassure the people that Mike Smith, while being our main suspect, had not been involved in the recent attacks. We are still looking into them and hope Evan Rosier makes a speedy recovery.” Severus paused at the end of the hallway. Mr. Burbage had his back turned to him, his attention on the television.

“For now we are enforcing curfew once more. No one is allowed to be out past nine at night. All businesses should close down early and no one should be out after nine.” The head of the police in Hogsmeade is the one talking, his eyes staring into the crowd of reporters. Severus frowns. Did something happen while he was out?

The reporters start to ask questions and get frantic when the man moves away from the podium and allows the familiar figure of the Mayor into view. Instantly the reporters quiet down, eager to hear what he had to say. The omega inches closer.

“It has also been decided that the usual fall holidays festivities be canceled for the safety of the public. That will also include canceling school until further notice. While it is an extreme measure, it is the safety of the students that we must think about.” The reporters begin firing questions to which Mayor Potter answers.  

“What happened?” He asks once he stands besides the older omega. Mr. Burbage looks at him, the corners of his mouth pulled down in a frown. “When you were out, three more people got attacked by Ghostface. They tried to pin the blame on Smith but his alibi is solid.” Severus freezes. “Three attacks?”

“Yes. Two of them were dead at the scene, the other is in a critical condition. The police are hoping that he has information on what happened.” The omega takes in a shaky breath and sits down on the sofa. His hands grab onto one of the pillows and hug it to his body. Three more attacks by Ghostface. It wasn’t a coincidence, it had to be Smith. Ever since Smith had been held in custody, there had been no attacks.

Now that the alpha is out, three people get attacked, two are dead and one is hospitalized. The scary part in all of this is that there isn’t enough evidence. It was bullshit. Severus had already explained to the police his side of the story, of how he knew it was Smith who attacked him. But Smith’s lawyer had found loopholes that left the police no choice but to let him go.

Look at what that led.

“Who…who were the victims?”

Mr. Burbage takes a seat beside him, his blue eyes tired. “Irma Pince, Edmund Avery Jr, and Evan Rosier. As of now, Rosier is fighting for his life and might as well be the one who holds the answers that we seek.”

Fuck, Smith attacked all three of them? What reason could he have to kill Miss Pince? Sure, the older women tended to always be sour but she was never bad. If anything, she always took her job as a librarian seriously and only ensured that people followed the library rules. Not once had she ever harmed anyone and much like Severus, she tended to keep to herself.

Avery and Rosier were mouthy and tended to always get into new trouble. Hell, Severus wasn’t even from their school and he knows that both boys took joy in messing with others. But that didn’t justify their attacker. One was dead and the other was trying to stay alive.

Not to mention, Ghostface was bold in what he did. Everyone knows what kind of power both Roseirs and Averys held. No one messed with them in fear of what repercussions would befall them. The fact that he had done that proved to people that the killer didn’t care who he crossed.

Severus wonders how Mrs. Rosier is handling everything. She is Smith’s lawyer, Severus is sure that things must be complicated. Her son was attacked and the attacker was her own client. The omega almost smirks darkly at the irony. In a way it was karma on her side. The old hag had called him a liar and traumatized teenager who couldn’t tell his left from his right. Sure, she didn’t use those exact words but the meaning was the same.

She had dragged his statement into the mud and his character all in order to clear Smith’s name. Now look at the thanks he gave her.

“How are you? Is everything alright?” Snapping out of his thoughts, Severus nods. “Just sore but that’s to be expected.” Mr. Burbage nods and stands up. “I’ll be making lunch then. Do you want anything specific?” Severus ponders for a moment. Right now, he didn’t have a specific food craving. He would be fine with anything Mr. Burbage made. However, he had been craving something with dark chocolate.

“Anything is fine.” The older man nods and goes to the kitchen. Severus leans back onto the sofa. He did want something that had chocolate but he also didn’t want to burden the older omega more than he already was. It was clear that he was worried about his wife who no doubt had spent the last three days alone in their house. Usually Severus would spend his heats with the Burbage family or in his own house under Eileen’s supervision.

That became impossible after she got ill.

Mr. Burbage was already doing him a huge favor by being here to help. Severus could always get a chocolate dessert later on. Maybe once Charity finished her heat, both of them could have some dessert delivered to them. He didn’t feel like going out, especially not when he just finished his heat.

Mostly because his body felt tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. Despite what many things, heats were a pain in the ass if you didn’t have someone to help you with them. Heat suppressants did help but they were expensive and Severus couldn’t afford to buy them. It wasn’t so bad once you got used to it. Though, all that progress went out the window when he decided to shove his tongue down Potter’s throat.

He buried his face onto the pillow to muffle his groan.

How the hell would he be able to face the alpha?!

No doubt Potter would gloat about it. Severus could already imagine it, Potter all haughty smirks as he bragged about how Severus basically threw himself at him. It was mortifying. Would the hazel eye boy expect something from him now? Would he think that Severus was giving him the green light to go? Fuck, would the other two think that he would also give them that kind of attention?

It didn’t help that Severus didn’t even seem to mind it.

Maybe, if he had been younger, he would have thrown up at the idea of it. To think he would ever allow the three marauders to ever touch him in such a way. It was revolting. Now however, the simple thought didn’t bring disgust but desire.

A desire that Severus will take to his grave.

He will not allow it to expand, he couldn’t.

If he did, they would only ask and take. Severus will not allow it, even if some part of him wanted to give. He had already made his mind up. Once he can, he will leave Hogsmeade and pursue a higher education. He had no time for silly things such as desire or love. He will not give his dreams up just for some silly notion of love and empty promises.

Love.

His stomach did that familiar weird flip.

No.

No, no, no.

They may have promised him change, built him beautiful pieces of art with their words, but it was all empty promises. Tobias had done the same with Eileen, had promised her happiness and an escape from her overbearing lifestyle. It may have worked for a while, both of them loving each other may have been enough until it wasn’t.

The illusion they both desperately wanted shattered and reality came knocking on their door.

Severus will not allow some promises of change and proclaim love sway him. It didn’t matter if they devoted themselves to him. Even if he desperately wanted to grab onto it, to reassure a part of himself that he was lovable that he could be desired. Severus didn’t want to open that door for them only to be met with disappointment.

Eileen had done that with Tobias. She had shown her true self and he didn’t like it. So she changed herself, became someone who would be worthy of his love even after he had claimed to love her before the changes.

Severus would no doubt experience that same disappointment with all three of them. They will first say how much they like him as he is and how he didn’t need to change. Then as time goes by, they will let him know how they had expected him to change for them. For him to find a way to fit in. They would want him to soften up, to fit into an image they believed suited him better.

Eileen had been all sharpness, something that Tobias had liked about her.

Severus is all sharpness and broken edges, the marauders claim to like that about him.

Tobias was fine with Eileen’s sharpness until he realized that she wouldn’t change even after getting married. He had told Eileen he loved her for who she was despite the fact that he had thought it was only temporary. Tobias expected her to let go of her sharpness once she married him as a proof of her love for him.

No doubt, the marauders would expect the same.

Severus sighs, why had he even bothered to let them prove themselves to him? He had expected them to stop once they realized he wasn’t going to be easy to persuade. They didn’t, instead, they seem to drive on his sharpness. Then they allowed Severus and Charity into their pack with no strings attached. They didn’t force him to give them anything or change himself.

People talked about how they pity the marauders for getting an omega who would not obey. About how it was unfair that Severus got the most benefit and they got nothing.

Yet they still stayed.

Why? Was he even worth it?

Sinistra was right about something, who would ever want him?

Severus shakes his head, there was no time to think about that. He had been the one to decide on how to deal with the marauders. He had even told Charity that if he ever happened to get attached to them, he would deal with it. Now here he was, angry at himself for getting attached. The boy will admit, they weren’t bad once you got to know them. They were funny and their jokes (when it wasn’t based on humiliation) could make him laugh.

Potter is hot headed and tends to jump to conclusions before he can even think about the situation. It annoyed Severus and it still does but it has an odd charm to it. The bespectacled teen was also the jealous type. At one point it had been irritating, Severus couldn’t even talk to people without Potter watching him. Still, even with that irritation, it made him feel wanted, desired. It was something he never felt with anyone before.

Black was similar to Potter. He was possessive, jealous, short tempered, and a compulsive idiot. He never tried to fit into any role or play the part of a gentleman. The gray eyed boy is rough around the edges, but even those edges soften up whenever he is with Severus. He was still an ass, that would never change, but it was more teasing than hurtful. He didn’t soften his blows, didn’t hold back for his sake. Black saw that Severus could handle himself and while he does help sometimes, he lets the omega be independent. He lets him be in control without fighting.

Lupin, much to Severus’ surprise, was much like his idiot friends in a way. He too was possessive and jealous, the only difference was that he knew how to hide it better. Severus hadn’t realized it until he saw the subtle ways the blonde would show it. In a way, he was the voice of reason but not a leader. He would be there for Severus but not hold his hand. He didn’t make him feel incapable of dealing with his business. The alpha was the stability that balanced the two chaotic idiots.

All three of them represented something that Severus had always hoped to find in a partner if he ever got that far. Potter made him feel wanted, Black let him be independent, Lupin provided the stability Severus never had in life. It was as if the universe was laughing at him. To think that his school bullies had been what Severus was looking for in his messed up life.

Rubbing his eyes, the omega got up. There was no use in dwelling over this. They may be what Severus always wanted in a relationship, and they may have proven that they were capable of change. But none of that would ever erase how they had once treated him.

He scoffs at himself, a bitter smile on his face. Who was he kidding? If Severus really cared about his past treatment, he would have rejected all three of them on the spot. The truth was, while he still held resentment towards them, he also held a small soft spot for them. At one point in his life, all three of them had once been nice to him. It was something he didn’t like to think about much, not because those were unpleasant memories but because it hurt to see how much all three of them changed. 

Once upon a time, Lily hadn’t been his only friend. There had once been a boy with blonde hair and green eyes who would bring extra food for the sad little boy who sat alone in class. There had once been a gray eyed little boy who would sneak out of his house and come play with him in the park. There had once been a boy with glasses who would drag Severus around in a mock representation of being adventures.

He hadn’t spent as much time with them as with Lily. He always saw the red haired girl often because they went to the same school and had been the only friends either of them had. Lupin would spend time with them both but since he had a different class, it was always limited. Potter and Black had private tutors until they reached middle school. He only ever saw them when they sneaked out or were allowed to go outside.

But as always, things change. The moment they got their secondary genders, it was no longer about childhood dreams. Lupin would no longer hang out with Lily or Severus for he had his own circle of alpha friends. Potter got more popular and decided that he no longer needed the black hair boy who no one liked. Black by that point had other friends who Severus didn’t approve of, bad influences.

In the end, Lily was all he had until that too changed.

So yes, Severus held resentment but he also held fear. In all honesty, he would have forgiven them for some things already. He had, he just hadn’t told them. Severus couldn’t do it. He couldn’t do it because he was scared of being let down once more. It was one thing losing a friendship, but to allow yourself to fall into the arms of another only to be abandoned was different. Severus didn’t want to experience that pain. He has lost friends and it hurts like hell.

Losing someone who he allowed in would shatter him.

He left the living room to go retrieve the paperwork for Legacy Hospice . Severus didn’t want to think about it anymore. The more he did, the more doubts crawled into his mind. Instead, he went back to the living room with the paperwork and finished filling it out. By the time he was placing the papers into a manila folder, Mr. Burbage had finished making lunch.

Since his mama was sleeping, Severus ate lunch with the older omega. Both had decided to switch the channel and leave it on a reality show. They had enough news about Ghostface.

“If you want I can drop off the paperwork to the post office on my way to the grocery store.” Offered the blue eyed man. Severus nods, he didn’t feel like going out, especially not with those recent attacks. He had no car and while he could drive, Mr. Burbage wouldn’t allow it since the raven didn’t have a license. “Thank you again, for helping.”

“It’s no problem. You're a friend of Charity and in a way, like a second son to my wife and I.” Mr. Burbage said, a soft smile directed to Severus. “Plus, things will be different once Eileen leaves.” That was true. Severus would be living by himself since his mama would be at the nursing home. Charity had offered for Severus to stay with her but he declined. It wouldn’t be any different if he stayed by himself.

He has a job, he pays for the bills and food. Severus just needed to work and things would be fine. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with us? You could still come back here to check up. It’s just that Sofia and I will be worried about you, especially with that killer on the loose.”

“I’ll be alright Mr. Burbage. Plus, knowing Charity she probably already bribed Adam into coming by to check up on me.” At this, the older man laughs. “You're right. Not that there had been much bribing, Adam does have a soft spot for you, like I said, we see you as another member of our family. No doubt Adam sees you as a younger brother.”

Severus smiled. Much like Charity, her family had welcomed him with open arms when she introduced him. Sofia and Luca Burbage always over feed him when he came over to the point that Severus would bring some of their food back home on Mr. Burbage’s insistence. Mrs. Burbage was like an aunt to him and had also become a close friend with Eileen. The way both women got along would make anyone think that they had always been friends.

Adam, Charity’s older brother, was a bit clumsy but kind nonetheless. Often when Severus needed a ride and Charity or Sinistra weren’t available, he would drive him where he needed to go. Sometimes he would drop by to deliver food his parents made for the omega. It was nice, even if they didn’t share blood, they treated him and Eileen as one of their own.

Time passed and around late noon Mr. Burbage decided it was best to go get the shopping done before curfew. “All be right back. I just need to stock up on some of the food. I’ll also drop the paperwork. Do you need anything from the store?”

Severus shakes his head. “No, I’m alright. Are you sure you don’t want me to give you some money to cover the expenses?”

“Nonesense! I have more than enough.” The man chuckles. “Alright then, once Eileen wakes up, heat up some of the food on the stove. Make sure to give Charity a check to see if she needs water or food. And if anything happens, call Sofia, she should be home by now.” With a nod, Severus closes and locks the door once Mr. Burbage steps out.

Letting out a sigh, he turns back to the living room. There was nothing much to do other than to periodically check up on Charity and his mama. Since he had free time, he decided he might as well work on his art portfolio. School was canceled until Ghostface was captured but it didn’t mean he was about to slack off.

Bringing his art supplies to the living room, he looked at the information he had gathered about the dark side of love. Lupin had decided to draw something resembling forbidden love while Black focused on power imbalance. Severus had decided to go with obsession. There had been a lot about that topic but the omega had yet to actually be inspired to draw something based on that.

He tried his hand on romance movies to see if he could get some ideas but he never managed to finish them. Not because they were boring, some of them were actually quite good. It was just that when he saw them, his mind would drift off to three certain boys.

Like right now.

“Shit.” He mumbled. Pushing away those thoughts, he opened his art textbook and flipped to some of the pages he had marked for later. He ended up closing the book with a slam. He needed something, no matter how small, to inspire him. Severus stared blankly at his empty sketchbook when someone knocked on the door. The omega sat up, his hand automatically going to the shotgun hidden under the sofa.

He stared at the door, body tense. Another knock came, this one more insistent. Severus got up but didn’t take the gun with him. Instead he moved to the nearby window and opened a tiny portion of the blinds to see who it was.

A groan left his throat.

Sirius Black was standing in front of his door, a white box in his hands. Shaking his head, the omega went to the door and opened it. Black’s face broke into a smile and if he had been a dog, Severus would be sure that his tail would have been wagging. “What are you doing here?” He asked, crossing his arms. “I came by to check on you, didn’t know your heat was done.” He didn’t even wait for an invitation and came inside. 

Severus watches as Black heads towards the kitchen, his movements indicating confidence. Just how many times had Black been in his house? Closing the door, Severus followed after him. The alpha was already opening cabinets and drawers, pulling out two plates and a pair of forks. The omega just watched, exasperated yet curious.

“I had to bribe our head chef to make this.” Settling down the plates and utensils, the teenager opened the box and Severus’ mouth instantly watered. Staring right at him was a chocolate cake. Just a couple of minutes ago he had been craving something with chocolate, how had Black known? Or was it a coincidence?

“I would have bought it but I thought it would be better to have it done recently. I wanted to bake it myself but I suck at cooking or anything that requires using the stove or oven.” He took out a knife from one of the drawers and began cutting the cake. “Regulus offered to help but he also doesn't know his way around the kitchen either.” A slice of the cake was placed before him, Severus looked at it.

“I hope you like it. Kretcher may be a grumpy old bastard but his food and desserts are always good.” Black cringe at that. “Though, personality wise, it’s best to stay away from him.” He took a slice for himself and settled down on the kitchen stool. “What are you doing?” Asked Severus, blinking at the cake and at the familiarity that Black seemed to move around his house.

“I already told you, I came by to check on you. And Charity.” He added hastily. “No, I mean what are you doing here, specifically in my kitchen?” Black looked confused. “I am cutting a cake for you?” Severus rolled his eyes and took a seat across from Black. The counter wasn't as spacious as the dining table, but it did allow Severus to get a closer look at the curly hair teen. “You could have just dropped it off.”

“Yeah but I wanted to see you.” At this, Black pouted. “The last person to spend time with you had been James. Even after I came by to drop off some of my things for your nest, I wasn’t allowed to see you.” Taking a bite from the cake, Black continued. “Plus with what happened during your heat…the others wanted me to check up on you.”

“Couldn’t they have done it themselves?”

“James is stuck indoors at the moment. Mr. Potter doesn't want The Daily Prophet following him around. As for Remus and Peter, those two are out hunting.”

Severus had just swallowed his first bite of cake only to almost choke on it. “Hunting?! With a killer on the loose?!” Black jumps from his chair and goes to his side. Patting his back in an attempt to help, the alpha nods with a wince. “Wormtail’s parents own a small plot of land that they use as a chicken farm. Apparently some of the chickens have gone missing and Mr. Pettigrew wanted to go to the neighboring woods to see if an animal was taking them. Peter didn’t want his dad to go alone and since Remus’ parents are neighbors of the Pettigrews, he offered to help them.”

Clearing his throat, Severus accepts the glass of water Black brought him after patting his back. “Still, wouldn’t it be dangerous for them to be hunting? Ghostface already proved that he can attack in broad daylight.”

“I wouldn't worry too much. Peter’s dad has a couple of hunting dogs and a few guns, I’m sure Ghostface won’t be an idiot to go after three people who are armed.” The shocking news that both Lupin and Pettigrew knew how to use guns didn’t ease the worry he felt for both boys. Sure, they may get on his nerves but Pettigrew proved to be good company and he kept Charity happy. Lupin wasn’t that bad either.

Plus, they were his packmates, it would be weird if he didn’t worry about them.

Black must have seen the worry written on his face because he sat down next to him and rubbed his back slowly. “They will be alright. As long as they stay together and come out before dark, they should be fine. It isn’t the first time they do this.” Severus scoffs. “I wasn’t worried.” Black just grins.

“What about you? I would have thought your parents wouldn’t want you out either?” The gray eyed boy didn’t question the change in topic as he answered. “Ever since I left to live with the Potters they have been using any excuse under the sun to convince me to go back. This time it’s no different. Plus, even if I did go back, a simple command of staying indoors wouldn’t have stopped me from coming.” Black smirks.

“What about your brother?”

“He’ll be fine. While I may no longer live with them I do drop by every once in a while to check on Reg. Not that my parents know, I only ever go when they are out of town.”

Severus huffs in amusement. Of course he would do that.

“Anyways, enough about me. What about you? How have you been? Mrs. Burbage told James that your heat had come early.” Severus takes a bite from his cake while Black waits for his response. “It was fine. It happened because of the change in packs. I was used to only two people, since this pack has more than that, my body had to change and match the dynamics.” He didn’t mention how he might have a second heat, hell, talking about his heat had him focusing on his slice of cake.

If he looked at Black, he was sure he would get flashes of his heat induced imagination. Severus fought off the blush that threatened to take over his face. “Did it help then? The scented things we gave you?” Severus nods and offers no more explanations. Yes, the scented items did help and also were the reason for his down spiral when he became clear headed. “Do you want them back-?”

“No, you can keep them.” Severus blinked at how fast Black responded. The alpha cleared his throat, ears a light pink. “If…if you want I can re-scent some of the things I gave you.” Severus pressed his lips into a thin line. He wanted to say yes but at the same time no. If he said yes then Black will definitely take it as a sign to advance.

Would it be so bad to allow him? To allow Potter and Lupin in?

“...I’ll think about it.”

That seemed to be the right response given how Black seemed to beam at him. Finishing their slices of cake, Severus put the rest away and both teens headed to the living room. At this point it would be useless trying to kick Black out. Plus, he was bored and was not getting anywhere with the art portfolio. He could use Black as a distraction for now until Mr. Burbage came back.

“You’re still working on it?” They had taken a seat on the sofa, Severus’ art textbook and art supplies scattered in front of them on the coffee table. “I'd rather get it out of the way.” Black hummed as he took the textbook and flipped through it. “I already started on mine, I just need a few more details.” Severus felt a pang of jealousy at that. Here he was still struggling on how to capture obsessiveness into a painting while Black already figured out his part.

“What did you paint?” The alpha paused, his eyes seeming to stare off into the distance before replying. “I don’t think I will be able to tell you without showing it to you first. However, what I can tell you is that I took inspiration from the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.”

Severus had read that myth a while back for literature class. It was a myth that had many different opinions on whether it should be used as a symbol of love or to show a power imbalance between divine beings. Huh, it was actually a good one now that Severus thought of it. “That’s impressive,” He said and because the omega couldn’t help himself at the sight of Black’s proud smile added, “To think you actually have a brain to use.”

“Hey!”

Black scoffed but he wasn’t annoyed or irritated at Severus’ jab. “What about you? Did you find anything in obsessive love?” He had but none of it spoke to him. The romance movies that were labeled dark romance could only help so much and the books he picked up on the subject only focused on the psychological aspect, which was a huge help if he wanted to add deeper hidden meanings in his art. But it still left him clueless in what to do.

“I’m still looking.” Gray eyes lock onto his obsidian eyes. For a moment, Severus forgets about the art project. He had always known that Black’s eyes were beautiful. While he still likes the color green, Severus could admit that silver was a second favorite. When he first saw it as a kid, the omega couldn't help but compare them to the stars.

“If you need help I don’t mind lending you my aid.” Of course, in true Black fashion, the idiot had to break the moment by wrapping his arm around Severus and bringing him to his side. Based on experience, the raven just let him. Last time he managed to get out of his hold, the alpha had bothered him for over an hour in which not only had Severus ended up being used as a pillow but had even found himself enjoying the feeling of running his fingers though Black’s curly hair.

After that, the curly raven had made it his mission to lay his head on his lap whenever Severus declined any physical contact. One way or another, Black ended up getting what he wanted and Severus, while grumbling, couldn’t help but indulge him.

Not all the time of course. When he really didn’t feel like touching anyone, he would ensure to put his foot down.

The scent of pinewood made him relax and unconsciously, he moved closer to Black. “Your theme is obsessive love right?” Severus nods, his head leaning towards the other boy’s shoulder. “Well, how about we look into different categories that it may represent.” From there they spend a couple of minutes looking at different symbolism and views. At some point, Black had taken off his leather jacket and placed it on the side of the sofa.

Severus had caught himself staring at Black’s arms before snapping out of it. It was to be expected that the alpha would have some muscle, he was in the rugby team after all. Still, the omega couldn’t help himself and when he was sure Black wasn’t looking, he would take a couple of glances. During all of this, Severus had to excuse himself to go check on Charity and Eileen. Once he ensured that both were alright, he went back to the living room.

Much to his surprise, Black was good when it came to thinking about symbolisms. He had helped Severus think outside the box and instead of focusing on art, to look for obsession in other places. “A good example I can give you is to look at animals. Many don’t think about it but they hold different meanings. For example a doe symbolizes purity, innocence, gentleness, intuition, and many other things.” 

Black had once again wrapped an arm around Severus’ shoulders when the omega came back. Severus hums as he listens, head turning to face the curly raven. “Maybe look into animals that can represent obsession or can resemble a part of obsession.” Black turned to look at him, his gray eyes clearer now that Severus was close enough to see them.

Severus had just blinked and a pair of soft lips kissed his chapped ones. The omega opened his eyes in surprise. Black had closed his eyes, dark eyelashes brushed against his sun kissed cheeks. The raven brought his hands up to the boy’s chest, ready to push him away. Yet, his hands went to his shoulders and simply held him there. Black took that as a good sign and added a bit more pressure to the kiss.

Severus had never kissed a person before, well he had kissed Potter but the rugby captain had been the one guiding him, so now that Black was kissing him, he was at a loss in what to do. Instead, he slowly closed his eyes and immediately, Black tilted his head to the side. Severus gasped as Black pushed him onto the sofa gently, neither pulling away. His lips had parted slightly, allowing Black to slip his tongue in.

His breath hitched, arms wrapping around the boy’s shoulders, not bringing him closer or pushing, just staying there. Black had quickly taken control, guiding Severus into the kiss. He could taste the chocolate cake they had eaten together, could even smell something close to smoke. Pinewood enveloped him as Severus returned the kiss hesitantly with his inexperience.

Black trailed his hands down, Severus tensed for a moment until the boy stopped and held his hips. Breaking the kiss, both boys panted, one looking down at the other with tenderness, the other looking up with hesitation.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.” Black broke the silence and smiled a little wobbly. “I’ve been meaning to do that since you opened the door.” Severus swallows, unsure of what to say. The kiss wasn’t bad, and even if it was, Severus had no previous experience to compare it. Black, while still impulsive, had not pushed for more. He had kissed him sure, but right now, with Severus under him, he was looking at him, waiting to see his reaction.

Throughout this whole ordeal, all three marauders had always toed the invisible line that Severus put in place. Never pushing hard but nudging softly, testing to see what they could do and what they couldn’t do. Without even realizing it, Severus had slowly expanded that line, had let not only Lupin latch onto the cracks of his walls but allowed Black and Potter to do the same.

Here he was, a boy who was known for allowing his emotions to guide every single action he did. A boy who never thinks before speaking or acting. A boy who was looking at Severus for permission, allowing Severus to set the pace. Something warm and frightening settled into his chest. It made him want to throw up and at the same time, pull Black close to him.

Not too long ago he had been telling himself that he wouldn’t get attached, that he would never let them in. Yet here he was, doing the opposite, daring to hope that maybe he could have this one thing. That maybe he was wanted for just being himself.

Just one glance into those gray eyes shattered whatever resolve he had. Would it be bad to have this? To be selfish for once? Charity would tell him to go for it, that he deserves to feel loved. That at the end of the day, he is the one making this decision, no one else.

Before he could back out or let those voices discourage him, Severus pulled Black down and kissed him. The alpha grunted in surprise but quickly recovered. The hands on his hips tighten. The knot he had been feeling on his chest slowly untangled, the pressure draining from his body. 

He could always figure out the rest along the way.

Chapter Text

When Mr. Burbage came back, both boys had silently put away Severus’ art supplies and textbook and went back to the living room to watch one of the movies Severus had rented a while back. They hadn’t said anything about what had happened, Black hadn't asked for more, only took what had been given to him. Even as the curly hair raven laid his head on Severus’ lap, Black was simply content with having the omega’s company.

Severus had expected for the alpha to demand more, to push and take. Hell, he had been prepared to kick him out if Black thought he was entitled to more. Instead, the boy only chuckled and asked if he could hold him for a while. Severus agreed, even going as far as to let Black scent him. They hadn’t spoken about the kisses or about what happens next, not for a while.

Mr. Burbage had found them like that, Black with his head on Severus’ lap, the omega running his fingers through the curly mess. The older man just smiled and went to check up on Charity and Eileen before going to the kitchen and putting away the groceries he bought. The only noise in the house was the tv and Mr. Burbage moving around in the kitchen. It was calm. 

Calm in a way that he never thought his house would be in.

If there was noise, it would usually be Tobias and Eileen fighting or Tobias breaking things in his anger. If there was no noise, it meant that his father was asleep and should not be awakened unless he wanted to deal with an angry and hungover alpha. Even now that his father was no longer in the picture, Severus couldn’t imagine his house being something safe.

Whenever he had Charity and Sinistra over, the atmosphere was light but it would only be temporary. Lily had known his history, what went on behind these four walls. She would sometimes come here when Tobias wasn’t home and even after he left, she wouldn’t stay for long. Severus couldn’t blame her, if he could he would have left a long time ago.

Now here he was, Black using his thighs as a pillow, both of them content with the peaceful atmosphere. 

For once, his house actually felt like home.

“What do you want to do?” Black asked after a while, his eyes focused on the tv. Severus didn’t need the alpha to elaborate on what he meant. “I don’t know…I’ve never been with anyone…much less three people.” The idea of having a partner had been just that, an idea. Severus never would have imagined that people would want to be with him and if they did, then it would be a matter of time before they left.

Having one person was already new territory, having three was being left stranded in the middle of the ocean. He had no idea what would happen next or what he should do next. He didn’t want to move too fast, even if he had allowed this for himself, it would be a long time before he even trusted them enough to see him bare. Not just in a physical sense, but in a sense where Severus would show them his soul.

The omega wasn’t the most attractive out there, he was skinny but in the way that his bones would show and even when he now ate a healthy amount, the malnourishment of his childhood had affected him as he grew. His hair may no longer be greasy but it wasn’t well cared for either. His skin was pale, sometimes even sickly. His nose was big and crooked, courtesy of his dad breaking it a number of times. His body was covered in multiple scars from the abuse, his back having the uglier ones.

Then there was his personality. Severus knows he can be crude, rude, and just downright unpleasant. Sometimes he lets poison leave his mouth when he feels cornered. In moments where he knows he needs to confront his emotions, he runs away in fear of the unknown. The omega would rather deal with the bad because that is all he knows. Love and kindness are foreign, even if he has friends who shower him with it.

The love that scares him the most is the one the three boys are offering him.

“We don’t have to move fast if you don’t want to. We’ve been patient and it has gotten us far.” Black spoke, his eyes on the omega. “I’m saying this for all three of us, we enjoy our time with you. We don’t expect you to open up out of the blue, not after everything we did. It won’t bother us if you want to take things slow.” From his position, the gray eyed boy lifted his hand and brushed a strand of hair behind Severus’ ear.

“If you want, you can call us by our names as a starter.” Black grinned and Severus huffed. He was still uncertain about this. So far, they all have kept their word and that has earned them a bit of trust at most. He hasn’t forgiven them completely, some things were harder to forgive than others. Maybe it wouldn’t work out in the end but he will never know if he didn’t try, right?

“Fine…Sirius.”

The reaction shouldn’t have surprised him in all honesty. Black-no, Sirius was and will always be impulsive. The alpha sat up and pulled him into a kiss. It was different from the other one yet it conveyed everything Sirius wanted him to know. Severus closed his eyes and returned it, his cheeks held by Sirius as he once again guided him. The kiss itself was innocent yet burning. It wasn’t full of lust but it made it clear that the alpha wanted him as a whole.

Pulling away, Sirius looked like Christmas had come early. “Severus.” He said softly, their noses brushing against each other. The omega couldn’t look away from those gray eyes, not even if he wanted to. Rubbing his thumb on the apple of his cheek, Sirius pulled him into a hug, his head buried on Severus’ scent gland. They didn’t say anything else, there was no need to.

Severus did the same and buried his head between Sirius’ neck and shoulder and allowed the scent of pinewood to lull him.

_____

“I’m sorry for not being as present as I should be dear.” Severus cleaned the corner of his mama’s lips after she finished the soup Mr. Burbage made for dinner. “It’s alright mama, you need your rest.” As the days went by, Eileen got weaker and weaker, she used to be able to stay awake for more than a couple of hours, now, she could barely keep her eyes open. The omega didn’t want to show his worry, if he did, Eileen would no doubt feel guilty. It wasn’t her fault, Severus has always expressed this but his mother never listened.

In a way, he did the same when she worried over him.

“I’ve heard from Luca and Sofia that you’ve changed packs, did something happen?” He paused for a moment, then placed the napkin by the empty bowl on the bedside table. Severus hadn’t kept her as informed as he should have. Much like his mother, he didn’t want to burden her with issues that have already been resolved. Especially with petty school yard fights.

What happened between Sinistra and himself had been his business, he didn’t want to drag his mother in it. Her health had taken a toll when she found out about his second attack, if he had told her about what Sinistra had said, no doubt she would worry herself even more. “Sinistra and I…had a falling out. It was nothing major, just a disagreement.” He could tell her half the truth, soften the blow.

Eileen narrowed her obsidian eyes, “If it was big enough to change packs, then it was something major.” Severus sighs softly, sometimes he forgot his mama tended to see things as they were. “It’s nothing. She had some opinions that Charity and I didn’t agree with. Po-James, I mean, took us in since…since we started to get along.” At this Eileen raised an eyebrow. 

Eileen knew about his history with the marauders, and had been there to see the effects it had on him. From childhood to young adulthood, his mother had been watching. Severus lost the amount of times she had been called by the school because Severus had gotten into another argument with one of the boys. The last time she had been called was before her health made her incapable of leaving the house. 

Sirius and Severus had gotten into another argument during class. The omega doesn't even know what the argument had been about or which class it had been during, maybe it was one of the lower art classes. The point was that the argument ended with both boys throwing paint at one another and with Sirius accidently hitting one of the other students with a half empty paint bucket. Severus hadn’t even been the one to start the fight yet was held responsible along with Sirius.

Eileen had shown up and as all the previous other times, she had defended him. During those times, Severus got to witness all the sharp angles and loud edges that made Eileen, Eileen. Sirius’ parents had also been called, he knows this because as both sat outside the Headmaster’s office, Severus could hear Walburga Black’s screeching.

That had been the first time Severus ever saw Sirius look and feel embarrassed. At that time, he didn’t care and used it as ammunition against the alpha. It got him more detentions but it was worth it.

“You and those…boys,” She scrunched her nose in distaste. “Are getting along now?” He nods. Eileen hums. “They are not forcing you, are they?” A flash of protectiveness and resentment passed the older beta’s face. Severus shakes his head again. “No, they apologized and I talked to them about…everything. They have stopped and have been watching over Charity and I.” He explained how they were civil, how despite them pulling pranks and jokes it was no longer directed at his expense.

Or anyone's expense really.

How all three of the alphas had expressed their desire to court him properly, starting by making up for their past actions. It was a long process, Severus had to get out of the habit of greeting their affection with words covered in blades. They didn’t seem to mind but over time, Severus couldn't help but feel a little pity when their smile would dim for a few seconds even when he told himself they didn’t deserve it.

They didn’t blackmail him or force him, they gave him the reins and respected his decisions. Eileen listened attentively, her face hiding what she was feeling but her eyes showing what wasn’t said.

“So, it’s true that those three boys finally matured?” Eileen spoke after Severus finished, hands on her lap. “Not fully, Sirius is still a mongrel but he’s gotten better. James is as impulsive as ever but has learned self restraint and Remus is starting to actually use his spine for once.” While they had proven some of their change, Severus wasn’t always going to sing them praises for the bare minimum. Eileen laughs softly, pride in her eyes.

“Well, if they are serious about courting you, then I have no objections. You are my son and in my eyes you will always be my little boy, but I can also see that you have grown and matured. You are capable of making your own decisions, even if your taste is…questionable.” Severus laughs at this, Eileen smiles. 

“Just know that I will be here, even if I no longer have the strength that I used to have, I will always defend you. So don’t hesitate to let me know if either of them hurt you.” She holds his hands in her fragile yet warm ones. “There will always be more people. If your relationship with them doesn't work out, don’t let it drag you down. Sometimes, love is like that. It burns you, both in a good and bad way.” Her eyes hold a distant memory, probably when she had first met Tobias.

“Don’t repeat my mistake, Severus. Respect yourself, if it later on shows that the relationship is not working, don’t force it. Nothing good comes from that. All you can do is move on, let it be a beautiful chapter in your book. Trust me, you would rather it end with the good memories than let it spoil to the point it holds nothing but pain. The goodbye will be painful, but it doesn't mean that you won’t be able to love again.”

Severus bites his tongue, a knot forming on his throat. Eileen’s eyes shine with unshed tears, her hold reassuring. “I wished I had someone who told me this, maybe if I did I wouldn’t have put us both in so much pain.” A tear left her eye, her smile now full of sorrow. “I will be that person to you, Severus. Don’t break yourself for anyone.” 

All the worry and uncertainty he had about being with James, Sirius, and Remus quiet down. He knows it will be a long process, from accepting them fully to finally opening himself to them. Severus doesn't know how long it would take, but now that his mama had reassured him, and spoke the words he didn’t know he needed, the omega was sure that even if it took long, if they cared, those three would wait.

His biggest fear among many was taking this leap of faith and without even knowing, Eileen had given him the reassurance he craved.

Clearing her throat, Eileen pulled away and wiped her eyes. “Now, I hear that trouble maker Black is here.” Severus nods, allowing himself a couple of seconds to compose himself and letting his mama do the same. “Can you bring him to me? I wish to have a few words with him.” The omega furrowed his eyebrows and Eileen rolled her eyes in good nature at his confusion.

“I may trust you to make your own decisions, however I am still your mother. I need to ensure Black is good enough for you. Of course, no one is. But I still need to have a talk with him, especially now that you have accepted the courtship.” 

“Mama, I’m sure you don’t need to-”

“I do. Since he is here, I might as well talk to him first.”

Once again, he got a look into who Eileen used to be. Her obsidian eyes held her determination. Once she got her mind on something, it was impossible to change it. Severus sighs. For a small moment, he felt bad for Sirius. To think he would be the first one to receive the shovel talk.

“Alright, let me get him.” Standing up, he gave Eileen a kiss on the forehead and took the empty plates with him. Sirius and Mr. Burbage were in the kitchen, the older omega drying the plates while Sirius washed them. Both of them turned to him, halting their conversation as the omega placed the dirty dishes on the sink. “How is Eileen?” Mr. Burbage asked.

“Better than in the morning. She managed to eat the soup and is awake right now.” The man nods with a relieved smile. “That’s good, there is still more of that soup for tomorrow.” Severus nods and turns to Sirius. “I will take it from here, she wants to speak to you.” Sirius frowns, “She…wants to speak to me?”

“She knows about the courtship and wishes to have a word with you.”

At this, Mr. Burbage laughs. “My, already getting the shovel talk? Good luck, when Sofia had to speak to my parents, it lasted for hours.” For the first time, Severus saw actual fear in Sirius’ gray eyes. The omega bit back a laugh. “Don’t worry too much. She just wants to ask a few questions, maybe even threaten you.”

“Threaten me?!”

Severus rolls his eyes, a barely visible grin on his face. “Don’t sound shocked, at some point she was going to talk to the three of you. You just happened to be the first one within reach.” The alpha gulps, “I-I didn’t bring anything for her though. It’s good manners to bring something for the parents.”

“Just give her a slice of the chocolate cake you brought, she will like it.” Not that food bribing will buy her. Eileen was intending to fully intimidate Sirius and Severus was going to enjoy it while laughing with Charity once he told her. The curly hair raven sighs nervously as he dries his hands. “Maybe next time I come over I can bring something more appropriate. Crap, if I knew this was going to happen I would have dressed nicer.”

Severus and Mr. Burbage share a look of amusement while watching Sirius cut a slice of cake and place it on a plate. “Does she like tea or coffee? Maybe milk?”

“Bring her water, her stomach is still sensitive.” Added the older omega helpfully. Sirius nods and fills a glass of water. Severus guides him to his mama’s room, the other boy looking as if Severus was sending him into a battle arena unprepared. “Don’t worry, she won't eat you alive.” 

She will, not that Severus was going to tell him. He liked watching Sirius squirm.

Taking a deep breath, the alpha nods. “Alright, are you going to come with me?” Severus shakes his head. “She wants to speak to you alone.” Sirius turned pale. “Alone…” He looked at Severus helplessly. 

Feeling pity, Severus pulled him into a quick kiss. “There, a good luck kiss or whatever you want to call it” Ignoring his blush, the omega turned away and knocked on the door before opening it. “Here he is mama.” He gestured for the alpha to go in and he did, still nervous but not as pale. Eileen narrowed her eyes on the younger boy, Severus took that as his sign to leave.

Surprisingly the conversation didn’t last longer than thirty minutes. During that time, Severus had waited in the living room while Mr. Burbage went to check on Charity once they finished the dishes. It was rather quiet and despite having his mother talk to Sirius, he didn’t feel nervous about it. Why should he when Eileen was just making sure Sirius, James, and Remus were adequate (her words) for him?

It was her way of protecting him. Of ensuring that he didn’t end up in her position in the near future.

By the time Sirius came out, he looked winded. He gave Severus a small smile as he came back into the living room. “She’s going to sleep.” Gathering his leather jacket, the alpha put it on before giving Severus a hug. “Your mom is terrifying. Didn’t expect her to interrogate me like that, almost makes me feel bad for Prongs and Moony.” He chuckles and the omega hums.

“What did she tell you?”

“That she will neuter me or send someone to neuter me if I step out of line.”

Sirius laughs, “I can see where you got your bite from.” Pulling away, the alpha’s smile softened. “I wish I could stay the night but I have a feeling I already overstayed my welcome. Mrs. Snape doesn't like me much and I’m not trying to give her more reasons to add to my list.”

“Even if you manage to get in her good graces, she will still hold some dislike towards you.” Though that is to be expected. Eileen had never liked the three boys from the moment they started to bully him. Now that they were trying to make up for it won’t change her mind. Sirius rubs the back of his neck, “Yeah that’s on me. She didn’t hold back when telling me all my flaws and failures.”

He could imagine. 

“Anyways, I should go before Mr. Burbage tells her I stayed for longer than she will approve.” Pausing, the alpha pressed his lips together and gave Severus a quick kiss on the cheek. The omega fought back a blush. He wasn’t sure if he would ever get used to how affectionate Sirius could be. “Do you want me to fill in the other two?”

“No, I’ll speak to them myself.”

Sirius nods, “Alright. I’ll see if I can drop by tomorrow. Now that school is canceled I have more free time. Or do you have work?”

“Not tomorrow, free day.” Mrs. Longbottom had always given Severus two days off after his heat. She said it was because omegas tended to still be sensitive about their environments and their bodies were getting their senses back in order. In other words, she was too proud to say that she cared about his health. “I’ll see if I can come by, I want to check on Regulus tomorrow. God knows how long my parents will keep me there.”

With a few more parting words, both of them say their goodbyes. Severus walks Sirius out and locks the door once the alpha gives him one last kiss. He waits a couple of minutes as he hears Sirius’ motorcycle drive off, then goes to his room.

Once he is there, he can’t stop himself from smiling.

_____

From what Sirius had told him about his parents, Severus wasn’t surprised when the gray eyed boy called him early in the morning to tell him he wasn’t going to be able to drop by. Apparently they had overheard Regulus and Sirius speaking about the alpha’s courtship and got hysterical. 

He had also expected that in all honesty.

The Black family was known for their wealth, power, and unsavory views of those they consider less than. He could only imagine how they reacted when Sirius told his brother about Severus finally allowing him to properly court him.

It should make him feel negative about this, about Sirius and how his parents reacted.

He didn’t.

It was almost funny when he thought about it. The older Black couple probably had multiple marriage candidates for Sirius and were horrified to learn that their eldest son had chosen a boy with nothing to his name. It was even funnier when he thought of how Tobias would have reacted to knowing Severus was being courted by a Potter and a Black. Despite what many thought, his father would never allow Severus to be courted by people with money and power.

Tobias had always made his hate for the prominent families well known. He hated how they looked down on others, how they thought they were better, how rich they were. He always told Severus to stay away from them, hell, he had a fit when he found out Severus used to play with both James and Sirius as kids.

Now here he was, allowing not one but two alphas from prominent families to court him. Severus is sure not even Remus would have been safe from Tobias’ wrath. His father hated anyone that was better off than them yet did nothing to better their situation. If the omega had brought Remus and introduced him, he is sure Tobias would have kicked him out just because he was everything he envied.

Not that it matters. Tobias is gone and his opinion will never matter.  

Severus told Sirius it was fine, that he had plans anyways and probably won’t be at home for a while. The alpha sounded exhausted as another screaming match ensured in the background. With a hasty good bye, Sirius hung up. Severus had not been lying when he said he had things to do. He would have gone to the library but the area was closed down.

Severus didn’t even want to take a look, not if it meant seeing the blood out in the parking lot. People online were already taking pictures and uploading them. Severus had ended up seeing one while using the only family computer they had. Safe to say he didn’t want to see the thing in real life. He could still smell the blood in the alleyway, it was hard enough sleeping with the nightmares he got, he wasn’t about to add new ones.

He could have stopped by the movie rental but no doubt it was close since Mrs. Longbottom had yet to get another worker. There wasn’t much to do in town and if Severus had his way, he would have stayed home but Mr. Burbage had made it clear he wanted the omega to get out and get fresh air.

So he settled for going to the grocery store. Not because he needed to restock the fridge, Mr. Burbage already did that yesterday. He was hoping to make Eileen something special for dinner, maybe even bake a dessert. It would only take a couple of days before Legacy Hospice reached out and confirmed the application. Severus wanted to spend as much time with his mother as possible. 

Cooking and baking together was something they used to do whenever Tobias was out of the house or when it was either of their birthdays. It may not have been something big or fancy but it was theirs. Even if Eileen could no longer bake or cook with him, Severus was sure she would feel the sentiment behind the gesture. In a way, it was his goodbye to her. It will no doubt hurt when the day comes but at the very least he would give her some good last memories.

Severus had hoped to spend the day with Sirius (he never thought he would ever say that in his life) or Charity but both of them were out. James and Remus were also a good option but he didn’t know where Remus lived or what he was doing while James was still under house arrest. The omega just wanted a distraction from all his depressing thoughts. Hell, even Peter would have been a good option.

Unfortunately it seemed he was going to have to distract himself.

That was how he found himself in the bread aisle, scanning to see if he could spot his mama’s favorite raisin bread. He had to agree with Charity’s dad, he had a point about getting fresh air. While walking to the store, he had gotten a clear head and even entertained the idea of stopping by the park he frequented with Lily in the past. Maybe swing by the art supply store and see if there were any new items on display.

Grabbing the bread, the omega put it on the cart and left the aisle. He had already gotten the majority of what he would need along with a couple of snacks for himself and Eileen. Humming under his breath, he thought about getting more popcorn since he was sure Charity would want to have a movie marathon once her heat was over.

Severus had put it aside for so long mainly because he knew that they wouldn’t get a good night's sleep and because both omegas would end up neglecting any homework they had. Now that school was canceled, even if it was for bad reasons (serial killer), they could afford to sleep in and not worry about assignments. Stopping by the chip aisle, Severus took a moment to observe his options.

Charity liked the sour chips, especially when it had lemon. She could always eat the plain ones but complained about them not being satisfying. He grabbed a big sized lemon chip bag and put it in the cart before grabbing spicy ones for himself. His hand automatically went to the plain chips before he stopped himself.

Sinistra liked the plain chips because in the end, all three of them ended up sharing their snacks. Lemon mixed with spicy ended up being a combo that had their mouths all watery, the plain chips would help balance it out. The dark skin alpha would always pick the plain chips because she knew that it would help alleviate some of the spicy and lemon combo. Even when she preferred spicy foods herself, she was always looking after them.

Severus pulled his hand away as if had been burned.

He tried not to show it often, but old habits die hard. It had been the same when Lily and he stopped being friends. Before Charity and Sinistra came into his life, Lily and he would have movie marathons, especially around the time Tobias permanently left. The red hair beta would come by, sometimes with Petunia, and bring snacks. Petunia couldn’t handle horror movies like Lily so Severus would make sure to have comedy and romance available whenever the blonde omega came by.

They had not been a pack but to Severus, it had been the closest thing he had to one. Petunia had not liked him at the beginning. Like many of the other townspeople who tended to stay away from him because of Tobias. However, once Lily had forced her to hang out with him, she had become like an older sister.

Being the only omega in his life, Petunia had taught him about heats and nesting. She had guided him and Severus had grown to trust her over time. Lily had been happy when they managed to get along, it had been one of her wishes after all.

When they fell out, Severus had to adjust to his life without the two sisters. It had been hard, especially when he would be watching movies by himself, waiting for the two girls to come only to realize that they no longer would. Even after Lily and he spoke, the friendship had been over for good.

It was the same with Sinistra.

Here he was, about to grab the usual chips he got for her only to stop himself. When he was in his classes, especially the ones in which they both shared, he would save a seat for her. He was only reminded of their fall out when she sat somewhere else. The marauders or Charity would take the seat next to him, the blonde girl with understanding in her blue eyes. Other times, both omegas would automatically go to their old lunch table only to be stopped when they saw other people there and Sinistra nowhere in sight.

It was small habits that brought that awful pain in his chest. Even as he slowly got used to the marauders, he still felt like he was missing someone in his pack. He knows it will go away with time, (it was a lie, he sometimes still misses Lily and Petunia), he just needed to stop thinking about the alpha.

“Your taste in chips changed.”

Severus jolted as a familiar voice broke him out of his thoughts. Red hair entered the corner of his vision and the familiar ponytail Lily always wore greeted him. “No, it’s still the same.” He answered, looking away from the beta next to him. Lily hummed, her green eyes scanning the selection before her. 

Severus already knew she was going to pick barbeque flavor.

Lily reached for the barbeque flavor and added it to the red basket she had with her.

They stayed silent, Severus not knowing what to say. It wasn’t unusual for them to bump into one another out in public. However, whenever it did happen, Lily would immediately go the other way. This was the first time she actually spoke to him herself. The omega was at a loss in what to say. 

“I already knew that Potter, Black, and Lupin would start courting you before the year ended. Whether they knew that themselves, I don’t know.”

“What?”

Lily scoffs, a small smile on her lips once she turns to face him. “I see the way those three look at you. Whenever Potter came towards us both and did his usual foolery, he would always focus on your reaction. At first I thought he bothered you to get a reaction out of me until I saw that he would always have his eyes on you. Whether it was him flirting with me or him pulling a prank, his eyes were always trained on you.”

She turns to grab another bag of chips, this one for Petunia based on the fact that they were the salty ones. “Then there was Black. Much like Potter, he always tried to get a reaction out of you. He was easier to figure out, especially after seeing his reaction to when another person would catch your attention.” She laughed, “Lupin was also obvious, whenever you talked about a novel or a movie you saw, he would always come and ask me about it and where he could purchase them”

“They always had a fixation on you, everyone could see that. Though, majority always said it was a rivalry, I always saw it as three desperate alphas wanting the attention of an omega who could care less about them. So it didn’t come as a surprise to me when they changed their tune. At least they were smart enough to realize that they wouldn’t get a chance with you with the way they were acting.”

Severus felt his face heat up, eyes wide at the revelation Lily had just given him. The beta just smirks, “And now you are in their pack. I gotta say, they move quickly.” Severus scoffed, knowing his already red face gave away what he was thinking. “They are still mongrels.” Lily hums. “Sure, mongrels who may have already taken hold of your heart.”

If there was one thing Lily and Charity shared was the ability to read him like a book.

Severus rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell them that, it may inflate their already inflated ego.” The beta giggles and nods before her expression turns somber. “Sev…” Severus tensed. The only people who ever called him that was Charity and Sinistra along with the other three marauders. Lily had stopped after their fight, she only ever called him Snape after. 

“I was there when Sinistra…when she said all those things.”

The grip on her basket tightened, green eyes bright with anger. “It was awful, what she said. She had no right in calling you those names or speaking about you or Burbage in such a way.” Severus swallowed, while it was heartwarming hearing someone other than Charity stand up on his behalf, he also couldn’t help feeling weird about it, even if it was Lily.

“I had wanted to speak to you, ask if you were alright but I couldn’t find the courage to approach you. Especially with three guard dogs around you.” Both of them chuckle at that. “Call me a coward, but I was scared that you would turn me away the way I did. I wouldn’t even be mad because I would understand. You would have every right to ignore me, especially when I was allowed to say my part and I wouldn’t let you do the same.”

Severus opened his mouth to tell her that she also had every right to ignore him. He had started the fight, he had said such cruel words, insinuated stuff he knew damn well she never would be or do but she continued talking. “I think, if anything, I had been feeling insecure about the people you were talking to. I don’t like Rosier, yet I know you didn’t speak to him because you wanted to. You were tutoring him and pretty much didn’t have an option. I was afraid he would sway you to his side, but it’s stupid now that I think about it.” She lets out a bitter laugh. “You hate it when people only see you as an omega and not just as a person in general. Rosier is the opposite of what you want for yourself”

“My point is, I’m sorry. I know I already said it when we parted ways but after what happened with Sinistra and everything, I still wanted to say sorry. I was in the wrong too, for not defending you as much as I should have, for always trying to paint the marauders in a good light when if I had been in your shoes, I would also be angry at you if you did the same. I didn’t even do it because I like Potter like that. I already knew he liked you and thought that if I tried to show you that he wasn’t so bad, maybe you would see him differently. It’s stupid I know, especially now that they got their act together.”

Severus could only stay still and listen. Even after they spoke after their fight, Lily hadn’t said much there. They had apologized, yes, but the wounds were too deep to even speak properly from both ends. Severus spoke his part but kept it short in fear that the beta would leave midway. Lily also kept it short and the omega always thought it was because she didn’t want to be in his presence anymore. Maybe she had felt the same fear, that he would walk away before she could finish.

Severus wouldn’t do that to her. Never. No matter how angry he was at her for trying to paint the marauders in a good light or compare them to Rosier and tell him that they were the better choice in friends. The raven never understood why Lily thought that he would ever be friends with Rosier. He didn’t even like the alpha in that way. Mulciber was the same, all Severus saw in them was another person to tutor.

“You're right, I was mad at you for defending those three idiots.” Lily flinches but Severus continues. “But I was also sad that you would take their side. After everything they did, I thought maybe you would see that they weren't all that good.” He sighs. “I forgive you Lily. I know that you only had your best interest at heart. Plus, it would be weird if I didn’t forgive you considering who I am letting court me.”

Those were not the words he planned to say, especially with how much consideration Lily put in her speech. He just didn’t want her to be sad, he hates seeing her like that. Both stared at each other, then burst out laughing. It felt good, laughing with Lily like this again. Don’t get him wrong, he also has good laughs with Charity but they will always be two different people.

Lily had been there from the beginning. Charity had been there at his worst and stayed. Both girls are important to him and no one could ever replace them.

“Sorry for laughing.” She wiped a tear from her eyes, face flushed. “I didn’t know how much I missed this.” Severus shrugged, smiling at her. “It’s fine, glad that it gave us this result.”

“But really, are you alright? After you were attacked and with what Sinistra said…have you been alright?” Lily had always been like this. No matter how much gossip was in town, she always worried about the person the gossip was about. Not because she wanted more information but because she genuinely worried over the person. Severus was glad she still had that gentleness in her. 

“I’m fine. It has been…a lot but I guess thanks to…James I haven’t been bothered that much.” Never thought those words would ever leave his mouth. “Don’t tell him I said that.” Lily just chuckles. “Do…do you want to start over?” Her green eyes held hope, Severus couldn’t be the one to crush it. Not when this is something that he had also wanted even when they walked their separate paths. He nods, “Let’s start over.” He may have lost Sinistra, but had gained so many things he never thought he would ever get to experience. 

He was still nervous about being with Remus, James, and Sirius but he wanted to believe in them. Just this once.

Now Lily was here, wanting to be friends again.

He was never one to take leaps of faith, not with his luck. But now, he would take one if it meant he could have Lily back in his life.

_____

“Severus?”

“Remus?”

Both boys stared at each other, surprised. After shopping with Lily, they both paid for their things and promised to catch up sometime before walking their separate ways. Severus hadn’t bought much and the majority of what he got was light, his plan was to walk home carrying the bags. That was when he came across Remus exiting the hardware store, a large machete still with its plastic cover and a white plastic bag in his hand.

“Did…did you just call me Remus?”

“Why are you carrying a machete?”

They spoke at the same time, Severus with a raised eyebrow and Remus with a blush on his face. “Yes, I said your first name considering that you are courting me, right?”

“Courting? Wait, you accept the courting?!” For a moment Severus could imagine Remus having a tail that was wagging at full speed. He would have rolled his eyes at the blonde’s reaction, and he almost did before he remembered that Remus and James didn’t know about him accepting the courting. Right, he did tell Sirius that he was going to speak to the other two himself.

Looking at his surroundings, the omega huffs. He would have preferred having this conversation somewhere else, someplace more private. Should he invite the alpha to his house? He looked at the machete Remus was holding and winced, no. If Mr. Burbage or his mother saw that they would think the alpha was trying to kill someone. That wouldn’t do well for a good first impression.

Yes, as much as he had not liked Remus in the past, he still wanted him to have a good impression on Eileen. Because whether he wanted to admit it or not, Severus does like Remus as much as he likes James and Sirius. It was hard admitting it already, especially with all the history they had but he wanted to make it work.

“Follow me.” Not waiting to see if Remus does follow him, Severus turned around and headed towards the same park the alpha had found him on that December day. They don’t speak along the way, but the omega could tell the green eyed boy was looking at him the whole way there. Once they arrived, Severus placed his bags on the bench near the swings and sat on one of them.

Remus did the same, both boys gently swung back and forth, the squeaking of the swings being the only sound in the park other than the chirping of the birds. Gathering his thoughts, the omega begins to speak. “So, what’s with the machete?” That was not what he was going to originally ask but he also didn’t like how tense the atmosphere felt.

“My dad asked me to buy one. The one he originally used went missing and since he needs it for yard work, he asked me to go buy a new one.” The question must have been cleared in his face because Remus chuckled. “Our backyard is next to the small forest behind it. Sometimes the greenery there is too thick to cut by hand.”

That made sense. “I’m guessing you also bought more gardening supplies then.” The boy rubs the back of his neck, “Y-Yeah. Just a couple of items that will come in handy.” Clearing his throat, Remus gestured to Severus’ grocery bags. “Are you going to bake or cook something?”

“It’s for my mother. I want to make her something before…before sending her away.” Even saying it out loud was difficult. It sounded as if he was abandoning her even when it wasn’t the truth. If he could, he would keep her with him until she could no longer hold on to life. She was the only person he had left, his only family by blood.

Her old family, the Prince family, never cared about her after she married Tobias. They had searched for her when she ran away, but once they found out she married an alpha with no name or money, they just cut her out. Even after Severus was born, not once did they contact her. He knows that Eileen reached out to them when Tobias began his abuse one time, that had been the last time too.

They made it clear they wanted nothing to do with her or him by extension. The omega knows that once Eileen passes, they won’t even bother to reach out to him. He knows he has Charity and her family along with Lily now that she wants to start over, hell, he probably also has the three marauders in his corner. It was different when it came to blood families. Severus never got to meet his grandparents on either side.

The only family that was related to him was Eileen. Maybe it was better that way. If Eileen’s parents had cut her off completely simply for marrying someone they didn’t deem fit (even if they were right, they didn’t like Tobias for a whole different reason) then they wouldn’t care for Severus one bit.

“Send her away?” He asked, lime green looking at him with worry. Severus nods. “I can’t take care of her on my own anymore. I talked to her about it and decided it was best to send her to Legacy Hospice . The nursing home near town.” Glancing at Remus, he paused. The alpha looked pale. “Are you alright?”

“Are you sending her to Legacy Hospice ?”

“Yes? It’s the closest nursing home here.” Not to mention, the cheapest one. Even if he was no longer on talking terms with Sinistra, he could guarantee Eileen’s comfort. The alpha pressed his lips together, eyes narrowing for a brief moment before it turned into a smile. The omega could only stare in confusion and a little apprehension. What was that about? 

“Sorry, it’s just that I’m surprised you chose that place considering what happened with Sinistra.”

“Trust me, it isn’t my first pick but I can’t afford to be picky. If it means my mother can have a peaceful stay then I can ignore whatever happened with Sinistra.”

Remus nods and changes the subject. “About you calling me by my first name, not that I don’t like it! I do!” Once again, the alpha turned into a soft shade of red. Severus huffs in amusement. Right, he brought the boy here to speak about that. “I spoke to Sirius yesterday. I…agreed to the courtship since the three of you have kept your word so far.” He kicked a bit of dirt with the toe of his shoe.

“I told him not to tell you because I wanted to speak to you and James first. I am still uncertain about the whole thing but you haven’t proven me wrong so far…I hope you don’t prove me wrong.” He mumbled the last part and averted his eyes, feeling how his face heated up. It still felt weird being this open with any of them.

Sirius had read him like a book yesterday, even told him that all three of them wouldn’t mind taking things slow. But how could he be sure about Remus and James? He knows James is a person who goes fast and Remus may take his time but at some point he might also want to speed things up.

A warm pair of hands get a hold of his face and Severus only has time to widen his eyes before a pair of soft lips touch his own. The omega blinks in surprise, staring at Remus’ face. His eyes were close, blonde hair touched a bit of his face. His scent was strong but not bitter. It reminded him of the cake Sirius’ got him yesterday. Slowly, Severus closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Remus’ neck to bring him close.

Since the alpha had gotten up from his swing, he had to bend down in order to kiss Severus who was still seated. It should have made him feel cornered, trapped. Remus hovering over him didn’t make him feel in danger. Severus felt comfort, safety even. He held the omega as if he was something divine, something that had to be handled with care. If it had been anyone else, Severus would have felt offended. He isn’t fragile or made out of glass to be treated in such a way.

Remus didn’t make him feel like that. He was careful, touching softly not out of fear of hurting him, but to convey how he felt. The kiss with Sirius was different from this one, while Sirius pushed his emotions into the kiss, everything he couldn’t say but wanted Severus to know, Remus’ kiss was reassuring, warm and soothing.

Severus likes both kisses.

He doesn't know how long they kissed, it could have been hours or minutes. All Severus knows is that he liked the feeling of Remus and his scent. Breaking the kiss, Remus brought him into his arms, Severus had to stand up for that but didn’t mind, he returned the hug. The alpha hummed, nosing the crook of his neck and shoulder.

“I promise that I won’t prove you wrong. I’m so glad you accepted Severus.” Remus had said his name on multiple occasions. The first time had Severus feeling weird, now he could understand why. He liked hearing the alpha say it. Severus hums in response and buries his head on Remus’ neck scent gland.

He was glad he decided to go out today. Now all he had to worry about was talking to James.

_____

Mike had hoped to speak to Severus after Mrs. Rosier managed to get him out of police custody. Not to get after him or ask why the omega had singled him out as the killer. Mike didn’t hold any anger or resentment towards Severus, he understood that the boy was scared and with all the evidence planted against him, it was only natural to assume Mike had been Ghostface. 

His first thought had been to visit Severus, but he didn’t know his address. He then thought about waiting at the movie rental and seeing if he could speak to him. Anything to clear up the misunderstanding. If that didn’t work, then he could call the omega. Mike knew his phone number, Severus had written it down in case he was needed for an extra shift.

However Mrs. Rosier was against it. She claimed that if he did any of the above, Severus would have more of a reason to doubt him. As of now, his word was why the public had painted him as Ghostface. If Mike tried to reach out, it would look as if the alpha was trying to get in his good graces to clear his name or worse, threaten him.

Mike didn't like his current options but couldn’t do anything against them. All he wanted to do was clear his name with both the public and Severus. If he could just speak to the omega, tell him his side of the story, then everything would go back to normal. Mike wouldn’t need to look over his shoulder to see if a reporter was following him or if one of the townspeople was tracking him because they couldn’t trust him.

Fuck, he couldn’t even go out to his backyard without the neighbors ushering their kids back indoors while glaring at him. It had all been so shocking to experience. Back when Mike and his parents had just moved in, everyone had been welcoming. Some of the neighbors even came by to give them housewarming gifts and offer their assistance in case they needed anything.

Now they all avoided the Smith family like the plague.

His poor parents, thought to be on his side, also suffered the same treatment. His mother had been kicked out of her book club and the few friends she had made dropped her. His father’s job had requested for him to leave for a few days. He wasn’t fired, they only just requested for him to work from home until everything blew over. This only fed to the guilt he already felt. They weren’t to blame for any of this.

All the stress of being cooped up indoors built over the days. Mike couldn't go out, whatever friends he had no longer wanted anything to do with him, he didn’t want to worry his parents even more by talking about his feelings. The only thing he could do was watch the tv or read the news. It wasn’t any better when all he saw and heard were people speaking about him as if he were a demon. 

Then the attacks against those three people made everything worse. All of the sudden, it was as if the public didn’t even need evidence and were certain Mike was Ghostface. Going onto his laptop to check any news was a no go unless he felt like watching his whole name be dragged into the darkest pits of hell.

Mrs. Rosier had called him that night and told him to say nothing. She hadn’t spoken much to him, her attention more on her son. Mike felt guilty, he didn’t attack the boy or the other two people but for some reason, he couldn’t help but feel bad. The alpha was surprised the older alpha hadn’t believed the media at this point. Surely, she would turn against him at some point. Mike tried not to think about it too much, Mrs. Rosier was the only one that seemed to be on his side outside of his parents. Mike can’t lose his trust in her, not when the whole world seemed against him.

Not knowing what else to do, he agreed to stay quiet when the police came to interrogate him. They held him for a few hours before letting him go once they saw that his alibi was solid. When he came out of the police station, reporters were already there. The flashes and bright lights directed at him made Mike feel like he was drowning. Some of the officers had to literally push the media to make way for him.

He was supposed to stay indoors for the next few days, Mike had intended to stay indoors until it was safe to come out. The alpha managed to do that for three hours after he woke up. Without telling his parents, he snuck out through his window and decided to take a walk by the park he sometimes passed by on his way to work. He knows it’s a bad idea, that if someone sees him, it could be worse for him. But he couldn’t stay locked indoors for one more minute. It drove him crazy seeing his house walls which didn’t make sense since he lives there.

He guesses that the difference now was that Mike would stay indoors on his own will, this time, it's because he didn’t have a choice. Even now, with a hoodie covering his head, he couldn’t even enjoy the fresh air. These past few days he couldn’t sleep or eat much. Everywhere he turned, news and more news about him came to light. Some of it wasn’t even real! At this point, people didn’t even call him Mike but Ghostface. 

He was tired and just wanted this nightmare to end.

Taking a turn, Mike sighs and immediately stops.

These past couple of days have been a nightmare. It was always something bad going on and he was in the center of it without wanting to. The only thing that kept him awake was that Severus wasn’t getting hunted down by Ghostface, that the omega fortunately had good friends. Call him a love sick idiot, he doesn't care. He knows Severus would understand his situation once he explained everything.

He didn’t hope that Severus would like him back, even if he wished for it. Things could be taken slow, he could start by clearing his name and then becoming friends again. Some would call him stupid for waiting so long, but he didn’t care. Slow and steady always wins the race, right?

That’s what he wanted to believe in.

The sight before him felt like watching a car crash happen in slow motion.

Severus was in the arms of another boy, one Mike had seen a few times in the movie rental. He would come by and stay for a few minutes, sometimes he wouldn’t even take out a movie. Other times, he would come by with two other guys, those times Severus would groan and go to the back to let Mike deal with them. The alpha never questioned why the omega didn’t seem to like them. Severus didn’t  like many people anyway.

The more Mike looked at the blonde boy, the more he realized that he knew him. Not by name but by face. It was the same boy who had given Severus a chocolate bar, the same one Mike had asked the raven about and the omega had told him that they weren’t friends. Now here he was, watching as the blonde alpha kissed Severus. Mike almost expected for the boy to push the other one away.

To slap him, to tell him off and run away.

Severus didn’t do that. The omega leaned into the kiss, his arms wrapped around the other boy.

Mike had always wondered what heartbreak would feel like.

Now he knows.

Lime green eyes opened and stared directly at Mike. The alpha was still frozen on his spot, fist tightening to the point they felt numb. Something in him rumbled, it itched to both run and fight. The blonde boy’s eyes narrowed, mirth and triumph flashing in his eyes. He broke the kiss and nosed the omega’s neck, Severus buried his face onto the other’s scent gland.

“Let me drive you home.”

“Hm? You had your truck with you?”

The boy laughs softly, “Yeah, since the walk here wasn’t long I left it in the store’s parking lot.” Severus scoffs before lightly hitting the boy’s shoulder. “Idiot, you could have told me that you brought your truck.” They bicker for a while, but it was tender and lacked any fire. Mike couldn’t see the omega’s face, but he could tell Severus was content. “Sorry love, I’ll let you know next time we run into each other.”

Severus hits him again.

With an arm wrapped around Severus’ waist, the blonde teen guides the raven out of the park. Mike watches as they leave, heartbroken and something else he couldn’t name. He doesn't know how long he stayed there, didn’t even care. In a way he was happy that Severus found someone who he loves, yet it still hurt. Mike had never liked anyone as much as he liked Severus. Even when they first met and the omega had looked unimpressed, the alpha had made it his mission to befriend him.

He ended up falling for him.

“Are you going to stand there all day or what?”

Flinching, he turned around and met the eyes of Aurora Sinistra. The sight of the girl would have been shocking if it weren’t for the way she looked. Sinistra could be the definition of tired. Her eyebags were horrible, eyes red from lack of sleep, her skin despite being dark looked shades lighter in an unhealthy way and her usual braided hair was now unkept. All in all, she looked like a mess.

Mike shouldn’t be talking, he was sure he also looked like a mess too.

“I need to speak to you, Smith.” Shaking his head, Mike gave her a glare that lacked fire. Was Sinistra here to take her anger out on him? Did she also believe he was Ghostface? She had been attacked by the killer, maybe she thought she could confront Mike. Was she looking for revenge on Severus’ behalf as well?

Sinistra rolled her eyes while crossing her arms. “I’m not here to pick a fight. I know you're not Ghostface.”

“What-”

“However, there is a reason why he chose you as an escape goat and I need those answers.” She glanced around. “I can’t tell you much out here, but if you want to clear your name, then I suggest you help me.”

“How do I know you're telling the truth? What are you going to get out of it?” He wants to believe her, to grab the help she is providing. Anything to clear his name, but for all he knows, Sinistra could just be looking to get even. Mike doesn't even know her that well, how can he be sure that she could actually provide the help to clear his name. And even if she could, Sinistra must want something in return.

Whatever it may be, Mike can tell the prize will be steep. Would she demand money? There was no need for that, everyone, even his own family, knew that the Sinistras were well off. Her father is a doctor, her mother worked closely with the police because she did autopsies. Both of her parents owned a nursing home that many people boasted about. Sinatra had to want something else, something more valuable than money.

The alpha huffs, brown eyes tired. “Answers for one. Trust me, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t be here asking you of all people to help me. I won’t ask for much, just your cooperation and to keep everything under wraps.” Rubbing her eyes, Sinistra presses her lips together in thought. “I know it’s not you, I can’t tell you out here in the open but if you agree to help me, I will tell you all I know. Not only that, but you can also clear your name and even make up with Severus.” She winced at the end, no doubt she probably saw Severus with that other guy.

Mike looked away, “Why help me? Aren't you supposed to be Severus’ packmate?” Sinistra flinched. “N…Not anymore. He’s in Potter’s pack now.”

“What?!”

“Didn’t you know?”

Mike shakes his head. These last few days all he could ever think about was how people quickly pointed at him as the killer. He couldn’t even go online without seeing people drag his name through the mud. Sinistra sighs, “I am offering to help you because you will also help me. I’m not doing this only for you, but for Severus and Charity. I know asking you to trust me out of the blue is suspicious, especially when we don’t even know each other. But if you want to catch this fucker and clear your name, I am your best bet.”

He still had questions, but the look in Sinistra’s eyes stopped him from asking them at that moment. He was desperate, just as she was. Sinistra was the only one who believed in his innocence, she was confident in it. Because if she weren’t she wouldn’t be standing here before him. Inhaling, Mike nods.

“Alright, I’ll help.”

What did he have to lose?

_____

What was supposed to be a return home got delayed. The drive home had been calm, he spoke to Remus about anything that came to mind, though in all honesty it was the alpha who started the conversations, Severus just answered when needed. It was around ten minutes into the drive that his stomach decided to make an announcement.

He had planned to eat at home, there was no need to waste money on food outside when he could cook something for himself. He told this to Remus but the alpha insisted on buying something to eat.

“I’ll be fine. Just drop me off at home, I can cook something for myself.”

“I insist, plus, what kind of alpha would I be if I can’t even buy you food?”

Severus had rolled his eyes but didn’t put up much of a fight. It was obvious as to why Remus was insistent on taking him out to eat. The blonde wanted to spend as much time as he could with the omega. Severus guesses it might be because they hadn’t seen each other since his heat started and it’s not like they could see each other at school now that it was canceled. The omega didn’t mind anyways. He had wanted to distract himself from all the death going around and his mother’s soon to be departure.

Sirius was busy with his family and James was not allowed outside. Charity was riding out her heat. Severus wasn’t close enough to Peter to ask to hang out without being awkward, and he just re-connected with Lily, to which he wanted to take things slow.

What was the harm in spending time with Remus? It was a win-win for both of them.

They decided to eat at the Three Broomsticks, the same place James took everyone when Severus and Charity became part of his pack. Even if he already predicted it, the omega tried to pay for his own meal only for Remus to stop him and pay for the both of them. It had been irritating. Severus was used to paying for himself, it has always been that way.

To have someone else pay for him felt both weird and off. It usually meant that they wanted something back and even if that wasn’t the case, Severus would still feel off about it. He was going to reprimand Remus for that only to stop himself when he saw the pure joy in the blonde’s face. There was no expectation or even a hint of self satisfaction, only affection.

Guess he would have to also get used to this as well.

As if reading his mind, Remus picked the table near the corner, away from the crowd and any unwanted eyes. “I don’t think I asked yet, but did the items I give you helped?” Severus nods, averting his eyes. “That’s good. If you want I can give you more.” He shakes his head, “No, that’s fine…just…re-scent the ones you gave me.” He mumbled, face warm.

Remus grinned, “Alright. Just ask me whenever you want.” Clearing his throat, Severus changed the topic. “Sirius said you and Peter were out hunting yesterday. I don’t think you need me to tell you how stupid that is. Especially with a killer on the loose.” Sirius had reassured him that they would be fine, said that they were armed and no one was going to dare try anything.

Severus was still worried about them.

“It was to help Peter’s dad. I didn’t want them to go alone so I agreed to help.” Remus explained. “My parents didn’t like it either but the same animal that’s been hunting the Pettigrew’s chickens has also been messing with my mom’s garden.”

“Sirius didn’t tell me that.”

“We didn’t find out until later on.”

A waiter came by with their food and drinks. Saying their thanks, the pair began to eat. “Anyway, we didn’t find it in the end. Mr. Pettigrew wanted to go search again today but I decided to stay back. As much as I like the outdoors, I also don’t want to constantly worry my parents.” Understandable. Severus had never gone into a forest personally, unless you counted the small patch of green trees behind his house.

Even then, Severus wouldn’t go in there alone.

He takes a bite of his food, “I was also surprised to know you can use a gun.” Remus blinks, “Ah that, yes my dad taught me how when I was younger. It was more for safety than anything.” Severus could picture a young Remus and his father in the backyard. The older Lupin would be guiding the young boy, teaching him how to aim and pull the trigger. He bets more than anything that Mr. Lupin and Remus bonded over that.

“You also know how to use a gun, did your parents also teach you?”

“My father did, after I presented as an omega. He thought it would benefit me in the long run.” He scoffed bitterly. “Though his version would include someone trying to take advantage of me and not some killer trying to murder me.” The only bonding experience he had with Tobias after he changed had been that. The older alpha, despite believing Severus was better off in the kitchen, also didn’t want his son to end up being assaulted.

In the end, knowing his way around a gun did help him in more ways than one.

Remus bit his lower lip. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” The raven shrugs. “You were going to find out eventually. My life hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows.” While the town knew about Tobias and his bad temper, not many knew about the abuse he inflicted on his wife and child. Lily knew because she had seen the bruises. Sinistra and Charity knew after seeing his scars.

Remus, Sirius, and James will find out with time.

“I had heard…about you father. I didn’t want to pry or anything.”

“It’s fine. He’s gone and good riddance for that.”

Even if he still held an ounce of love for that man, Tobias was no longer the father Severus had loved in his childhood. Remus, sensing the gloomy atmosphere, decided to change the topic. “Padfoot told me that you were still trying to find inspiration for the art project.”

Severus launched into an explanation on what he had found on his theme and what Sirius had helped him in. Remus listened attentively, only offering his opinion when Severus finished speaking. That’s how they spend the next hours. They talked, Remus even managed to make him grin and laugh. It was refreshing in a way, different from his outings with Charity and Sinistra. Remus kept things simple, he didn’t push unless it was necessary and he always let Severus rant about anything.

It didn’t matter that his choice of topic after the discussion about art changed into horror films and novels. The alpha nodded and added his own piece of mind. It was fun in a way, to speak and have someone pay attention. Not in a way that friends did but in a way that someone genuinely wanted to learn about him for more than just friendship. 

“You're probably going to make fun of me for this, but I based my art theme on one of the movies I watched recently.” Severus raised an eyebrow, grinning as he took a sip of his drink. “Depends on the film.” Remus laughs, “ The Company of Wolves, American film made in 1984.” Remus was right, Severus was judging and laughing. “Y-You based your project on that?!”

“Listen! If you think about it, it’s forbidden love, isn’t it? Even if the theme of the movie isn’t love, it’s something many werewolf movies had focused on.” Remus was flustered. seeming to find joy in Severus laughing at him. The omega could see what the alpha meant. He had his fair run-ins with movies about werewolves and men or women falling in love with them. It was a favorite dark romance plot along with vampires.

This was the second time animals or something related to animals had been used. Maybe Severus should look into the symbolism of animals in different cultures. “Now I have to watch the movie to see how you got that idea.” Rolling his eyes, Remus just shakes his head fondly. “Tell me what you think about it when you do.” Once he got back to work, the omega would make sure to look for that movie specifically.

By the time they finished their food and left, Severus hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed until Remus was driving him back. “Your parents won’t get mad that you stayed out so late?” Severus asked after Remus pulled out of the parking lot. The boy tilted his head slightly, confused. Severus pointed to the new machete and plastic bag in the back seat of the truck. “You said your dad needed that machete for yard work.”

“Ah! No, they will be fine. He doesn't need it for today, just wanted me to get it for tomorrow.” Remus chuckles. “What about you? Your mother won’t mind that I kept you out for so long?”

“Not really. Mr. Burbage was the one who insisted I went out for a while.” Severus should probably tell him that Eileen will definitely mind when she finds out who he had spent his time with. Glancing at the alpha, he decided not too. It would be fun to watch him squirm like Sirius had done.

Knowing his mother, Eileen was probably, stubbornly, waiting for him to return home by sitting in the living room. Despite her health declining, she still insisted on waiting for his arrival home from his after school job by sitting in the living room. Mrs. Burbage had told the omega that no matter how tired Eileen was, she wouldn’t sleep until Severus was home.

Sometimes she still fell asleep by the time he got home. Though, he knows it’s because her body couldn’t fight slumber anymore. The older beta always felt guilty about not receiving Severus, even when he reassured her it was fine.

As his house came to view, the omega was surprised by the sight on the front porch. Eileen had decided to wait for him, however, instead of the living room, it was on the porch with Mr. Burbage.

Remus noticed as well, lime green eyes widened for a fraction. Once he parked the truck, Severus gathered his belongings as Remus opened the door for him. Eileen watched the enter time, obsidian eyes trained on the blonde boy while Mr. Burbage had that familiar smirk Charity wore whenever something interesting was about to happen.

“Mrs. Snape, Mr. Burbage, good afternoon.” Remus greeted the two adults once the pair got onto the porch. The older omega returned the greeting with a smile and nod while Eileen just raised her eyebrow and turned to look at Severus. Instantly, her icy demeanor melted at the sight of him. “Dear, I’m glad you got some fresh air. I was worried you would only spend an hour outside.”

Severus leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m glad to see you outside too.” He really meant it. The older beta was usually too sick to even get out of bed, the sight of her outside brought him joy. Eileen smiled, “Why don’t you go put that inside and prepare us some drinks.” Her gaze sharply turned to Remus who flinched back. “I want to speak to this one for a moment.” She didn't need to elaborate.

Mr. Burbage got up from his chair, “C’mon Severus, let me help you put that away. I brought some lemons yesterday, so we could make lemonade. Have you eaten?” The raven nods, sparing a glance at Remus who now looked pale and nervous. 

He smirks, now the only one left for the shovel talk was James. Following the older man to the kitchen, Severus swiftly put away what he brought and helped Mr. Burbage with the lemonade. “I do wonder how Eileen is going to talk to the young Potter.” Severus looked up from what he was doing. “Do you think she’ll sugar coat it?”

Severus scoffs, “No. She doesn't care if it were a member of the royal family. In her eyes it’s just some alpha who is trying to court her son.” Severus never said it out loud in fear of making his mother feel guilty, but he enjoyed the moments when she let Eileen Prince shine. For as long as he could remember, she never feared speaking head to head with authority. 

Names and money to her were nothing. Maybe it was because she had grown up with people like that, but his mother never seemed to hold back for anyone, especially for those who thought had it all simply by being born into an influential family. The older man chuckles, “You're right. Eileen would give them hell.”

Once they finished the lemonade, they heard the front door open and close. Wiping his hands with a cloth, Severus took a peek and saw Remus helping Eileen into the living room. Despite the boy being taller and obviously stronger than the beta, Remus looked extremely nervous. Unlike both James and Sirius, Remus would sometimes be hunched over when sitting down, even when he walked, he would be slightly hunched forward.

That was what he was doing. From where Severus was staring, it looked like the alpha was trying to make himself look smaller next to Eileen. He bit back a snort and went back to helping Mr. Burbage. It was comical the way Remus and Sirius seemed to hold a certain level of fear when it came to Eileen. Though, considering how intense his mother could get, Severus wouldn’t wish to be in their shoes at all.

Would it be the same when he met the three boys’ parents?

Just thinking about it made a ball of anxiety form in the pit of his stomach. Dealing with Sirius’ parents already sounded like a nightmare. Severus didn’t know James’ dad other than when the older man came out on the television to speak or when he was addressing the town in public. Remus’ parents had a good reputation, many seemed to love them and spoke highly of him.

If he had to chose, the omega would rather meet with Mayor Potter and Mr. and Mrs. Lupin first. The older Blacks could wait.

Bringing the jug full of lemonade along with some cups, both omegas served the drink once they all settled down in the living room. Despite the elephant in the room, Eileen drank her cup and gave Severus a small smile. “Thank you for the drink. I think I’ll retire for the night.” She shot Remus a look. “Good night.” Mr. Burbage shot both of them a wink and helped Eileen to her room.

Once they were alone, Remus slumped onto the sofa, a nervous but pleased smile on his face. “Your mother is a very intimidating woman.” Severus snorted. “Funny, Sirius said the same thing.” The alpha chuckles. “What did she tell you?”

“To treat you right and that if I ever step out of line, she will deal with me personally. If not, then she will ensure I am dealt with by someone else.” Remus laughed, “I don’t think Prongs will be safe from her wrath either. She made sure I felt awful about…about everything I didn’t do.” The laugh took a bitter turn as he looked at Severus with remorse.

“No matter how many times I apologize, it won’t change the fact that I just stood aside and didn’t help.” Remus stood up from the sofa and before Severus could object, knelt in front of the omega, looking up at Severus from below. He could only stare at Remus from where he sat, the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.

Taking his hands into his hold, the alpha kissed them gently, as if he were devoting himself onto a being of higher power. “I regret not doing more. If I had, then maybe things would have turned out different. I won’t excuse my cowardliness, I admit that I turned the other way because I didn’t want to cause a rift with my pack. It was stupid, if I had spoken up, we would have not wasted so much time.”

His lips kissed Severus’ wrist scent gland, his warm breath causing a small shiver to go through his body. “Thank you for giving me a chance. Even when I don’t deserve it, you still granted me a chance to both prove myself and to court you. I promise you Severus, I will no longer stand on the side. I know that you can fight your own battles, you're the most capable person I ever met. You may not even need my help, but I want to give it.”

Guiding the palm of his hand towards his cheek, Remus nuzzles it, a sigh of content leaving his lips. Swallowing, the omega stared at Remus, face hot and eyes wide. He is sure he doesn't make a pretty sight, yet under Remus’ view, Severus is sure the alpha sees something he can’t because he smiles so tenderly that all Severus can do is hold the alpha’s face in the palms of his hands.

“You're such an idiot.”

Before he can let nerves win, Severus pulls Remus into a kiss, the alpha inhaling sharply in surprise but instantly getting a hold of the omega’s face as he returns the kiss. Severus closes his eyes, letting Remus’ presence envelop him. All of this was new, the tenderness, the clear love in their eyes, the way all three of them looked at him as if he was their only salvation.

He didn’t understand what they saw in him, what they even liked about him. They could have any girl or boy they wanted, there was no need to do all of this for him. Yet here Remus was, kneeling before him as if he was holy. Maybe, along the way, Severus would understand what they saw in him. 

For now, he will deal with one thing at the time.

Chapter Text

Aurora stared at the documents before her, tired and aching eyes scanning each word with attentiveness. After the attack at the library, the young alpha has poured all her energy into the documents she took from her parents. She didn’t sleep much in favor of keeping up with the news and seeing if there was any change with Ghostface. So far, it seemed that the killer was staying local. No murders matching the ones in Hogsmeade were made outside the town which gave her a breather.

She narrowed it only to Hogsmeade and the amount of documents she had to read shortened. Of course, the alpha knows that the crimes her parents committed were not limited to their home town, it only took one glance at the size of the files to see that. Aurora would like nothing more than to question her parents, to demand answers for what they have done. But that was something she will have to save for later, right now, she needed to put all her focus on Ghostface.

Since the attacks were only in Hogsmeade, Aurora looked for the families in town who had or have a loved one in Legacy Hospice . From there, she would search if that loved one had been on the list for organ trafficking based on the files she found in her dad’s office. It was tedious work, she barely even made a dent to it but she was getting somewhere. Once she finishes that, Aurora will begin studying each file and see if she could find a pattern.

Having the potential list of victims helped a lot, but there was only so much she could do if she didn’t know who would be struck next. For a moment she thought about age but that didn’t fit, gender and secondary gender were also thrown out the window. There had to be a specific pattern Ghostface had been following so far. Once she has that figured out, she will be able to predict who the next victim will be.

All the alpha had to do was follow that person and not only save their life but also catch Ghostface in the act. All her problems would be solved once that bastard was behind bars.

Movement from the corner of her eye called her attention. Glancing, she sees Smith look through some of the files she had given him earlier. Aurora had planned to do this by herself, there was no need to drag anyone into her problems. But the pile of work kept getting bigger and there was only so many times Aurora could skip sleep before it affected her. Her parents were starting to get worried, though their meetings with future business clients kept them away from home more often these days that they didn’t bother asking if she was alright.

It was fine.

Getting Smith to help her had been a risky move, especially with how much of a low opinion everyone had of him. Aurora had been lucky to even run into him that day, though she did feel a bit of pity on his behalf. She knew about his crush on Severus, how could she not when Smith made it so obvious? It must have hurt him to see the boy he liked in the arms of another. Aurora had been surprised at the scene when she got there, never once expecting much less even envisioning Severus with one of the marauders.

Guess they managed to convince him with all the time they spent together.

Smith had not been her first choice as a partner. If she was still in speaking terms with Charity and Severus, Aurora would have preferred their company. Both omegas are smart, they would have probably already found a pattern this past couple of days. Though, if she really thought about it, she wouldn’t have involved them anyways. They would be horrified at all of this. Her parents’ crimes would have been a bigger concern to them than Ghostface. 

She had to do with what she has, even if Smith was her last choice, he had yet proven to be useless. It has only been a couple of days but the alpha had quickly adjusted to Aurora’s demands when she told him her part. At first he had been horrified at the discovery of why Ghostface was killing. Aurora had a tough time trying to dissuade him from going to the police. After striking a deal that satisfied both, they got to work.

Smith won't say anything about the organ trafficking because Aurora will take care of it once they deal with Ghostface. He also had to keep quiet about helping her, he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, especially not Mrs. Rosier or his parents. The last thing Aurora wanted was for a lawyer to be sniffing around. Aurora will help him prove his innocence with the information she dug up and speak on his behalf. It was a win-win for her. The next part was setting a place to meet up since Smith couldn’t go out in public and if he was seen with Aurora, it may do more damage than good. 

They decided it was better for Smith to come to her house whenever her parents weren't home, which was often. They will spend the rest of the day working through each file and separating them. Which ended up forming the list of families Aurora had on her board. 

Oliver

Brown

Baker

Avery

Those were the first four families that Aurora found with ties to Legacy Hospice . The list kept getting longer much to her horror, at some point she even wanted to add Green and Jones onto it but decided not to. They hadn’t found any files on them yet. Aurora hoped not to find any. To the left of that list was another one with Pince’s name and Smiths’ name, that list was specifically for victims that had no ties to the nursing home. 

Though, with the luck they are having, Aurora won’t be surprised if they had to change Pince’s name to the larger list.

“Did you find anything?” She asked. Smith shakes his head, “Only more names to add, though nothing on Jones or Green.” Aurora sighs, why couldn’t Ghostface just do the regular kind of revenge? The one in which he hunted down her parents instead of others? It was dark thought to have but she didn’t take it back. “What about you? Any new connections?”

“Nope, though I prefer it that way.” While Smith focused on listing any family in Hogsmeade with ties to Legacy Hospice , Aurora was the one looking to see if their loved ones were killed for their organs. It was a long process, one in which she would hold her breath and pray that the family she was looking into didn’t become Ghostface’s new victim. “I still don’t get why Ghostface is doing this, wouldn’t it be more convenient to go after your family?”

“He is going after my family. Killing four people with ties to Legacy Hospice is his way to send my parents a message only they will understand. The police have yet to find out or if they have, they haven’t explored that connection between those four victims because the rest of the victims aren’t tied to that place.” Which makes it more obvious that he killed them to buy himself time. Still, something told her it was more than that.

Just as he had a specific reason to kill people connected to the nursing home, he must have a reason to have killed Green and Jones along with attacking both Smith and Rosier. There was also his attack on Severus. Had Ghostface really attacked Severus because he was friends with Aurora? What about Smith? Rosier wasn’t even supposed to survive the attack, yet he came out of it alive.

“It’s not a simple revenge, if that was the case then everything would have been more simple. He wants to call into attention what my parents have done and at the same time, build despair within them.” Her parents were already on edge, if the police bothered to check any deeper, it might lead to them uncovering their illegal business. Ghostface wants them to feel despair, to have them look over their shoulders at every moment.

Ghostface wants blood but he also isn’t going to show mercy as he hunts them down.

What he did to Aurora was just a bonus. She probably never meant to survive her attack and much like Rosier, got lucky. If only the blonde alpha would wake up. According to the news, Rosier was still in delicate condition, but for now was out of the red zone. Police were hoping to question him and see if he had more information but Rosier hasn’t woken up. 

Aurora would have liked to pay him a visit, if only to see if he would wake up but it would be near impossible. The Rosier family has ensured that their son was protected at all times, that meant no one outside of family could see the boy. Aurora will just have to do with what she has.

Smith grabs another file and frowns, “Sinistra, what was the name of your other friend? The one with blonde hair?”

“Charity Burbage, why?”

Smith cursed under his breath and turned the file to her. “Her grandmother had been in the nursing home for around two years before she died.” Aurora snatched the file from his hands, heart beating fast as she looked over the pages. “No, no, no…” Quickly, she looked over at the files she got from her dad, dark eyes looking for Charity’s last name. For a moment, Aurora almost felt relief. She couldn’t find any file with the blonde’s last name, maybe Charity’s family hadn’t been screwed over.

It was that same hope that ended up crashing everything.

“Fuck!”

Before her eyes was a file titled Burbage . Aurora didn’t want to click on it, she already knew what awaited her. For some reason, she could stomach opening the file of a stranger. Aurora would feel remorse for them but it wouldn’t hurt because she didn’t know them. With Charity it was different, she had known the blonde girl for years. Her parents had set up play dates when they were younger. Their parents had always gotten along, Aurora always considered them each other's friends.

Charity’s grandmother, Isabella Burbage, had always treated Aurora like a grandchild. The young alpha never got to meet her own grandparents since they had been long dead by the time she was born. Grandma Isabella had been the closest thing she had to a grandmother. When the alpha had gotten sick and the Burbage family could no longer look after her, it had been Aurora’s parents who offered to take her in at Legacy Hospice . She never thought they had ulterior motives.

How the hell was she supposed to look Charity in the eye knowing what her parents did? When Grandma Isabella had passed away, the blonde omega had been in shambles. For days she would stay in her room and barely speak, not even her favorite shows could make her come out. Aurora had been there, she had helped Charity process her grief and was next to her when it was time for the funeral. Aurora had cried alongside her, and had reassured Charity that Grandma Isabella wouldn't want them to cry for her, that she would prefer to see them move on and keep her alive through their memories together.

Swallowing the knot that had formed in her throat, Aurora clicked the file and braised herself. “Smith…” She said after reading the first few lines, tone hollow. “I want you to look for files named Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew.” She didn’t want to believe that her efforts in cutting out her friends were for nothing. She had to make sure, if either of the boys’ names are there, Aurora will have to work out who Ghostface is fast.

She will not risk the safety of Charity and Severus.

The next few days had gone by as uneventful as it could be with a killer on the loose. Charity had finished riding out her heat and much like Severus, stayed indoors for two days. Mr. Burbage had decided to drop by to his home to check on his wife, promising the two omegas that either he or Mrs. Burbage would drop by later to check on them. Since it was the weekend and both Sirius and Remus were busy with their own things, Severus decided it was about time he and Charity spent some quality time together.

He had been itching to fill her in on what happened while she was out. He also missed being able to speak with her alone. While he did enjoy Remus’ and Sirius’ company, there were some things he couldn’t speak about to them. He has known Charity for a couple of years, and has grown to trust her with his secrets. She was the only one he could confine certain things to.

Maybe over time he will have that kind of relationship with the rest of his pack.

“So the three musketeers of fuckery finally got the green light? Huh, here I thought it would take them longer.” Charity popped a chip inside her mouth. “Though, I am not surprised either, they had been behaving well.”

Severus huffed, “I still need to speak to James, preferably before my mother has to leave.” During these past four days, Legacy Hospice had called him, informing him that they had received the paperwork and that everything was in order. By next week, Eileen should be dropped off or the nursing home could send someone to go pick her up. Severus hadn’t decided on that yet. He wanted to drop her off himself in order to spend as much time as he could with her but he also didn’t have any means of transportation.

Charity nods, blue eyes glancing at the end of the hallway where Eileen’s room was located. “I could drive both of you there.” Severus shakes his head, “No. Your parents and my mother wouldn’t allow us two to make a two hour drive by ourselves.”

“Then I can ask my parents, or make Adam take us!”

“Sure, and have their already planned weekend interrupted?” He added sarcastically. The blonde groan. “Don’t remind me, I have no desire to be there for that catastrophe in the making.”

The past four days had been mostly uneventful, the key word being mostly. While the main topic was Ghostface, there had been other things that had changed. Other than his newly started courtship, Adam apparently had been courting Rita Skeeter herself. Why Adam, someone who is the complete opposite of Skeeter, chose someone like her is beyond him.

“I can’t believe he is bringing Skeeter over for dinner! I knew that one day he was going to court someone, but Skeeter of all people? Anyone, even a blind person, would be able to see that Skeeter is only with him to get information on the Ghostface investigation.” Charity rambled on. “Mom and dad seemed happy about Adam and Skeeter, hell, they were the ones to suggest we have dinner with Skeeter. I for one don’t even want to be there!”

Severus can’t blame her. The Burbage couple had invited him and Eileen as well but he declined. While some may have forgotten about Skeeter’s earlier judgment of him, the omega had yet to forget or forgive. Sure, she may have done it because she wanted people to pay attention to her news, but Severus didn’t care. Plus, Charity had a point, Skeeter was probably with Adam in order to gain more information.

Adam is well liked, he honestly could get anyone he wanted. His kind nature attracted a lot of positive attention, though Severus could admit that the older alpha tended to be oblivious in certain aspects.

“Maybe I can convince them to let me drive you.”

“They won’t, plus Adam will be upset if you skip out on the dinner.”

“Ugh.”

Severus would have to call Legacy Hospice two days in advance before Eileen’s last day at home. It would cost him out of pocket but that was fine, he could pay for it. The omega would just make sure to spend as much time as he could with her.

Charity popped another chip into her mouth, “At least things are starting to look up even with a killer on the loose.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “I mean, Evans came up to you and asked to be friends again, that’s good for you.” Charity pouted. “I still don’t like her much, but she is an important person in your life, I will try and get along with her.”

It was more than not liking her. Charity had expressed her disapproval of Lily defending the marauders at certain points. It wasn’t often the beta did it, only when Severus seemed to go on about how much he disliked them. It wasn’t even because she liked Potter. After her revelation and explaining why she tried to paint them in a good light, Severus could admit Lily only had his best interest at heart. Though, she could have gone at it in a better way.

Severus won’t hold it against her, both of them had been fifteen, young and stupid.

Charity was probably more worried at being thrown out now that Lily was going to be in his life. The blonde often called herself his best friend and made sure people knew it. After what happened with Sinistra, Charity was probably worried Severus would forget about her. Severus glanced at her, the omega was still pouting. Shaking his head fondly, he grabbed her free hand and gave it a squeeze. 

Blue eyes looked at him, then she squeezed back.

Severus wouldn’t do that to her. Sure, Lily has a special place in his heart, but so does Charity.

“Tell me about the shovel talk your mother gave Lupin and Black.”

Deciding not to dwell on the change of topic, Severus launched into an explanation on how Eileen cornered both alphas and laid out what she thought of them along with what would happen if they stepped out of line. By the end of his explanation, Charity had abandoned her bowl of chips in favor of holding her sides as she laughed.

“I wished I had seen it!” A snort left her laughing body. “Ah to see the all mighty Black tremble before a woman who is shorter than him!  And Lupin! With someone of his height, one would think he would be intimidating Mrs. Snape, instead, he is the one getting intimidated!” Severus' own chuckles filled with mirth mixed with Charity’s crackling. 

“The only person left is James, though I have yet to talk to him.”

“He’s still condemned indoors?” Charity wiped away the tears of laughter. Severus nods. “Mayor Potter is still being cautious.”

“Then how the hell is Black managing to sneak out?”

That had been what Severus had asked Sirius when he had dropped by for the fourth time. The alpha only smirked and replied that he was currently staying at his parents’ house. “His parents are out of town, surprisingly since they had a fit about him courting me. Since he doesn't want his brother to be alone, he is staying there until they return.”

“Lucky him. Has the whole house to himself and can leave whenever he wants.”

In all honesty, it was surprising that Sirius had yet to throw a party. Then again, maybe the mutt was actually using his brains for once. Severus had heard about the parties Sirius would throw in his house before he left to live with the Potters. He always considered them reckless, who would want to get shit face drunk on a school night?

“Hopefully Potter figures out a way to see you.”

“Why is that?”

Charity smirked, eyes bright with fire. “So I can see the way Mrs. Snape corners him. It’s about time someone takes him down a peg or two.” Of course she would want to be there for that. He just shakes his head in exasperation. Since they were on the topic of his rather questionable love life, might as well ask her about her own.

“How are you and Peter?”

Charity pauses, her hands about to reach for her bowl of chips. “...What about Pettigrew?” Severus rolls his eyes, “You know what I’m asking.” Charity bites her lower lip and retreats her hands, leaving the bowl on the coffee table. “We have been getting along…” He raised an eyebrow, obsidian eyes looking at clear blue eyes.

“He’s good company, surprisingly.” She scoffed but it lacked the usual fire she put in it when it came to the plump boy. “He is a good listener, doesn't judge me for being overly violent or chastises me for speaking my mind. He isn’t afraid of doing things considered ‘too omega’ with me.” She starts to fidget with the sofa pillow, “Two weeks ago he accompanied me to buy makeup. He…he seemed very attentive when I explained what each product was and how to use it.”

Her face took on a soft shade of pink, “Then, three days later he gave me my favorite brand of waterproof mascara because I forgot to bring mine. Apparently he had it with him since he knew I sometimes forget to bring my backup makeup, especially my backup mascara.” 

Severus could see the conflict within her, see how she fights the blush slowly taking over her face. He can hear how her tone softens slightly when speaking about the blonde beta, and how hard she tries to keep her voice nonchalant yet affection makes its way through the cracks. 

He had that same conflict as her at the beginning with the marauders. At that time, Severus had chalked it up to being unused to their kinder treatment. He thought it was an act, a way to get him to lower his guard. The big gestures never caught his attention, anyone could give a fake compliment or give fake kindness. That’s why he never paid them any mind when they did flamboyant gestures, especially in public.

It was easy then, keeping his resentment close to his chest. It helped bury the guilt he felt whenever he rejected either of them harshly and they looked like he had personally killed their pet. Severus didn’t even feel guilty about it in the beginning, he took pleasure in the way James would look stunned then hurt when Severus threw away any gifts given to him.

Severus rejoiced in how Sirius looked ready to snap whenever the omega ignored him when he tried to talk to him. He liked seeing Remus’ guilty and disillusioned expression when Severus scoffed and mocked his attempts at wooing him. It was his way of taking revenge, seeing them all look clueless and hurt.

It was his only way of getting back at them without getting in trouble. Plus, emotional damage always hurts more than physical damage. Let them grovel at his feet, he didn’t care if he trampled over their hearts.

Then, things slowly changed.

It started with small things, insignificant things to the naked eye.

James would carry plain black ties for Severus since the omega disliked his hair getting in the way during chemistry class. Severus would often forget to bring his own, James had noticed and made sure to have extra with him just in case. And not just any hair ties, he specifically carried the soft yet thin ones because they didn’t tangle his hair, the same brand Severus carried with him.

Sirius has also begun carrying an extra jacket with him because Severus tends to get cold in the middle of the day despite already having his own jacket. It was black and plain, just like how Severus liked his clothing. It wasn’t extravagant, Severus would never wear something that expensive because he wouldn’t feel comfortable, it was a simple brand yet soft to the touch.

Remus carried his favorite brand of dark chocolate. Severus tended to be picky about candy, the alpha had picked up on it and carried the specific brand Severus liked. He didn’t buy him the expensive kind because Severus would never accept it and he didn’t get just any kind because he paid attention to the specific brand the omega likes.

It was those small gestures that began to crack down Severus. He had tried to ignore them, to focus on all their undesirable qualities and it worked for a while. Until he could no longer fight back the flutter his heart did whenever Remus handed him a chocolate bar when he saw the omega looking tired and needing a boost. Or when he noticed how he allowed James to tie his hair back without flinching. Or Sirius would let him keep the extra sweater, not once asking for it back.

Those gestures spoke louder than anything flashy or loud. It meant that they were paying attention, that they were willing to learn small things for you because they wanted to.

Charity was no doubt facing the same dilemma he had been facing before taking that leap of faith. 

“B-But he is my packmate! It means nothing!” Charity announced, averting her eyes to the tv. Severus sighs, he was never good with emotions or comforting others. Lily usually did that, Charity was a pro at it, even Sinistra. Severus didn’t know how to deal with someone crying or asking for relationship advice. But damn it, Charity needed to know that he wouldn’t hold it against her if she wanted more with Peter.

Look at Severus! He was allowing his bullies to court him! He has no room to judge or argue.

She was probably dealing with guilt at feeling attraction to someone who used to hurt him with words. Severus wouldn’t feel betrayed, it’s not like Charity was dating Peter behind his back during the time the marauders still made his life hell.

“You’ll make a decent couple.”

Charity freezes. Severus winced, yeah that did not come out like he planned. This is why he avoided giving any sort of advice or heart to heart conversation.

“If you want to be with him, go ahead. I won’t think any differently of you.”

“Severus! He hurt you! He said so many hurtful things to you!”

“I know, but so did James, Sirius and Remus.” He gestures down at the sweater he was currently wearing. It was James’ from the many clothing items the alpha had given him during his heat. “I would be a hypocrite if I judged you for liking Peter.” Charity clenched her jaw. “Plus, he apologized early on when we entered the pack.” At this, the blonde girl’s eyes widened. “He…he did?” Severus nods.

It had been during their free period. The three alphas had things to do and Charity had been in the music club room looking for her a book she needed for her next class. Severus had been under a willow tree reading over his chemistry notes when Peter approached him. The plump beta looked nervous and a little green that for a moment Severus was worried he would throw up.

Before he could ask Peter if he was alright, the beta began to speak. Apology after apology left his shaking body. He wasn’t yelling them out, even so they felt loud. It wasn’t flimsy or last minute. Severus had been stunned, more so because Peter actually approached him alone.

He explained this to Charity along with how he had accepted the apology. Though, he had accepted it because the boy looked ready to faint. Not that he told that to Charity, she would think that he hadn’t actually forgiven Peter.

He has, he just wasn't going to say it out loud.

“Like I said, who am I to judge? Go out with him if you want.”

Charity stayed silent, then without warning threw herself onto him. Severus grunted from the force, his body almost falling over the edge of the sofa. Cursing, he wraps his arms wound Charity and holds her close while she cries. Do doubt she feels relieved now that she knows Severus wouldn’t be angry. He pats her back awkwardly, letting her cry it out.

After a while, she pulled away, skin flushed and eyes with a tint of red. “Sorry.” She said, voice slightly cracking. “I just didn’t want you to think I was betraying you.” If they had still only been a pack of three and Severus never gave the marauders any attention, he might have been. Before James had made it clear that he only liked Lily as a friend, he honestly thought Lily had a crush on James and vice versa.

He had felt betrayed at that, thinking how could she ever like a boy who found joy in humiliating him.

Guess he shouldn’t have spoken too soon considering said boy was going to be courting him once Severus got the chance to speak to him.

“Like I said, I am not one to judge considering who I am willingly letting court me.” Charity laughs, “I’ll speak to Petti-Peter soon then. I know he wants to ask me out but hasn’t said anything since I…I always made sure to make it clear we are nothing more than friends.” Severus allows a small smile.

“And Charity?”

“Hm?”

“Just because I am on talking terms with Lily again, doesn't mean I won’t want you in my life.” 

Her blue eyes widen, then she nods, relief washing over her. “You claim that you suck at reading emotions, but I think you're just too good at it.” Severus doesn't say anything to that. In a way she is correct, the omega isn’t good at reading emotions, however, reading the human body has always been something he is good at.

Not because he wanted to know.

Severus just had to learn when Tobias was angry in order to prepare for bruises and broken bones. 

Though now, it was used to comfort Charity because as much as she always expresses herself, the blonde tended to keep things to herself if she believed them to be a burden.

That was one of the many things both omegas had in common.

Stretching, Severus groans as his back pops. It had been a few hours since Charity left with her dad, claiming that she didn’t want to intrude more than she already had. Severus knows it’s because she plans on how to talk to Peter. He doesn't call her out on it and simply wishes both omegas good night. After that, he checked on Eileen and then retreated to his room.

While he had enjoyed having people over, the omega missed having the house to himself and Eileen. With so many guests, he had to divide his attention which hardly left any room for him to do his thing. With everything that was going on, he missed having some alone time.

Blowing a strand of black hair from his face, Severus looked at the sketch he had been hunching over the past few hours after Charity left. He was still undecided on what to specifically draw for the portfolio but decided to sketch a few ideas that may come of use. Obsidian eyes traced over the details on the stag drawn on his sketchbook, looking at the shading and lighting.

What Sirius said about animals being symbolic and how Remus explained his choice based on a movie of werewolves had made him curious enough to start his own research about it. He had thought about starting with wolves, maybe even dogs, something that was more well known. However he ended up getting distracted and interested in the mythology and folklore of places around the world.

Which is how he came to know about deer omens. Sirius had already explained what a doe represented and stags tended to represent the same thing. However, the Hebridean folklore he had read said that if one saw a single deer in a location where one would not usually see deers, then it was a bad omen. For some reason, that had struck a cord and soon he found himself drawing a stag.

It was supposed to be a quick sketch, something simple to get him started.

He ended up drawing a doe in front of the stag, then a wolf, then a dog. In the end, the sketch was of a doe on one side, looking at the stag who had the wolf and the dog flanking either side of him, neither canine attacked the stag or doe. From an outsider's view, it looked like the stag was the leader while the other two followed. The doe, in Severus’ eyes, seemed weary, not knowing whether to trust the stag and his two companions.

It didn’t represent obsession, though he wasn’t sure what it could represent.

Knock, knock.

Startled from his thoughts, Severus turned to face his window, a crease in his forehead. His window was closed and locked, the black curtains having always been drawn since he didn’t want anyone looking into his room. It has always been like that in fear of someone seeing something of his and trying to break in. The omega didn’t move from his place, body tense.

Knock, knock.

There it was again. Scowling, Severus slowly moved to his bedside table and opened the drawer where the handgun was. There was no way he was going to open the blinds to see what it was. He lived in the bad side of town, hearing and seeing crime was something he got used to, especially at night. Now that a killer was on the loose, it would be purely idiotic to take the risk and open them.

Severus loves horror movies and novels, doesn't matter how bad the movie may be, he liked to see them because it was a hobby. He always made sure to not mix movies with real life, those were two separate things. Sure, some things in horror films could happen in real life –example A being Ghostface– but murder was always going to happen one way or another.

However, there were a few solid rules he lived by that always applied to horror movies, rules that he ignored when he went into that dark alleyway and almost got killed.

1. You may not survive the movie if you drink or do drugs
2. You may not survive the movie if you say I’ll be right back, Hello?, or Who’s there?
3. The past will come back to bite you in the ass. Whatever you think you know about the past, forget it. The past is not at rest! Any sins you think were committed in the past are about to break out and destroy you.
4. The killer always has something to do with the past.
5. Keep alert
6. Don’t leave your apartment/house

If he had remembered those rules, then Ghostface would not have targeted him next. Then again, Smith had been his coworker, for all Severus knows the bastard would have targeted him anyways. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the cold handle of the gun, finger ready to switch the safety off.

Knock, knock, knock.

He refuses to end up as Skeeter's next journalism project.

“Severus? Can you hear me?” 

The omega paused, hand still holding the gun. “Shit…did I get the wrong room?” There is more mumbling, then a yelp and the sound of someone bumping onto the outer wall of the house. Letting go of the gun and closing the drawer, Severus cautiously approached the window.

“...James?”

The mumbling stopped, if he squinted his eyes, he could see a silhouette of the bespectacled boy. Or was it James? Stepping back, he opened the drawer and held the gun. “Sev? So this is your room!” The person on the other side sounded cheerful. Severus pressed his lips together, they sounded just like James.

“Could you open the window? It’s kinda cold out here.” They let out another startled yelp. “Fuck! Why are there so many bugs?!” The tension in his shoulders eased a bit. James, despite never backing down from a fight or challenged, had always been frightened of bugs. He could handle butterflies, bees, hell, even wasps. However, the alpha could never seem to be able to handle spiders or anything that seemed to crawl at night.

Still, from what the reports on Ghostface had said, the killer liked to use a voice changer and seemed to always know how to lure his victims towards him. There was no way Smith knew about James’ fear of bugs, or where he lived.

Unless Smith already knew.

“Sev? Are you there?”

“How do I know it’s you?”

The person paused, “What do you mean?” Severus swallowed, “If you are James, then why don’t you simply knock on the door?” Why go through all the trouble of locating the window to his room? It wouldn’t be the first time James came over to his house, even if it was only to drop him off.

Not to mention, James was supposed to be under house arrest. So how was he even able to be here so late at night without Mayor Potter knowing?

“I wanted to surprise you! After your heat started I wasn’t able to come check on you. Dad’s been keeping me at home and while I could go out, he would want me to have some form of body guard. I didn’t want to draw attention, I know you would have hated that.”

No one else knew about him entering in heat other than his pack and Charity’s parents. Plus, it wasn’t public knowledge that James was under no circumstances allowed outside. “Plus, other than surprising you, I wasn’t sure if you were asleep or if your mom was resting. I didn’t want to disturb her rest if that was the case. I saw the light on from this window and hoped that it was your room.”

Biting the inside of his cheek, Severus fought off the blush that was taking place. It was clear that the person could be James, but he had to make sure. Eileen was too weak to fight back and Severus was not going to let what could possibly be Ghostface into his house.

“What did we do when my heat started?”

The Maybe-James choked on what Severus could assume was his saliva. “W-What?” The omega didn't repeat himself, obsidian eyes focused on the back drapes. “We…well we k-kissed.” He sounded nervous, Severus felt his mouth go dry. “Made out in…in m-my car.”

“...What else?”

A whine was heard, then shuffling. “We humped on each other, and I know I should have stopped you but I lost some of my s-self control.” His face was burning, “After you c-came, I managed to get you inside and I left my black sweater with you.” Obsidian eyes glance at his nest, in the middle with other articles of clothing, sat that sweater. Huffing, Severus leaves the gun inside the drawer and closes it before making his way to the window.

Pulling the black drapes slightly, he is met with James’ beat red face and messy dark hair. Letting out a sigh of relief despite the embarrassment coursing through him. Sliding the window up, Severus glares at the alpha. “Are you an idiot? Why couldn’t you knock on the front door like a normal person?”

James looked even more flustered, “I wanted to see you.” Was all he mumbled. Huffing, the omega stepped back. James gave him a nervous smile and climbed through the window. Once he was inside, Severus closed and locked it before turning to face the alpha. Hazel eyes scanned his room and for the first time, Severus realized that he had another alpha in his room.

Not once since he started to officially allow Remus and Sirius to court him had Severus allowed them inside his room.

“James, why are you here?”

“Because I wanted to see you. Padfoot and Moony have gotten to hang out with you, and I would have been able to do the same if I could leave the house.” James pouted, his eyes back at Severus. “Plus, Sirius had been bragging about having these movie dates and going out to the store together. Remus even joined in to tell me that you two take walks to the park or how sometimes he takes you out to eat.”

The alpha began to rant, walking back and forth. Severus simply stares at him, arms crossed, amusement dancing in his obsidian eyes. “I wanted to call you and ask if I could come over but like I said earlier, my dad would have wanted to send some protection and I know you hate unwanted attention, especially with what Skeeter has been writing about.” He growls at the last part, eyes flashing.

“So I thought about sneaking out to see you, but then if I did the press would probably follow me all the way here and you would have gotten angry. Not to mention, I didn’t know when your heat would end and a-after what happened I wasn't sure if you even wanted to see me.” His face turned red again, Severus didn’t say anything. “I only managed to send some of my scented items because Wormtail offered to deliver them.”

“James.”

“But then Sirius said your heat was over and I really wanted to see you but dad was still keeping an eye on me, especially after the Ghostface attack.”

“James.”

“And since Padfoot is staying with his brother, I have been alone and bored. Remus is busy helping his parents and even when he is not, he can’t come see me often since we live far from each other.”

“James.”

“Ah! About that, don’t worry about me making my way here on foot. Dad is busy with a few of the higher families, something about security. I took my car and parked it near here. I also made sure no one followed me.” James turned around, he looked nervous. Another thing Severus learned as he spent time with James was that the alpha tended to rant about anything when he was nervous.

The bespectacled boy’s eyes widened as he finally took a good look at Severus. The omega looked down and felt his face heat up again. Right, after Charity left, Severus hadn’t taken the sweater off. He had liked being able to smell James’ scent since he hadn’t been able to see the boy after his heat. Deep down, he had missed him but he wasn’t about to say that to either Sirius or Remus. For one, Sirius would have laughed and teased him while Remus would look at him with understanding and probably offer to speak to James on his behalf.

“Y-You're wearing my sweater.” It was not a question, not with how breathlessly James said it. The alpha turns to look at Severus’ bed/nest, his cinnamon scent becoming a bit more noticeable. “Yes, that is something I will be doing often since you're courting me James.”

The raven alpha looks at him, eyes shining his face still red but no longer from embarrassment. Severus felt a shiver run down his spine, not of fear or anxiety, it was something else. James stepped forward, “You called me James.” His tone was soft, almost a whisper. The omega shrugs, “It’s your name. I’ve always called you by your name.”

“But you always called me Potter.”

“Well, I’ll start calling you James as well.”

“You're also accepting the courting.”

“Yes, I’ve already spoken to the other two, I…agree to let you three court me.”

Fuck, he already said this more than once yet each time those words leave him, Severus can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement and nervousness. James smiled and Severus stared back in shock. He had seen James smile before, yet this smile directed at him felt different.

“James?” 

Severus’ room wasn’t very big, like the rest of the house. It was small but it was enough for him. Having James in his room made it smaller, having the alpha walked towards him in what seemed two steps made it shrink. Before the omega could protest, James grabbed him by his face and pulled him into a kiss. Severus stiffened, the only time he kissed James had been when he was in heat, it had been filled with lust and a burning desire to let the raven alpha claim him.

However, this one was soft, even when it was full of excitement and want. His warm lips coaxed Severus’ own to move, his callused and firm grip going from his face to his waist. Severus closed his eyes, allowed himself to slowly dive into the kiss and James’ scent. The omega kissed back while wrapping his arms on the other boy’s neck to pull him closer. He could feel James smile, could feel the way the alpha almost purred as Severus returned his affection.

This time, Severus could enjoy the kiss, there was no lust guiding him, only the desire to feel more of James, to be able to taste the alpha as much as James wanted to taste him. The alpha nudged him back until the back of Severus’ knees hit the edge of his bed. James paused but didn’t stop kissing him, waiting to see if the omega would protest. Severus didn’t, instead, he held onto James and pulled him down with him.

The small gasp he let out as his back hit his bed allowed James’ tongue to enter. Severus let James explore his mouth as the omega did the same, any small sound he made the alpha swallowed it. The omega tangled his fingers on the teen’s messy nest hair, slightly pulling, causing James to groan into the kiss.

In response, the alpha broke the kiss, both boys panting, skin hot. Severus licked his lips, watching how James followed the movement with his eyes. The hazel color turned a shade darker before leaning down and trailing hungry feathery kisses down Severus’ chin and throat. The omega sighs, eyes fluttering shut and allows the boy on top of him to continue.

James growled softly, burying his nose onto the raven’s scent gland and inhaling. Severus tensed slightly, he wasn’t used to having someone’s mouth that closed to his neck. Even if Sirius and Remus buried his head in the same place, neither alpha had kissed him there. James pressed a small kiss onto the gland, causing Severus’ breath to hitch, then moved to a spot under his jaw and nibbled.

Severus’ hold on James’ hair tightened, he knew that if he let the alpha continue he would leave a mark in a place impossible to hide. He wanted to do that, to pull him away yet his hands ignored what his brain was telling him and instead pushed the alpha’s face closer. Biting his lower lip, Severus did his best to muffle the whimper that left him as James sucked on that spot, his tongue feeling hot yet soothing.

Opening his eyes, the omega panted, James had pulled away and gazed at him. There it was again, that same look the alpha had given him when he declared his feelings for him. His stomach fluttered and his whole body warmed up. It wasn’t the same warmth that the kiss brought, it was different in that nature. 

James chuckles as he presses their foreheads together, his soft strands of hair tangling with Severus’ own raven hair. “I’ve been dying to do that for a while.” Severus grunts, his arms still wrapped around James’ shoulders. “You better not have left a mark.” The alpha just grins and captures his lips again. Just as callused fingers touch the skin made available when his shirt rode up, someone clears their throat.

Severus snaps his eyes open and shoves James off him as if the alpha was on fire. James yelps, crashing onto the floor with a grunt of pain when he lands on his behind roughly. The omega winced but no words leave his mouth when obsidian eyes lock onto his mother’s unimpressed gaze.

She looks at Severus, whose hair was a mess, lips red and no doubt swollen from the make out session, clothes wrinkled, and face bright red. Her gaze trails to the alpha on the floor, looking just as disheveled as Severus, and crosses her arms.

“Potter, what a pleasant surprise.”

Her tone did not indicate she was pleased at all.

James swallowed and smiled nervously. “M-Mrs. Snape, good to see you…” He trailed off as Eileen’s glare turned icy. Severus opened his mouth, then closed it. No words could describe how mortified he felt at this very moment. Had he been so wrapped up in James’ embrace that he didn’t hear his mother get out of bed, much less come into his room?

No matter how much he wanted to explain himself, there was no way to soften the blow. Both boys had been in bed, kissing and touching one another. Eileen didn’t have to watch for long, just one look would tell her everything. His mother turned to look at him again, an eyebrow raised. 

“At least I got to experience what it feels like to walk in on my son and another boy he snuck into his room.”

If his face was not red before, it was boiling now.

“Potter,” Both boys flinched, James looked like death had come for him early. “A word.” The older beta didn’t wait for a reply and left the room leaving the door open. James got up and dusted his jeans, nervous hazel eyes looking at the doorway then at Severus. “She…she won’t kill me…right?”

Severus pressed his lips into a thin line. “Go before she comes for you.” James nods and with anxious steps, follows after the older woman. Severus waited until he heard his mama’s room door close. 

Plopping onto his bed, he brought his pillow to his face and screamed.

Severus doesn't know how long his mama speaks to James, but he is sure it’s much longer than when she spoke to Remus and Sirius. After letting out his embarrassment onto the pillow, he laid down, eyes looking at the ceiling and at the glow in the dark stars Eileen had put there when he was younger.

To think his mother would walk in on him in such an unsavory situation…

Just thinking about it brought a fresh wave of shame and embarrassment. There was no doubt Charity would find out and make fun of him. Eileen would tell Mr. Burbage who will tell his wife, who then would tell Charity and Adam. He could already picture it, the blonde omega laughing her ass off as she tried to imagine Severus’ horrified expression.

He doesn't know how long he lays there. By the time James comes back, he looks like he went through three different wars and barely came back alive. Severus turns to his side, watches how the alpha leaves the door open and takes a seat next to the omega.

“Your mother is a terrifying woman.”

Those simple words break down the tension. Severus grumbles in agreement, “Sirius and Remus said the same thing.”

“Wait, she already spoke to them?”

“Yes? They didn’t tell you?”

James shakes his head. Severus had told them that he would be the one to speak to James about the courtship, other than that, they were free to tell him anything else. Before he could stop himself, the omega began to laugh. The bespectacled teen pouts, “They didn’t tell me on purpose!”

“I presume they wanted you to suffer the same way they did.”

“When I get my hands on them…!”

Severus covers his lower face with his pillow as he continues to laugh. To think both alphas would be that petty. He could see Sirius doing that since he had been the first one to talk to Eileen, but Remus? The raven guesses even he had a petty side he didn’t show often. James huffs and lays next to him, both of them facing each other.

“What did she tell you?”

“That I am an inconsiderate mongrel who knows nothing about respect and pretty much listed the reasons why she disapproved of me.” He props his head onto his arm, “She also said she didn’t care who’s son I am, and that I will pay the consequences if I step out of line.” So pretty much the same things she told Remus and Sirius just wording it differently. James sighs, “I can see whose glare you inherited, I thought she would turn me to stone with the way she was looking at me. Finding me on top of you was just the cherry on top.”

Both boys blush again. Severus lays on his back again, “Did she let you stay?” He was still surprised James joined him after getting caught. The alpha nods and scoots closer to the omega. Since Severus had yet to pull away, James wrapped him in his arms and nuzzled his face onto the teen’s neck. 

“Yes, but only for an hour. She wants the door open and that I leave the way I came in.” Essentially, Eileen is making James do the walk of shame. Charity was going to have a blast. Severus fiddled with James’ hair, feeling the way the boy melts into him. 

They stay like that for a few minutes, basking in the comfortable silence. The omega blinks lazily, feeling his eyes grow tired. James’ cinnamon scent and body heat were making him sleepy, the comfort the alpha provided was nice. He had cuddled with Sirius multiple times, mainly because the curly hair teen tended to be more physically affectionate. Remus was more reserved, he waited for Severus to make the first move unless Severus made it clear that he wanted to cuddle.

Each of their hugs was different yet the same in a way. It provided him warmth and comfort different from when he and Charity would get into cuddle piles. It was more…intimate in a way.

“Sev? You still awake?” The omega hums, he had stopped playing with James’ hair but kept his hand buried in the messy nest. “Remus told Sirius and I that you were going to send your mother to… Legacy Hospice .” Severus nods, guessing Remus did tell them some things. It didn’t bother him, they were bound to find out at some point. James’ breath hits his skin softly.

“I’m not going to pry or anything, but if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.” A kiss was pressed on the side of his neck. Severus knows what the alpha means. A few years ago, when Severus had been eleven, Mrs. Potter had been sent to a nursing home by her husband. Skeeter had been the one to cover the news, and considering past experience, Severus didn’t fully trust everything she said.

What he remembers of it is that Mrs. Potter had been ill for a while. Mayor Potter had done everything in his power to ensure she was well taken care of in his home by hiring nurses and private doctors. It was like that for a few years. Severus doesn't know much but he is certain Mrs. Potter had been in poor health earlier on. People like to gossip about how she had gotten ill after giving birth to her son and how over time, it got worse.

Severus could only imagine how James must have felt. To see your mother get sicker each day was torture, he would know. Maybe that’s why he never fully listened to the gossip people spoke of them after Mayor Potter sent his wife away. It was expected in all honesty since the Mayor is a private person, but it was still unsavory.

“It may not be the same, but I’m sure you know that my dad had sent my mom away when we were kids. Despite what people may think or say, he didn’t do it because he couldn’t deal with her. Those two loved each other to the moon and back…it pained my dad to make that decision.” James’ hold tightened, “The thing is, my mom was more than just ill. From what my dad told me, her side of the family had a history with schizophrenia, her grandmother and her great-grandmother both had it. My grandmother never had it and for a while, both of my parents thought my mom wouldn’t either.”

No wonder Mayor Potter did what he did. It was one thing taking care of someone who was ill, but another thing completely when it came to schizophrenia and dementia. There is medication, but depending on how ill Mrs. Potter had been, it could have done her more harm than good. Severus wrapped his arms around James’ body, burying his face onto the nest of hair.

“Then after a family doctor did his usual evaluation, it turned out she did have it. I didn’t know back then, even when mom would speak about hearing voices or seeing things, I just thought she was ill and needed rest.” His dad probably hid that fact until James was old enough to understand. “I was not allowed to see her by myself, I didn’t think much of it back then and just chugged it up to my dad being protective of both of us. If something happened to mom I wouldn’t be able to get help fast enough, in my mind, it made sense to have a nurse on stand by.”

“It was like that for a year, then one day when I came back from school, dad told me that mom was too ill to see anyone. A couple of days later, he broke the news that he would be sending her to a nursing home. I was upset, in my mind I thought we could take care of her ourselves. We have the money to do so, but my dad wouldn’t change his mind.”

Severus does not blame him, if he had been in that position, he would have felt the same. Even now, he doesn't want to send Eileen away but knows he has no choice. If he had the money, he would have hired help, been able to give her the medication and treatment she needs. After all, a child, despite being just that, a child, wants nothing more than to protect their parents and care for them in any way they can. 

“When I turned fourteen, dad finally told me why he sent her away.” James chuckles bitterly. “Even if I finally understood why, it didn’t stop me from feeling hopeless. We visit her during the weekends despite Legacy Hospice being two hours away. I made sure to send her letters daily and small gifts so she knows I still think about her.” 

Severus feels his skin grow wet, he holds tighter to James but lets the alpha continue talking. “Things were as fine as they could be…then during winter break my dad got a call informing him that my m-mom had…she h-had passed away.”

The omega rubs his back in soothing circles, the same thing he always did when Charity was upset. He isn’t good with words of comfort, or any form of comfort but he tries. “They told us that she hung herself with the bedsheets.” James stops, a sob leaving him as he digs his finger onto Severus’ sides. The raven held on to him, knowing that right now, all the alpha needed was someone to hold on to.

Severus had heard about this from The Daily Prophet . The nursing home didn’t say much about it, patient confidentiality and Mayor Potter had requested to keep it private for the sake of his family. The bits that were released to the public was that an investigation had been conducted before it was ruled as a suicide. Many just assumed Mrs. Potter had grown tired of being in the state she was in and decided to put an end to it, others speculated that the nursing house did it.

It had been dark moments for the Potter family.

“Dad asked if the schizophrenia had been the cause and it had been. Apparently mom had begun to have violent outbursts as of late and they put her on intensive watch. One of the nurses doing the usual rounds found her. The rest is a blur to me…” James sniffed, voice wavery. “But I never once blamed the nursing home, they did their best when it came to her. There had been accidents in the past and they always made sure to never have a repeat of it. If anything, I was glad mom had good friends there.”

A wet laugh leaves the alpha, “Some of the letters mom used to write would have snippets of her day and of other nurses she befriended. When we held her funeral many of them showed up…I miss her a lot.” Severus doesn't know how it feels to lose a mother, but he does know how it feels watching her slip away. Mayor Potter wanted to spare his son that pain, and in a way he did. In a way, Severus was glad. At least James remembers all the good his mother had done and all the wonderful memories they shared.

“My point is, I know how it feels to send your mother away. It’s tough, and I am sure more for you since you have been watching over her.” He pressed his lips together, it was true. Severus wants to keep his mother with him, but he can’t. Based on what James said, maybe Eileen would make some final good memories? She used to have friends before marrying Tobias, even after her marriage, she made new ones until the abuse started.

The majority of her life had been like that. If she bonded with the nurses and patients, maybe she could make good memories that while not changing the bad ones, could balance them. 

“...Thank you.” He mumbled into his hair. James didn’t have to tell him something too intimate about himself but he did. The alpha did it in order to reassure Severus, to let him know that his mother would be in good hands and that James would always be there if he wanted to talk. James hums, his hold loosen as he brethren in the omega’s scent. Severus hadn’t even noticed he had released calming pheromones. 

They stay in each other’s embrace during the duration of their time together.

Aurora stared at the list she had made earlier with Smith, new names had been added, and by the end, it had been finalized. Thankfully it wasn’t a long one, only a few more names that they filtered out. At the end, it was completed, though it did nothing to soothe her worries.

1. Oliver
2. Brown
3. Baker
4. Avery
5. Burbage
6. Black
7. Roberts
8. Johnson
9. Longbottom
10. Potter

With a shaky hand, the young girl crosses out a few of the names.

1. Oliver
2. Brown
3. Baker
4. Avery
5. Burbage
6. Black
7. Roberts
8. Johnson
9. Longbottom
10. Potter

Six people in Hogsmeade who could possibly be the next victims. One of them being Charity, the other two being people who she thought could protect Severus and Charity. Despite the lack of light in her room, the lights from the lamps outside her house helped her see a question written on a sticky note in bold letters.

Earlier, before her parents came back, Smith had asked something Aurora hadn’t even considered. She had wanted to dismiss it at first, but when she thought about it, it made sense. Just thinking about it made her sick to her stomach.

What if Ghostface is one of the people on the list?

Smith had told her that if Ghostface already knew about her parents’ side job, about the organ trafficking, and if he was killing people who had been in his position, then there was no doubt that Ghostface was one of the people they listed. Not to mention, Ghostface was only attacking in Hogsmeade, the killer had to be one of the townsfolk with the way he managed to get away before the police arrived at the crime scene.

Aurora already knows it’s not Charity, the blonde girl will never kill anyone.

That only left Roberts, Johnson, Longbottom, Black, and Potter.

Roberts and Johnson had been put in the clear soon after. Mainly because both of them were elderly and there was no way they could overpower teenagers who did sports, even those who didn’t do sports could take both of them down. Longbottom, Black, and Potter were the only ones left. Aurora hugs her legs tighter to her body, nails digging into her pants. 

Longbottom is an only child, he plays in the rugby team, he is an alpha who is around the same height as the killer. Black has a younger brother who also plays rugby, both of them are strong and despite the older Black being at odds with his parents, he has a good relationship with his younger brother. Both are around the same height as Ghostface. Potter is an only child, plays rugby, is well liked, and is around the same height as Ghostface.

No matter how she looks at it, either of the three alpha could be the killer.

It didn’t help that all three of them had connections. They had everything they needed to launch a revenge plan that elaborate. As much as she tried to excuse it, Aurora knows that they are her three main suspects as well as potential victims. The worst part of it all, Aurora may have single handedly handed over Severus and Charity on a silver platter to Black and Potter.

If either of those two alphas turned out to be Ghostface, then she has no doubt that they would be working together.

If it was Longbottom, then he was either working alone or had an accomplice who didn’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Smith and her had figured out one part of the puzzle, the next one was going to be difficult. They knew who the possible victims were, now they had to find out the order in which they would be targeted. While doing that, they also had to keep an eye on all three suspects, especially when two of them were now officially courting Severus.

If Lupin was already chummy with the raven omega, there was no doubt the other two would be as well. 

She just hopes that for Severus’ sake that neither Black and Potter are Ghostface.

Chapter Text

Bartemius Crouch Sr has always given all his cases his full attention, nothing was left unturned and when he became fixated on finding the answer, he would find it no matter what. He had assumed the case of Ghostface would be solved in a matter of days, after all it was the work of an amature. With a town this small the killer was bound to slip up.

However, over the last couple of days, Ghostface seemed to slip through his fingers like dark smoke.

Bodies dropped faster than he could have anticipated, then the worst of all came when the bastard killed the Avery boy and injured the young Rosier. Things were already bad, Mayor Potter was putting pressure on the department, telling them to add more security during both night and day. Now that two boys of prestigious families were attacked, one killed and the other fighting for his life, the pressure came down harder.

They still had no idea who the killer could be, even with the description the Snape boy gave. At first it had been helpful, they all originally thought Ghostface was a beta, which was later taken down when the use of scent blockers came into the picture.

Bartemius had his eye on Smith, his only lead but just one look at the boy and he knew there was no way someone like him could ever kill, much less leave no evidence behind. That is, if the boy was working alone. If Smith was working with someone else, someone who was pulling the strings, then things would turn out differently.

However, he also couldn’t just dismiss the possibility of Smith working alone, not when so much evidence had been found against him.

The only reason Smith wasn’t behind bars was because two of the murders couldn’t be connected to him. Even after the murder in the local library, Smith had a solid alibi. Still, the older beta kept an eye on him. If Smith was not the killer, then there had to be a reason why Ghostface chose to use him as an escape goat.

Then there were victims. None of them had anything in common. Angela Jones and Leo Green went to the same school, they weren’t friends but according to their classmates, they were civil to one another and the people around them. Edmund Avery Jr and Evan Rosier were also classmates and got along, however, Rosier had a history of messing with other packs. One of the earlier fights before his attack had been with another pack who’s omega he had slept with.

Bartemius had spoken to that pack but got nothing out of it other than Rosier being a natural enemy to many. One piece of information that had been somewhat useful had been that Rosier was after another omega belonging to James Potter’s pack for a couple of days before the attack. 

It was a surprise to hear Severus Snape's name mentioned again.

Daniel Brown and Noah Baker were normal civilians, Brown was known as an asshole while Baker was loved by the kids who went to his store after school. Neither had any enemies of recent fights, however, the last person to see them alive had been Severus Snape.

Severus Snape had also known Jones and Green.

It was something to pay attention to. Bartemius was sure the omega wasn't the killer, he had suspected at first especially at the start of the killing spree, but after days of keeping watch on his house, Snape was nowhere near the crimes. 

Bartemius still kept an eye on him as well, even if the omega was not a suspect, he could be used as bait.

Ghostface had already attacked Snape twice, neither time had the omega been killed or injured too much. Unlike Aurora Sinistra who had been almost killed had it not been for her mother arriving home just in time to save her. James Potter had also been chased, but it was because he had helped Snape run away.

It wasn’t a coincidence, Snape knew the majority of the victims, yet he had not been in any of the crime scenes. For a moment, Bartemius thought that maybe Skeeter was right, that someone who was infatuated with Snape could be doing this but scoffed at himself for it. No, this wasn’t some sick love story of any sort. Plus, the rest of the victims had nothing to do with Snape. 

If anything, it might seem like the boy just had bad luck, still the older beta was not going to dismiss it.

The other connection he made had been that four out of seven victims had connections to Legacy Hospice , a nursing home that the Sininstra’s owned. To the naked eye, it may seem like nothing. The nursing home was the nearest one in town and according to others, it was the most affordable. However, how did four people who used to have loved ones there end up dead? 

That couldn’t be a coincidence.

The puzzle was right there, some of the pieces were just missing. If only Bartemius could find them and finally end this once and for all…

All his hopes laid with Evan Rosier. If the boy woke up and told them what happened, Bartemius could finally get a move on. For now, all he could do was keep an eye on Smith and ensure that the town was following the curfew set in order to prevent more deaths.

Though, in all honesty, Bartemius isn't sure if they would be able to catch Ghostface before he commits another murder.

Narcissa Black (soon to be Malfoy) had grown used to always knowing what was going on. It was something that made her feel in control when she used to live with her parents. Coming from the Black family, one can expect the young alpha to be like the rest of her family. They didn’t dwell in the gossip around town nor did they care who was the center of it as long as it wasn’t one of them or those who they associated with.

Her older sister, Andromeda, would roll her eyes when their parents weren’t watching. Much like Narcissa, Andromeda always ensured she was well informed about anything going on in Hogsmeade. Not because she wanted to know the gossip, but because it made her feel normal.

Over the years, Andromeda had continued that habit, the only difference was that it was no longer Hogsmeade that she kept her eyes out. Being the second oldest, Andromeda had already been set to marry an alpha their parents’ had chosen, it was to be expected since she was the only omega at that time. However, the wedding never happened as Andromeda had run away with her then, childhood sweetheart now husband, Ted Tonks. 

Their parents had all but disowned her and prohibited Narcissa and Bellatrix from ever contacting her. Bellatrix, being an alpha who fully believed their parents’ beliefs, was more than glad to pretend Andromeda never existed. Narcissa on the other hand had a harder time but did as her parents ordered.

It wasn’t until she set off to study in France with Lucius that Narcissa reconnected with her older sister. Without the knowledge of her parents’ both of them continued to send letters to one another. Since Narcissa couldn’t afford getting caught, Lucius had offered to have Andromeda's letters sent to his manor in France. 

It was the only way to keep in contact and even if Andromeda no longer lived in Hogsmeade, she ensured to always tell Narcissa about her everyday life in London. Narcissa in return did the same, though now it was more about her experience in France and her future plans once she marries her fiance.

She no longer knew as much about what was going on in Hogsmeade as she would like, even when she still wrote to Severus. The younger boy would hardly tell her anything that he deemed as gossip. That was alright, Narcissa knows that the raven omega didn’t like involving himself in things that didn’t concern him.

Which is why when she arrived at Hogsmeade, it took her by surprise how tense the atmosphere was. As the chauffeur drove them towards Aunt Walburga’s house, every shop and restaurant had a ‘ Closing early due to curfew’ sign in every window. Lucius had raised an eyebrow at this. As far as they both knew, Hogsmeade never had implanted a town curfew, there was no need for it.

Mayor Potter had always handled everything with ease. If he had ordered this, then something big must have happened. 

However, the moment Narcissa and Lucius had arrived at the Black Manor, all questions regarding the curfew vanished. If things were tense outside, it was worse when they stepped foot into the manor. Regulus and Walburga had greeted them, one smiling at them with relief and pity, the other clearly not in the mood to entertain guests. It wasn’t hard to see why the older alpha seemed at edge, one look at Sirius told her everything.

The reason Naricissa and Lucius had decided to spend their break in Hogsmeade was to catch up with their family and friends and prepare things for their upcoming wedding. The alpha should have predicted that Sirius would not have made things easy at all. Not that she blames him, unlike Andromeda and their cousin, Narcissa had gotten lucky to be paired off with an omega she loves.

No doubt both Aunt Walburga and Sirius were fighting about his future bride.

It soon proved to be correct during lunch.

“As if one wasn’t enough, now we have another traitor among us.” Bellatrix sneered in Sirius’ direction, dark eyes flashing with disgust. Sirius rolled his eyes, picking at his food. “Out of all the omegas you could have chosen, you settled for used trash.”

Sirius growls, gray eyes flashing as he grinned sharply at the older alpha. “Oh? Please do tell us, is your beloved husband still not making you hard? I was sure that he would be knocked up by now. Or are you just that incompetent?”

Rodolphus’ face was blank, yet the hold on his utensils tightened. It was no secret among the family that Bellatrix and her husband had yet to produce a child. One would expect them to already have a second one by now. Though, as much as it was obvious that the couple would never have a child, they still kept trying. Lucius and Narcissa shared a look but said nothing. Regulus’ dabbed the corner of his lips, a small smirk hiding behind the napkin. Walburga gave Sirius a vicious glare while Orion kept his eyes on his newspaper.

“At least my omega is refined and not spoiled goods, can’t say the same for you. Tell me baby cousin, how does it feel having to share? Not satisfying that whore enough?”

“Shut your fucking filthy trap!”

Narcissa grasps Lucius’ hand underneath the table, the blonde omega gives it a squeeze, his grey eyes focused on Bellatrix and Sirius. “Enough.” Both alphas tensed, not yet wanting to give up their fight but not wanting to challenge Orion who had now placed his newspaper down. His grey eyes look from Bellatrix to Sirius, then he looks at Narcissa and Lucius.

“How did the trip back home go?” As if cutting the strings controlling them, Sirius and Bellatrix lean back on their chairs, one focused on his plate, the other at her sister. Lucius smiles politely, “It went well Mr. Black. Though it was most curious to see that the town is in some sort of lockdown.”

“You haven’t heard?” Asked Sirius, now looking at them. “Heard about what?” Asked Narcissa. “There is a killer on the loose, he goes by the name of Ghostface. He has already attacked multiple times, the Avery boy was killed by him, the Rosier boy barely made it out alive.” Answered her older sister. “At the moment, Major Potter is putting a curfew, especially since there has already been more than one death.”

Talks about Sirius’ new conquest were pushed aside.

This was news to her.

Narcissa had expected anything else, but a killer? For as long as she had been alive, the alpha had never encountered something like this in Hogsmeade. This kind of thing was expected in the city, a big place where the majority of crime takes place. But in a small town? The perplexity of this must have shown on her face since Walburga was the next to speak.

“So far, only two witnesses managed to make it out alive other than Rosier.” The older alpha casted a glance at Sirius. “One who happens to be your cousin’s…unfortunate infatuation.” Narcissa and Regulus flinch when Sirius slammed his fork down, it was a surprise the plate hadn’t broken. “I already told you, mother, that it isn’t infatuation.”

Guess they were back to Sirius’ conquest again. 

If she could, Narcissa would have rolled her eyes. It wasn’t the first time Sirius was berated for spinning a relationship with someone his parents didn’t approve of. It was either just sex or someone to pass time with. Narcissa wouldn’t even bother getting after her cousin, the young alpha never listens. It was better to just let him do as he pleased. It’s not like his relationships lasted long.

“Your father and I already have a list of suitable omega candidates, far better than that…scum you wish to mate.”

Lucius immediately snapped his attention along with Narcissa. Mate? Sirius, her cousin who would sneak out in spite of his parents’ attempts to keep him in doors, the same boy who had run away to live with the Potters, the one who was against meeting any omega, beta, or alpha that his parents tried to set him up with, wanted to mate with someone?

Who had been the unfortunate soul that caught his attention?

“I already made up my mind. Once the courting period is over, I will ask for his hand in marriage.”

“And how exactly do you plan on doing so? Your father and I won’t be giving you our blessing. Furthermore, he is being shared by two others. Do tell me Sirius, who will he pick in the end?”

Sirius scoffed, “As if I need it. I already got his mother’s approval of the courtship. That’s all I need.” Walburga’s nose flared. “And nobody said anything about being picked. If he wants all three of us, then that’s fine by me.” Sirius smirked further.

“We won’t allow it! He will not become the next Lady Black, especially not when he is to be shared like a common whore! If you dare to take this further, you will be removed as heir!”

There was nothing wrong with an omega having more than one partner, alphas were encouraged to have more than one mate, Narcissa never thought an omega should remain only with one. If an alpha could do it, so could an omega. Of course, if Lucius were to want another mate, then she would have to first test them. She wouldn’t be hurt, if anything, just curious to see how things would work out.

She wasn’t insecure, after all, it had been Lucius who proposed first. Since they were young, both of them had been engaged from the moment Narcissa presented as an alpha. Lucius didn’t need to propose but he still did. He had later admitted that he wanted Narcissa to get the full experience of courtship and marriage. She was that lucky to have her omega in her life.

“Then do it! We both know you won't go through with it anyway! You're too prideful to let anyone other than a Black alpha take the lead!” Pushing his chair back, Sirius gets up with a growl. “Where do you think you're going?!” Walburga also stands up while Orion only raises an eyebrow. Bellatrix was clearly enjoying the show while her husband looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.

“To see my boyfriend!”

“Sirius Orion Black! Get back here this instant!”

Sirius ignored his mother and marched out of the dining room. Less than five minutes later Narcissa heard the rev of an engine then silence. Bellatrix scoffed, "Disappointing but not surprising.” Regulus let out a small sigh and gave the couple a small apologetic smile. “I apologize for my brother’s attitude. He…has been very passionate about Severus.”

At this, Lucius paused. “Severus?” Walburga clicks her tongue but remains silent with a look from her husband. Everyone sitting on the table knew about Severus, how could they not when Lucius and Narcissa had been the ones to take him under their care. The majority of their family didn’t approve, but kept quiet since Lucius made it sound as if he were sponsoring the younger boy.

In a way he was, though Narcissa knew it was because her omega saw Severus as a younger brother. His parents never tried for another child, hence he grew up mostly alone until he was allowed to see Narcissa and her sisters from time to time.

People saw his act of kindness as a way to get something from Severus, to make the Malfoy name look better. Lucius acted out of kindness to Severus because in a way, he saw the same loneliness in him.

“That charity case of yours is the omega that Sirius is courting.” Bellatrix is the one to answer. Regulus nods, “Severus gave him the green light a few days ago, since then Sirius has been spending time with him.”

“Wait, you also said he had other partners?” Narcissa could see Lucius begin to fidget from the corner of her eye. “Yes…um,” Regulus glanced at his mother and father, both of them were no longer contributing to the conversation. “It’s Potter and Lupin.”

Everyone flinched at the sound of shattering glass. “Love?” Narcissa turned to fully look at her fiance. His face was paler, eyes wide in shock, the glass of wine he had been drinking from had fallen from his loose grip. “Sev-Severus is dating…is dating…” Bellatrix raised an eyebrow and shared a look with her husband.

“Lucius?” Orion asked, a hint of concern in his tone. Narcissa placed a hand on her lover’s shoulders. “Dear?” The alpha could already feel what was coming. Many regard Lucius as someone who is calm and while he may not fit into all the standard one may have of omegas, he was still respected for his reputation.

He was calm and collected, never once did he let his emotions get the best of him in any setting. However, when it came to family, specifically a certain young raven omega, Lucius tended to let his overprotectiveness get the best of him.

“SEVERUS IS DATING THOSE FILTHY MONGRELS?!”

When Severus had left for work, he had expected it to be as any other day if you ignored the serial killer on the loose and the fact that people still looked at him and whispered whether or not he knew more about the murders that he led on about. Word had gotten out that Rosier had been persistent in his chase after him and like before, Skeeter had latched onto it and spinned a whole other tale.

Severus had never wanted to murder someone that badly before.

He didn’t know why no one focused on the fact that Rosier already had issues with other packs and people in general. For all he knows, Rosier had picked a fight with Smith and it landed his ass in the hospital. Of course, no one questioned it, especially not when Rosier’s own mother, Smith’s lawyer, had made it clear that her client was innocent.

Because of that, not only were people looking at him with suspicion, but also questioning whether or not Severus had even identified the correct killer. The omega was still persistent, Smith had to be Ghostface. Just because he didn’t attack the other victims didn’t mean he was working alone. People could talk all they wanted, but when they finally caught that bastard red handed, Severus would be having the last laugh.

Other than reporters (the brave ones willing to not give up) trying to ask for an interview, people looking at him with doubt, and a killer who might attack him again because of the police’s incompetence, everything was normal as it could be.

Mrs. Longbottom had found someone to help him in the rental temporarily. Frank Longbottom, despite being the owner’s son, clearly never worked in the rental. Severus had to bite his tongue more than once when the alpha either accidentally crashed into a shelf or misplaced the movies. The omega could tell why Mrs. Longbottom had given him a look of pity when she gave him the news.

As much as Severus wanted to complain, he didn’t. Longbottom may be a lost cause when it came to organizing the movies but he had good customer service. In order to prevent himself from snapping at the teen, the omega had suggested for Longbottom to take over the cashier while Severus took care of fixing the movies in their spot. That was how he managed to maintain the rest of his remaining sanity.

Then Sirius decided to drop by with food during his break. Severus didn’t even have to ask why the alpha did that. Just one look into his face told the raven all he needed to know. These days, he has been getting into more arguments with his parents over the courtship. At first, Severus had taken pleasure in it, contrary to what the Black family may believe, not everyone in town liked them, Severus included.

However, he soon felt guilty since Sirius looked stressed about the whole situation. He had tried to ask but the alpha reassured him that he had it handled and that there were other things occupying his mind. Not wanting to pry when it was clear Sirius didn’t want to dwell on it, the omega decided to change the topic instead.

They talked about Remus, who currently had been preparing for his upcoming rut. “He usually always gets them when it’s a full moon. It’s partly why we call him Moony.” That was an interesting piece of information. While Severus used to get his heats on the weekends, Remus got his rut during the full moon. He was lucky, at least the alpha had a set date and didn’t have to worry about what weekend his rut will fall. They talked about James, who was still under strict house arrest but was allowed to bring friends over.

“He told his dad about you, I think Mr. Potter asked when he was going to meet you.” Severus had felt a little nervous at that. While the three alphas had already met his mother (which came unannounced) he had yet to meet their parents. Out of all of them, he was more nervous about meeting Mayor Potter.

Remus’ parents were not big shots but they were well respected and liked. Much like Charity’s and Lily’s families, they kept to themselves. Severus wasn’t nervous about meeting them, well, not as nervous as his boyfriends had been when they met Eileen. Sirius’ parents on the other hand, Severus wasn’t worried about. He was used to people speaking ill of him, they would be no different.

If anything, he dealt with scathing words the best. Fight fire with fire as they say. However, when it’s time to meet James’ dad, Severus can’t help but break into cold sweat. It was the Major for fucks’ sake, who wouldn’t be nervous? All he can do is try to prepare when that day comes.

Sirius, like the majority of the time, decided to stay until the rental closed. Longbottom and the other alpha did most of the talking as Severus worked, to which he was glad. He didn’t have a high social battery and while he had nothing against Longbottom, he also was not going to go out of his way to make him comfortable either. Plus, Sirius kept the other boy entertained enough so he wouldn’t get the bright idea of ‘trying’ to help the omega.

Time went by fast and soon enough, they were heading home. Sirius had insisted on driving him and Severus didn’t decline. After what happened in the library, it was better to just go along with Siriuis. That and the alpha wouldn’t have let him go alone no matter how much the omega insisted.

Because of the curfew, many businesses closed before sundown, meaning that while Severus had gotten used to arriving home long after the sun was no longer in the sky, he now had to get used to getting home while the sun was still out. That also meant getting used to seeing either Mr. Burbage’s or Mrs. Burbage’s car outside his house.

Since Sirius tended to drive in his motorcycle (he has a car, or so Sirius tells him, but he doesn't use it often because he prefers his bike) Severus had to also get used to clinging to the teen’s back. The raven suspects that’s why the alpha prefers driving in his bike when it comes to picking Severus up. As much as he wanted to trust Sirius with his bike skills, the very thought of only two wheels taking him back home at top speed also kept him from keeping his eyes open no matter how much Sirius reassured him that he would be safe.

Not even with the helmet he had been given, Severus didn’t open them. Which he should have done in order to prepare himself before entering his house. Grumbling, the omega had been more preoccupied with fixing his hair after taking the helmet off and with Sirius chuckling to have noticed another car, this one screaming money.

“I still don’t understand how you can drive that thing.”

“C’mon, you’ll get used to it one day! Once you do, you’ll realize that it’s better than a car.”

Severus rolled his eyes as Sirius followed him to his porch. “You plan to stay?” He asked, inserting his keys onto the lock. “No offense, but I rather suffer through your mother’s glares than having to deal with my own mother. At least Mrs. Snape makes her animosity clear with one look and no screaming.” Severus scoffs, “I’m sure she will be pleased to hear that. Though, she probably won’t let you stay long.”

After she had caught James and Severus making out in his room, Eileen had made it clear she didn’t want any alphas in the house past curfew (meaning that they had to leave before nine) and that his door must remain open at all times during their visits. Usually parents had that talk with their children beforehand in order to avoid those kind of situations, however the Snape family was anything but normal.

Severus never thought he would have that talk with his mother. There was no one that wanted to date him and quite frankly, he had no interest in bringing anyone home, especially when Tobias was still around. Eileen never thought she would have to talk to Severus about any rules to follow with future alphas, not because she didn’t think her own son wasn’t capable of dating, but because she knew that he would never bring himself to be that vulnerable because of Tobias.

That all changed after she caught James and Severus red handed.

Sirius must have caught his train of thought because he smirked. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful not to get us caught.” Severus chuckles dryly. James had been quick to inform Remus and Sirius about what happened, not to brag, but to give them a piece of his mind for not warning him of Eileen’s shovel talk. Severus had burned in embarrassment as Sirius teased him and Remus laughed. 

Charity had been the worst. 

Peter had also been informed of James’ unfortunate first impression and shared it with his girlfriend (yes, much like Severus, Charity had finally said yes to a date with the beta and in between the last couple of days, they had gotten together) who in turn didn’t even hesitate to call Severus on the land line and laugh at him for the next couple of minutes.

“As if she will let you step into my room. She has more trust in Remus than you and James combined.”

Opening the door, the omega and alpha stepped in, still going back and forth only to stop at the very unfamiliar yet familiar sight in front of him. Eileen was sitting in her favorite sofa, next to her was Mrs. Burbage. On the other sofa was Lucius and Narcissa, still looking the same since last time they visited yet also different.

The couple had been talking to the other two adults when they had heard Severus and Sirius step into the house. Immediately, Eileen narrowed her obsidian gaze onto Sirius who stiffened, not because of the obvious disdain the older beta held in her eyes but because of the sight before him.

“Lucius? Narcissa?”

The long haired blonde stood up, his smile soft as he looked at Severus. “Sorry to have intruded. We wanted to come see you but your mother told us you were currently working, so we decided to wait for you instead.” Lucius opened his arms for a hug and Severus didn’t hesitate to give him one despite the small growl Sirius let out. The older omega sighs, his embrace familiar and warm. “It’s nice to see you again mon petit corbeau .” 

When they pulled away, Narcissa brought the younger omega into her arms and like before, Severus melted into her embrace. “My, it seems like you grew taller.” Added Narcissa with a small smile. Once they parted, Severus noticed how Lucius and Sirius were glaring at one another. “Uh, not that I am not glad to see you, but I thought you two wouldn’t be here until the end of the semester?”

Since Severus was now preoccupied with his two older sibling figures, Sirius had to close the door behind them. Narcissa shrugs and pulls him to where she had been sitting with Lucius. “We ended up finishing our exams early and decided to drop by.” Before Sirius could take a seat next to him, Lucius beat him to it.

Severus looked at Narcissa with a raised eyebrow. “Sorry about that…we dropped by the Black Manor first and…you could say things took a turn.” Sirius was still glaring at Lucius, though this time it was something sharper. Lucius just gave him a haughty smirk. Severus then remembered the specific reason why Sirius had dropped by his work place and why he wanted to stay despite knowing Eileen’s dislike for him.

“Severus, dear.” Lucius turned away from Sirius and grabbed hold of Severus’ hands. “There is something we want to discuss with you.” He then casted a glance at the two adults, Eileen nods, a soft smile directed at Lucius. From the corner of his eye, he could see Sirius’ flabbergasted expression. 

It was no surprise that Eileen had a softer spot for Lucius and Narcissa. Despite them being of rich families, they never made Severus feel less then. Plus, they made a better impression on her than James, Remus, and Sirius. Though, between all three, Severus is sure Remus would soon gain Eileen’s favor.

“Why don’t you three go to his bedroom? I have something to discuss with Black anyways.” As Eileen said this, Sirius flinched, grey eyes begging Severus not to leave. Casting his boyfriend a smirk, Severus stood up and guided the couple to his room. The moment he closed the door, Lucius began pacing the room while Narcissa sat on the bed.

“Is it true?” Demanded the blonde, his gray eyes staring into Severus’ soul.

“What?”

“That you are dating those mongrels?!”

Severus paused, he had contemplated on telling both of them about the courting but decided not to. He knows he should have but Severus also knew that Lucius would be the one to blow it out of proportion. Unlike Narcissa who would simply tell him to be careful and that she was happy for him, Lucius would have immediately demanded Severus to drop all three of them.

If Lucius had been here, Severus may have not even given the three alpha a chance in all honesty. Compared to Charity who would tell him to do what was best for himself, the blonde young man would have told him to forget about the three marauders and to not lower his standards for three idiots who may be setting him up for a prank.

The omega winced before nodding. Lucius took a sharp inhale of breath as he stopped pacing and instead stood in the middle of the room.

“Do they make you happy?” Severus nods, “They are idiots but…they aren’t bad.” Sure, Sirius and James still pulled pranks but it was no longer targeted at him or where malicious. Severus had told them that while he couldn’t stop them from doing what they liked, he wouldn’t be with someone who found joy in hurting others. It was hypocritical of him, but Severus wasn’t about to stand there and watch someone else be humiliated the way he had been.

“They treat you well? They aren’t forcing their will onto you, right?” Lucius stepped towards him, concern written all over his face. “No. They respect my space and are letting me set the pace. Lucius, you know that even if I am dating them, I won’t bend my back to their demands.” Lucius gives him a small sad smile before nodding. “I know Severus…but sometimes we tend to do the opposite when we are in love.”

“Love? Lucius, I like them at best, I think it’s too soon to even be saying that I love them. We haven’t even been dating for a month.” 

Narcissa laughs lightly, “Severus, you don’t have to say it out loud. We saw the way you looked at my cousin. Maybe you're not ready to admit it yet, and it’s alright. You have more than enough time, you're young after all.” Standing up, she places a hand on Lucius’ shoulder. “Plus, Sirius isn’t leaving anytime soon. Not with the way he looks at you as if you hung the very star named after him.” She laughs while Lucius rolls his eyes in humor.

Severus copied the older omega, though he could feel his face heat up. The three idiots had made their affection more than clear either physically and verbally. Though, he still thinks it’s too soon to call it love. While Severus may be dating them, they still had a lot to unpack. But like Narcissa said, they had time. 

Severus will bring it up along the way.

“Fine, while I can’t say I approve of this, I also can’t tell you not to see them. If they change as Eileen told us they told her, then I will have to be satisfied with that. However, if they cross the line, I will not hesitate to put them in their places.”

“I am with Lucius on this one Severus. Sirius may be my cousin, however you are also important to me. I will not have him ruin our relationship simply because he is incompetent and can’t handle his emotions.”

The raven omega could only sigh.

“Enough about that mongrel, how have you been Severus? We barely came back and now all we are hearing is that there is a killer on the loose and that you got attacked by him twice!”

Severus then is forced to launch into a lengthy explanation about what had been occurring over the course of the month. He had to take small breaks, not for his sake but for the two before him. When he got into the part where Smith had attacked him, he had to stop Lucius from leaving the house.

“If he is Ghostface then why isn’t he in prison?!”

“There wasn’t enough evidence to connect him to the rest of the murders. According to the police, he also had nothing to do with the attacks in the library.”

“That’s a bunch of bullshit!”

Narcissa on the other hand had to be held back when he said that. Severus knows that they have connections to the police, hell, Sirius’ and James’ family also have connections to them and many more people. That was how James managed to keep the majority of the press away from the omega.

That was also how they managed to keep their group out of trouble.

While he can understand why the couple wanted to use their connections, Severus wasn’t going to allow it. Rumors, even though they were not as attention catching as before, were still circling around him. Now that Skeeter was with Adam, she will no doubt have a better time digging for information regarding the raven. 

It was no secret that Severus had a friendship with Narcissa and Lucius, almost everyone in Hogsmeade knows about it. Skeeter no doubt already knows this considering how much of a gossip she is. If Smith were to be charged with all the murders today with no explanation, she would investigate it and find out that his two friends had something to do with it. Which she will later connect to Severus. The omega didn’t want that, he wanted a fair trial, one in which Smith could not escape the truth.

Severus was also sure Smith had an accomplice. If they were going to prosecute Smith, then they would also need him free in order to capture the accomplice. 

After calming them down, he filled them in on his change of pack and the reasons behind it. They took that piece of news better than the Ghostface one. Narcissa had given her sorrys and while she had been upset about what Sinistra said and fully understood why Severus and Charity decided to distance themselves.

After all, if that was how Sinistra truly felt about Severus, then the omega would not give her the time of day.

He then went on to explain his current pack and his relationship with the three alphas. Lucius just rolled his eyes but didn’t interrupt while Narcissa nodded and even added supportive remarks. He also added that Charity had liked their sense of style and if they had time, he asked them to meet her.

Finally, the big event that seemed to be in the front of his mind was brought up.

“While we were waiting for you, Eileen told us about a decision you both made a while ago.” Narcissa grasped his hands into her softer and warmer ones. All three of them were sitting on his bed, Severus in the middle of the couple. “Are you truly going to send her to a nursing home?”

“It isn’t an easy decision to make. I don’t want to but…I also can’t give her the help she needs. If I could, I would still keep her here.” There were days in which Severus wanted to call the nursing home and tell them Eileen wasn’t going to go after all. He sometimes imagined how he would be able to provide for them both, not in the way he was doing now. He would have a good paying job, one in which he could afford a stay at home nurse or someone who could take care of her while he was away.

It was hopeless to dream of that.

“We could help you mon petit corbeau , you don’t have to be separated from your mother.” Severus shakes his head. “You know how I feel about borrowing money, Lucius. I barely managed to pay off the debts my father left me and my mother. I don’t want to owe you money.” That had been a miserable time for him.

“You won’t owe me money, Severus. I just want to help, I have the resources to do so.”

“No, I know you do but I don’t want to feel like I owe you.”

Money will always be a sensitive topic for him. He never had enough of it, not even before Eileen got ill. When Tobias left, they finally had enough to buy food and essentials. They could pay bills without having to skip meals, could afford small things they considered luxuries. Eileen could finally buy Severus clothes, shoes, and school supplies that weren’t second handed. Severus could even afford suppressants, not the cheap ones that barely worked, but ones that didn’t affect his body negatively.

Then she got ill and all that money went to her medication. They could still afford things, but they had to cut back on certain stuff. Severus worked as much as he could to get money, but it was never enough.

Hell, before they could even live and enjoy their freedom from Tobias, loan sharks kept coming by demanding their money. They didn’t care that Eileen and her son never borrowed money from them. Tobias had left without paying them back, since they were his next of kin, they were now responsible for paying. Somehow they managed to pay off the debt, during those days, Eileen worked herself to the ground.

Severus doesn't know what they told her to make her work the way they did. Eileen had been shaken, tears running down her obsidian eyes as she hugged him and promised that she would never allow anyone to ever hurt him. After that, she threw herself into working as much as she could.

Severus knows that Lucius’ money doesn't come with hidden favors. He had always tried to spoil the raven any chance he got. From buying him luxury gifts for his birthday to getting him new school supplies whenever the marauders destroyed the old ones he had. If the blonde omega wanted something, he would have demanded it a long time ago.

“Alrigth then, how about your living situation?” Narcissa asked, efficiently changing the conversation. Severus sent her a grateful look, money was both his friend and enemy. Talking about it always made him uneasy. “You don’t plan on staying here alone, right?” Added the young women. 

“I will.”

“Severus!” Exclaimed the older omega in exasperation. “Listen, I can understand you not wanting to take money from us. Fine, I will leave that alone. But are you staying here without an adult?!” 

“I can provide for myself, Lucius. I have a job, earn money, and can cook. I will be fine.” This time, Narcissa was the one who looked exasperated. “Sev, dear, I know you can take care of yourself. However, let me remind you that there is a serial killer on the loose and that your neighborhood isn’t the safest.”

“Not to mention, that lunatic already attacked you twice. What would happen when he finds out that you live by yourself in a neighborhood that already got used to violence?” 

Severus rolled his eyes. “I am not going to be defenseless. My father left two guns in the house, I’ve been having them loaded and ready in case anything happens.” Lucius huffed. “Evem so, it’s not wise to stay here by yourself. Why don’t you stay with us? Narcissa and I will be staying here for a few months, stay with us, at least until you turn eighteen.”

“I can’t impose on you like that.”

“You won’t Severus. Look, your birthday isn’t until January, it’s October. Just two months with us, during that time, we could help you find a house that isn’t in a neighborhood this dangerous.” The blonde alpha smiles at him, blue eyes shining. Severus shakes his head. “Even so, your relatives won’t have that same mindset.” At this, both of them wilt.

While the Blacks and Malfoys didn’t like that Lucius and Narcissa associated themselves with Severus, they tolerated it because it showed others that both families weren’t as bad as they were made to be. Not that it helped, some people bought into it, others (especially the ones who were in the same situation as Severus) just called it bullshit.

If Severus were to stay with either family, he could already see the disaster all together. He was dating Sirius, if what the alpha told him was true, then the omega is sure Walburga Black would have his head the moment he stepped into her house. As for Mr. Malfoy, he may hide his personal feelings behind professional smiles but Severus was sure the older man would throw him into the streets the moment Lucius looked away.

“It would be more trouble than it’s worth. I will be fine here, Charity’s older brother, Adam, is a police officer. He will drop by to check on me often. Plus, I will be at work the majority of the time.”

Narcissa sighs, “What about after work? You aren’t walking alone anymore, right?” Severus shakes his head. “The other three pick me up after work. They don’t want me walking once the sun begins to set.” Lucius snorts. “At least they are doing something about it.” Shaking his head, the older omega sighs as well. “How about staying with Burbage? I would even suggest Lupin.” Lucius looked like he bit into a lemon as he said that.

“Why not Potter?” Asked Narcissa. “Because for all we know, that idiot will take advantage of the situation! Just thinking about throwing Severus into that animal's jaws makes me shiver. Potter is an alpha who is impulsive, for all we know he may try to mate with Severus.”

Narcissa laughs, “That is true. On the other hand, I don’t think It would be a good idea to stay with me for more reasons other than my aunt. Sirius may also try to claim you.” Severus groans, burying his face into his hands, burning in embarrassment. “At least Lupin has some self control, then again, he hangs around those idiots…I change my mind, stay with Burbage.” Lucius was serious while Narcissa continued to laugh. 

When the laughter died down, Narcissa looked at Severus sternly. “At least consider staying with Burbage. You said that you made up with Evans, see if you can stay with her, at least until you turn eighteen.” Severus already knew his answer but in order to put their worries to rest, he nodded. “Alright, you also said you wouldn’t be dropping Eileen yourself. Let us drive you there.”

“Narcissa-”

“Please? I know you want to spend as much time with her. We want to do the same, Eileen is like a second mother to Lucius and I. Let us drive you there, please?” Severus looks at Lucius, his gray eyes encouraging him to say yes. Anyone else would say they were guilt tripping him, but they weren’t. Lucius and Narcissa had grown to love and care for Eileen, that much was a fact considering that they no longer called her Mrs. Snape.

Lucius’ parents, while being present, never did give him much attention growing up. His omega status had a big part to play in that. They had hoped for an alpha and had gotten an omega instead. When Lucius met Eileen for the first time, she had welcomed him with open arms. She didn’t care that Lucius was an omega or a Malfoy. To the blonde, that had been a breath of fresh air.

Narcissa, being the youngest, did have attention but it always lacked warmth. Her older sister was an alpha while her second older sister an omega. One followed the path set for her while the other had followed her own path. That left Narcissa with the decision to do the same as Bellatrix, all their eyes were on her, especially after Andromeda had left.

Eileen’s gaze never made Narcissa feel unworthy or added pressure. In the beta’s eyes, Narcissa was and continues to be a young girl who only wants to live a peaceful life. She didn’t care about the Black legacy or statues. It was an escape from her suffocating life.

More importantly, Eileen knew what it felt like to live in a family that gave love as long as you did what they demanded of you. 

Their offer benefited him but also them. While he wanted to say no, that he didn’t want them to spend their break like that, he also couldn’t. Unlike Severus, they would not get much time with her. The raven nods, “Ok…just make sure your schedules are cleared. We might have to spend the night in a hotel before coming back.”

It would be a four hour drive. Two hours to get there and two hours to get back. It wasn’t a lot but knowing the couple, they may want to take the scenic route to milk as much time as they could. Lucius beams and pulls the omega into his arms. “Don’t worry, let us take care of the trip. You focus on spending as much time as you can with Eileen.”

Narcissa joins in, pulling both omegas into her embrace. “Think of it as a small road trip. We will have time as a family.” Severus buries his head on Lucius’ neck. It would be like a road trip, if he ignored the fact that Eileen won’t be coming back with them. Swallowing the lump on his throat, he focuses on how to spend the remaining time he has left with his mother.

Grumbling under his breath, Severus slightly pulls away from Sirius’ suffocating embrace. The teen whines low, an unsatisfied frown pulling his lips. “Stop that. I can’t breathe.” Sirius huffs and once again buries himself onto Severus’ collarbone. “I can still smell them on you.” Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, the omega once again pushes Sirius away.

“And your scent is too strong.” As he finishes his sentence, the raven sneezes. Sirius, grumbling, pulls away. If they had stayed in the living room like he planned, Severus would have a hard time dispelling the smell of pinewood out of it.

After his talk with Narcissa and Lucius, the couple had headed out since it was getting late. Mrs. Burbage had also left after them after Severus assured her that Eileen and he would be fine for the night. His mother had then retreated to her room after asking Severus how his day was and warning them to keep the door to his room open.

Before Severus could respond to his mother, Sirius had whisked him away and now he found himself in the same position he had been caught with James. Except there was no kissing (there had been but since the door was open, Severus didn’t let it go far), only cuddling under Sirius’ insistence. 

It was easy to guess why the alpha wanted to cuddle. As of now, his whole room smelled of Sirius, Lucius’ lilac scent and Narcissa’s coffee scent were long gone. Before the couple left, they had scented him and his nest, when Sirius caught a whiff of it, he immediately shoved Severus onto the bed and literally became a weight blanket for the omega. Now all Severus could smell was pinewood. 

“Why did you let them scent you?” Sirius laid his head on Severus’ chest, giving his best impression of puppy eyes. “Because they are my friends and I haven’t seen them in a long time.” As Sirius opened his mouth, Severus grabbed a chunk of his curly hair and pulled lightly. “Both of them are engaged, they have been scenting me for far longer. Narcissa and Lucius are like older siblings to me.” 

Sirius’ face turned a light shade of pink, but didn’t talk back. Severus let his hair go and the alpha went back to his neck, his scent softening and no longer itchy on the nose. “...What did you talk about?”

“Just catching up on things that have occurred. They were more interested in the whole Ghostface killings and my mother’s departure in the upcoming days.” They also showed great interest in his current relationship but decided not to mention it. It was clear that Lucius and Sirius didn’t get along, if he were to mention it, Sirius would no doubt ask for every detail. 

“Have you decided on the travel arrangements?” Severus sighs, playing with Sirius’ curly hair. “Lucius and Narcissa offered to drive me there. I agreed.” Sirius propped himself up, both of his hands planted on either side of Severus’ head. The omega looked up at the grey eyed boy, an eyebrow raised. “You agreed?”

“Sirius, they also want to spend time with my mother. They have known her for most of my childhood, she’s basically a second mother to them.” Sirius scowled. “Still, did you have to agree to that? It’s almost four hours of you being with that pompous jerk. I trust Narcissa, but Malfoy is another thing.”

This Severus did roll his eyes. “Will you stop? Lucius has been nothing but decent to me over the years. If he wanted something, he would have made it clear. They just want to offer their help.” He could feel a headache coming. His slowly brewing anger must have shown because Sirius sighs and presses their foreheads together. “Sorry…I do trust you. I just don’t trust Malfoy but if you do then I’ll trust your judgment.”

To further push his apology, Sirius plants a kiss onto Severus’ mouth. “I’m also worried. Ghostface is still out there, I know you will be out of town for at least a day but I can’t help but imagine he would try to attack you on the way there.” He laughs bitterly, “Though, he wouldn’t. For that he will have to know about your plans and now that I think about it, I’m the one being ridiculous."

“Glad to see you finally admit it.”

“Haha. very funny.” 

He kissed him again, “Are you still planning on staying here alone?” The omega gives a small nod. “Would you at least consider letting me stay with you?”

“Sirius-”

“Listen, I know you can take care of yourself. Hell, your skills with the gun speak for themselves. But it still isn’t safe, even if Charity’s older brother drops by to check on you.”

“I will manage just fine. The majority of time is spent working, you, James, and Remus all pick me up from work, sometimes even drop me off. Adam and Charity come by all the time, you and Remus do the same and James comes as much as he can. I won’t be alone.”

Sirius frowns, “Even so, Smith worked with you. Who’s to say he doesn't know your address? He already attacked you twice, and no offence but with the amount of crime that occurs in your neighborhood, the police won’t respond quickly.” Once again, Severus felt irritation crawling up mixed with a sudden spike of fear. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Sirius had a point.

When Severus had applied to work for Mrs. Longbottom, he had to write down personal information such as the house number, his date of birth, secondary gender, and even street address. No one outside of the employees and Mrs. Longbottom had that information.

Smith had known Severus’ phone number; he had sometimes called him to cover a shift or if he needed extra help in the rental. There was no way he didn’t know his address. As he thought about it, Severus tensed up. Sirius lowered himself down and switched their places. Now the alpha was on the bottom while Severus laid on his chest. 

“Hey, hey, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Well startled then, but we don’t know if Smith knows your address or not. At least stay with James for a while, until the whole Ghostface thing blows over. Hell, you could stay with Remus as well.” 

Severus shakes his head. He has no idea when Ghostface would be captured, or if he would be captured at all. It could take months, maybe even years. Maybe the police would never catch him. Severus may have been open to the idea of dating the three marauders, but he wasn’t about to go live with them for who knows how long.

They just started courting, it would be weird if Severus shows up to either James’ or Remus’ house and explains to their parents that he will stay for an uncertain amount of time. Just thinking about it made him cringe.

“Sev-”

“I can stay with Charity or Lily, I’ve known their parents for longer and they have no problem with me staying for a while.”

Even if he will hate himself for imposing on them, he knows either family will take him in. Lily had done everything under the sun to expand his sleepovers when they were kids. And while the Evans wanted to do the same, they also knew he needed to head back home to Eileen. The Burbages were the same, sometimes, they managed to convince Severus to stay for a few hours before heading out.

Severus has no idea how Mayor Potter or Mr. and Mrs. Lupin would react to him staying for more than a day. They may act polite and not kick him out, but Severus would notice. Not to mention, he hasn’t even formally met them either. It would be rude of him to just start living with them when he hasn’t even introduced himself yet. 

“Evans?” Sirius’ eyes flashed but it quickly went away. “Since when do you speak with Evans?” 

“Since a few days ago. We made up the day I spoke to Remus about the courtship.” Right, he had forgotten to tell them about that piece of information. Sitting up, Severus straddles Sirius’ lap, his hands on the alpha’s chest. “Oh. I’m glad for you.” Severus narrowed his eyes at Sirius’ unusually calm tone.

Clearing his throat, Sirius smiles and places his hands on Severus’ hips. “Anyways, either of them would be fine too. Just, think about it, alright? I know you may be uncomfortable staying with either Prongs or Moony since you haven’t met their parents formally and I would invite you to my house but I may put you in more danger with my beloved mother.” Sirius scoffed. “As long as you don’t stay here alone, any decision you make is fine.”

Severus wanted to question what that reaction had been but it quickly left his mind when Sirius pulled the omega down and connected their lips. As if his thoughts were butter, they melted at the teen’s touch, his body immediately latching on to the affection he was still trying to get used to.

It was fine, he could think about his final decision when the day came.

Chapter Text

As the day for his mother’s departure came closer, Severus dedicated to spend as much time as he could with her. They baked like they used to, sometimes even cooked together when she had a burst of energy. On those days, she was more inclined to welcome the marauders to her house. She still gave James, Sirius, and Remus the evil eye but kept it to a minimum in order not to damper the mood.

Charity also stopped by and even had the chance to meet Lucius and Narcissa who instantly took a liking to her. As for Peter, despite the blonde beta not courting him but Charity, Eileen gave him the same treatment she gave his other friends. It was funny to see, especially since he later admitted that while he had met all of Charity’s family, Eileen had been the most terrifying of all.

Lily had even dropped by with her parents and Petunia, a basket of cookies and some movies in tow. Just as he always knew, Charity and Lily instantly hit it off, though while they did have their differences, he was glad to see that neither of them felt inferior to the other. Petunia had been harder to crack, after all, she always took her sister’s side but Narcissa had managed to butter her up along with Lucius. Now, Severus had to deal with four fashion divas that liked to judge his closet from time to time.

Yet, even with all his friends getting along, he couldn’t ignore the giant elephant in the room. 

Severus had thought the redhead beta always got along with the marauders. The omega never saw them argue other than when James and Sirius decided to pull a vicious prank and she stepped in to do damage control. To see them arguing, even if it was in whispers and far away from him, Severus ended up finding out regardless. He doesn't know why or how the arguments started, only that Narcissa had been the one to point it out during one of their get together dinners.

Charity and Peter had volunteered to help in the kitchen while Remus helped prepare the table. James and Sirius had decided to entertain the other guests while Lily kept an eye on them to ensure they didn’t get out of hand. It had been a routine they followed since it made it easy to juggle serving the food and engaging with their guests. They hadn’t had a problem with it in the past few days.

It had been after the dinner and everyone else other than Narcissa and Lucius left when his friend approached him about the argument. He had been confused when she asked if Lily and his boyfriends had any issues and asked Narcissa what she meant by that. The blonde alpha had pressed her lips together, an uncomfortable expression taking over her features. Severus could tell she had been looking for the best way to explain what she meant before shaking her head.

“Nothing, I guess I might have seen wrong. Sirius and Potter just looked…tense at whatever Evans had been telling them. I asked Petunia if anything was wrong but she looked as clueless as I felt.”

Narcissa didn’t elaborate and Severus didn’t touch on the subject again. After all, he was sure Lily was just getting after them for some idiocy they had done. The redhead girl wouldn’t go looking for trouble, if anything, she tried her best to stay clear of it. However, the omega decided to keep an eye on all three of them just in case. He didn’t want it to grow into something bigger later on.

Remus took the last suitcase Severus handed to him and placed it neatly among the other luggage before closing the trunk. Up in the front were Lucius and Eileen, both of them probably discussing their plans of sightseeing before dropping her off. Narcissa was a few feet away, talking to Sirius while James came out of the house with two duffle bags, one belonging to Severus and the other to Eileen.

“Place them under the seats, there’s no more room in the trunk.” He instructed. James nodded and did as he was told. “Are you sure you don’t want to leave early?” Severus asked as he turned towards Remus. The alpha shakes his head, sweat plastered on his forehead. “It’s fine, my rut won’t hit until tonight.”

Severus frowns, “Still, doesn't mean you should be exhausting yourself.” The only alpha he had ever seen have a rut had been Tobias. Though, it probably isn’t the best comparison to have. His father would get more violent, more aggressive. During those times, his mother had a harder time pleasing Tobias. It often ended with both mother and son covered in bruises, at worst, blood.

Severus doesn't know how rut works for Remus. Though, he hardly doubts it would be violent. He just didn’t want the blonde teen to waste all his energy when he could be conserving it. Much like an omegas’ heat, an alphas’ rut lasted around three days, five being the most. During that time, it was advised that alphas should relax and conserve their energy. Though unlike omegas who suffered the repercussions by breaking into a fever, alphas tended to be aggressive if they felt weakened.

Severus isn’t sure how true that information is. The majority of it comes from biased sources, even the medical ones. Severus’ own heat didn’t make him docile or even submissive to random alphas. With Sinistra he had only wanted to cuddle and the only time he ever threw himself at someone had been with Potter. Though that was also different considering that during that whole ordeal, Severus had…imagined himself in different positions with all three of them.

The omega just concluded that it was natural for him to do so because he held affection towards them that was more than friendship.

“I’ll be fine, love, I have everything I need. Just focus on spending the day with your mother. By the time you come back, the worst of it will be over.” Brushing a strand of hair behind his ear, Remus leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on his lips. Severus shakes his head, “Fine, just go home once I leave…especially with Ghostface and all.” The blonde nods, snuggling his face onto the crook of Severus’ neck.

His face burns but he doesn't pull away from Remus. Severus had gotten used to (or as used to as he can get) to the affection of either alpha behind closed doors. When it came to showing that affection in public, he kept it as small and short as possible. It wasn’t because he was embarrassed or ashamed of them.

James and Sirius just got too over excited and often went overboard.

Getting caught kissing by his mother was one thing, at least it was in the privacy of his home.

Getting caught in public would be another, if one person saw then the whole town would know.

Remus on the other hand never pushed, at least not in public. In private he was just as unbearable as the other two, though at least it was in private . He guesses he could allow him this one thing before he leaves. Remus did give him some of his scented clothes to help him with his heat, maybe Severus could scent him and the clothes he had on so he could keep them when he enters his rut.

Wrapping his arms around the green eyed boy, Severus lets out a small purr and concentrates on scenting Remus. He’s careful in doing so, he can’t let his scent be too strong in case he triggers Remus’ rut early and he can’t let it be too faint or it won't stick to the clothes. Remus sighs, a small whine muffled by Severus’ skin as he brings the omega closer to himself. 

Despite this hug being entirely for Remus’ sake, it was also for Severus. Today was the day he would say goodbye to his mother. The last day he will have her in their house. The days had gone by so fast that now that he was standing here, Narcissa and Lucius ready to drive him and Eileen to Legacy Hospice , it all felt unreal.

When Tobias had left, Severus had expected to get used to the silence, to the peace the house would have now that the tormentor was gone. It was the opposite. It felt like he was staying somewhere he didn’t belong. The silence was loud, all consuming. It made him anxious, waiting for anything to happen.

He had gotten so used to Tobias’ rage that living without it felt like everything was thrown into a loop. Severus didn’t miss it, not by a bit but it made him feel vulnerable, naked. As if he let himself relax his father would burst through that door and beat him bloody for even thinking he would be free of him.

Over time he managed to get used to living without Tobias’ presence.

With Eileen, it was going to be harder. She has always been there. For when he cried, bled, screamed, when the bruises hurt or when his bones were broken. Even now, she had been there to see him bring a boy home. It didn’t matter how small each achievement he made in life was, Eileen had always been there.

Now she will not.

Someone hugged Severus from the back and pulled both the omega and Remus into their arms. The cool surface of glasses touched the back of his nape the moment a warm breath of air hit the pale skin. James nosed his exposed skin, letting small purrs of his own. Both Remus and James melted onto him like a second skin, their scents penetrating and no doubt sticking onto his clothes. 

Sirius soon joined in, and a hug that was meant to be for Remus had turned into one for everyone. Severus scented each of them, conveying what he wanted to say into actions. While he had been preparing for the departure, he had also worried about them. Out of everyone, Severus was to be the safest once he left Hogsmeade for the next couple of hours.

Lily, Charity and Peter had offered to house sit while he was gone, something that he had not wanted to because he knew how bad his neighborhood could get. But he was also worried about leaving his house alone for a long period of time. No doubt someone would try to get in once they realize no one was home.

Lily and Charity had been persistent, they wouldn’t take no for an answer and at the end he agreed. Peter had decided to join in since his girlfriend was going to be there and because in the next few hours, Remus would enter his rut, James would be at home, and Sirius was probably going to be with his brother.

All three of the boys had offered to house sit as well but Severus rejected the idea for it wouldn’t be possible. James’ dad wouldn’t allow it, Sirius had planned to bring his younger brother with him but Severus was sure their parents would have stormed his house, and Remus would start his rut in a few hours.

In the end, Peter had volunteered, part because Charity will be there and to also help his three friends.

Even so, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something would go horribly wrong.

For their part, Lily and Charity didn’t know how to use the guns in the house. Charity had some training in self defense because of Adam but that will only hold so long with a killer who could use both a blade and a fucking gun. Lily didn’t know how to fight, at least, not like Charity. She could throw a mean punch and hold her own, but when it came to life or death, he wasn’t sure if she could last long enough to get help.

It didn’t mean she wouldn’t fight tooth and nail because she will. Severus would just rather not let it get to that point.

Peter on the other hand did know how to use the guns but had zero fighting skills. Severus knows this because of the amount of times Sirius and James had to jump on his behalf to fight someone.

It didn’t matter, the point is that even if they did know how to defend themselves, the omega didn’t want to leave them alone in a house that Smith could try and break in at any time to finish the job.

If they got hurt, or worse, killed, because of him, Severus would never be able to forgive himself.

“Get your paws off him, it’s time to go!”

Lucius’ voice snaps him out of his inner turmoil. Reluctantly all three alphas pull away, each one sporting matching frowns. “Don’t get into any trouble, I mean it.” Severus pressed a kiss on each of their cheeks. “And don’t even think about trying to stay at my house. Lily and Charity will have you kicked out.”

James and Sirius deflate.

Shaking his head, Remus grabs his face gently and kisses him on the lips. “Be safe. If you don’t feel like driving so late at night, stay at a hotel.”

“It’s better if you do spend the night at a hotel.” Added James, kissing Severus on the lips and cheek once Remus pulled away. “With the curfew in place, I would rather not have you get in trouble with Crouch. With the way he is handling the cases, he would not hesitate to try and point fingers on you.”

Severus cringes at that. He had spoken to that man twice and each time was more unpleasant than the one after that. The older beta was intimidating yet also made you want to sock him in the mouth. He spoke to Severus so condescendingly that James, who had been there the first time Ghostface chased him, had called the older man out. It was clear Crouch didn’t think much of him which shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

Sirius had made a good point last time, people who live in the same neighborhood as Severus don’t get help from the police, at least, they are not prioritized. Severus, whose father had basically caused the police a headache, claimed to have been chased by the killer must have been something the older beta didn’t want to be involved in.

Until Ghostface became a bigger deal.

Until Severus basically pointed them to the killer, who was now free because of the lack of evidence against him.

“Even with Malfoy and Narcissa, he will try to pin it on you.” Sirius kissed the side of his neck, right where Severus had a mold. The omega’s face turned red and he pushed the alpha’s head away with a glare. Sirius huffed in amusement and planted a kiss on Severus’ lips. “Not to mention, knowing Malfoy, he will no doubt whine about his beauty sleep.”

Severus jabbed the alpha in the ribs. Ignoring Sirius’ yelp of pain and following whine, Severus turns his attention to James and Remus. “That’s probably the plan, we all packed for an overnight stay.”

“That explains why Malfoy brought that gigantic bag with him.” James snorts only for it to be cut short when Severus stomps on his toes. Ignoring the now two pouting alpha, he focuses on Remus. “I already gave those two idiots my land line, if anything happens, they will call Peter. You do the same. Once we find a hotel to stay in, I will give Lily and Charity a call to let them know. If for any reason they get locked out, there is an extra key on the door head. I already gave them my spare to Charity, hopefully they don’t lose it.”

Charity is usually responsible, though when she gets excited or in one of her moods, she tends to forget all reason. Lily could try and keep the peace but she sometimes also lost her cool depending on the situation.

Remus nods, eyes so soft that Severus has to look away and try to shove down the sudden warmth that spreads through his belly and all the way to his chest. Sharing one last kiss with all three of them, Severus helped Eileen into the car as Narcissa got into the driver seat and Lucius into the passenger seat. 

All three boys waved alongside Charity, Lily, and Peter. Severus doesn't wave back but he does nod in return. His obsidian eyes don’t leave their figures, not even after they disappear from view.

Lily wipes her forehead, green eyes shining in triumph at the small inflatable bed she had just finished filling with air. Since she had offered to stay the night at Severus’ house, Lily had decided to pack anything that might be useful to her and her other two companions for the night.

Petunia had made fun of her for taking their family’s inflatable mattress, saying that they could very well use the sofas to sleep. Lily had rolled her eyes. The beta knew that Pettigrew and herself could stay in the living room while Charity slept in Severus’ room. However the couches were not big enough to fit two people and quite frankly, she didn’t feel comfortable sharing one with the blonde boy.

She could have let Charity and Pettigrew sleep in Severus’ bed but Lily liked having her neck intact, thank you very much. The raven omega would kill her himself if he found out she let the newly couple sleep in his bed. “Wow, you actually managed to inflate it.” Charity spoke as she came out of the kitchen. On one hand was a bowl of popcorn while the other had a bowl of chips, all mixed together. 

Lily nods, “It gets easier over time, this one is big enough for me. That way both Pettigrew and I don’t wake up with back pain.” The girl laughed. While Lily’s main reason not to share the couch with the boy was because she didn’t feel comfortable, the other two were because she didn’t fancy herself having back pain in the morning and because she also didn’t want to upset Charity.

The blonde omega had been rough around the edges when Lily began to hang out with her and Severus. It had been hard work to show Charity that she meant well and that she wouldn’t get in between the friendship the two omegas formed. Slowly the redhead managed to get her trust, they were on fist name bases now!

Lily knows that Charity isn’t the jealous type and would probably have no problem if Pettigrew and Lily shared a sofa but the beta didn’t want to cross any lines.

“While you were doing that I got the snacks ready. Can we use your air mattress while we watch movies?” Lily nods, “Yeah, just make sure there are no crumbs left. Are you going to need help with anything else?”

“Can you get the drinks? There inside the fridge, I bought a variety since I didn't know which one you would prefer.” With a quick nod, Lily goes to the kitchen as Charity settles the bowls onto the small coffee table. 

Lily had originally planned on bringing board games so that all three of them wouldn’t get bored. Charity had been the one to then suggest on having a movie night. It hadn’t been a bad idea and since they didn’t have school until further notice, the green eyed girl agreed. Pettigrew had even suggested they watch horror films, which was surprising since Lily didn’t peg him as the kind of guy who liked that stuff.

Though, based on how happy Charity looked at the idea, Lily guesses he did it more for his girlfriend. Lily herself didn’t mind them, in fact, she had quite the collection of horror films herself. When she was younger, horror films hadn’t been her cup of tea. Much like Petunia, she had preferred romance films. Though, from time to time, she liked watching action films with her parents.

It wasn’t until she met Severus that Lily saw the appeal in horror films.

Petunia never liked them and her parents would watch them but never often. So she didn’t have a solid opinion on them. However, with Severus, who despite being her age, loved them. At the beginning Lily had found them scary, like any child her age would, and they would also make her uneasy because of the blood and violence. Severus had sensed that and decided to switch up on the horror aspect.

Within a few months, Lily had finally understood why Severus loved the films so much.

Horror was not only blood and guts, but psychological and often had hidden meanings. Severus loved any kind of horror, even the ones that sucked. Lily was more inclined with the psychological ones because they always left her guessing. They bonded over that and before she knew it, the redhead had built her own movie collection.

Before they had their fight, Lily would often drop by Severus’ house whenever his father wasn’t home. Both of them would watch movies and eat snacks while talking about the characters or plot. Severus would sometimes also drop to her house, sometimes even having sleep overs with her.

After their fight however, Lily had felt empty.

Even with her new friends, she missed Severus. For a while, she had been so angry at him that she didn’t care to even worry about him. What he had said to her had hurt, but she had also said some ugly things to him in return. When the anger went away and remorse entered her, Lily had felt horrible about what she had said and done after.

Severus, despite never agreeing with her, has a gentle soul. He hides it behind sharp retorts and vicious glares but under all of that, he is soft and warm. He cared more than he should, probably more than he knew at all. Out of the two, he had been the one to come forward and apologize the very next day. Even after Lily had rejected his apology time and time again, he would show up the next day and once again apologize.

Finally, she had decided to hear him out and in the end, both of them apologized and decided to go their own separate way. Days went by, then weeks, finally months. In all that time that passed, Severus had found two new friends and had become part of their pack. Lily had been jealous, more so than she could ever admit to herself.

If the fight never happened, if Potter and his cronies never became such a wedge, Severus and she would have had a pack of their own. Lily knows it’s wrong to blame others for her own actions, but she couldn’t help it. Even now as she finally gathered the courage to speak to Severus, she resented the marauders.

From the very beginning Lily had known that Potter’s affection wasn’t targeted at her. Every time he would flirt with her, Severus was beside her. If he pulled a stupid stunt, his eyes would automatically seek the omega. Each time Severus glared at him, mocked him, retorted every single thing the alpha did, Potter’s eyes would brighten up. Lily doesn't know if Potter even knew about his affection towards her friend.

With his timing on trying to court Severus and them going out, Lily would guess it was when she had snapped at them for once again speaking ill of her friend.

Black and Lupin were a whole other thing.

Black was much like Potter. He would do whatever it was to have Severus' eyes on him. It didn’t matter that Severus would glare at him majority of the time, as long as those obsidian eyes were on the alpha, he would be satisfied.

Lupin on the other hand tried a different approach. He would smile at Severus, sometimes even engage in conversation. Severus would be hesitant but allowed himself to reach out whenever Lupin tried. Lily still remembers how much Lupin had blushed whenever Severus complimented him when they were kids. 

To summarize it all in one word, all three alphas were hopeless. 

One part of her had been happy that Severus managed to find love, even if he himself didn’t know, the other part, the one she wasn’t proud of, was jealous. Not at him, never at him, but at the three marauders. They had grown a lot from their younger years, enough so that Severus, the very embodiment of caution, gave them a chance.

Lily was jealous of their courage. If she had looked past her own hurt, then maybe she would have made up with Severus a lot sooner.

That didn’t matter now, as her dad liked to say, better late than never.

Gathering the drinks, Lily closed the fridge shut and went back to the living room. Charity had added some pillows and blankets on the inflatable mattress, a stack of movies was next to the popcorn along with other candies the omega had brought with her.

“When is your boyfriend getting here?” Lily asked as she settled the drinks onto the small table. “He told me that around eight, he wanted to drop by Remus’ house to check on him.” Right, Lupin had his rut today. It had taken Lily by surprise when Severus began scenting the blonde alpha in public. Severus has always been reserved, he only allowed himself to show affection behind closed doors. Though when he heard Potter mention Lupin’s rut, Lily understood.

“Let’s watch The Exorcist while we wait then.” With a nod of approval from the blonde, Lily popped in the movie and grabbed the remote controller. She turned off the lights and only left the kitchen one on before settling next to Charity. The girls stayed quiet, one already eating the snacks while the other took a sip of her drink of choice. Around twenty minutes passed, Lily already immersed into the film when Charity spoke up.

“Lily, before Peter gets here, I wanted to ask you something.” Lily turns to face the blonde, her blue eyes already focused on the redhead. “What is it?” The beta asked, eyebrows raised. Charity bit her lower lip, her brow wrinkling. “It’s about a few days ago, when we all had dinner with Eileen and Sev.”

Lily gestures for the girl to continue. “I didn’t notice but…uh…Narcissa had pointed it out to me and Lucius…w-why were you arguing with James and Sirius?” The beta paused, the corner of her mouth pulled into a frown. “Ah…that.” Charity tilted her head, expressing a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. Lily took a swing of her cola, where the hell should she begin?

That day Lily had been all over the place. She had helped as much as she could with Petunia and was the main one driving to the store when they needed something. Everyone was either cooking or preparing snacks, drinks, and the table. Potter and his cronies had been doing the heavy lifting, though at some point Lupin had broken off from the group to help Severus set up the table.

Lily had decided to take a small break, all the driving had her feeling dizzy and Lucius (who she never imagined she would get along with that well) had advised her to take a breather and gave her a glass of water before joining his fiance. While everyone had been getting the last few details done, the beta had stayed in her corner.

Everything had been going fine, people were talking, Severus and Eileen were having a wonderful time (which had been the goal the entire time), truly, nothing bad should have happened.

As Lily had been drinking her water, Potter and Black stood a few feet away from her. Close enough for her to hear but far enough so that the others wouldn’t. They had their heads together, whispering as Potter showed Black something. The girl didn’t pay it much mind, as long as they didn’t ruin the day, she would leave them alone.

“I think this ring is good, though I’m not sure if he will like it.” Potter said. Frowning, Lily tried to get a better look at what Potter was holding. “I think it’s good. It isn’t too flashy but it also has this classy charm. Have you shown Moony?” Black responded, fully focused on what the other alpha was showing him. “Yeah, he said the same thing. Silver really fits our omega.”

Black had his back to her, because of this, she couldn’t see what Potter was showing him. It wasn’t until the alpha moved did the beta finally catch sight of what it was. Lily almost gasped. In Potter’s hand was a small velvet box, inside it was one of the most beautiful rings Lily had ever seen in her life.

It was pure silver with a sapphire stone in the middle. Around the stone were silver leaves and vines, curling around it as if presenting a rose. It was simple as both alphas had said yet it was classy, breathtaking even. With just one look, the green eyed beta could tell that the ring must have cost a fortune.

“Once the school year is over, we’ll propose. In a couple of months, we will marry Severus and mate with him. Maybe even after the wedding we will be expecting our first child.” Potter’s rambling snapped her attention off the ring. Black nods, since he was standing next to Potter now, Lily could see him grinning. “I already looked into some houses in Hogsmeade and out of town in case he doesn't want to stay here.” Added the grey eyed alpha.

It didn’t take long for her to figure out what the ring was for.

Lily usually never reacts before thinking. Much like Severus, she always thinks before jumping into action. Sometimes she let her emotions get the best of her but it was usually during times when her emotions were running high. Those times weren't her proudest moments since it always landed her with guilt afterwards.

However, with what she just heard, Lily thinks she had every right to barge in on their conversation.

Because how dare they?

How dare they think that after everything that they put Severus through, they had any right to ask such an important question without even thinking about how much pressure that would give Severus?

Her omega friend always spoke about his future plans, about how he wanted to study, get a stable job, explore as much of the world as he could. Severus has dreams and goals, many of them that he wanted to do but was unable to because of his father. Not to mention, this was Severus’ first relationship. They hadn’t even been dating for a full month!

How the hell did those three bastards jump from courting to marriage?!

Hey gaze went to Lucius and Narcissa, both of them smiling at one another. On their fingers was a pair of matching silver rings.

Right, anyone who looked at the couple would feel the need to also have what they want.

Even so, there was a huge difference between them and her friend’s relationship. Lucius and Narcissa had been dating and courting one another for years. They already knew what they wanted, they were sure about the decision they made. Potter, Black, and Lupin had just started dating Severus. They may be in the honeymoon phase, but it never lasted long.

What happened if they no longer felt the same for Severus? Or if Severus were to fall out of love for them? Courting was one thing, but mating and marriage was a whole other. Marriage could always be terminated, but mating? Once someone had a mating mark, it was impossible to remove it. Sure, they could mate with someone else and that person could bite over the mark, but the scent gland was already forever changed.

Mating was a bigger deal than marriage. 

Because once you mate, your scent will forever intermingle with the other person. Even if you separate and mate with someone else, the other person’s scent will forever be with you. A part of themselves would stay. Lily didn’t want that for Severus. What happens if this relationship goes south? He would have a horrible reminder of them forever.

Lily didn’t even think as she tore into both Black and Potter.

They had been angry, telling her to mind her business while she, just as angry, maybe even more, told them to hold off on any plans of marriage and mating. The beta explained how that would add pressure to Severus, how they might even scare him away. Severus has always had trust issues, especially when it came to romantic relationships.

He didn’t want to end up like his mother and father.

Lily also didn’t want him to end up like that.

The three alphas may have never laid a hand on Severus, but words also cut as much as fists. She may have been fine with them dating Severus, after all, they were discovering and learning about one another as they did. And maybe, if they had decided to talk about this in a few more years into the future, Lily wouldn’t have been as bothered.

“...They plan on proposing to Severus at the end of the school year.”

Charity stops midchew, blue eyes wide in both disbelief and pure horror. “What?!” She yelled, spit and pieces of chips flying out her mouth. “They also plan on mating soon after.” If it was possible, Charity’s eyes would have popped out of her head. “Marriage?! Mating?! They haven’t even been dating for a month! Fuck, Severus has yet to even meet their parents formally!”

“That’s what I told those idiots but they won’t listen! I am sure that if Eileen had heard about it, she would have given them a tongue lashing.” Charity nods in agreement. “Severus would feel pressured as well! He may not want to admit it to himself, but over the last few weeks he has grown a soft spot for them.” Added Lily.

She had seen the way he would look at them, how he was attentive, always ensuring that neither of them felt left out. Severus never played favorites, he was always equal. It showed in the way the omega would treat Potter, Black and Lupin. They still had their issues, but that was normal. No couple could ever be perfect. They had moments in which Lily was sure a big fight would happen but then it would be defused instantly.

No yelling or fighting.

Just as Severus learned how to read the alphas and their habits, the three alphas had done the same with the obsidian eyed boy. It was sweet and tender, even if Lily resented them, she could admit that all three of them were ideal boyfriends. Even so, to think about marriage and mating? It was too soon.

“Have you told Sev?”

“No…he already has a lot on his plate, I didn’t want him to deal with…that.”

The blonde girl sighs, “We should talk to them…with everything going on, Severus isn’t in the right headspace for any of that.”

If there was one thing both girls always agreed on, it was to have Severus’ best interest at heart. Lily wasn’t against her friend mating and marrying anyone, if anything, when the day comes, she will be right there for him.

It was the timing that was getting at her.

Severus had to come to terms with Eileen no longer living with him. It was a big change in his life, even if his mother was alive, she would not be here with him. Then there was Ghostface. The bastard already tried to kill Severus twice. Even if people had doubts about Smith being the killer, Lily believes Severus.

It worried her to no end that her friend wanted to stay here by himself. Smith once worked with Severus, he had been so close to killing the omega. Now that Severus was going to live alone, Smith could take advantage of it and strike. Based on what Charity had told her, Smith had been close with Severus. Surely, the alpha would know where the teen lived.

“Yeah, at least to tell them to slow down. They have all the time in the world.” Lily said and took another sip of her drink. “Are you sure Pettigrew is going to come on time?” The beta asked, looking at the clock hanging by the hallway. It was better to change the conversation, she didn’t want to get too heated about it either.

Lily didn’t want Charity to get the wrong idea and think the beta had feelings for Severus.

She loves the omega as a brother. If Petunia were here she would also be doing the same as Lily.

Charity frowned, “He should have been here by now.”

“Maybe he got held up?”

“Maybe.”

Both girls let out a startled scream at the sudden sharp ringing of the phone. Cursing under her breath, Lily got up to answer it. “Maybe it’s Pettigrew calling”, she mumbled on her way. Charity gave her an uncertain nod. After it became public knowledge that Ghostface liked to call his victims before attacking, everyone in her household became paranoid whenever the phone rang.

Lily herself was always cautious, but now, just answering the phone made her hair stand on end. Earlier today Severus had called to let them know that he had arrived at a nearby hotel after dropping off Eileen. There should be no reason why the phone was ringing unless it was an emergency.

Her stomach dropped.

Has something happened to Severus?

“Hello?”

“Hello? Is Severus around?”

There was a knock on the door, Lily looked at Charity from the kitchen doorway, an eyebrow raised. The girl stood up, and took a look out the window. “It’s Peter!” Before Lily could tell her to wait, the blonde omega bolted towards the door.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” 

“Ah! Sorry about that, who is this?”

“It’s alright, this is Aurora Sinistra. Who am I speaking to?” Lily frowns. “Sinistra? Why are you calling?” The line went silent for a bit, “...Who is this?”

“Lily Evans. Severus’ friend.” Lily replied in a monotone voice. Why was Sinistra calling Severus? Anger bubbled in the pit of her stomach. After all the things the alpha had said about her friend, she had no right to be calling Severus or even calling him by his first name. “Evans? Is Severus there? I need to speak to him.”

“Sev isn’t here right now, whatever you have to say, I can relay to him.”

“Are you sure?”

The beta scoffs, “Just say it Sinistra. We’ve already stretched this conversation longer than it needs to be.” The girl on the other side huffed. “I'm not interrupting anything am I? You two look deep in thought. Have you ever felt a knife rip through human flesh and scrape the bone?”

Lily jerked back, face white as a sheet. That hadn’t been Sinistra’s voice, it had been-

“AHHHH!”

“Charity!”

Dropping the phone, Lily ran towards the entrance of the house only to halt. Charity was on the floor, her hands covering her mouth in horror. The redhead girl felt acid going up her throat at the sight before her.

Pettigrew stared at her, blue eyes wide in horror as blood poured out of his mouth. Behind him was Ghostface. The killer tilted its head and waved with one hand before placing it on Pettigrew’s shoulder and shoving him roughly to the ground. Lily flinched at the sound of flesh on metal, green eyes following the blonde beta’s body as it fell to the ground, dark blood spreading on the back of his shirt.

Before either girl could do anything, Ghostface stepped forwards and plunged his knife into the boy’s skull.

“PETER!”

Not waiting for the killer to pull the knife out, Lily grabbed Charity’s upper arm and pulled her into a run. Ghostface laughed, the sound of his thundering boots following behind. Severus’ house wasn’t big, it didn’t have a second floor like Lily’s home. It was small and didn’t have a lot of places to hide or at the very least escape from. However, Lily knows there is one place that could guarantee their safety.

With all her force, Lily shoved a sobbing Charity in front of her. “Run to Severus’ room!” The raven omega had told them there were two guns in the building. One in the living room, the other one in his room. If they could get to Severus’ room, Lily could use the gun and defend them both. 

Charity ran as fast as she could, her scent turning rotten and spoiled. The killer behind them gagged. Seeing this, the omega intensified her scent, causing Ghostface to stagger behind. Lily gave the girl a desperate yet relieved smile. Right, Ghostface is Smith and Smith is an alpha. Charity’s distress scent wouldn’t affect the beta, but it sure would affect Smith.

Bursting into Severus’ room, the girls slammed the door shut. “Get the gun, I need to barricade the door.” Lily instructed. Wiping away her tears, Charity did as she was told. Knowing that the small bedside table would not hold the door for long, the beta grabbed hold of the bed and began to push. 

Lily doesn't know how she managed to push the bed by herself, but she did. Panting, she backed away as Charity, who already located the gun, pointed it at the door. “W-We need to get h-help.” She said, fighting the tears and sobs. Blood was sprayed on her face, mixing with her tears. Charity had been the closest to Pettigrew when he had been killed, no doubt that had been his blood.

The beta gave the other girl’s shoulder a squeeze. Charity swallowed, fear and anguish painted on her features even as she tried to give Lily a smile. “It won’t hold on for long. My house is a few blocks from here. If we go through the window and run, we could get help.”

It would be a better idea if they were to knock on some neighbors’ door, but it wouldn’t help their case. This was the bad side of town, anything could happen here and no one in this neighborhood would help them.

They were all used to violence.

Lily didn’t live far from here. If they ran without looking back or taking breaks, they could get to her house. Her parents would still be awake, it wasn’t that late. And if they couldn’t hear her, then Petunia would for she would also be awake, probably talking to her boyfriend.

Both girls scream at the sudden and violent kick the door receives. “LET ME IN!” Ghostface snarls. The bed shakes but it does its job by holding the door shut. “Let’s go!” Opening the window, Lily offers to go first. She can’t assume that the outside would be better than the inside. Pettigrew was dead, she would not let Charity die.

The blonde omega whimpers as another vicious kick lands on the door, the sound of wood splintering resonating in the room. The cool night air does little to soothe her fear but it keeps her attentive. Green eyes scan her surroundings. It was dark but thanks to the few working street lamps, she could make out the road.

“Ok, c’mon. Let’s get out.” Charity’s hold on the gun tightens as she swings one leg over the window sill. For once, Lily was thankful that Severus didn’t have a second floor. Charity managed to swing her second leg over the edge when she was pulled away back inside the room by her hair.

“HELP ME!”

“CHARITY!”

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Abandoning all self preservation, Lily threw herself back in only to meet the bloody sight of Charity being held from behind. Ghostface held the gun that was in her hands moments ago, three different bullet holes were behind him. Lily sneered at the killer, green eyes flashing with hate.

How the fucking hell did Smith get inside the room?!

She briefly glanced at the barricade she had made mere minutes before this. It was still closed, however, there was also no pounding. Ghostface chuckled, that static filled voice making her skin break into goosebumps. “Surprised Evans?”

“Let her go you fucker.”

Charity whimpered as Ghostface tightened his hold on her, pressing the barrel of the gun into the side of her head. “Why should I?” He barked a laugh. Gritting her teeth, Lily raised her hands in the air, “Let her go…I won’t put up a fight just let her go.”

“How cute, do you honestly think I am that stupid?”

Her green eyes widen at the voice behind her. Charity’s eyes widen even further. “Look out-!”

Lily screams as a hand violently pulls her red hair. With violence never before experienced in her life, the beta was pulled back into a hard covered chest. “You should see the look on your face, it looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Both killers laugh hysterically. Lily thrashes as much as she can, fear clawing its way to her throat and mind. She can’t panic, he can’t! If she does, Charity will die. Lily would die. Both of them would die.

“Stay still or blondie gets her brains blown out.” Growled the one holding her. Lily instantly stilled, her heart beating like a drum. Charity gasped for air, tears and snot running down her face. Just moments ago, both girls had been laughing and joking around. They had reassured Severus that nothing would go wrong, that they had it under control.

He had warned them that Smith probably knew his address and might strike, even if it was the only day Severus was not home. Lily and Charity had brushed the warning away. Smith hadn’t attacked, not even when Severus had been at home the whole time. 

Why now?

“W-Why are you here Smith?” She seethe, green eyes glaring daggers at the figure holding Charity hostage. “I should be asking you that firecracker. Where is Severus? I was under the impression he would be here.”

Lily scoffed, “Why should I tell you asshole?” Clicking his tongue, he pressed the gun harder onto Charity’s head. She whimpered again. “Do you want her to end like poor little Pettigrew?” At the mention of her boyfriend, Charity sobs. Lily swallows, she could feel the tip of a blade on her back. “If I were you, I would answer his questions.” The voice behind her no longer matched the one from the first Ghostface.

It was feminine and lacked any static. Charity’s next sob was cut off as a sharp gasp replaced it. “No…no, no, no !” She screeched. “Please! Please tell me it’s not you!” The second Ghostface laughs, “And if it is me, Charity? It’s not like you both will be alive to say anything.” Lily blinked in confusion before realization settled at the pit of her stomach.

“...Sinistra?”

“Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!”

Lily saw the moment Charity’s whole world crumbled. “Why?! Why?!” The blonde began to thrash around, no longer caring that there was a gun to her forehead. “Why are you working with Smith?! Why?!” Sinistra chuckled, “Do killers need a reason to kill? No, they don’t.”

Smith laughed, “Wow, you sure are trembling.” Now that Sinistra was no longer using the voice changer, he had reverted back to using his original voice. Lily held in a whimper as Sinistra pressed the tip of the blade further into her skin. It wasn't cutting flesh, not yet at least.

“We honestly expected to find that little whore here. Now, unless you both want a painful death, you will tell us where he is.”

“He isn’t here.” Muttered Lily through gritted teeth. “He won’t be here until later in the afternoon tomorrow.” Sinistra clicked her tongue. “Fuck, Smith here wanted to have a bit of fun with him but guess tonight isn’t the night. Tough luck.”

Charity’s face turned into a grimace, once again her scent turning bitter and rotten with distress. “That won't work on us. After that little hallway stunt, we took some suppressants to dull our scents and it also helps us have the nose of a beta.”

“How did you get in?”

Cutting the conversation short, Lily directed their attention to her. Smith hummed, swaying along with a terrified Charity. “It was quite easy. Severus had told Sinistra about the key he had above the door. Though, we didn’t need to use it since Pettigrew got the door open for us.” At the mention of the blonde boy, both of the killers laugh. Lily glared harder. “I mean, how did you get into the room? Sinistra I can understand, I left the fucking window open.”

Sinistra must have been the one to chase them and try to break down the door. She must have heard the commotion inside the room and decided to try another entry only to find out that Lily had left the window open in her haste to help Charity. As for the other killer, Lily couldn’t place how Smith got in.

“Ah! Well, that is simple to answer. Severus told me about the key he had above the door. I told Smith and you know the rest. We saw no one home in the afternoon. No Mrs. Snape and No Severus. So Smith decided to get in and hide in Severus’ closet to wait for him.” Lily’s green eyes glance at the double doors of the small closet.

They were wide open, clothes messy and hangers on the floor.

Fuck.

Rage bubbled under her skin. How dare Sinistra use the trust Severus gave her? Lily shouldn’t even be surprised. Sinistra had been quick to turn against him and use all she knew of him to hurt and humiliate the omega in public. If anything, the redhead beta shouldn’t be surprised. For all Lily knew, Sinistra had plotted with Smith the attack against her.

After all, if Sinistra had been attacked, then no one would dare think she was the killer. But now, before her, Lily knew the truth.

Severus had been right, Smith did have an accomplice.

He would be heartbroken when he finds out Sinistra had been the second killer.

Letting out a sigh, Smith grunts. “Let’s get this over with. Someone must have heard the gunshots and even if the police won’t show up in time, they will show up at some point.” 

“W-What-” Lily didn’t have time to finish the sentence before a shot rang out through the small room. She stared, eyes wide and tears she didn’t even know she had, ran down her face. Charity’s blue eyes, eyes that she was used to seeing shine and glimmer with joy and mischief. Eyes that could lighten up whenever she spoke of her boyfriend or Severus.

Eyes that were now permanently open. Wide with tears and fear. The blue was no longer bright but dull. Lifeless. Smith threw her body to the ground, blood pooled around her head and stained her blonde hair. Lily could hear a scream, could feel the way her chest constricted as she tried to take in breaths.

The screaming must have come from her.

The blade that had been digging into her skin finally tore through it. Lily’s screams were no longer of emotional pain but physical. The beta could feel her warm blood running down her back, could feel how Sinistra pulled the blade only to sink it over and over again into her back. Lily’s tears landed on her mouth. Salt and blood both pooled into her tongue, spilling down her lips. 

Sinistra laughed and threw her into the floor. Lily whimpered, her back burning as if it had been set on fire. She turned her cheek to the left, green eyes clashing with dull dead eyes. The beta sobbed. She could hear the two killers leaving, and could hear their haunting laughter.

Why, just why?

It didn’t matter, not anymore. Gasping for breath, Lily willed her hand to grasp Charity’s limp one and squeeze it. “I’m…so…sorry.” She managed to rasp out despite the blood running down her lips. Charity’s eyes continued to stare on, empty and forever dead. Lily doesn't know how long she was there. All she could do was stare into Charity’s eyes.

I gave Severus my parents’ phone number. The police are utter shit and majority of the time don’t come around his neighborhood. At least if he can call my parents, they can call Adam to come check.

Clenching her teeth and ignoring the metallic taste in her tongue, Lily swallowed her yells and screams of pain as she pushed herself up the ground. Every time she moved, the skin on her back burned, it stretched and made more blood pour out. Through tears and the pain, the beta managed to get up and stagger onto Severus’ bedside table.

Through the years she had known Severus, the omega always kept a small black notebook in which he wrote down important addresses and phone numbers. Petunia had given it to him with their address and phone number in case of emergencies. 

Lily prays that he still has it.

With shaky and bloodstained hands, she opened the drawer and rummaged through the items Severus had. Letting out a gasp of both pain and relief, she got hold of the notebook and opened it. Just as she suspected, Charity’s parents’ number was jotted down. Once again, she swallowed both the blood and pain as she placed the notebook down and did her best to push the bed away from the door.

Despite losing blood and the deep wounds in her back, Lily managed to push the bed a few inches away. Enough for her to slip through. Gasping for breath, the beta got the notebook and staggered out of the room. She used the walls as support, aware that she was smearing them with blood.

Another cry left her body, this time because of the sight before her. Pettigrew was laying face down, body still. Blood stained his back, the red looked black. Swallowing, she pushed forward. Lily hadn't been close to Pettigrew, he had his flaws for sure, but he didn’t deserve to be killed.

Spotting the phone on the ground, Lily tried to kneel but fell over. Whimpering, she decided to crawl and grab the phone. Panting, she leaned her left side to the wall and shakingly opened the notebook. Her fingers left blood over the white pages, over Severus’ neat handwriting and small doodles. 

Hastily her eyes scanned the pages, fear eating at her every nerve. Lily knows that the killers are long gone. But she couldn’t let her guard down, not now. Not yet. She doesn't know how long she had been laying on the floor. It had felt like hours to her. Her mind repeating the same scenes over and over again like a never ending nightmare.

Charity’s blue eyes, now dull. Pettigrew, who always flushed whenever Charity gave him a kiss in public, now dead on Severus’ front door steps. How was he going to look Severus in the eye and tell him that one of his best friends was dead? How was she going to manage to speak to Potter, Black, and Lupin and tell them that she saw Pettigrew die right in front of her?

If she had been more cautious, more clever, more cunning, maybe Lily could have saved Charity. The beta sobs, her eyesight blurry. She doesn't know if it's the tears or the loss of blood that had her seeing black spots dancing in her vision.

Maybe it was both.

Cursing, she finally finds the page with Charity’s contact information. Lily may have failed to save the girl she had started to see as a friend, but she will not fail in avenging her. The police didn’t listen to Severus when he told them that it was Smith and that he had an accomplice. Lily will make them listen, and she wouldn’t stop until those two bastards were behind bars.

Severus was still a target. If he had been here with Eileen, then Lily has no doubt that the alpha would have taken advantage of the situation and killed him.

Lily already lost one friend, she wasn’t going to lose Severus.

Pressing the buttons, the beta fights to keep her eyes open. Her fingers, hell her whole body was growing cold. The line rang and rang, at some point, Lily’s eyes began to shut when she heard the familiar click and the soothing voice of a woman.

“Hello?”

Severus had barely managed to go to sleep when someone roughly pulled him out of sleep’s embrace. Grunting, he blinked and hissed at the bright lights entering his vision. “What the…” he said and trailed off once he got a clear view of Narcissa’s horror filled gaze. “What?” He asked urgently.

That’s when he noticed Lucius pacing the hotel room. He was frowning, his usual tidy blonde hair was a mess as he ran one hand through it. The other was holding his personal phone, his fingers white from how tight he was holding it. 

“Severus, we have to go.” Narcissa spoke, her blonde hair, that had been tied into a neat bun before going to sleep, was now messy and undone. He looked at her blue eyes, his stomach dropping at the clear worry and horror he saw in them. “Cissy, what is going on?” He asked again.

All thoughts of sleep were long forgotten. Anxiety was clawing at him, threatening to spill over if he didn’t get his answers. Has something happened? He had ensured to call Charity and Lily when they arrived at the hotel. He had spoken to them not even a few hours ago. Narcissa bit her lower lip, eyes glistening with tears.

“Is it Lily and Charity? Did something happen to them?”

“I’m…I’m so sorry Severus.”

The omega feels his hands tremble. No, it couldn’t be them…right? “Are..Are they alright?” He asked, his voice shaky. The blonde alpha swallows and shakes her head.

“Severus…they were attacked.”

Chapter Text

Severus didn’t even wait for Narcissa to turn off the car. The moment she had parked, he had already taken off his seatbelt. Without any warning, he opened the door and ran towards the entrance of the hospital. People were rushing from place to place, he could hear nurses and doctors discussing with other patients. 

The smell of disinfectant makes him nauseous but he pushes that away the moment he spots a disheveled Petunia. The older omega glances up and when her eyes meet Severus’ dark gaze, she lets out a sob. “Severus!” The raven boy rushes to her side and Petunia falls into his embrace. Severus holds onto her with as much desperation as she holds him.

“Severus, I’m glad you made it.” Grace Evans, Lily’s and Petunia’s mother, speaks up. Her green eyes are tinted red at the edges and her usual neat blonde hair was a mess. It had only been a few days since he had seen Grace and yet she looks like she aged drastically. “Mrs. Evans…” He whispered. Grace broke down again and gathered both omegas into her arms.

“Oh Severus! It was awful!” She cried, tightening her hold. Ethan Evans, her husband and father of Lily and Petunia, tries to offer Severus a reassuring smile but it’s wobbly and clearly forced. “What happened?" He asked once Grace let him go. 

The whole car ride had been filled with questions that neither Narcissa or Lucius could answer. All that he got out of them was that Ghostface had attacked his house. He had attacked Charity, Lily, and Peter. Adam, the one who had called Lucius, didn’t tell him more, only that it would be better for them to return as soon as possible.

All three of them thought it would be best to return after hanging up. Severus wouldn’t be able to sleep, not when his friends and packmates were injured. So they headed back. The whole ride was tense and even if they had made it in record time, it still took them almost two hours.

They got the call at around ten at night. It was now twelve in the morning.

A hand settled on his shoulder. Severus jumps but lets out a shaky sigh once he realised it was only Lucius with Narcissa. “Are they alright?” Asked Lucius, “Adam didn’t tell me much, only that there had been an attack. Are all three of them alright?” Petunia broke down. Grace held her daughter, her own green eyes watering with tears. 

Ethan grimaced.

Severus clenches his jaw, heart beating at incredible speed. His obsidian eyes looked all over the waiting room. In his desperation to get inside the hospital, he had neglected to look for Charity’s and Peter’s family. They should have been with the Evans family, waiting on news about their children.

Hell, James and Sirius should be here as well. They love Peter like a brother, they were packmates. But as he searched the area, he didn’t spot one of them. The waiting area wasn’t over crowded, it wasn’t filled with Mrs. Burbage and Mr. Burbage waiting on news of Charity.

Peter’s parents weren't here either. James and Sirius were absent. He could understand why Remus wouldn’t be here, he was still in rut. So where the hell were the other ones? It had taken Severus two hours to get here, by then, the others should have been here long before him. 

That same persistent uneasiness began to spread, latching onto his bones and lungs. It’s claws sinking into anything soft within, clawing its way up, eager to finally find a way out. Severus swallows. Petunia’s cries of anguish doing little to calm his nerves. “...Mr. Evens…where are the others?” He finally managed to ask. Narcissa furrows her eyebrows and looks around, looking yet not seeing.

Ethan closes his eyes, “Severus, I think it’s best if you sit down.” Anxiety was added into the mix, joining along despair and unease. The omega sits down, tense.

Over the course of the month, Severus has known that attacks made by Ghostface always end in death. The only other people other than himself and James that have gotten away with their lives had been Rosier and Sinistra. Even then, Rosier had still to wake up and Sinistra only got away with being choked.

They had been hurt, terribly so, but they were alive.

Surely…surely all three of his friends were alive. They must have been incredibly injured. Or maybe it was Lily who suffered the most injuries and she was still in the danger zone. That could explain why her family was waiting. For all he knew, Peter and Charity were alive and awake, talking to their family.

That’s why they weren’t here, they were with their children.

That had to be it.

Lily would make it out, she always has. She is strong, so strong and so capable. The beta is one of the strongest and warmest people he had ever met. She will make it, just like Charity and Peter.

Right?

“Severus, I want you to know that it isn’t your fault. What happened back there…no one could have expected that.” Severus snaps out of his spiraling thoughts. “Lily…she is in critical condition. She lost too much blood but the doctors are doing everything they can to save her.” Grace nods, Petunia closes her eyes and mutters a soft prayer under her breath. Severus feels his breath hitch, his nails dig into the skin of his palms, his knuckles white from the force. Lily had been hurt to the point she lost a lot of blood.

A violent and nauseating image of the beta lying in her own pool of blood, her red hair framing her face and mixing in with the dark ruby of the liquid, her body, broken and bruised, entered his vision. He feels the bitter bile rising up his throat. No one other than the paramedics had seen how horribly Ghostface beat Rosier, but he had heard rumors.

Of how the killer had broken Rosier's skull. Of how he had beaten him bloody, of how when he had been found, his neck had been sliced open.

Had they found Lily like that? All broken, her body mutilated, her blood coating her freckled skin, looking pale as a sheet? Had Ghostface tortured her the same way he had Rosier?

“What about the other two?” Asked Narcissa. She, much like Lucius, decided to remain standing. The blonde omega was still holding Severus’ shoulder, though his grip was awfully tight. Severus didn’t point it out, he needed an anchor and Lucius’ hold despite being uncomfortable also kept him grounded. Ethan’s eyes grow misty. “Charity and Peter…both of them were…are…”

Severus feels his heart drop, “No…please... no …” Ethan shakes his head and for the first time since he arrived, the omega sees the older man break down. “They were f-found dead by the time help came. Lily…oh my poor Lily! She was barely awake!” It had been Grace who finished the sentence. Narcissa gasps, blue eyes wide as she covers her mouth in shock. Lucius grip tighten, gray eyes shadowing with disbelief, then grief. 

Severus doesn't know if Grace continues to talk. He can see her mouth moving, and can see her crying openly along with her husband. He can see Narcissa bring both mother and daughter into her arms. Lucius says something but it falls into deaf ears.

All the raven omega had heard is a ringing that grows louder and louder. Lucius’ grip disappears from his shoulder, or maybe it’s still there but Severus can’t be bothered to feel it anymore. He feels hot and cold, one moment he can feel everything. From the different people walking around to the other people in the waiting room. The next, he can’t even hear Ethan who was probably speaking or feel Lucius’ grip.

He knows he is digging his nails into the skin of his palms, he probably already dug them hard enough to bleed. Yet he feels no warmth of blood or the stickiness left behind. All Severus could feel at this very moment was the persistent buzzing and what must feel like when your world comes crashing down.

Severus is familiar with pain and agony in all its cruel glory.

Yet this didn’t feel like that. It felt more intense, as if someone had taken something from his chest and now it felt incomplete. As if he was empty yet he could feel that he wasn’t empty. Something was missing, something that he couldn’t name. His insides felt cold, as if all his blood decided to freeze even if his heart was still pumping. 

Everything around him moved in slow motion, the buzzing was still there but it was now muffled. Was this what it felt to be underwater? To hear everything yet make nothing of it? 

Someone was shaking him, calling to him. Obsidian eyes locked with baby blue ones full of despair, or anguish, anger and pain. 

Of a parent who had just lost their child.

“My daughter! My child!” Wails of heartbreak and despair cut through the mental fog. Some of the waiting people turn to look at the two sets of parents that come out of one of the doors. “No! No! No! Please God! Not my daughter!” Mrs. Burgage is holding on to her husband. He had been the one whose cries had snapped Severus out of his mental downfall.

He was sobbing, blue eyes, the same baby blue Charity had, were full of tears. He clung to his wife, his scent rotten, his agony clear as river water. Severus gasped, finally able to register the pain in his palms and the way his chest clenched. “Peter! My baby boy!” This one came from a short blonde woman. A man with dirty blonde hair held her as he also cried silently. “Why?! Why?! My baby!”

Many of the onlookers looked at the parents with pity and sympathy. “Poor dears…they just came out of the morgue didn’t they?”

“Haven’t you heard? Ghostface attacked again. Attacked three kids, they must be the two parents of the deceased ones.”

Severus clenched his jaw, ears still ringing and noticed how his eyes had begun to sting. Lucius was no longer by his side, the omega had gotten up and gone to the two grieving families. Narcissa was still with Grace, though Petunia remained in her embrace. Ethan had his lips pressed, his brow furrowed. Grief played in his features, dancing on them as if knowing that it would be the only emotion on stage.

The doors opened again. Adam came out, hair disheveled and eyes red. Behind him were James and Sirius, both of them white as sheets and anger in their eyes. “Severus!” Mr. Burbage gasped and pulled away from his wife. The raven omega willed his body to stand up. He just managed to take a few steps towards them when the older omega crashed into him, bringing him into both a suffocating and comforting hug. “Severus! Oh Severus!” He let Mr. Burbage hold him, let him cry on his shoulder, let him grief. 

Severus didn’t return the embrace. He wanted to but his body wasn’t responding to the messages his brain was sending it. He stood there and let himself be smothered by the father of his friend.

Charity.

Charity.

The first salty tear that left his eyes landed on Mr. Burbage’s shoulder. Then a second and a third. Severus lost count. The omega buried his face onto the older man’s shoulder and finally returned his embrace. Severus doesn't remember the last time he cried this much. Has he ever cried this much in his life?

Severus’ shoulders shake, sob after heartbreakingly sob leaves his body.

Charity had been there at his worst. Had been there when he had been at his lowest. She had seen all his sharp edges, had even felt the broken shards. Even when he had tried to push her away with hurtful words and sharp glares, she smiled at him and offered her hand in friendship. Charity had invited him to her house, and had made him part of her family.

It didn’t matter that he was the loner at school. The omega that no one liked, Tobias’ boys .

Charity never cared about the opinion of others, she always did what she wanted. She had helped Severus feel comfortable in his skin, had held him and reassured him multiple times that she would always be there. 

She had been like a sister. A sister who never let his mind destroy him, who looked at him and didn’t see a weird kid who should be ignored but someone worth getting to know. She stood up for him when no one did. And even when she did, she never made him feel as if she were fighting his battles. She stood by his side, encouraging him. Even when he got out of hand at times, she would wait until he came back.

She was gone .

They had promised to be with one another every step of the way and she was gone.

Rage ran its way into his blood stream. Despair, agony, it no longer mattered when all he felt was the hot rage in his skin. How many times had he told the police that Ghostface was Smith? That they had made a grave mistake in letting him out? That he would kill again?

How many more had to die for them to finally understand?!

Charity didn’t deserve to die. She was bright and so full of life. She had wanted to do so much after graduation. So many plans that were now nothing more than ink on paper.

He has always held hate for Ghostface, for Smith. 

But now, all he felt was loathing of the deepest kind.

Loathing at Smith, at the police, at the unfairness of it all.

Then there was Peter. Peter who despite having always been one of the many reasons Severus hated going to school, didn’t deserve being killed either. He was decent and while Severus didn’t necessarily see him as a friend, he had been Charity’s boyfriend. He had made her happy. 

He had been James, Sirius, and Remus, friend and packmate.

His obsidian eyes glanced at the two alphas over Mr. Burbage’s shoulder. They were looking at him, eyes full of sorrow and the same rage Severus felt crawling under his skin.

And Lily.

Lily.

He had just reunited with her, had just started to be friends again and now she could slip past his fingers like water. Lily, who despite not talking to in years, had never stopped caring for him like he never stopped caring for her. Lily who always looked out for him, even when they were kids.

Lily who had been put in this situation because of him.

Charity who was dead because of him.

Peter who was dead because of him.

Severus shivered at the coldness spreading through his spine. 

All three of them were put into that situation because of him. They had offered to watch over his house and while Severus had told them it would be alright not to, he had agreed nonetheless. He had known Smith would have his address. He had known that the chances of the alpha coming for him were high.

He should have said no. Should have argued with them until they agreed to stay in their own homes.

If he had, all three of them would be alive. They would be alive and not dead or fighting for their life.

It was because of him.

Severus pulled away from Mr. Burbage. He didn’t say anything, not when the older omega called to him, not when the others asked what was wrong. Severus ignored all of it and walked out of the hospital.

He didn’t know where he was going, only that he needed to be alone. The noise from inside was clashing with his inner turmoil. The guilt that had been dormant finally awoke and threatened to choke him if he stayed in Mr. Burbage’s embrace any longer. 

Severus couldn’t stay there for one more second. He didn’t deserve to grieve with them or to even share their pain. He had been the reason their children were killed. He is the reason Lily was in critical care. Because of him, Smith had killed Charity and Peter and injured Lily.

His body moved by itself and soon enough, he found an empty bench outside the hospital building. It was only a few feet away, far enough to not hear people talking but near enough in case they were looking for him. He sat down and broke down once more.

Each sob that left him felt like it tore his insides. As if he had swallowed razor blades and they were now making their way up. His breathing was coming short, his eyes blurry from the tears and panic he was letting consume his very being. Severus hated feeling like this. Being vulnerable had never been something he ever liked feeling. Yet here he was, breaking down in front of the hospital.

Despite the curfew implanted into the town, the hospital and any emergency personnel were exempted. From time to time Severus could hear a few cars passing by, no doubt police officers doing their rounds. A few people entered and left the building, some of them would pause and stare at the crying omega but they would soon leave when they noticed his rotting scent. 

Severus didn’t care. He just wanted to be alone. He wanted to cry, to scream and shout. To tear Ghostface apart, limb from limb.

Tobias had taken his childhood away from him.

That fucking illness had taken Eileen from him.

Ghostface had taken Charity.

Lily…poor Lily was fighting for her life.

Everything in his life would be taken away because of circumstances that he had no power over.

Smith had intended to kill Severus, he had tried twice and failed both times. The first time because James had helped him and the second one because Severus managed to get the upper hand and because Sirius and his younger brother had been there just in time. Smith wanted him dead. The omega didn’t know why, only that in his place he had taken the very girl he loved as a sister and almost killed his first friend and sister figure.

Would he try to come for James, Remus, and Sirius?

Severus had tried to ignore it, and had tried to say it was a coincidence. But it wasn’t. All the people that ended up being victims of Ghostface had been people that had been around him at some point. Jones and Green, they were not friends, just classmates and yet they had been decent to Severus. If they had had more time, Severus was sure they could have been friends or even more.

It made him feel guilty even thinking about it but it was the truth. If Ghostface hadn’t killed them, if they had been alive, Severus might have ended up with them. Severus wouldn’t have taken the first step himself, Charity would have probably given him that courage to take the first step. Just thinking about it made his throat clench. He probably wouldn’t have paid the marauders any attention if that had been the case.

Then there were his coworkers. Brown was an asshole. He always looked down at Severus because of his secondary gender but he didn’t deserve to get killed. Baker had been a decent employer, always nice to the children and he was understanding of Severus’ situation. 

Sinistra, despite how things ended between them, had also been targeted and managed to get out alive. She had once been his friend and packmate.

Rosier, even if Severus didn’t see him as more than a money bag, had tried to woo the omega and look where that ended him.

Charity and Peter, packmates and friends, both dead.

How long would it take for Ghostface to try and kill James, Sirius, and Remus?

It was better if he just ended it.

It hurts to even think about it. Despite them being the main reason for making his life a living hell, they had also shown him wonderful moments. They made him feel wanted in ways that Severus was sure he would never experience. They were gentle with him, even when they had arguments they never raised their voices at him. They were understanding, and so fucking soft that Severus at times wondered if he deserved them.

Now he had his answer.

Severus would only bring misfortune if he stayed with them.

He has to end it. He has to let them go.

Smith wanted to kill him. Severus doesn't know why. Maybe it was because he witnessed him kill someone in an alleyway. Or maybe, Skeeter had a point and he was doing it because Severus hadn’t returned his feelings. A bitter laugh leaves him. That was ridiculous. Smith probably had a grudge against Severus for turning him in.

He was getting his pay back before killing the omega.

“Severus!” James’ voice cuts through the haze in his mind. The omega looks up and meets the concerned hazel eyes of the boy who Severus may now finally admit he loves. James jogs towards him, Sirius not far behind. Seeing them, Severus’ heart lurches and finally, after all this time, he can admit it to himself. 

Severus loves the three idiots.

He loves them and he had to let them go.

Once James is within arms reach, the alpha attempts to pull Severus into a hug only for the omega to pull away as if he had been burned. Severus swallows the guilt that rises up when he hears James’ confused and hurt whine. “Don’t touch me!” He snaps, glaring at the two boys before him. Sirius’ brow furrows. “Love, are you alright?”

Even now, they are still worried about him.

Severus clenches his jaw, no, he can’t waver. Instead, he crosses his arms over his chest and turns around. If he sees their faces while he breaks up with them, Severus would crumble apart. Once upon a time he would have loved to watch their expressions twist in agony. He would have enjoyed it even.

The joke was on him. He let them steal his heart and now, Severus was paying the consequences. 

Letting out a shaky exhale of breath, the omega let his glare crumble now that they couldn’t see his face. “Leave me alone. I don’t want to see you or even speak to you.” His voice was finally steady. Sirius grunted, “Love-”

“Don’t call me love! Can’t you see I don’t want to see either of you!” This time he can hear their breath hitch. “You two are overbearing mutts! I can’t have one single moment by myself!” He hugs himself tighter, his nails digging into his sides.

Neither of the alphas say anything. All Severus can hear is the wind and the sound of shuffling footsteps. Maybe they left. Severus bites his lower lip. He was being an asshole, he knows this. He wasn’t the only one to lose someone. Peter had been their friend and packmate, they had known each other since they were kids.

If anything, they were hurting just as much as Severus.

His self hatred only intensified. 

He was the reason Peter was dead.

Severus hunches his shoulders and for a moment, he truly believes that they left him when a pair of sturdy arms pull him into an embrace. The omega’s breath hitches the moment his back hits a warm chest. James’ scent is comforting yet it only makes Severus’ guilt light up even brighter. “Let me go!” He shouts while trying to get out of his embrace.

Sirius walks in front of him. The alpha takes a moment to look at Severus, and for all the omega had tried to do, his cold facade breaks. Sirius’ sharp eyes soften. He reaches forward and despite Severus flinching, he gently wipes away the tears that managed to escape through the conversation. James tightens his hold, his scent comforting and warm. Severus continues to fight back.

If he stays like this one more second, he would fully shatter. He can’t be selfish. He has to let them go. Severus will only bring them bad luck if he stays. They don’t deserve death.

Sirius continues to wipe his tears away. Severus moves his head but the alpha only grabs his face with tenderness and before the omega can once again yell at him and demand he be let go, Sirius presses their lips together.

All his defenses go down instantly and Severus turns into a puddle in their arms. James presses small comforting kisses down the back of his neck. His scent is soft, he’s trying to calm him down and Sirius follows along. Severus stares at Sirius’ eyes, then he closes them as more tears flow out. He lets them do as they please, the fight long gone the moment James and Sirius touched him.

Sirius pulls away and plants kisses over Severus’ face as James nuzzles into his nape, purring all the while. Severus had no idea how long he stayed like this, with both of them covering him in their scent. At some point he grumbles in discomfort and Sirius stops by pressing one last kiss on his lips and pulling away. “Are you calm?” Asked James, still not letting go.

Severus huffs but nods anyway. James presses one last kiss on the back of his neck and lets him go.

So much for letting them go.

“We came to tell you that Evans is out of surgery. Her parents and older sister went to go see her but we won’t know the details until she wakes up.” Severus, by second nature, leans into the closest person. James wraps his arms around him again. Severus buries his head into the hazel eyed boy’s chest.

Relief floods into his system but it does little to calm his ongoing worry. “How…How bad was it?” He managed to say, voice raspy from crying. Sirius runs a hand through his hair. “She got stabbed in the back five times. Doctors said it was a miracle she held that long…she was lucky to have a blood transfusion on time.” Severus sags into James fully.

Lily was alive. She fought tooth and nail and won against death.

“What about Charity and Peter?” He asked after a while. He didn’t want to know how they died but he had to know. Had they been tortured like Rosier? Had Ghostface been merciful and gave them a quick death? Severus’ stomach twisted, once again bile creeping up his throat. As bad as it sounded, Severus hopes Smith had given them a quick death. At least, they wouldn’t have suffered.

Sirius shared a look with James. “Are…Are you sure you want to know?” Asked the bespectacled teen. Severus nods. It would give him nightmares but he would get them regardless. He needs to know that Smith didn’t prolong their death by torturing them. Sirius sighs and James nods. “They had a quick death. Charity was shot in the head. Peter…Peter had been stabbed in the back then in the skull.”

Severus shut his eyes.

Fuck .

James held him tighter and rocked him back and forth. Their deaths had been quick yet knowing that didn’t do anything but add more fuel to his despair. They had quick deaths, but Severus knows that they died terrified. Severus had been scared that Ghostface had tried to kill him the first and second time.

Poor Charity

Poor Peter

Sirius tangles his fingers through Severus’ hair and gently runs his nails on his skull. The omega lets them. As much as they are pampering him, he is sure that they are also doing it for themselves. He can feel the way James trembled when he spoke of Peter and the way Sirius’ eyes misted over.

Fuck. He felt guilty again. He had asked how their packmates died. Packmates that had also been their friends. Severus hugs James and the alpha in return, turns into liquid against him.

Now that the cloud that had taken over him was momentarily away, Severus just lets himself rest against one of his boyfriends. For now he needed to keep it together. Lily is alive and while she was still unconscious, she was breathing. The Burbage and Pettigrew family were grieving and Severus needed to be collected.

They were already grieving their children, he didn’t want the Burbages to concern themselves with him.

He didn’t deserve it.

The sudden blares of sirens and red and blue lights startles Severus out of James’ embrace. Sirius frowns, his hand falling off Severus’ hair. “What are they-” He didn’t finish his sentence as one of the police officers hastily parked the car and marched towards them. James growls softly and pushes Severus behind him as Sirius stands in front of them both. Two other police cars come into view.

What the hell…?

The officer looks uncomfortable as he finally reaches them. “Are you Sirius Black and James Potter?” Both alphas nod, eyes narrowed. The officer sighs, “I am sorry to do this but I need you two to come down to the station.” He glances at Severus. “Now if it is possible.”

“What for? We already answered the questions you had a few hours ago.” Asks Sirius, crossing his arms. “I don’t want to make a scene, so please, so do us the favor of just coming with us.”

“Not until you tell us what for.” Spoke James, glaring. “Please. I will use force if I have to.” That warning raised Severus’ neck hairs. “Why?” He asked. The officer pressed his lips together as his other companions catch up. “This is your last chance. Come with us and this misunderstanding can be handled quietly.”

Neither James or Sirius moved.

The officer shook his head. “Sirius Black and James Potter, you are under arrest for the murder of Charity Burbage and Peter Pettigrew as well as for the attempted murder of Lily Evans.” He gestured to the four police officers behind him. “Please take them away.”

“What?!” Severus was roughly pulled away from James by one of the officers. “Get your hands off me!”

“Don’t fucking touch him!” Roared Sirius as two officers struggled to handcuff him. Severus was about to jump in on their defense when the same officer grabbed him by his upper arm and pulled him away. “Fuck! You have the wrong people!” He yelled. “They wouldn’t hurt them! I already told you it was Smith!”

The officer simply glared at him. “Stay out of this kid.” Severus returned the glare. 

“Fucking let him go! Don’t touch him!” This time it had been James who yelled as he was being pushed into one of the vehicles, hands cuffed behind his back. “If you harm him, you won’t hear the end of it!”

“Severus, tell Narcissa to contact my mother and James’ dad! They will handle-” Sirius was cut off as the officers finally managed to shove him into another car and shut the door. “What are you doing?! You should be arresting Smith! Not them!” The officer lets go of him roughly. “A credible tip was dropped off into our office. If they are innocent then it was a misunderstanding, if not, well then I suggest you think of who you trust.”

Indignation and fury mixed into his already emotional brain. He sneered at the retreating officer, muttering every curse word he could think of. Credible tip? Was his account not credible enough?! And who the hell had blamed Sirius and James for the attack? They would never harm Lily, Peter, and Charity. 

Peter and Charity were part of James’ pack, they had all been friends! Lily may not have been part of the pack but they respect her. James always went about justice and about wanting to join the police force in order to keep the peace. Sirius was the same. They would never harm anyone.

He managed to get a glance of each alpha.

James was still yelling, his hazel eyes alight with fury but when he looked at Severus, he softened. He said something that Severus couldn’t hear but it was most likely a reassurance. Severus then looked at Sirius, he was a blazing storm. He was thrashing around, yelling and howling.

Clenching his hands and hissing at the cuts his nails had done on the skin of his palms, the omega growls under his breath and runs back into the hospital.

“This is an injustice! My son would never harm anyone! He has been with us the whole time! For God’s sake, look at him! He isn’t in any state to leave the house!”

When Severus entered the police department with Lucius and Narcissa hot on his heels, he didn’t expect to be met with two angry parents. A man with blonde hair was shouting, beside him was a woman with brown hair looking just as angry as the man beside her.

“Lyall and Hope Lupin.” Muttered Lucius, grey eyes wide in surprise. “What are they doing here?” Severus frowned. He had never met Remus’ parents personally but had seen them whenever he dropped by to buy new textbooks for classes. They owned a chain of book stores that sold used and new ones. Sometimes they had a trading system in which you could bring used books in good condition and trade them for others.

Severus only ever spoke to them a handful of times, mostly when he was looking for specific books. As the three of them fully stepped in, both adults turned to look away from the police officer they were arguing with and spotted them. Recognition passed Mr. Lupin’s eyes once his gaze landed on Severus.

“Are you here for Remus?” He asked, tone tense but clearly trying to keep his cool. Severus’ frown deepens. “Remus?” What could Remus be doing here? Mrs. Lupin nods. “T-The police came to our house and just…they just took him away!”

“What?” Narcissa exclaimed. “Why would they take him away?” The older man shook his head. “Bastards told us that he was being charged with murder and attempted murder. It’s bullshit!” He turned to glare at the police officer who in turn looked away. “We explained to them that Remus would never harm anyone. Hell, he can’t even leave the house, he's in his rut!” Severus feels sweat beginning to form on his palms, causing the small cuts on them to sting.

“They are accusing him as well?” He finally managed to ask. Mr. Lupin raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

“In the hospital, James and Sirius were taken as well. They said that they were given a credible tip about them. They were also suspected of m-murder and attempted murder.” He stumbled in his explanation. The wound is fresh. Charity and Peter were dead yet these people had the audacity to put the finger on the three people who would never harm anyone much less their own friends and packmates. 

Mrs. Lupin gasped, “B-But why?! Who would put the blame on them?”

“That is what I want to know as well.” All of them turn to the one who spoke. Severus had only ever seen Walburga and Orion Black from a distance. He never spoke to them, he didn’t have a reason to. Both of them were intimidating alphas and despite how much Severus didn’t want to admit it, he could see where Sirius got his looks from.

Their very presence made some of the officers tense, the air in the building turned chilly as they walked towards where Severus and the others were. Walburga didn’t spare them a glance and cast an icy sneer at the officer who had been speaking to the Lupins. “I want to know who dared to besmirch the name of Black by accusing both of my sons of murder and attempted murder.”

Mrs. Black didn’t need to shout or yell as she spoke those words. Her very voice seemed to take over the place. “I do hope you haven’t started to interrogate my sons without their lawyers.” Orion Black was the next to speak and much like his wife, his voice carried a command that even Severus could feel in his very bones. Narcissa and Lucius both pushed Severus behind them, their faces a blank slate. 

Severus managed to take a glance behind the alpha couple and saw that two other people had walked in along with them. No doubt they must be lawyers. The officer swallowed and shook his head. “N-No, not at all. They are in the interrogation rooms-”

“So you are interrogating them.” Cut Mrs. Black, arms crossed and if possible, her glare even deadlier than before. “No! No! They are just waiting for their lawyers!” Mr. Black just scoffed, and with a gesture he signaled the two people behind him to follow the officer. Severus might have felt bad for the guy, he sure wouldn’t like to be in his shoes. But all empathy had left him from the moment they had decided to pin the blame on all three of his alphas.

He watches them leave towards where he assumed the interrogation rooms are. Mrs. Lupin lets out a shaky sigh and speaks up once the Black couple had settled themselves in a secluded corner of the station. “Dear, we need to get an attorney for Remus.” Mr. Lupin runs a hand through his hair, visibly stressed.

Remus had once mentioned how even though his family had money, it wasn’t in great amounts like James or Sirius. Severus wasn’t surprised that the Black family already had lawyers at their beck and call, James probably had a family attorney because of his father. Remus would have to get one last minute, and if Severus is correct, the cost would be greater because it was the last minute. Not to mention, who could guarantee that the attorney they get would actually do their job?

He shares a look with both Lucius and Narcissa. 

They seem to get his message by the way Lucius grimaces and Narcissa nods. The couple share one of their silent debates that ends up with the blonde omega shaking his head and addressing the older couple “If I may, I can contact my family’s attorney. He is currently in town and would be able to represent your son.”

Mr. Lupin frowned while his wife gave a sigh of relief. “Are you sure? What would the pay be? I can’t reassure you that we will be able to pay it all in full but we can pay in payments.” Lucius shakes his head. “No, there is no need for payments. Consider this a favor I am doing for a friend of mine.” His gaze landed on Severus.

Both the adults turn to look at him and all Severus could do was give an awkward wave. Mr. Lupin still looks unsure but nods. Lucius and Narcissa go to another corner as the blonde makes a call. Severus is left with Remus’ parents. He feels even more awkward and self conscious when he feels Mrs. Lupin’s curious eyes on him. The omega is sure he looks like a mess. He hadn’t bothered to wash his face or fix his hair after crying.

Severus isn’t one to be self conscious of his clothes or appearance. The majority of the time he just wears what he has available and calls it a day. However, under the older woman's gaze, he can’t help but fidget. When he thought about meeting Remus’ parents, it was more of Remus bringing him to his home for dinner.

Not the police station.

“You must be Severus.” Mrs. Lupin is the first to approach him, her husband beside her. Severus nods. “I’m Severus Snape.” He feels a rush of heat going to his face. What was that?! She already knew his name! The older woman, a beta, smiles warmly despite the worry in her eyes. “I’m Hope Lupin and this is my husband, Lyall. It’s nice to meet you dear. Remus has told us a lot about you.” Thankfully she didn’t pay attention to his blunder.

Severus flushes for a different reason now. “He does…?” Hope nods and Lyall gives him a small grin. “All good things.” He added. “Are you alright? We…We heard what happened. Remus said that you wouldn’t be here until tomorrow or well, today but later in the afternoon.”

At the reminder of why specifically he was here, Severus tenses. “Cissy got a call and we headed back. I was with Lily’s parents in the hospital when the cops showed up and took Sirius and James.” He avoided answering how he felt. Severus at the moment was feeling a lot of things. Anger, rage, resentment, anxiety, and every negative emotion under the sun. He couldn’t focus on all of them and currently, he didn’t want to focus on his grief either.

For now, he put all his attention on the confusion he felt and worried about his three alphas.

“What about Remus? Did they just take him despite his rut?” Mr. Lupin nods with a huff. “We tried to tell them that he hadn’t left the house the whole night. Hope and I have been keeping an eye on him since his ruts tend to be…painful at most.” Both of them shared a look. “They didn’t care and forced some sort of suppressants on him. They said it made his rut end but he didn’t look alright at all.”

Suppressants that made the rut of an alpha come to a full stop? He had heard about them, mostly from his research in the medical field. Those kinds of suppressants were usually frowned upon because it caused health issues when used in the long run. When Severus had been old enough to buy his own suppressants, many of his doctors had warned him not to use the ones that stopped his heats unless he wanted health complications.

Severus never bothered to buy them. Both because they were expensive and because he already had to take care of his mother. Heaving two sick people was not something he wanted. 

However, there were certain occasions in which such suppressants could be used. One of them was when they needed to interrogate someone and they were in their heat or rut. It wasn’t recommended and it should only be used in emergencies if they thought the person of interest might leave.

The more he thought about it, the more his concern grew. By what Remus’ parents said, the blonde alpha clearly struggled with his rut. Using those kinds of suppressants might not even work or make his rut worse than before. Everyone had different reactions to medication. Who could have possibly blamed all three of the alphas? The police wouldn’t do something so rash and risk endangering an underage boy…right?

“Sorry to interrupt." Lucius said when he came towards them. The married couple turned to look at the long haired omega, anxious for his response. “My family attorney is on his way. When he arrives, tell him everything that happened when the police came to take your son. Don’t leave any detail out. I don’t know who filed that tip but they won’t get away with this.”

Mrs. Lupin lets out a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much!” Lucius blinks but gives her a small smile. “It’s no problem. I can tell Severus is just as worried about him.” He throws a wink at the omega and goes back to Narcissa. Severus fiddles with the long sleeves of one of James’ sweaters.

He doesn't know how long they wait. The minutes felt like hours as Severus spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Lupin. All of them were worried and the tension building up wasn’t helping either. Walburga and Orion Black had gotten into a bitter spat that made everyone on edge. Severus was starting to see why Sirius decided to stay with James majority of the time. He was used to Tobias and his rage, however the rage that was Walburga and Orion Black was a different type. 

When the doors to the station opened, everyone, including Severus let out a sigh of relief. Though that soon was lost at the sight of Major Potter storming in with two people following behind him. Much like with the Black couple, Severus had only ever seen Major Potter from a distance. When he said a distance, it was mostly on tv when he had an announcement for the whole town. During those times the older man would either be smiling while addressing them. Other times he looked serious like when he announced the curfew.

Now, it was neither. Major Potter was infuriated.

Severus, without knowing, inched closer to Mrs. Lupin who in turn wrapped an arm around his shoulders and brought him closer. Lucius had been the only one unaffected by the major's entrance as he made his way towards Severus again, this time with an older man behind him. “Mr. and Mrs. Lupin, this is my family’s attorney, Benjamin Roberts.” The man, a beta with pepper like hair and around the same age as Mr. Lupin nods at them.

“You should go tell the officer,” Lucius pointed at the one who they had spoken to and was back from leading the first two attorneys, “And tell them that he will be representing your son.” With another thank you, Mr. Lupin guided the attorney and like before, the officer led the man towards the back. 

Another officer came to greet Major Potter by the time Lucius went back to Narcissa. “Where is my son?” He asked, the officer turned pale. “M-Major, he is currently in one of the interrogation rooms.”

Major Potter’s glares turn sharper. “I brought his attorney. Do guide him to my son. I also wish to speak with Crouch.” Nodding his head like a bobbing figurine, the officer does as he is told. Severus inhales shakily. For some reason he is also nervous. Major Potter sighs and rubs his eyes before catching sight of Severus and Remus’ parents.

Much like James, the major instantly softens and whatever edge he has vanished. It was like whiplash and Severus was left feeling more confused as to why James’ dad was looking at him as if he knew him than fearing his anger. “Ah, you must be Severus! James can’t seem to stop singing you praises.” 

Mrs. Lupin lets out a small laugh. Severus ducks his head down, using his hair to cover his red face. Once again he feels mortification of being presented like this. If possible, his nerves had won over the earlier worry for a bit. To think he would end up meeting all of the parents of his alphas. In a police station no less. “Thank you sir. James also speaks highly of you.” Severus managed to form the sentence without stuttering. Something he is proud of.

Major Potter laughs, “That’s good. Though, I wish we could have formally met under different circumstances. I assume you're here for James, Sirius, and Remus?” Severus nods after finally willing the blush off his face. Now that the omega got a good look of James’ dad, he could see where the alpha got the majority of his looks.

From hair to face, even height. James was an exact replica of Fleamont Potter. Remus also looked a lot like his dad yet also had a good mixture of his mother. Sirius was the same, though personality wise, Severus can say that James and Remus definitely got the better example.

Though, not by a lot considering how they had treated him before they tried to court him.

“Then let me be the first to apologize on behalf of the police department. I know that you and your friends are in mourning, especially after what happened to your other friends and packmates.” Severus’ throat tightens painfully. Major Potter’s eyes are kind and warm as he looks at the omega. He wasn’t saying this for show, he truly meant it.  

“It’s horrible what they did. Pulling our children in the middle of the night, especially that stunt they pulled at the hospital. I will get to the bottom of this.” This time he addressed Mr. and Mrs. Lupin. The older woman nodded gratefully while the older man just gave a brief nod.

Luckily they didn’t have to wait long. The head of the police force, Mr. Crouch came out of his office, the officer who came to retrieve him trailing behind him. Instantly, all the parents present stood up and by the time Mr. Crouch got to them, they had already formed a half circle with Mayor Potter in the lead. Severus had stood up along with Mrs. Lupin but stayed in the back with Lucius and Narcissa.

“Would you mind telling us why our children were not only just taken away but also suspected of murder?” Asked Mrs. Black, once again her icy glare in place. “I don’t appreciate both of my sons being suspects of a murder they didn’t commit. This is a slight against the Black family.”

Mr. Crouch sighs, as if he had better things to do. Severus scowls, it had been the same thing the older man had done the second time Severus had been attacked. “Please do calm down. As my officers have stated before, we received a credible tip that your sons might be involved in this murder.” He held his hands up while addressing the people around him. 

“And who might this credible source be?” Mr. Lupin asked. “We…can’t say at the moment.” Mr. Black scoffs. “It’s an anonymous tip isn’t it? You believed an anonymous tip with no proof whatsoever.”

“We can’t take any information for granted-”

“My son is in rut! Your officers gave him a suppressant that apparently cuts it short yet it only made him feel worse! Are you going to take responsibility if he is put in danger because of it?!”

“Sir please calm down-”

“Crouch.” The sudden ruckus that had been brewing since they all got here came to a halt. Severus hugs his middle, obsidian eyes trained on Major Potter. “With all due respect, I understand that you want to catch the killer, especially now since he has committed more murders. But you can’t just take our sons with no evidence other than an anonymous tip.” He runs a hand through his hair.

James did the same when he was anxious or stressed. Guess he got it from his father. “If you need alibis then we are more than ready to speak. I can guarantee you that a boy on a rut and three others who were either with their parents or friends had nothing to do with this.”

Crouch exhales tiredly. “Major Potter, I can see where you are coming from. If my son were to be accused of the same thing I would also want to get to the bottom of this. However, it wasn’t just on the recent murders that occurred.” Severus flinches.

What?

“The anonymous caller also specified that your sons could be responsible for all the murders-”

“This is outrageous!” Growls Mrs. Black. “Let’s not pretend that the majority of the tips you have received haven’t been pranks from children. How can you believe that our sons would ever be capable of murder?!”

“Why are you even questioning our boys?” Mrs. Lupin added, her face twisted into a grimace. “Shouldn’t you be questioning Mike Smith? As far as we know, he has been the only suspect. For God’s sake he attacked Severus!” Suddenly all eyes were on him. Severus tensed, his arms tightening around himself. 

“That’s right. The boy gave you a suspect he saw with his own eyes.” Surprisingly, it had been Mr. Black who spoke. “Why isn’t Mike Smith being questioned?”

“He is.” Crouch looked tired and annoyed all at once. “But like I said we can’t ignore something like this-”

“Severus!”

Severus was usually attentive wherever he went. He always scanned the room he was in and his surroundings. It was a habit he had learned both because of his father and the marauders during their younger years. His mind couldn’t help but make escape routes like it was second nature. Lily had always worried about that habit of his and did her best to break him out of it.

Not because it wasn’t useful, it was, especially in life or dead situations. But because he did it so often, even with her family. It wasn’t a sign of comfort, it was a sign of survival. Lily and Charity (poor Charity) had made it their mission to have him as comfortable as possible so that he didn’t feel threatened to the point where he had to be aware of everything. 

However, right now, Severus has let his guard down.

Not because he felt safe or comfortable. It was the farthest thing he felt. It was because he was trying to process the cocktail of emotions he had been succumbing to. Charity and Peter were dead, Lily was alive but still in critical care, his boyfriends were being accused of murder, and he was now worrying over Remus’ health from whatever suppressants the officers gave him. 

So forgive him for not paying attention to his surroundings. He just wanted the night to end so he could go home and cry for Charity and Peter. So he could get rest and go see Lily in the morning to apologize. All he wanted to do was forget about the world for a while. Was that too much to ask?

Narcissa let out a growl, her hands barely touching the sleeve of his sweater as Severus was pulled away with a sudden panicked force. “Who the fuck-!”

“Severus! You're safe!”

The sudden smell of pumpkin spice raised his hackles and before he could think, Severus lashed out. “Let me fucking go you bastard!” Smith groaned in pain as the feeling of Severus’ nails on his arms but didn’t let go. “Severus, listen to me! Don’t trust them! They are not what they appear to be!”

Panic began to flood into his veins. Fear and anger all mixed in and for the first time since his second attack, Severus was terrified. “Let me go!” He struggled with all his might. He scratched and tried to bite Smith but the alpha held him tightly to his chest. His scent made him sick to his stomach.

Panting, he could feel his lungs tighten, his throat closing in on him. “Please! You have to believe me! It’s not me!”

“Release Severus at once!” That was Lucius’ voice. “Smith, unhand the boy!” That was Major Potter. “Let Severus go, Smith! Whatever you want, he isn’t to be involved!” Narcissa.

Severus couldn’t hear the rest, all the voices had turned into a mixture of panic and outrage. Smith’s scent was overwhelming. He could smell his panic, his anger, his everything. His stomach rolled and he wanted to recoil far away from the pheromones suddenly thrust in the air but he couldn’t. Not when Smith had such a tight grasp on him that he could feel the alpha’s nails dig into his back. 

Smith’s arms were like quick sand, they held him and the more he tried to escape, the tighter they became. He was being held by the very man who had not only killed countless innocents, but was responsible for the deaths of Charity and Peter.

He was the reason Lily was in the hospital.

He had killed one of his best friends, the very girl who had seen him at his worst and stayed. The girl who had taken him into her arms and showed him that he didn’t have to fight alone. She had been his anchor, his rock. And she was gone because of him.

Lily, poor Lily had been at death’s door because of this bastard. He had almost killed her, he had harmed her and killed Charity in front of her. He had almost taken away his first friend, the first light in his life.

All because the police didn’t find his account credible.

Severus gritted his teeth, curled his hands into fist and went limp. Smith gave a soft exhale, no doubt thinking he had gotten into Severus. “Severus-”

The omega’s knuckle landed heavily on Smith’s nose. He felt the satisfying crunch of bone, could feel how his skin breaks from the force he had used. Warm blood runs down Smith’s nose and down his chin. Severus pulls back, ready to swing again when a vicious and threatening growl cuts through all the chaos. 

“Remus, dear?” Mrs. Lupin’s voice is hesitant, almost as if afraid. Smith lets a growl of his own, one that has Severus letting out an uninvited whimper out of mouth. The room had gone from cold to blistering hot. Based on what Mrs. Lupin had said, Remus must be out. He must be done with his interrogation already.

Severus felt relief from a brief moment before the scents of two alphas facing off hit him at full force. He heard Lucius whimper as well, no doubt also being hit by the pheromones. His skin felt on fire and he wanted nothing more than to get out of Smith’s arms and away from him.

Away from the police station. Away from whatever fight the two alphas were about to have.

“Let my omega go.” Remus didn’t yell or shout. He spoke clearly, a rumble deep in his voice rang throughout the station. It was a clear sign that he was holding back. The question was how long that would last. Smith just snarled.

“Boy, let the omega go. Now.” Crouch ordered, voice steady but laced with unease. “Let him go to his alpha. The boy is already re-entering his rut. If you know what’s good for you, let him go.”

“No.” He growled. “I won’t hand him over to that…that monster .”

Severus was no longer paying attention to the conversation. He was doing his best to hold his breath but it wasn’t working. Each time he breathed in, all he could feel was the burning sting of the two clashing alphas. It was as if he was breathing in ash, he could practically taste it in his tongue. The growling grew in volume, the scents making him nauseous. They continued to argue with Smith, and Smith continued to argue with them.

Severus took a deep breath, wincing at the sting it left on his throat, and held it. Taking advantage of Smith being distracted by Remus, Severus gathers all his force and shoves the alpha hard on the chest. Smith’s growls are cut short and before he could try and gather Severus into his arms, the omega dodges and jumps backwards. For a moment, Severus thought that the faceoff between both alphas ended only to see a blur run past him and launch itself to Smith.

Screams of panic and yells of pain mixed in with furious growling all at once. Severus’ eyes widened at Remus' sudden burst of violence. He had known alphas to be violent during rut, especially if they had a partner that they felt was in danger. Sometimes, it could be something else that sets them off. Severus shouldn’t be surprised, yet seeing that violence take over Remus, a boy who he had come to terms with would never hurt anyone physically, was both shocking and unsettling.

He was used to Remus being the peacemaker, the one who would rather diffuse the situation before it escalated. He never raised his hand against anyone, not even his voice unless it couldn’t be helped. Sirius and James tended to be the most aggressive ones. Severus had lost the number of times he had seen them get into fights at school. 

But now he was witnessing what Remus was capable of.

“Someone get him off him!”

Smith was fighting back, teeth and all. Yet, with Remus in rut, he was at a disadvantage. Remus landed a punch on Smith’s face, a furious sneer on his lips. He was already bleeding from the cut that Smith’s earlier punch managed to make. Severus stepped back and covered his nose. The people around him tried and failed to get anywhere near the fighting alphas. Even the betas who usually couldn’t smell the scents around them backed away from the wave of pheromones emitting around them.

“What the fuck?!” Severus snapped his attention to where the voice came from. Relief flooded his system when his gaze landed on James and Sirius. “Severus!” Exclaimed James and in an instant, he was by his side, using his body to shield the omega from the violent fight before them. “What the hell is going on?!” Asked Sirius, standing besides James and covering his own nose.

“Remus, he re-entered his rut.” Explained Severus, though it was muffled by his hand. He wanted to explain more but he was already feeling the effects of the pheromones in the air. His body felt heavy, his eyes wanted to close down yet his brain was telling him to be awake and alert. Whining, something that he couldn’t even hide, Severus slumped to the nearest person available. 

“Shit, Sev!” James caught him and Severus shoved his face onto his scent gland. It brought him a small amount of relief. “It’s their pheromones.” He could hear Narcissa near them. He took a peak from his position and saw Lucius was also being held by her. His face was buried in her scent gland, body tense and clearly distressed. Was that how he also looked? 

“Before you came, Smith launched himself at Severus. He had been let out of questioning earlier than you two. Severus tried to shake him off but Smith wouldn’t let him go.” Severus could feel the moment James began to growl. The alpha pulled him closer to him. “Lupin came out at that moment and as you can see, things escalated.” Finished Narcissa, holding her omega closer to her.

Sirius cursed, “Prongs we have to separate them. You know how Moony gets when his pack feels threatened.”

“One of you will have to do it.” Narcissa cut in. “Severus can’t even stand up by himself. If you leave him alone he might faint.” Severus closed his eyes, his hands grasping onto James’ shirt. “I’ll go help, stay with Sev. He’s burning up.” James replied and gently shifted him to Sirius’ arms. Like gum, the omega instantly attached himself to Sirius. He felt the alpha run his fingers through his hair and mumble comforting phrases but Severus didn’t pay them any mind.

All he wanted was to get out and finally breathe fresh clean air. Being stuck here with pheromones high in the air was making him dizzy. He also wanted for Remus to stop fighting. To go and comfort the alpha, to ensure his alpha was alright. He wanted to do a lot of stuff but was unable to.

“Remus! You need to calm down!”

“Smith, stop resisting!”

“Moony, stop!”

“Fuck! Hold him!”

Severus panted, fingers digging into Sirius’ jacket. If Sirius hadn’t been holding him, he was sure his legs would have given up on him a long time ago. The curly hair alpha’s scent became soothing, his arms warm yet protective as they held him. “I’ve got you, love. Just breathe in my scent.” Severus did as he was told. The burning from the pheromones slowly went away, not fully but enough so that Severus could regain control of his body once more. 

Sirius continued to scent him, keeping his head on the crook of his neck and using his body as a shield. “Don’t let them take him!” Roared Smith. “Don’t trust them! They aren’t what they appear to be!”

“Shut the fuck up!” That was James. It sounded like he was struggling. “Remus, let it go!” Another growl, more thrashing. “Severus! Listen to me, it was them! They killed them! They killed all of them!” Sirius’ chest rumbled, a hidden growl waiting to come out. Severus lifted his head from where it was, eyes glassy but still in control. He locked eyes with Smith who was being held by two police officers.

“Severus, you have to believe me!”

He looked away and locked into the figure of Remus being held back by James and Mr. Lupin. He was covered in blood. His nose was bleeding, a bruise was already forming on his cheek and he had a split lip. Though compared to Smith, he looked better off. He buried his face back into Sirius’ scent gland but only the lower part. His eyes kept watching the fight before him.

“Leave our omega out of this Smith! Haven’t you done enough?!” James shouted, pulling Remus as far away as he could while the blonde alpha continued to fight back. “Shut it Potter!” Was the response he received back. “It was you! You were the ones who killed them! You knew where the key was! You didn’t even need to break in, you already knew where the key was!”

Severus froze as did Mr. Crouch.

“W-What did you say?” Severus asked slowly. Despite all the shouting and his question being said in a whisper, it was louder than anything. Remus and Smith stopped thrashing around, allowing the others to finally restrain them. Everyone else turned to look at him, confused or in Narcissa’s and Lucius’ cases, understanding flashing in their eyes. 

Smith looked at Severus, trembling. “The key you had above your door…they didn’t break in, Severus, they already knew about the key.” The omega slowly pulled away from Sirius who had gone a deadly shade of white. James looked nervous, his hazel eyes going back and forth between Remus and Smith. Remus for his part had fully stilled, body tense as if waiting.

“...How do you know about the key?”

No one else knew about the key other than the people he personally told about it. Charity, Adam, Lily, Petunia, Peter, Remus, James, Sirius, Narcissa, Lucius, and…Sinistra. Severus never once told Smith about his extra key. He shouldn’t have known about the key unless someone told him or if he had been following him…watching him.

Bile rose up his throat. 

“I never told you about any extra key…you weren’t supposed to know about an extra key.”

The room went cold. The people around them began to mumble, many of them looked at Smith with distrust and fear. Mrs. Lupin covered her mouth as she slowly backed away followed by Narcissa and Lucius, who was in her arms. From the corner of his eye he saw movement. It was Regulus, Sirius’ younger brother. He was being held by his mother, her icy eyes flashing with disgust as she stared down at Smith.

They had been so preoccupied with the fight that no one noticed the younger Black brother come out of the interrogation room. Severus looked away, body taunt and cold. Smith gaped at him, nervous and unsure unlike before when he had been shouting accusations like crazy. “You sick fuck.” Came Sirius’ reply. “You’ve been watching him.” It wasn’t a question but an accusation.

“No one knows about the key other than the people who Severus trusts. He told us that you didn’t know about it.” Added James, “You’ve been stalking him.”

“No-!”

“Arrest Smith.”

With that single order, the police immediately handcuffed the alpha. “No! You’ve got it wrong!” Mr. Crouch only glared at him. “We never made it public that Snape’s house was not broken into. No one knows, no one would have known until later in the morning.” Smith froze, eyes bulging wide. “Take him away.” This time, he didn’t put up a fight.

Severus’ throat was dry, his voice gone.

How long had Smith been watching him? How long had he known where Severus’ lived and kept stalking him while he went about his everyday life? He had known about Eileen and Severus leaving, he must have. And even if he didn’t, he still killed Charity and Peter and injured Lily. Maybe that had been the plan all along, to kill his friends off before trying to kill him.

Sirius pressed a kiss on the crown of his head. “That sick bastard…” Severus could only stay in his arms, petrified. 

Everything else around him was muffled, as if his head was under water. People spoke, some asked. Severus didn’t hear it. He heard his name being mentioned but he didn’t respond. He couldn’t respond.

Not when all he wanted to do was crawl under his bed and never come out.

Chapter Text

Severus stares blankly at the wall before him. The clock hanging near the door ticked away, subconsciously the omega made a rhythm out of it. It had been hours, or what he presumes were hours, since the events that occurred down at the station. It felt like years had gone by, maybe it had been mere minutes.

After Smith had been apprehended and taken away, Remus had finally calmed down enough that he no longer exude aggressive pheromones. Though, it came at the cost of him practically latching onto Severus like a chew toy. For his part, the omega let him. After everything that had happened, Remus’ arms proved to be a stable anchor.

They almost didn’t end up leaving that station. Mr. Crouch had wanted Severus to stay so he could give them an account about what Smith meant by the extra key and if he had any more information to give. Severus didn’t feel like staying, not when he wanted to lay down and sleep away the headache that the pheromones had given him. If it hadn’t been for Mayor Potter, Severus was sure he would still be in the police station answering questions.

The arms holding him from behind tighten and a puff of warm air hits the nape of his neck sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. The alpha holding him grumbled as he nuzzled his nose onto his scent gland, a pleased whine emitting from him.

Right, the other reason he had been allowed to go was because of Remus. Since the alpha had once again re-entered his rut, he had not once let Severus go or out of his sight. Mr. and Mrs. Lupin had offered for Severus to stay with them since Severus didn’t have anywhere to stay because his house was currently a crime scene and because Remus refused to let him go.

The raven rejected the offer. One because he knew what with Remus in a rut, Severus would just give in and well…probably do more than just cuddle. Not that Severus was against it. But with everything that happened, it would be more as a distraction than anything. He couldn’t do that to Remus or the other two. He wanted his first time to be meaningful, not tainted by sadness or fear. Because deep down, Severus was afraid. He was afraid that he would run out of time with all three of them and rush into it. 

And two, because he didn’t want to impose on them like that. They would feel rushed and it was last minute. Narcissa and Lucius had offered to let Severus stay with them but one look from Walburga Black had him rejecting them on the spot. He didn’t want to deal with the hag. His report against Smith may have kept both her sons out of prison but she would never welcome him with open arms.

In the end, it had been Major Potter who suggested that Severus stayed with him and James for the time being. Severus had also wanted to say no but he didn’t have much of an option. He had enough money to stay in one of the rooms provided by the Leaky Cauldron for a couple of days but it would run out quickly. He needed to preserve it as much as possible in order to make the payments to Legacy Hospice on time.

Plus, James would have persisted for him to stay. So he did. Which also prompted Major Potter to offer Remus and Sirius a room in his manor in order to have them close by. Remus’ parents agreed, after all, Severus would stay with the Potters and no doubt help Remus pass his rut. That is what they thought, and in a way Severus would help. Remus had given him scented items when he entered his heat, he could do the same for his boyfriend. Plus, Major Potter had a personal doctor on standby. If anything happened, Remus would get the best help money could buy.

Sirius’ parents weren't as agreeable but no matter how much they threaten the silver eyed alpha, Sirius didn’t care. If anything, Sirius entered into a screaming match with Walburga that made the adults in the station sigh in acceptance. Apparently, it wasn’t the first time the mother and son duo got into an argument in public. Severus once again felt pity for Sirius and Regulus by extension when he saw the exasperated face the younger omega was making.

After all of that Severus ended up in Remus’ room despite having said he would avoid the room for both of their sake. On omega isn’t affected by the rut of an alpha the way alphas are affected by an omegas heat. Alphas catch a whiff of an omega in heat and lose control of themselves, though Severus knows that majority of the time, it was used as an excuse. An omega on the other hand is only affected when they are mated to the alpha or the alpha purposely pushes their pheromones onto the omega either causing them to enter heat or give in.

When they arrived at the Potter manor, Severus had been guided towards his guest room by one of the maids. She gave him a brief tour but Severus had been too distracted to pay attention. After she left, he had done what he had craved to do ever since he left the station. The shower had been a blessing. He no longer had to be assaulted by Smith’s scent that stubbornly stuck to his clothes. He scrubbed his skin raw, satisfied once he could only smell soap. 

After showering, the omega had planned to go to his room but something had made him pause as he passed Remus’ room. He was still worried about him, especially after what happened with Smith. He knows it wasn’t a good idea to step into the room of an alpha in rut but Severus just wanted to check on him. Once he ensured that Remus was alright, he would leave and later on bring something with his scent to help him.

That plan had been thrown out the window the moment Remus once again latched onto him. Severus hadn’t even knocked on the door. His hand had risen halfway when Remus opened it. His eyes landed on the omega, confused at the sight of him before understanding came to him and before Severus could utter a single word, the alpha had pulled him into his room.

Now here he was, in bed with the alpha. Remus hadn’t made any advances, much to Severus’ surprise. He only wanted to hold the omega, to scent him. Severus let him, both for Remus and for himself. At the beginning it felt odd having someone holding him from behind. Sirius and James do it all the time when they drop by his house. It was only for a quick nap before they had to leave, sometimes, only because they wanted to scent Severus.

But it was different this time.

Now like this, it was in order to help Remus sleep. To help his rut be as painless as possible. James and Sirius had told him that Remus’ ruts were not like what a rut should be to an alpha. He feels pain, though every alpha feels a sort of pain during their rut, Remus’ was different. Remus had described it as if his bones were being broken and mending themselves over and over again. 

When he was younger, his parents had to stay with him because he would claw at his own skin. One time, it got so bad that Remus ended up clawing the skin on his face. That explained the scars. Severus hadn’t known that. Maybe that was why he impulsively decided to go and check on him. He had been scared earlier, seeing Remus be violent was not something he had ever thought he would see.

If he acted like that when he felt threatened, then how did he treat himself during his rut? In the end, Severus went to check on him and ended up staying.

It was weird, sleeping someplace that wasn’t his house. When he had a sleepover with Lily he had also felt weird. He wasn’t used to the safety her house provided. The same was with Charity. At the thought of her, Severus fights back tears. Her parents had offered him to stay with them until further notice but he declined. He didn’t feel worthy of being in their presence. Not when it was his fault that Charity was killed. 

The omega shoved those thoughts out of his head.

The hotel where he was going to spend the night had been the same. The only difference was that Lucius and Narcissa were with him and well, he had known them for years. Severus hadn’t had a sleepover with them but they had stayed over at his place after his father left whenever their home life got to them. During that time, both Narcissa and Lucius would cuddle the younger boy who, despite grumbling about it, always ended up in the middle of them.

Remus on the other hand despite knowing him for years as well, recently got to actually getting to know him as of recently. He learned that Remus preferred coffee over tea, that he loved to read horror novels (that had been a shock since Severus thought the alpha preferred fantasy), or that he actually wanted to become a teacher instead of taking over his parents' business.

In such a short time, Severus could read Remus like a book. Though, it felt like a long time had passed since. Long enough for Severus to admit that he loves him as much as he loves Sirius and James.

He sighs. Of all things that made him realize this fact, it had to be Ghostface.

What a joke.

“Love?” Mumbled Remus, his arms gently squeezing his body again. Severus hums, tracing his fingertips over the boy’s arms. “Can’t sleep?” He asked, and the omega gave a brief nod. He was tired, his body wanted to get proper rest and his eyes burned from not being able to rest them but every time he closed them, images of dead bodies and blood splattered on floors and walls made them snap open. 

His treacherous mind would down spiral. Showing him images of Charity dead on the floor, a bullet hole on her head. Of Peter, his eyes wide with fear as Ghostface killed him. Of Lily, fighting Ghostface, fear and determination in her eyes. It was a never ending cycle that only got worse with time. Severus gave up on sleep and instead laid wide awake.

Remus pressed a fluttering kiss on the side of his scent gland, lightly nibbling it. Severus let out a small moan, pressing himself further onto Remus’ body. The alpha took this as an invitation as his hands slowly got under the omegas’ shirt. Severus shivered at the touch. Remus’ fingers were warm as they trailed up and up and up. 

He should stop him. Halt Remus’ wandering hands and tell him that it was best if they went to sleep. Severus wanted to wake up early and go see Lily. He wanted to check up on her before dropping by the police station at the request of Mr. Crouch. Yet the way Remus’ mouth traveled from his neck to the specific spot behind his ear made his mind momentarily forget those things.

Why should he stop Remus? Severus also wanted this. Earlier he had made the decision not to sleep with him in fear of just using Remus as a distraction. But had that really been the reason? Remus’ other hand grabbed his hip and slowly pressed his crotch onto Severus’ behind. The omega bit his lower lip, eyes fluttering shut at the hardness he could feel poking him.

Remus grinds against him, panting softly as he trailed kisses to the exposed neck of Severus. The omega didn’t stop him but he also didn’t press back towards him. It didn’t stop his body from reacting though. He could feel slick gathering in his underwear, could feel how his middle throbbed with want. Soon enough, the slick would wet both his underwear and the pajama pants James had lended him.

“Do you want me to continue?” Asked Remus softly. Severus couldn’t see his expression in his position but he could guess what it was. Blonde hair a mess, skin flush in a pretty pink hue, eyes glassy with want, lips parted open as he panted. His tongue peeked out just slightly. Severus’ cunt tightens around nothing at the image. The omega swallows, in doing so he also inhales the pheromones Remus had been releasing.

It was intoxicating, his mind once again going dizzy. Unlike before when Remus was fighting Smith, it didn’t cause him to almost faint. This time, it made his body ache. His brain was mush, telling him to turn around to face Remus. To bare his throat and let the alpha sink in his teeth into that tender flesh. To mark him as his, to mate with him.

“I don’t want to u-use you as a d-distraction.” He stuttered out, bucking his hips back onto Remus’ hard on. The alpha’s other hand makes its way to Severus’ chest, his fingers grazing one of his hard nipples. “I don’t mind love.” Responded Remus, “That’s what I’m here for.” He pinches the hard nub. Severus keens, his hips rolling hard against Remus. “As long as it’s you, I will do anything.” He groans, snapping his hips into Severus’ clothed behind. 

The small thread of self restraint snapped. 

Severus wants this. He needs it. He needs his mind to focus on one thing. On something that isn’t death or blood or killers running around lose.

Remus’ hand twists and pulls on Severus’ nipple, cutting off any thought that may want to enter. The omega buries his face onto the pillow as best as he can to muffle the loud whimper that leaves his mouth. “P-Please!” He gasps. “Don’t stop!” He feels Remus’ smile on the skin of his neck before the alpha’s other hand, the one holding his hip, lets go and travels down under his pajama pants and under his underwear.

Severus' breath hitches at the feeling of long thick fingers on his folds. Remus bites his earlobe, gently tugging it as his fingers go up and down his slick entrance. Severus wasn’t unused to such touch. During and even outside of his heats, he sometimes touched himself whenever in order to relieve himself or when the mood strikes him. It was natural, puberty and all.

But to have someone else do it, especially when he had been one of the many people envisioned during his heat? It was different.

Remus found his clit, his fingers rubbed the nub at a steady pace. Severus rolled his hips onto the alpha’s fingers. It felt good, more than good. No words could describe how good this felt. Remus changed the pace, going from steady to fast by increasing the speed. Severus’ hand latches onto his arm, not stopping him but pressing him on.

Remus buried his face onto the crook of his neck, teeth scraping his neck, his scent gland. Severus throws his head back, small barely restrains moans and whimpers falling from his lips. “Remus! Remus!” He gasped. He could hear the squelching noises, could feel his slick coating his inner thighs, wetting his pants and underwear.

“Your so wet love.” Growled the blonde alpha. “I bet you taste amazing.” Severus’ breath is ragged. Despite not having anything inside him, he feels strangely empty. As if something should have been there but wasn’t. The aching only gets worse, he needs Remus inside of him. His finger, his tounge, fuck, his dick, anything. Remus kisses him on his neck again, sucking on his flesh. It’s electric. His lips, his hands, his body. Severus tries to be quiet, aware that if they become loud, everyone in the manor will know what they are doing.

If Major Potter were to hear them, Severus would be mortified. The older alpha was already generous enough in letting Severus stay until further notice. He didn’t want Major Potter to think that he was…well, shameless. He would think Severus only agreed in order to fuck not only James, but Sirius and Remus.

He doesn't care if Sirius and James find out. Hell, they could join in. Just thinking about it has him clenching his thighs around Remus’ hand. Having all three of them with him, touching him in ways that would make him both blush and combust on the spot. Severus wants that, needs it. Remus’ tongue on his skin, James fingers teasing him, Sirius holding him down, smirking as all three of them take turns pleasing the raven.

Remus continues rubbing his clit while humping on him and playing with his nipples. Severus pants, pheromones and the smell of sex cocooning both of them. His stomach clenches, the familiar sensation washing over him. Shit, he was gonna come. “R-Remus.” He moans in a whisper. “I’m going to come!” Remus’ fingers slow to a stop, causing Severus to whine in frustration. He had been so close, his body burning with the need to come.

“Why did you-?” Before he could finish his sentence, Remus slowly and teasingly slipped one finger in. Severus gasped. Remus presses his lips onto his nape, sucking and biting while pumping his finger in and out. Moans and whines leave his mouth, the pillow swallowing most of them. Severus shouldn’t be reactive towards this, shouldn’t be so sensitive to Remus’ touch.

But he is. Remus kisses, licks, bites any skin he can. His fingers touch him in places no one else has ever done so. His skin against his own, flush with heat. It’s intoxicating, the way their scents mingle with one another, creating an even more intoxicating environment around them. Severus’ mind is foggy with pleasure, his body aches and thrums all over, eager to receive.

The alpha slips in another finger, scissoring him at a faster pace. Severus squirms, moaning out Remus’ name. His walls clench around the alpha’s fingers, pulsing each time he pumps his finger in. It’s too much. It’s not enough. Severus pants, he can feel Remus’ hot breath hit his nape, can feel him drag his teeth over his skin. His other hand is still fondling his nipples, pulling and twisting.

Remus’ touch becomes feverish. Severus can feel his climax coming again, can feel it forming and burning on the pit of his stomach. The feeling of Remus’ hard length pressed against his back side only adds to it. “I’m gonna come, I’m gonna come…!” He whispers shouts, or what he believes is a whisper shout. Severus is too far gone into the hazy pleasure to pay attention to the volume of his voice.

Remus bites down on his skin. Not his scent gland, but close enough. Right on his shoulder. Severus momentarily sees white as his body convulses. He feels the rush of wetness spreading between his legs. 

He barely manages to bite onto the pillow, allowing it to muffle his cry of pleasure. Remus croaks onto his skin, his teeth digging in further. It should have made Severus cry in pain, and it did, just, not in pain. Trembling, the omega releases the pillow from between his teeth, breathing ragged. They stay like that, Remus with his teeth still on Severus’ skin and fingers knuckles deep in Severus.

The omega for his part tries to catch his breath. His body is cooling down, he can feel the stickiness all over his body, specifically his middle. Despite just having come, Severus still aches. He wants more. He needs more. Remus unlatches his jaw and almost sensually, licks the area of the bite mark. A strange sense of disappointment fills Severus. Not at what they did, but at the fact that Remus hadn’t bitten him on his scent gland.

“Are you alright?” The alpha asked once he finished tending to the bite mark. Severus hums, “Yes.” His voice is a little horse when he answers. Remus gently turns the omega to his back and hovers above him. The image before him has Severus clenching his thighs again, a small moan leaves him at the sensation and reminder that Remus’ fingers were still in him. 

The alpha’s blonde hair is a mess, sweat clings to the skin of his forehead. His face is a lovely shade of pink, flushed from their activities. His scent, usually always a little bitter due to it being dark chocolate, had sweetened a bit. It made Severus’ mouth water, he wanted to run his tongue onto Remus’ scent gland, see if it tasted as good as it smelled. Remus smiles down at him, eyes glazed over with want, pupils blown wide, his need for him clear as day.

Severus had gone all his life thinking that maybe, no one would ever look at him in such a way. He wasn’t attractive, not in the way people imagined omegas be. Lily liked to say otherwise. She always stated that alphas and betas were just too scared to approach him because he looked unapproachable. Not in a way that he was scary but in a way that he was just too attractive that people didn’t know how to reach out.

Severus would scoff at her. Lily was just trying to be nice, is what he told himself. Charity was the same, always telling him that he was attractive, that people were just blind or cowards to not admit it.

He had long given up trying to envision anyone looking at him with want, gazing at him as if he was worthy of love. Only to receive just that from the group of people he least expected it from. James, Sirius, and Remus always smothered him in affection. They remembered the small things, they were patient, they were everything Severus had ever hoped for in a partner. He had long known what he felt for them but was too scared to admit it.

Until now.

“I love you.” He whispered, almost too low to be heard. Remus’ eyes widen, his face blooming into a deeper shade of red, no longer pink. Severus forces himself to stare at the alpha’s eyes despite feeling both embarrassed and unexpectedly shy. He didn’t expect for Remus to feel the same or to return the sentiment. Severus knows they like him, they made it clear in the way they treated him. But like and love were two different things.

Love came to everyone at a different pace.

“I love you too. Always.” Now it’s Severus’ turn to stare up at Remus in shock. The alpha had a soft smile on his lips, eyes still glazed with need but also tenderness. Love . Severus swallows down the lump that formed on his throat. Reaching forward, the omega wraps his arms around Remus’ neck and pulls him down into a kiss.

Remus responds just as eagerly, his tongue asking for entrance that Severus gives in willingly. They don’t need further words, not when actions speak louder than any words that could have been said. The alpha slowly pumps his fingers in and out a few more times, swallowing the omega’s moans, before pulling away.

“Can I…Can I make love to you, Severus?” Remus asked after they pulled away from the kiss, a string of saliva attaching them together. Severus nods, the arousal from before hitting him at full force. Remus presses their lips together in a fleeting kiss before helping the omega take off his clothes.

Severus does the same with Remus, all the while they share heated and tender looks. When they are finally bare, Severus lays back down as Remus settles himself between the omega’s thighs. He should feel a little embarrassed at being this vulnerable. Here he was, naked as the day he was born with his legs spread out for Remus. 

That embarrassment never came. 

If anything, he took immense pleasure at the hungry gaze the alpha was giving him. At the way his eyes trailed all over his body, as if imagining all the things he could do to him. It made him throb. Remus took one of his thighs in his hand, lifting it up slightly as he positioned himself. Severus looked down, focusing on Remus’ throbbing length. It was big, though Severus couldn’t really say how big. It was his first time seeing someone's dick up close.

It made him ache. He wanted to feel it inside him, to have Remus’ knot in him. Others would have been scared of the pain, and while Severus had been a little intimidated by the size, his curiosity on how it would feel had won over that. Despite Remus being in rut, he hadn’t been aggressive or done anything without asking Severus. Maybe that was why he had full confidence that the alpha wouldn’t do anything to hurt him while he was this vulnerable.

Remus used his other hand to guide the tip of his length towards the wet entrance, teasing the opening by going up and down. Severus whines, mouth slightly open as he panted. Remus’ eyes were zeroed in on his own actions, rubbing the tip to the omega’s clit until more slick came out and wetted his length. “Please….don’t tease me.” He moaned, bucking his hips to get the cock inside him already.

Remus licks his lips, then, sinks down onto him inch by agonizing inch. Severus bites his lower lip, eyes closing in bliss as Remus finally, finally , slips all the way in. Remus lowered his body down, allowing for Severus to wrap his arms around him. It felt warm, hot even as their breaths mingled. Severus clenched around the length, inhaling sharply at the unfamiliar and uncomfortable feeling of being penetrated.

It did hurt, but not as bad as he had originally imagined. Maybe it was because he had already come once when Remus had fingered him. Remus for his part didn’t move, he stayed still, allowing Severus to adjust to his size. The omega could feel how tense the alpha was, no doubt wanting to move. They stay like that for a few seconds, Remus pressing kisses down Severus’ throat as the omega clenches and unclenches around him.

“Move…move slowly.” He mumbled, afraid that if he spoke louder he wouldn’t be able to control what noises came out of him. Remus groans as he pulls his hips away slightly then pushes back in. Severus whimpers, nails digging into Remus’ back. He repeats the action, each time taking more of his length out and shoving it back in. They form a steady and slow pace. Remus would thrust slowly, carefully watching Severus’ expressions while the omega was fighting everything in him not to moan and whimper out loud.

The pain and uncomfortableness had slowly vanished with each thrust Remus delivered, turning into something carnal. It felt weird yet right, as if this was always meant to happen. That ache he had been desperate to scratch was still there but with Remus’ dick inside of him, it was satisfying. “F-Faster.” He panted, finally willing his legs to wrap around Remus’ hips to pull him closer.

Remus groans, pressing his forehead against Severus’ own, his hips rolling forward at a faster pace. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Was all that was coming out of Remus’ mouth. The pair locked eyes, each one drinking in the image of pleasure before them. There were no words that could describe this very moment. This carnal desire to be closer to Remus, to melt onto him, to become one. It was drowning Severus.

He rolled his hips against Remus’ thrust, causing the both of them to moan. The wetness between his legs got worse, he could smell his own arousal, Remus’ arousal, the slick that came out of him during each thrust. He could hear the obscene squelch every time the alpha buried himself inside of him.

The pace went from fast to absolute frenzy. Severus clung to Remus, muffling his moans, whines, and whimpers onto the crook of the alpha’s neck, breathing in his scent all the while. Remus cursed, grunting and moaning each time he pounded onto Severus. His hands grasped the omega’s hips tightly, no doubt leaving marks on the pale skin.

Severus could think of nothing but Remus, Remus, Remus. Anything else happening outside of their own bubble was long gone. His body, mind, and soul were for Remus at this very moment. Overcome with the desire to be one with Remus, to have him close to him, as close as humanly possible, Severus pulled his head away from where he was muffling his moans. More noises spilled out of him, but it won’t matter soon.

Remus pushed forward, hitting at a certain spot that had Severus seeing stars. “Oh, God! Remus!” He yelled, eyes watering from the intenseness of it all. Remus gave him a wolfish smirk, “Found it.” Is all he said as he began hitting that same spot over and over again. Severus’ nails dug onto the alpha’s back, running down and no doubt leaving marks of their own. 

There were no thoughts of anything in his head. It was empty, only focusing on the bundle of nerves Remus kept hitting. His eyes trailed after a drop of sweat that ran down from Remus’ temple all the way to his neck. His scent gland was right there, all Severus had to do was reach forward and sink his teeth onto it. He would mark Remus as his, he would finally form that connection. One that would never be erased even after death. He wanted to reach forward, bite down, but he threw his head back when Remus once again hit that bundle of nerves.

“I’m close, love.” Muttered the alpha between pants. Severus could only respond in whimpers and moans. “Please, let me cum in you, please, please, please!” Something about the way Remus begged made him clench tighter around his length. The alpha groaned, slamming in harder than before. “Do it! Do it…!” Severus was babbling at this point.. “Give me your knot! Alpha, alpha, alpha…!” 

The next few moments came like a crashing wave. Remus had leaned forward and done the very thing Severus had wanted to do. His teeth latched onto the omega’s left scent gland, biting down hard. Severus stilled, a choked moan leaving him as he came hard, vision tuning white from the intensity. Remus’ pace became frantic as he chased his own release. A couple of more thrusts and he stilled, deep inside of him and came with a loud groan. 

He could feel the hot load settling deep in, the inflaming knot keeping it in place. Severus gasped, body spasming.

Severus could feel the way one side of the mating bond snapped in place. Could feel how Remus’ knot inflated inside of him, locking them in place as he filled him up. Remus grinded his hips in slow circles, causing Severus to let out small whimpers of overstimulation. The omega panted, arms still around the alpha. One hand traveled up and tangled its fingers onto the blonde locks of hair.

Remus was breathing hard, both of them were, but he still didn’t let go of Severus’ neck. Severus didn’t push him away, a wave of satisfaction came over him instead of horror. Maybe it was the adrenaline or the leftover pleasure of what they just did. But Severus didn’t feel anything but elated now that Remus had marked him.

With great effort, Remus finally unlatched his jaw and licked the newly marked softly, with reverence. As if it were something holy. Severus let him, tilting his neck to the side to give him space. “...I’m sorry for not asking you.” Said Remus after he finished, a look of shame came over his features, though Severus could also still see the satisfaction written on him.

Severus snorted, “If I didn’t want it I would have pushed you away.” The hand that had been tangled in the blonde hair traveled to Remus’ scent gland. The alpha tilted his head, eyes flashing with desire. “Bite me.” Is all he said and Severus didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled Remus forward and laid his own claim.

Alphas always laid their claim on betas and omegas, sometimes on each other as well. It was something society expected from them. A beta couldn’t lay the same claim, their teeth weren’t as sharp, and an omega could, but it wasn’t usually seen. Mostly because some alphas just didn’t like the whole prospect of an omega claiming them. It was foolish, and in Severus’ opinion, a red flag.

The fact that Remus was the one to request it sent a warm flutter all over him. Severus sinks in his teeth further, feeling the way Remus throbbed inside of him. He should have probably discussed something this important with his three alphas beforehand, but it seemed that their impulsiveness had rubbed on him.

It was a big decision, one that should not be taken lightly. If it had been Severus from days ago, before the killings started, he would have rejected the idea on the spot. However, that Severus had lived thinking he had the rest of his life to make that decision. Now, he wasn’t so sure. Ghostface had taken away so much from him, he couldn’t, wouldn’t allow him to take anything else.

So screw thinking it through. He was going to mate with his alphas. Remus and he were already mates, he was sure James and Sirius wouldn’t hesitate in joining in.

Severus pulled away and licked the red bite mark. It would heal and scar over in a few days, a permanent sign that they were mates for life.

Satisfied, Severus flop back down, exhaustion settling into his bones. Remus followed next, his body boneless as he laid on top of Severus. The omega pulled him closer as Remus grabbed the blanket they had pushed aside and covered them both. “...Are you also going to mate with James and Sirius?” Asked Remus once they settled in as best as they could with the knot keeping them in place. Severus hums, giving him a small nod. Relief washed over Remus’ face. “You three made it clear that you are a packet deal. I already resigned myself to that long ago.”

Remus chuckles, “Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow we can think of how to tell them.” Severus nods again. No doubt both idiots are going to beam in excitement over this. He was too tired to think about it now. Once he wakes up again, he will see what he does next. They were sticky with both sweat and other body fluids but Severus didn’t care. He would take a shower when he woke up. 

Plastered together, the pair drifted off to sleep.

Severus had woken up to an emptiness in the middle of his legs and to Remus humming softly behind him, a finger tracing the scars on his back gently. The omega blinked his eyes, still foggy from what they did a few hours ago. Remus stopped when he felt Severus' breathing pattern change. “You awake, love?” He asked. 

Grumbling, Severus nods. He shouldn’t feel self conscious, for fuck’s sake, Remus had practically been balls deep in him not to long ago. But he is. He knows his body isn’t the prettiest sight, not with how many scars it had or how noticeable his bones were in some areas. Sure he was skinny but it wasn’t the model skinny type. He was thin as paper, no amount of food he ate let him gain weight as much as he wanted.

He had heard omegas and betas sometimes talk about how alphas preferred when they had more meat on their bones, more to grab they would say. Or how their skin was meant to be soft to the touch, pretty whenever it flushed pink or red. Severus never cared for such things, he had other pressing matters to focus on.

Yet, laying here with Remus hugging him from the back and the sunlight passing through the windows, he can’t help but want to gather the bedsheets and hide away his body. Now that there was light, Remus would get a better view of him, of the ugliness that he had underneath his clothes.

Remus cuts his train of thoughts as he presses a soft kiss on his shoulder. “How do you feel?” He asked, arms wrapping around him in a warm embrace. Severus shifts, hissing softly at the soreness he felt between his legs. “Fine, better than I thought.” He said. Remus sighs in relief. “Good, I thought I was too rough.” Severus can’t help but laugh at that. Remus had been anything but rough. Despite being in rut, the alpha had been gentle, always asking for consent and making sure that Severus was comfortable.

Now that he thought about it, Remus hadn’t given any indication that he was in pain. James and Sirius had told him that his ruts were always a pain. Had he somehow helped him not feel it? Stretching, Severus turned to face Remus. The blonde boy gave him a small grin. His blonde hair was messier than before, sticking out in different places. Much like James’ hair. “What about you?” He murmured. “You didn’t feel any pain?”

Remus shook his head. “No. I actually felt calm this time. Guess you being here with me helped.” He blushed, lime green eyes trailing down to the bite mark in Severus’ neck. “If you ask me about the mark again, I will leave.” Severus doubted he could get out the bed himself but he would try. Remus seemed taken aback, then laughed. “I just don't want you to think I took advantage of you.”

“You didn’t. Plus, I also claimed you. You're stuck with me.” The blonde boy’s grin softens. He presses a kiss on his lips, hand tangling into his hair. Severus returns it, arms wrapping around Remus’ neck. He can taste the saltiness from the dried up sweat, and feel the slight happiness from his lips. It tasted like home. “We should get dressed up.” Remus said after pulling away. “I did my best to clean you up but I am sure you want to take a shower.”

As they sat up, Severus noted that he didn’t have any dry slick or cum between his legs. Though Remus was right, he did want to take a shower. “What about your rut?” He asked while he watched Remus gather both of their clothes, not wanting to test whether or not he could actually get off the bed without help. “Surprisingly it ended. It usually lasts three days. I thought maybe it would last longer because of the rut suppressant they gave me but I think spending my rut with you sped up the process.”

It wasn’t surprising, not really. While spending either rut or heat with someone does help alleviate the symptoms, it doesn't make it go away in one day. Remus’ case was different. Severus doesn't know how the suppressant may have affected him, he had already been in rut for a day when they came to get him. Maybe it did speed it up but had side effects that required an omega to help him?

“You should see a doctor, get checked out just in case.” Remus nods. “I was thinking the same. I never took one of those suppressants. Rather safe than sorry.” Severus takes the clothes Remus gathered and puts them on, all except the underwear and pants. As he pushes his long strands of hair off his face, Remus turns to face him again while putting his pants on. 

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t.” Severus halts, knowing what the alpha was about to ask. “But the scars on your back…how…what happened?” He didn’t want to answer. Not really. Remus wasn’t looking at him with disgust or pity, just open curiosity. Severus bites the inside of his cheek, debating. He knows he would have to tell him and the other two soon enough. Especially after that just occurred.

Though, knowing and doing were two different things. Severus hates remembering how he got them because the reasons behind those scars were so idiotic that it made him want to laugh. Tobias didn’t need a reason to beat his wife and son, he did as he wanted. No matter how much Severus tried to maintain him calm, nothing worked.

It was either his omega scent that set him off or maybe Severus was breathing the wrong way. Ridiculous stuff. He can’t even remember exactly why Tobias beat him that badly, the reasons are too many to count.

Plus, how do you tell one of your mates, your alpha, that your father was the one who gave them to you? From what he had seen, all three of them never had to worry about physical abuse of any kind. Major Potter clearly loves his son and James returns that love tenfold. Remus’ parents are lovely people who care and cherish him. Sirius’ parents, while unpleasant, had never laid a hand on him the same way Tobias had with him based on how easily Sirius always got into a fight without any fear of physical repercussions.

How could he tell them that his own father was the worst kind of scum known to man kind? They already knew he had abandoned his mother and he. That he had been unpleasant, a drunk who was always looking for trouble. But they didn’t know about the abuse, no one knew about the abuse other than Lucius, Narcissa, Charity, Lily, and Sinistra.

“You don’t-”

The slamming of the bedroom door made them both jump. “Moony! We can’t find Sev! Sirius and I already looked everywhere but we couldn't find him! My dad already left for an early meeting so I can’t ask him if he has seen-!”

James halts, his hazel eyes scanning the scene before him. Remus who had yet to put on his shirt, the marks Severus hadn’t even been aware he left on the alpha were on full display, especially the mating bite on his neck. James then turned to look at Severus, his eyes widened at the state the omega was. Severus couldn’t see how he looked at the moment but he bet it was a sight.

His hair was a mess, he only had his shirt on and while he had managed to cover his lower half, the hickeys and bite marks Remus had left pretty much spelled out what had occurred in this room. Especially the smell. Severus can still smell his and Remus’ scents together along with the obvious smell of sex.

“Prongs, did you find him?” Sirius comes behind James and pauses, grey eyes looking in and then widening in realization. Severus could feel his face burn. Not in shame, but in being caught like this. “Remus…what happened?” James finally asked after a moment of awkward silence. Remus for his part looked sheepish. “Um…” He glanced at Severus who rolled his eyes and swung his legs to the side of the bed.

Immediately, James’ and Sirius’ eyes zone in on them and the obvious hand shape bruises Remus had left. He ignored their stares and pushed himself off the bed, hissing slightly at the soreness. Guess people weren’t lying when they said that the first time usually left the person sore and aching in a good way. “Remus and I had sex.” Severus stated bluntly. Might as well tell it how it is.

Both alphas’ gaped at them. Remus blushed harder. “Last night I went to check on him after showering and ended up staying in his room. In the end, I helped him through his rut.” As he explains, he grabs the underwear that Remus had left on the bed alongside the now dirty pajama pants. “We ended up mating.” He gestures at their necks and the matching bite marks.

Putting them on, he turns to face them only to find James and Sirius red on the face, eyes intensely looking at him. It was the same look Remus had given him last night. He ignored the flutter in his stomach in favor of looking for his slippers. “You mated?” Asked James. Severus nods. “...Only with him?” Asked Sirius, voice strained.

Severus huffs, “No you imbecile.” Finally finding them, he gestures for Remus to place them at his feet. The blonde alpha does as he is told. “I…” Shit it was embarrassing saying it out loud. “I also want to mate with you two-”

He was cut off by James who had launched himself onto him, causing both of them to land on the bed. “James?!” Severus gasped. Sirius and Remus began to laugh. Before he could demand the alpha to let him go, James pressed their lips into a deep kiss. Severus, knowing that there was no escaping him, gave in. “When do you want to mate? Should we have preparations? What kind of preparations do you want to make?” Question after question was being launched at him.

“Slow down James!” Exclaimed the omega, exasperated. James laughed, bright and full of joy. He gazed at Severus with so much intensity that the raven boy could only blush. “I’m just so happy.” Severus sighs with a roll of his eyes. “You don’t say.”

“Can’t really blame him. Moony had you all to himself last night. It’s only fair that we also get a turn.” Said Sirius, a teasing smirk on his face. Severus glared at him, “At least let me eat and shower before you jump me.” He had partly said that as a jest but with the way Sirius’ eyes darken with lust, Severus was sure he took it seriously. The way both of their scents spiked let him know that they were considering it.

“While you figure that out, I’ll go get cleaned up and make something to eat.” Before Severus could demand Remus to help him, the blonde boy was already out of the room. The moment the door shut behind him, James began his attack on his neck. Severus let out a startled moan, both because of the surprise attack and the sensitivity of his neck.

Severus would like to explain how he got into the current position he was in. He swore it had all happened in a blink of an eye, just barely after Remus left the room. One moment, he had been fully cloth and ready to go take a shower. The next, he was once again naked, James on his knees before him while Sirius sat behind the omega. Both of them had also gotten naked.

Severus whines, his body hot against Sirius’ chest. The grey eyed alpha licked and sucked on his skin, dragging his teeth on the tender flesh and on the other scent gland that was not marked. His hands are busy playing with Severus’ nipples, pulling and twisting just to get a reaction out of Severus. The omega for his part could only let out small cries of pleasure.

He could feel Sirius’ hard length pressing on his backside. Hot and leaking. Sirius groaned when Severus bucked onto him again. With bleary obsidian eyes, Severus looks down at James, who was already looking at him. His tongue deep in his leaking hole. The bespectacled alpha had propped Severus’ thighs on his shoulders and wasted no time in attaching his mouth to his entrance.

Each lick and each suck would have Severus reeling back, pressing further onto Sirius. It was too much yet not enough. “Fuck, your so wet Sev.” James groaned, pulling away and licking his lips with a smirk. Severus did his best to glare but he could tell it didn’t have the effect he wanted, not when James smirk widened.

The alpha went back in, licking a long stripe that had Severus throwing his head back over Sirius’ shoulder. “D-Don’t stop.” He begged, breath hitching at the addition of fingers entering while James sucked his clit. “Look at you.” Whispered Sirius in his ear, “So wet from just that? I wonder how much slick you will release once we enter you.” The mere idea of having them both at the same time made him clench around James’ fingers.

Each suck and pump of fingers left him breathless. With Remus it had been one person who he had to focus on. It hadn’t been this overwhelming yet with James and Sirius, it was hard to focus on one when both of them made sure he was overcome with need for them.

“I would take more time to prep you but Remus already did that for us.” James said after he pulled away again. His chin was wet, some of Severus’ slick had gotten all the way down to his chest. He continued to pump his fingers inside for a few more seconds before pulling away completely. Severus whined at the loss.

James gestured at Sirius, who nodded and together, almost synchronized, they sandwiched the omega between them. Severus leaned on James, his skin warm and sticky. “If I can’t walk by the end of this, I will make you my personal servants.” He said, whimpering at the feeling of fingers entering his rare side. Sirius chuckled. “If it means having you like this, all spread for us. I say the sacrifice is worth it.”

Using the slick that was coming out in waves, Sirius wetted his fingers and gently pumped them in and out of his rare end. Severus clutched onto James who had begun to rub his clit. They kissed again, all sloppy and filthy. Severus tangled his fingers onto James’ messy hair and pulled him closer, moaning into his mouth as Sirius spread him open from behind. James swallowed each sound, eyes lit with a fire.

As their tongues clashed, he could taste himself on the alpha’s tongue. If it had been any other day, Severus would have fought for dominance. Just to get on James’ nerves and see how far he could push him. But not right now. Right now all he could focus on was on Sirius prepping him from behind, James’ fingers teasing his other entrance, on both alphas who seemed to know how to make him fall apart in their hands.

“I think he's ready James.”  

Severus gasped and pulled away from James when he felt the blunt head of Sirius’ length rub on his other hole. “It’s ok love. We’ll go slow.” Reassured the hazel eyed alpha as he also began to rub the head of his cock onto Severus’ cunt. He had already experienced the feeling of being filled up by one cock. How would it feel to have two at the same time? It made him nervous and excited at the same time.

Sirius pressed a kiss on his shoulder blades and slowly pushed in first. Severus groaned at the sensation. It felt different, being penetrated from behind. Sirius continued to press down small kisses, cursing softly as he pushed inch by inch. “Shh, I got you, love. You're taking me in so well.” Once he was all pressed inside, James slid in from the front. Severus keened at the fullness.

“Fuck…your perfect Severus. So perfect. Made just for us.” Whispered James into his ear, his hands holding his hips steady while Sirius held onto his waist. His voice sounded strained as did Sirius who panted behind him, his hold tightening as he resisted the urge to move. Severus took sharp inhales, eyes watering from the stretching. It burned so good that all he wanted to do was lift his hips up and slam them down over and over again.

Thoughts on how long he would last or how in the world he would take two knots at the same time went away the moment he shifted his hips and a sharp pain of pleasure ran through him. “F-Fuck…” He moaned, leaning onto James. “Move…please move.” He bucked his hips and that was all the encouragement the alphas needed.

They moved slowly at first, trying to find a steady pace.  Severus garbled between them, mind long gone at this point. All he could focus on was the two cocks thrusting in and out of him. Of the hands that held him up, of fingers dancing on his skin, of the two warm bodies he was between. Of James and Sirius who latched their mouths onto any part of his neck and skin they could get. It wasn’t long before they found a pace and for that pace to pick up speed.

Severus’ finger nails scratched long red lines on James’ back. Whimper after broken whimper left his lips each time both cocks entered him. Sirius groaned, kissing Severus’ nape, his shoulders, his back. He thrusted at a frantic pace, his hips snapping up at Severus. James panted, his glasses lopsided, eyes focused on Severus’ face twisting in pleasure. 

“Oh shit…!” Exclaimed Severus once one of them managed to hit the same spot Remus had last night. Stars danced in his vision as he tensed between them. James chuckled and Sirius smirked. They didn’t say anything, just one shared glance told them everything. Severus felt himself clench on both lengths, felt his belly heat up, tightening. 

“I-I’m going t-to come…!”

They quicken their pace, practically melting onto Severus and becoming one. “I’m going to come too…!” Whine James, his face pushed onto Severus’ unmarked scent gland. “S-Same!” Sirius added next, his hot breath hitting Severus’ nape scent gland. Severus reached behind him and grabbed a fistful of Sirius’ hair. The alpha moaned when Severus pulled it, hips momentarily bucking.

“You’ll let us cum in you, right?” James asked him, a teasing and victorious smirk on his face. “You’ll take both or knots like a good omega, yeah?” Sirius added, tone full of self confidence. Severus didn’t pay any attention to that. His mind was on the words cum and knots. He nodded with a tremble, the tension inside of him becoming thinner and thinner. 

“Yes! Yes! Please, g-give me…!” A sharp gasp from himself cut him off. “G-Give me your kn-knot!” That was all he managed to say as he spasms, his orgasm going through him in shockwaves. “James! Sirius!” He cries out, letting go of Sirius’ hair and without thinking bites down onto James’ scent gland. The alpha groans, buckles his hips deep inside and goes still. Severus could feel his knot inflating in, locking them in place. 

Sirius follows soon after with a shout, his teeth latching onto Severus’ nape scent gland as James claims the right scent gland on his neck. Chest heaving, Severus swallows and unlatches his jaw from James’ neck and begins to lick the bite mark. James sighs then lets go and does the same with a smile. Sirius lets go, his tongue licking and soothing the new bite. Both of them purr in satisfaction, their scents mixing in the room and settling over Severus.

“Sirius?” Severus slurs as if he is drunk. The alpha hums, “Move your neck closer.” The alpha does as he is told and once his neck is close enough, Severus twists his body as much as he can and bites onto the scent gland. He feels Sirius twitch inside of him, feels how he whines deep in his throat. James preps small kisses over the omega’s chest, one hand gently rubbing his stomach where his knot had them locked in place.

Severus feels at ease now that he has their marks and they have his mark. Gently, he pulls away and licks the bite. Both James and Sirius snuggle up to him, content smiles on their faces. Severus lets his body become boneless, once again feeling tired. “You two better pray I can still walk.” He mumbles sleepily. “I have things to do today.” James chuckles and Sirius snorts.

Severus leans onto Remus’ gentle touch. The blonde boy hums under his breath as he dried the raven’s hair. As expected, Severus had been unable to get out of bed on his own. By the time he had woken up, James and Sirius had already gone to shower and were clean. While they had also cleaned him up, Severus had still been annoyed. He wanted to shower because his skin felt sticky and he was hungry.

So he made them take him to the bathroom and aid him. It was the least they could do after jumping him the way they did.

After showering, Remus had already prepared food for him and was just waiting for the omega to come out. Since he didn’t have any clothes other than the ones that he had on, James once again lends him some of his while the ones he had on at the police station were being washed. Now, he was getting his hair dried by Remus while he ate at the same time. It was late afternoon and while he would have rather stayed in bed to rest, he also wanted to check on Lily.

He knew that she was no longer in the danger zone, but he needed to see her with his own eyes. To apologize for putting her in that situation. For almost causing her death. Severus would understand if she no longer wanted to be friends with him. Look what happened to Charity and by extension, Peter. 

Maybe Sinistra was right and he was just causing trouble.

“Since it’s recommended for newly bonded pairs to spend time together so the bond solidifies, I will be going with you to visit Lily.” James said as he handed a pair of car keys to Sirius. “Padfoot is going to go with Moony to the usual clinic he goes to and make sure the suppressant they used on him didn’t cause any long lasting damage.” 

Severus nods. That makes sense. He would have liked to go with Remus but after checking on Lily, his presence was required at the station. Since Mr. Crouch couldn't take his account of the events that occurred and all last night, he needed to go today. It was a pain and in all honesty, Severus didn’t want to step foot anywhere near there.

He was still angry at everything that went down in the place. Time and time again he keeps telling them that the killer, that Ghostface, is Smith. And every time, they keep on ignoring him. Instead, they go and arrest his alphas based on an accusation with no evidence. They dare to insinuate that they had killed their friends and packmates. That they had harmed Lily. That they were the ones responsible for the deaths of Charity and Peter.

But most of all, Severus just didn’t want to be in the same place as Smith. Just thinking about it made his skin crawl.

“So we meet back here then?” Asked Sirius, twirling the car keys. Severus noticed that James had another set of keys with him. Just how many cars did he have? “Can't,” muttered Severus after swallowing the toasted bread. “I have to go to the police station. Crouch wants me to answer some questions.” At this, James and Sirius groan while Remus huffs. No doubt still holding a grudge towards the older man. Severus doesn't blame them.

“Can’t he wait?” Severus rolls his eyes at James’ remark. “No. Since my house is the crime scene, he wants my account of things since I wasn’t there. Plus, I need to get some of my belongings and the only way I will is by getting his permission.” To think he would need permission from someone else to enter his own damn house.

“If you need clothes I can keep lending you mine.” At the salacious smirk from the bespectacled alpha, Severus glares. “Insatiable mongrel.” James’ smirk widens. 

“Other than clothes.” He gives a pointed glare at the still smirking boy. “I need to get my personal documentation and my mother’s documentation among other things.” While no one will try to get in there to steal, he would rather not keep such important items there with people coming in and out. Unfortunately, he can’t take any items out until he asks Crouch, unless he wants the older beta to try and accuse him of contaminating the crime scene.

Remus looks over at the clock, “We can leave in around fifteen minutes. Are you able to walk on your own?” At the reminder of what just occurred with all three of them hours ago, Severus turns red. Sirius is now smirking, his eyebrows moving up and down suggestively. “Still need your alphas to carry you?”

“Fuck off.” As if to prove a point, Severus stands up from the chair and immediately winces. It had been bad enough that he was sore in the middle after having sex with Remus. His back had also been sore, however, that soreness became more evident after Sirius and James fucked him. Remus coughs, trying to hide the obvious smirk growing on his face. Severus glares harder and it only makes Remus’ shoulders shake with hidden laughter.

Damn it all. He will walk by himself because there is no way in hell he will allow any of them to carry him in public. It would be embarrassing, not to mention, James and Sirius would let their loud mouths spill the truth as to why Severus couldn’t walk properly. He will never show his face in public if that happens. Shaking his head fondly, Sirius walks towards him and helps the omega stable himself by placing a palm on his lower back.

Severus is about to complain again when he feels more than notice how all three of them seem to sober up and stare at his back. No doubt still thinking about the scars there. Severus sighs. He had been thinking of ways to tell them about that. Of how he got them. But the words wouldn’t form. They had seen them, hell, during the aftermath of their activities, Sirius had pressed soft, careful kisses over the ones he could reach.

Sirius probably wanted to ask about them but decided not to. Not during and after their mating at least.

Still, that didn’t stop the wandering eyes all three of them gave him. Without saying anything, Severus sat back down, slowly this time. Sirius cleared his throat. “Sorry…” The omega shakes his head. “You were bound to find out eventually.” He looks away from them and stares at one of the many pictures framing the wall of the dining room. 

It was of a younger James on top of Major Potter’s shoulders and who he assumes was Mrs. Potter. They seemed to be at a park, all three of them smiling at the camera. Younger James had a few missing front teeth but still smiled brightly. The smile of a child who never knew the violence of a parent.

He hears feet shuffle, chairs being pulled out, then all three of them settling down. Remus is on his right, Sirius and James sit in front of him. Where should he even start? From the beginning? Or when things came to an end?

No, it was better if he started on who gave him the scars. There was no use in starting from the very beginning, not yet at least. 

“I’m sure you all knew about my father, Tobias Snape.” He turns back to face them. James gives him a hesitant nod. “Dad and Mr. Crouch often talked about things that went on in town. They mentioned him a few times.” Remus also nods, “I saw a glimpse of him, when we were younger.” He adds. Severus remembers, it was one of those days that the omega had left the house in favor of going to the park.

Remus had been there with Lily and all three of them played on the swings for a while before Tobias appeared, yelling his name in a drunken slur. Severus had left in a hurry, not wanting for either of them to witness any violent act his father might commit in public.

Sirius gives a brief shrug. “Only what Narcissa would tell us.” Again, no surprise there. She deeply and probably still does, hate Tobias Snape. “Other than causing trouble for the police by getting into bar fights or fighting anyone sober he was…” He trailed off. Tobias was many things, yet there was not one word that specifically fit him. “A bastard.” He settled for that. Even if it wasn’t enough to describe him fully.

“He didn’t care who he took out his anger on. Be it people he was gambling with or some random person in a bar.” Severus often preferred when he got into fights outside the house. He was far too tired to try and hit Eileen or Severus. “He was a short-tempered man who snapped at any small inconvenience. Or what he considered an inconvenience.” He wasn’t always like that, Severus was aware. 

That’s what made all his actions hurt.

He saw the way horror filled all three of their faces, no doubt already putting everything together. “As you can guess, he had no qualms about beating his own wife and son.” he chuckles bitterly. “I don’t even remember half of the reasons he gave for beating me bloody. It could have been because I broke a plate, didn’t get him his drink fast enough, or simply for breathing too loud.” Stupid reasons. Tobias didn’t care, he never needed a good reason to beat him.

“Sometimes it was with his fists, other times his belt. But the worst of them was when he…he,” Severus choked up at that part. It always happened whenever he tried to mention that small room with all his tools. The one that Eileen and Severus avoided when he was still living with them. Remus places a hand on his shoulder, lime green eyes staring at him with sadness. “You don’t have to force yourself, Severus.” The omega shakes his head, he has to tell them. If he doesn't, he will calm up and never speak about it.

“There's this room in my house, I’m sure you’ve seen the door. It’s right next to the kitchen, the thing is locked from the outside.” Sirius nods, jaw clenched. “That used to be my father’s work room. He left a bunch of tools there…whenever he lost money gambling or was just in a plain bad mood he would…he would either take my mother or I into that room.”

Eileen would often put herself in between them so that Tobias would leave him alone. Other times, it was Severus who would take the beatings so she wouldn’t get hurt anymore. “He would beat us with anything in there. I would mostly just crouch down, letting him hit my back instead of my whole body. It was easier to hide the wounds and scars.”

He looks down at his hands. “And that’s the story of how my back is all messed up. The skin never healed properly, we didn’t have money to go to the hospital. My mother did what she could to heal me.” He didn’t mention how Tobias was the main reason why they didn’t have any money to begin with.

Severus doesn't look up to see their expressions. A part of him is afraid to see what they look like. Would they look at him with disgust? Would they regret mating with someone who was damaged? Before he could spiral down into the abyss, James stands up, rounds the table, and brings Severus into a hug.

Since the omega was still sitting down, his face was pressed against James’ stomach. Severus blinks, momentarily caught off guard. Then Sirius joins alongside Remus. It’s weird, the cuddle pile they form. Severus is sitting down with three alphas standing up and hugging him. Their scents are soothing, calm pheromones. Severus sighs and just accepts his fate. Without realizing it, they had all but washed away the insecurities that had begun to fester inside of him.

“If I ever see him, I’ll kill him.” Severus snorts at James’ response. That snort is what triggers the laugher that soon follows. As they laugh, he returns the hugs as much as he can. A relief he hadn’t known he was expecting washed over him in waves. He hadn’t thought much about his scars or how his body looked last night or a couple of hours ago when he was with them.

His mind had been blanked and if he thought about it, they had succeeded in fully distracting him from what occurred on the outside. Severus exhales, to think he would find himself here with them of all people. His past self would have thrown a riot, asking why them? Why not someone else?

Severus often found himself asking that question. Sometimes he wondered why he chose them out of anyone. Then he would remember that they are the only ones he had left. 

Narcissa and Lucius are his friends, they are like his older siblings. But they have a life of their own and Severus didn’t want to impose. Sinistra had been a good friend until she showed him what she really felt and that chapter came to an end. Charity…Charity had been like a sister, someone who was there for him and gave him advice when he needed it. She never made him feel alone.

Lily is also like a sister to him. Even when her opinions differ from his, he always pays attention to them because out of the two, she tended to see things that he couldn’t. She was his voice of reason, someone who wanted what was best for him even if it came out rather strongly. She always had his best interest at heart. But she also had a life of her own and he couldn’t rely on her forever. For all he knows, she wouldn’t want anything to do with him after last night.

Severus knows he rushed in with the mating. That he should have waited at least until graduation to make a decision. But he felt like he was running out of time. Ghostface made sure that he knew that in one moment, he could have his loved ones with him, the next, they would be gone. So yes, he rushed but he doesn't regret it. He is sure of his feelings, of his decisions. 

He wasn’t going to let all his opportunities and chances go through his fingers. Never again.