Chapter Text
The Great Hall.
It was filled with students.
Thousands of them.
The hall was large, very large, and lined with tables. Those tables were sectioned off into each respective house and there sat the students who wore the colours of said house on his or her robe. The tops of those tables had more food than the students could eat and it would feed the students until all their bellies were full.
The house-elves cooked the food.
I had found that tidbit of information out when I had stumbled into the kitchen one evening. I had wanted to escape the relentless bullying of my house, of Malfoy who spouted slurs at me, so I ran. That incident was what made me want to fight for house-elf rights. It spurred me on to create S.P.E.W., which fantastically failed, but I wanted to make a difference and finally set them free of their eternal chains.
It might’ve not worked, but it was still one of my long term goals.
The hand that made me feel warm and fuzzy was back on my shoulder, gently patting, and I turned to see Professor McGonagall smiling at me.
“Go sit down, Miss Granger. I will personally deduct points from House Slytherin if I see any one of them bullying you.” Professor McGonagall said with one last pat and then made her way to where the other Professors were sitting which was at the other end of the hall at the High Table.
I didn't respond since the older witch had walked away, but I did take a deep breath and then started to walk in the direction of the others who were in House Slytherin. I could see them all laughing, cheering when one of them did something positively daft, and it made my stomach roll.
Salazar snakes, they were all arses and gits.
Pompous, rich, witches and wizards who all felt they were more important than they were.
It was pure nonsense.
Pure-blood ideology ran thick in House Slytherin and I had felt the brunt of it for the past five years.
Being a muggle, a “magic stealer”, made me their top enemy.
I was a mudblood, muddy, mudpup, and tainted in their eyes.
And this muggleborn they viewed as less was sorted into Slytherin House?
It was the Fates playing games with my life yet again.
It wasn’t enough to be an orphan.
It wasn’t enough to be disabled.
It wasn’t enough that I had a preference for women…
Then, on top of all that, I was sorted into the House that hated anything that involved Muggles.
It was the cruelest joke in the universe.
That is indeed my life…
So, with a heavy heart, I finally limped the rest of the way toward the Slytherin table and sat as far away from the others as one could be. I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of their bullying - the Ronald incident still fresh in my mind - but as soon as I sat down their attention turned to me. The one person I absolutely did not want to notice me, had indeed noticed me, and I kept my eyes down on the table's wood grain hoping he thought I wasn’t worth his time this go around.
My hopes were dashed, of course, and I cursed Salazar himself for the misfortune that begot my person.
Malfoy got up from his seat, the table cheering him on while he had a sly smile on his face and hovered right next to me. He didn't dare sit next to me because that would’ve been beneath him, so he opted to invade my personal space just like another I knew who also was a pure-blood twit.
“Look who it is… The Horror of Hogwarts! Are you ready, mudblood? The rumor mill has been spinning its web and us snakes have caught the spider at its source. Is it true that the tainted one is presenting today?” Draco sneered, his grip on my shoulder hard and painful, not at all like Professor McGonagalls. “Salazar, you are an ugly witch! How anyone could stand to be in your presence is beyond me.”
“Yes, I am presenting.” I answered, teeth gritted in pain. “And why are you gazing at me so thoroughly? Is there something you need to tell me, little dragon?” I added, teasing the pure-blood boy who now looked like he wanted to thrash me.
“Don’t call me that you stupid mudblood! Know your place!” Draco spat back at me.
I was thankful the Great Hall housed so many students because none were the wiser that yet another spoiled prat was throwing a temper-tantrum.
I wondered how exactly I was so lucky to have this happen twice in one singular day…
“I will do no such thing.” I replied, my voice even as I stared back at him. “You don’t scare me, Malfoy. You are a scared little boy who is playing at being someone important. The only magnificent thing about you is that you have Daddy’s money and your Mother’s backing as a member of the ‘most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black’. You are nothing special.”
At my words, Malfoy looked about ready to whip out his wand and use an Unforgivable, his other hand open and raised like he was going to give me a smack across my face…
…but I was saved by a booming voice that got all of the students' attention.
It was a voice I had become familiar with, the older baritone vibrations a calming balm in the raging storm that was my current situation, and I turned my attention to where it was coming from so I could pay attention to the man I respected.
He did a lot for the wizarding world in the First Wizarding War.
He founded the Order of the Phoenix, trail-blazed Omega rights, and felled Gellert Grindelwald. Grindelwald wanted to rule over muggles.
He believed witches and wizards were superior to muggles, believed in the archaic old ways of Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics, and despised anything that wasn’t…
Pure.
He raised an army of supporters right here in Britain that consisted most of the Sacred 28 and those of pure-blood who supported his cause.
But he, the wizard who was deemed a war hero, was the final line that was drawn in the sand that stopped Grindelwald's madness…
Albus Dumbledore.
“Welcome. Welcome!” Headmaster Dumbledore boomed out as he stepped up to the owl-shaped podium, all eyes turning to the High Table and looking at him. “I welcome you all to another year at Hogwarts! This special occasion is like no other. You all first sorted into your houses and now some of you will present on this special day. As you all know, when one presents they will be given a dynamic. This dynamic is a founding principle of our society. In the olden days, it was used as a social hierarchy to determine who was superior. But today… The dynamics we hold in our heart-of-hearts show others just what kind of witch or wizard we are…” He said, pausing for dramatic effect. “...the Alpha!” He yelled out, fireworks shooting out behind him in a great display to show the symbol of the Alpha as students cheered loudly. “The Alpha is brave and strong. They are the ones who are at the forefront of society, who run head first into danger, but don’t be fooled. This dynamic can be nurturing. They take care of those they care for. You will find no one better than a caring Alpha.”
“ALPHA’S FOR EQUALITY!” Someone yelled out.
“Indeed young one!” Headmaster Dumbledore responded. “Now onto the next dynamic…” He said, pausing again for dramatic effect. “The Beta!” He yelled out, fireworks shooting out from behind him to show the Beta symbol, and students cheering for their dynamic that was just introduced. “The Beta is calm and collected. Our Betas are the glue. They are mostly your lawmaker or healer. They are the ones that can make the tough decisions that no one else wants to make when the time comes. Some may say that Betas are unextraordinary, but I say that they are just as important as the other dynamics! Any of you would be lucky to get this dynamic today and should feel proud of yourself for being the only one who holds our society together.”
“BETAS ARE BADASS!” Someone different yelled and many agreed with the sentiment.
“Very true! Very true, indeed! But mind the language!” Headmaster Dumbledore yelled back and everyone chuckled. “Now we have the last dynamic, but certainly not the least of the three…” He said, pausing one last time for dramatic effect. “The Omega!” He yelled, fireworks once again shooting out from behind him to form the Omega signal above all our heads, and everyone cheered. “Omegas are kind and compassionate. We would be unmade without them and society would collapse in on itself, They are jewel who should be cherished and revered. Omegas can also be fierce in the same way Alphas can. When protecting something they care about, they can become stronger than even the most powerful Alpha. If you present as an Omega… Do not be afraid. You are a gift upon this world and should be delighted in your new dynamic.”
“OMEGAS ARE NOT PROPERTY!” Another voice yelled and many agreed, but the pure-blood students looked uncomfortable at the declaration.
“Right you are…” Headmaster Dumbledore replied, agreeing with the sentiment because he was an Omega himself. “All of this, my dear student body, may seem overwhelming, but this event is a joyous occasion! Do not fear this change. Embrace it. When your name is called, walk up here with your held up high and leave the just the same. Is that clear?”
“YES, HEADMASTER!” We all yelled back, the voices of thousands of students ringing out through the Great Hall, even myself.
I’ll try Albus...
“Wonderful!” Headmaster Dumbledore said. “I am so very glad we are in agreement! Shall we get this year's presenting under way?”
All of the students cheered at this and I felt that nauseousness come back in full-swing now that it was finally starting. Many started to eat the delicious food on the table while the first name was called, thank Merlin himself it wasn’t me, but I couldn’t eat.
The little dragon had left me to my own devices, which I was also thankful for, but I was alone in my suffering.
I always felt alone being in House Slytherin.
As the students chattered and whispered, my eyes wandered the hall and I found a pair of pale-silver eyes that were filled with understanding.
Who…
Ah.
Luna Lovegood was the one behind those eyes and I felt like that incident had connected us.
The Ravenclaw had stood up for me when no one else would.
Dare I even think that Luna wants to be my friend?
It would be my first among my peers…
Luna just smiled at my person and even threw a cheeky wink my way.
I was gobsmacked, but quickly smiled widely for the eccentric witch.
A Ravenclaw and a Slytherin…
Gaia, who would’ve thought?
My thoughts were interrupted by Headmaster Dumbledore's voice booming through the halls once again, but this time it chilled me to my core. It was the dreaded time that I never wanted to come to fruition.
“Hermione Granger! Hermione Granger, please come to the front!” Headmaster Dumbledore called out, all eyes instantly looking at where I sat.
The whole Slytherin table started to boo and hiss at me.
I wanted to shrink into non-existence or cross the veil.
“The Horror of Hogwarts is up!” Blaise Zabini loudly said.
I flinched.
“The mudblood is actually presenting?” Pansy Parkinson asked with a scoff.
I winced.
“Well go on then, freakshow!’ Draco spat at me. “Go make a fool of yourself!”
I felt as if all the air in my lungs had been siphoned from my person.
I was rooted to my seat, feeling worse than ever, but a voice interrupted the constant badgering and I felt that warmth seep into my very bones again.
Headmaster Dumbledore, face stormy, went to speak once more, but was interrupted.
“THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH!” Professor McGonagall yelled, quitting the ruckus of the hall.
Everyone gasped.
They couldn’t believe the Gryffindor Professor was standing up for a student from House Slytherin.
I saw it in their eyes.
Especially the ones who were doing the bullying and badgering.
I couldn’t believe it either.
She said she would, but I didn’t think…
“Professor McGonagall…” Headmaster Dumbledore tried to say, but the older witch was having none of it, and moved right ahead with her tongue lashing.
“Nonsense! One-hundred points deducted from House Slytherin for their behavior toward a fellow classmate!” Professor McGonagall yelled. “Ye aw shoud be ashamit o yourselves!” She coldly said, her accent coming in with her anger, but she then took a calming breath to steady herself. “Miss Granger! If you would so kindly come up to the front? Ignore the fools. Keep your head up like Headmaster Dumbledore said in his speech.”
All eyes were on my person, but I slowly got out of my seat, and started to walk towards the front with my head held up high like both my superiors said. I could feel the staring, the judging of my scarred appearance, the muttering about what had just transpired, but I was focused on Professor McGonagall as I got closer to where the others had sat for their presenting. The floating candles that lit up the Great Hall cast a warm glow, but Professor the older witch’s eyes were even warmer as she followed my movements.
I tried not to show the pain I was in, that my burns didn’t affect me, because I wanted to prove to everyone here that I was more than just my disability.
You can do this…
Finally, I got to the front, limped up the stairs with some effort, and headed to the chair that was in the middle of the stage. The hat that had sorted me, and was now going to unlock my dynamic, was sitting right beside the chair on an elevated podium. Professor McGonagall looked to be whispering in Headmaster Dumbledore's ear and he nodded his head while stroking his beard at whatever she had said. She then strutted to me with purpose and had a smile on her face instead of the stoicism she was known for.
“È quel momento, cara. Non avere paura.” Professor McGonagall whispered in Italian.
(It is that time, dear. Don't be afraid,)
“Tapadh leat. Tha mi a’ cur luach air an taic...” I replied, sporting my use of the older witch’s mother tongue.
(Thank you. I appreciate the support...)
Professor McGonagall’s emerald-green eyes widened into saucers, feeling slightly smug, and I took my seat on the chair.
I faced my fellow students, daring any one of them to say something to me at this moment, but no sound came from them as they awaited for what was to come from my presenting.
The Fates will surely make me an Omega…
I internally sighed at the thought.
“Before Hermione Granger puts on the hat, I would like to remind you all that presenting unlocks ones dynamic from within. A student will come of age when they are eighteen and have the opportunity to step into the world anew. All of you attending here today will go through such a process, but I say again that this is something to embrace.” Headmaster Dumbledore proclaimed. “Now… Professor McGonagall will do the honours of putting the hat on Hermione Granger here and we will see what her dynamic is.”
With a subtle nod of acknowledgement from the older witch, she picked up the hat that had previously sorted me into House Slytherin and gently lowered it onto my head. I was thankful that she took care of my state of being because I was already in enough agony as it was.
“Hermione Jean Granger… Welcome back to this auspicious stage.” The Hat whispered so only I could hear.
“Hello…” I greeted back, wary of what was to come.
“I had difficulty with sorting you… So many different traits flowing through that body of yours… So much potential… So many different paths you could take dear girl…” The Hat said ominously. “Let all who hear me know Hermione Granger’s dynamic!” The Hat yelled into the Great Hall and continued talking...
"In a chamber dim, where whispers weave,
The Sorting Hat sat, with secrets to cleave.
A patchwork of tales from the wizarding realm,
With wisdom amassed, it took up the helm.
Listen well now…” The hat hummed,
“In this world of wands and spells that come,
Are souls who align in a dance most divine -
The Alphas and Betas and Omegas entwine.
First the Alphas bold, with their regal grace,
Leaders of magic in an ambitious race.
With power like thunder and visions so grand,
They carve out their kingdoms with a steady hand.
Yet beneath that strong surface lies often a plea -
For love’s gentle touch; do they long to be free?
To share in the burden of strength that they bear;
A heart filled with longing for those who would care.
Then there are Betas with hearts open wide -
Steady companions who stand by your side.
With wisdom and kindness that light up the night,
They balance the chaos with quiet delight.
They’re nurturers true in this magical game;
While some seek glory or long for fame.
They build bridges of bonds both tender and deep;
In friendship's embrace, their loyalty keeps.
And let us not forget our dear Omegas rare -
In shadows they dwell, but possess strength to spare.
With intuition keen as they wander alone -
Their hearts hold a magic that's uniquely their own.
Sometimes misunderstood or lost in despair -
Yet resilient like phoenixes rising from air!
They weave through emotions like threads on a loom;
Creating connections that banish all gloom.
So here in this hall where destinies clash,
Remember these roles can shift like a flash.
For labels are fickle; what matters is heart -
Each soul plays its part… A wondrous fine art!
As echoes subsided within castle walls’ might,
All will smile through the blight.
For alpha or beta or omega’s sweet grace,
It’s love that unites us - all beings embrace.
So ponder these truths as you enter your fate,
In Hogwarts' great halls where friendships await.
Embrace every facet of what makes you whole -
Magic flows deeper when rooted in the soul…"
The Great Hall went silent, the students paid attention to what the hat was about to porcelain, and I could feel my anxiety sour into the clouds. The suspense was slowly killing me and I wanted to be done with this farce already.
I knew I was no doubt an Omega.
I was doomed in this life so why would my presenting be any different?
“Which is?” I whispered to it.
“Do not rush me, Hermione Jean Granger.” The Hat whispered back. “Hermione Granger is… an Alpha!” The hat proclaimed for all to hear.
An Alpha?!