As Serena finished her breakfast in silence, the Great Hall was abuzz with gossip and speculation about the headlines from the Daily Prophet. She stood up from the Slytherin table and she looked around the hall one last time, her gaze lingering on the Gryffindor table where the Marauders usually sat, now conspicuously empty.
With a deep breath, she made her way to the Hospital Wing. She hoped to find Lucius resting after his first wave of heat. However, as she arrived, she was greeted by Madam Pomfrey, who told her that Lucius was currently still on his first wave. "He's still in his first heat wave, dear. Come back around lunchtime," she said with a gentle smile.
Serena nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had wanted to tell Lucius about the article and see how he was holding up.
During her Transfiguration class, she noticed Black's absence. Though, the rest of the Marauders, particularly James, kept glancing her way and passing her magical notes that she immediately discarded.
Evelyn, who was sitting beside her, leaned over and asked, "Do you think the boys are bothering you because of Lucius?"
Serena shrugged, "I don't know. They're always bothering me." She deadpanned, her gaze focused on Professor McGonagall, who was demonstrating how to transfigure a teacup into a turtle.
As soon as the class ended, she found herself surrounded by the Marauders.
James was the first to speak. "Serena, we need to talk."
Serena raised an eyebrow, "Oh, really?"
James nodded, "You said you would explain, remember?"
She knew this was coming. "Fine," she said, cutting him off. She turned to Evelyn, who was watching the scene with wide eyes, "Don't wait for me, Evy. I'll catch up with you later."
Evelyn nodded, her eyes still wide. Serena then turned back to the Marauders, her face impassive. "Lead the way, Potter."
As they walked away, Serena couldn't help but wonder how Sirius was dealing with the revelations, and how Lucius was coping with his first heat. The day was far from over and she knew she had a long road ahead.
~~~
The Marauders led Serena through the bustling corridors of Hogwarts, their steps quick and purposeful. They exchanged secret glances and kept their voices low, ensuring that their destination remained unknown to the curious eyes around them and making sure Serena was still following them. Eventually, they arrived at the Gryffindor tower and made their way up to the dormitory.
As they entered the boy's designated room, Serena's gaze swept across the space. The sight that greeted her wasn't pleasant — the room was a mess, with clothes strewn about and various items scattered haphazardly.
The lingering scent of multiple Alphas made her inner Omega slightly conscious, but she pushed the sensation aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Sirius, who had been lying face down on his pillow, lifted his head at the sound of the door closing. His eyes widened in bewilderment as he saw his friends and Serena standing before him. He quickly sat up, turned to face the Slytherin and asked, "Did you know?"
His eyes narrowing, "Did you know about Lucius being an Omega?"
Serena met his gaze steadily, her face composed. "No, Black," she replied smoothly, maintaining her lie. "I had no idea about Lucius being an Omega until yesterday."
Sirius stood up and paced in front of his bed. He continued to interrogate her, his voice tinged with frustration. "And what about the engagement? I know your close with Malfoy, did you know about that?"
Again, Serena lied, her voice calm and collected. "No, I only found out about the engagement when I read the article this morning. I was just as surprised as everyone else."
Serena took a step closer, her eyes piercing into his. "But," she said, her voice holding a hint of challenge, "you should have figured out by now what I was doing with your uniform yesterday."
Sirius paused, remembering the girl scenting his uniform. His eyes widened in realization, and he looked at her, a mix of surprise and understanding crossing his features. He looked up to her and asked, "He's… in heat?"
The Slytherin nodded in confirmation.
A conflicted expression clouded Sirius' face as he processed the revelation. Questions still swirled in his mind and he wanted them answered.
"But why did you take my uniform? You said you only found out about my engagement with him this morning," Sirius pointed out.
"Because," she drawled, "Lucius asked for yours specifically."
She stated it like it was the most obvious answer and it left the boy stunned.
"Mine..?" Sirius echoed, scrunching his eyebrows. His…? But why? Doesn't Lucius dislike him too because he's one of the so-called blood traitors? Isn't Lucius the same as his family? They're disgusted by blood traitors and muggles alike! …Unless… Lucius is not..? No—That's impossible! Lucius silently confirmed that he was like them…didn't he? … But… But what if he was wrong..? Did he… Sirius shook his head. This is just messing with his thoughts. He needs a clear answer.
Taking a deep breath, Sirius closed his eyes and opened them once again. "Where is he?"
Serena looked at him. "Alright, let's say I tell you where Lucius is," she started, her tone laced with a thin layer of sarcasm. Her red lips curled into a half-smirk, "What then, Sirius? Going to dash off to him right away?"
Sirius stared back at her, his gray eyes hardened with determination. "Of course," he replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I need to talk to him."
Serena scoffed, rolling her eyes. "That's the stupidest idea I've heard, Black."
Remus, who had been standing at the side, suddenly cut in, "Sirius, now is not the best time. Remember Lucius is in heat. It's not advisable to approach him in such a state."
Peter nodded, his eyes darting nervously between Sirius and Serena. "Remus is right, Sirius. Omegas... they can't think straight when they're in heat."
Sirius' jaw clenched, but his gaze didn't waver from Serena. It was clear that he still intended to approach Lucius, regardless of the circumstances.
James, observing the conversation, decided it was time to intervene. He stepped forward, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "Sirius, have you written to your parents about the engagement yet?"
His question seemed to hit Sirius like a bludger. The Alpha's face paled, and his eyes flashed with anger. "I did," he snapped, "But that doesn't change the fact that they didn't tell me anything about it. It's my life we're talking about!"
With that, he stormed off, leaving the others in stunned silence. Serena watched him leave with a thoughtful expression, her mind already spinning with plans and strategies.
She knew from her past life as Severus Snape that nothing at Hogwarts was ever as simple as it seemed, and this was no different. There were still many questions to be answered, and she had a feeling that she would be at the center of it all.
~~~
Sirius had barely made it ten steps from the entrance of the tower, when he collided with someone. He quickly steadied himself and looked down to see his younger brother, Regulus, staring up at him in surprise.
"Regulus?" Sirius said, his surprise evident. "What are you doing here? How do you even know where the Gryffindor dorms are?"
Regulus shrugged, brushing imaginary dirt off his robes. "I saw your friends," he gestured to where James, Remus, Peter, and Serena had been standing a few minutes ago, "sneaking away on my way to class. I decided to follow them to find you."
He looked up at Sirius, eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright, Sirius?"
Before Sirius could respond, Regulus added, "And don't take your anger out on Lucius. He doesn't deserve it."
Sirius scoffed, his anger replaced with a flash of jealousy. "I wasn't going to, Regulus," he retorted. "My anger is directed at our dear parents, not him. They didn't even bother to get my consent before making a promise about my future."
Regulus let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear, Sirius," he said, his voice soft.
"Thank you."
But Sirius wasn't done. He glanced at his brother, irritation flaring up. "And why are you so quick to defend Lucius anyway? I'm your brother, in case you forgot."
Regulus held his gaze, unflinching. "Lucius has been nothing but kind to me, Sirius. I've told you this before, but you didn't believe me."
Sirius sighed, dropping his gaze. The stern look in Regulus's eyes was enough to make him admit defeat. "Okay! okay! Merlin… Maybe I have been a bit blinded and assumed too much. I'll give Lucius the benefit of the doubt until I get a clear answer from him."
Regulus' face broke into a smile, his relief palpable. "That's all I wanted, Sirius."
Seeing his brother's smile, Sirius couldn't help but crack a smile too. It was comforting to know that, despite everything, Regulus wasn't avoiding him or angry with him. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
~~~
In the dimly lit private room, Lucius found himself engulfed in the throes of his first heat wave. The air was heavy with the intoxicating scent of his pheromones, a heady mixture of musk and hormones that permeated the room. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead and his body trembling with an overwhelming need.
The room was adorned with a few pieces of furniture and a large bed covered in silk sheets. The scent of Sirius, his Alpha, lingering on the tie he had attached around his own neck. The fabric carried the distinct musk of his mate, a scent that both comforted and frustrated him in his current state of heightened arousal.
Sirius, however, was absent, unable to be by Lucius' side during this particular heat. The separation only amplified Lucius' sexual desires, leaving him feeling both desperate and frustrated. He knew he had to find a way to release the pent-up energy and find some reprieve from the overwhelming sensations coursing through his body.
His eyes fixated on the uniform laying beside him. He reached out, fingers trembling, and carefully picked up the fabric, the scent of Sirius enveloping his senses. He pressed the cloth to his face, inhaling deeply, hoping to bridge the gap between them, if only for a moment.
His body seemed to respond instantly, the slick between his legs growing thicker, aching for release. Lucius' breath quickened as he discarded his own clothes, revealing his flushed, supple skin. He draped Sirius' tie across his bare chest, the fabric teasing his sensitive nipples, sending shivers down his spine, his body writhing with need. He positioned himself on all fours, his back arched, presenting himself to the empty room. His fingers trailed along his heated skin, tracing the contours of his body, as he imagined Sirius' hands, strong and possessive, caressing him. Sirius. Sirius.
Closing his eyes, Lucius surrendered to the raw intensity of his lust. His hands roamed lower, seeking the source of his frustration. He gasped as his fingertips brushed against the slick folds between his thighs, the sensation electrifying his entire being. A low whimper escaped his lips as he began to explore himself inside out, his movements desperate and urgent.
With dazed in his eyes, Lucius whispered Sirius' name into the empty room, his heart aching for the touch and presence of his Alpha.
In his mind, Lucius envisioned Sirius' commanding presence, his voice filled with primal authority, lips on him while urging him on. With each stroke of his hand, his body responded, the pleasure building, driving him closer to the edge. He quickened his pace, his moans growing louder.
In his fevered state, Lucius brought Sirius' tie to his lips, pressing the fabric against his mouth, the taste of his mate's scent mingling with his own desperate moans.
As his climax neared, Lucius clutched Sirius' tie tightly, his body trembling uncontrollably. He imagined Sirius' mouth near his ear as he whispered his name. Lucius. He choked a sob and he came undone. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over him, his release bringing a momentary respite from the overwhelming heat that consumed him.
Gasping for breath, he collapsed onto the bed, his body spent and sated, the scent of Sirius still lingering in the air.
In the solitude of the private room, Lucius allowed himself a moment of vulnerability, a release of his lustful desires and frustrations.
He knew that this was only a temporary relief, and that he longed for the touch of his Alpha, Sirius, to truly satiate his needs. But for now, he would find solace in the remnants of his mate's scent.