Chapter Text
1# An Innocent in White
The smell was awful. Too much urine and smoke. Harry coughed, trying to find a grip to get up. He was laying on the ground, an old and dusty ground with a lot of waste around him. A ray of light was coming from what was supposed to be the roof. The room was small, disgusting, and empty of life.
There was also blood and a lot of it. It was cold, so cold, Harry could feel himself shivering as he was so so cold. How long had he been there trying to catch his breath? A minute, a dozen. He didn’t know. There was no noise, only silence cut by his laborious breathing.
In one effort, he tried to push to get up on his knees. But he could not, it was hard and so painful. But at least he moved a bit and could have a better look at the room. His wand was a bit farther and it seemed like an eternity away. He could see a door behind some rubles. Thank God.
He coughed again and looked at his body. Several cuts were made on his legs, one big in his back, and his left arm was probably broken. Despite the pain, Harry tried to get to his wand. As he got close, the door suddenly opened and…everything went dark.
///
When he came to his senses, he was in a hospital. He didn’t feel any pain but his head was heavy and the smell was slow to reach him. It was like being underwater for too long. He was alone in a small room. The bed was pushed in a corner and in front of him was a big window with an illuminated landscape. It was a beautiful sunny day at a lake, where some unicorns were running free. The light coming from the wall was illuminating the rest of the room. There was a door on a side, probably for the shower or the toilets, and a little dresser. On it, was a little bouquet. In and all it was very peaceful. And Harry was almost relaxed until he realized that he didn’t have his wand with him, then the panic started.
He tried to get up, but he couldn’t. An invisible force was keeping him on his bed and no matter how hard he tried to move, he couldn’t break free. With one exaggerated movement, he managed to get one hand free but a vivid pain erupted on his back. Then as he was groaning the door behind him opened.
“Oh dear, you are already awake.”
A nice old Mediwitch was at his bed. She pushed him again beneath the blanket. She had auburn hair in a bun, brown eyes.
“Do not move so much, you’re going to hurt yourself.”
Harry tried to escape her nice hand trying to smother him. “Where…” he asked in a raspy breath.
“You are in St Mungo, child. A group of Auror found you during an arrest. You were lucky, very lucky.” She said to him in a quiet tone.
She smelled of rosemary and mint, but only very faintly could Harry discern it. She was very efficient as she cast some diagnostic spell, a small smile on her face. She had freckles, he noticed, like Ron.
“Well, everything seems in order, don’t move too much dear, and you’ll be up in a day or two.”
She smiled at him. “Try to rest, alright? An Auror is going to come to see you a bit later.”
Harry frowned, as sleep lured him. Was it a spell? On the blankets? The pillow? He didn’t know but it was not normal. “Why?” he asked as he tried to make sense of everything.
“Well, to find your family and see if everything is alright. You were badly hurt.”
… His family?
He could not ask another question that sleep has already taken him under.
///
When he woke up the second time, everything was much clearer. He could see and smell at ease, and no pain was lingering. And also, he could get up on his bed, the spells had been released! The scene from the window has not changed, except the sun was not as bright as before. Maybe, the previous time was around lunch and now in the late afternoon. In front of him, on the dresser, were his glasses and his wand. In a rush, he put his glasses on his nose, and took his wand in hand, relieved to have the warmth come back.
So, he was at St Mungo. First time in the big hospital of Britain. He looked around him and saw nothing that he didn’t already see. Curious, he opened the door and saw a small shower as well as the toilets, as he guessed it. He tried to open the other door to go outside, but it was close, and when he tried three times an impersonated voice resonated beside him. “Patient 3O15 is not authorized to open the door.”
“Patient… 3O15? What’s that,” he said. “Let me out!”
He knocked at the door, but nothing happened. He tried again to open the door, but the same voice said, “Patient 3O15 is not authorized to open the door. One try left before alerting the staff.”
Exasperated, Harry tried to knock on the door. What was this hospital? As he was going to try and open the door again, it opened and the nurse from before was there. Behind her, he could see a light gray corridor, with white doors. There was were also some others Mediwitch and Mediwizard but there was no noise. the red-haired nurse frowned as she saw him up.
“Well, aren’t you a firecracker...”
Now Harry could smell her clearly, she reminded him a bit of Mrs. Weasley, with the rosemary. And also, she was a beta, that’s why she had so much control over her scent.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, as she closed the door behind her.
“…I’m fine”
“Hmhm,” she made, “Sit on the bed, child. Let me cast some diagnostic on you to be sure.”
Harry did as she asked and observed her as she waved her wand around.
“Well, I’ll be amazed,” she smiled at him, “You’re really fine!”
Harry smiled at her. He needed to know more. “Eh, Miss, eeeh…”
“Prewett, dear. What’s your name?”
…Prewett
She fetched some paper on the end of the bed, a nice brown quill floating behind her. “Uh... Harry.”
“Harry, alright, and your name?” Well, that was strange. Maybe she was trying to be nice to him, by pretending not to recognize him? Whatever.
“Miss Prewett, when can I leave?” he asked
She looked at him, amused. “When your parents come to get you, of course, dear. Now your name, please, we need this paper filled.”
“My parents are dead.” He said curtly.
She looked at him shocked. “Oh Harry, I’m sorry.”
She got closed to him. “Was it before the accident?”
“The accident?” he repeated “In the Ministry?”
She blinked. “Has it started in the ministry?”
“Has what started in the ministry?” He was so confused. What was she talking about?
“Oh, dear. Well, better wait for the Auror. Well, can you give me your name, at least?”
He stared at her. She stared at him. “No one will hurt, here, you know that, it’s to help you that I’m asking all these questions.”
Harry bit his lips nervously. “Potter.”
“Potter?” She asked. “Are you sure?”
He frowned. “Of course, I’m sure. Do you think I’m mental?”
She looked at him severely, and he shrunk under her stare. Well, at least she had the ferocity of Mrs. Weasley. “No, I don’t think you’re mental Harry, but the Potter only have two sons and one daughter. And none are named Harry.”
He blinked. “What. Is this some kind of joke?”
She shacked her head. “It does not matter, so Harry, how old are you?”
“15.”
“What gender are you?”
“Omega Male” he replied in a small voice.
Miss Prewett smiled at him once more. “That’s all for me. I won’t bother you with these nasty questions. Only left to wait for the Auror. Do not try to get out, minor omega can’t wander without a guardian in the hospital.”
“What?? What do you mean ???”
She looked at him in a very patient way. The way Hermione looked at him when she had to repeat for the third time. The look saying ‘Well if I must explain again…’ “You are in a hospital, dear. There are genders of every age and status. So, you cannot go wherever you want. You need someone to accompany you and I have to finish my shift and…”
“But you can’t leave me here alone, I … I have to go back, to see Professor Dumbledore and, and…”
“Hush, hush now, dear. Professor Dumbledore is in Hogwarts, why would he come to see you? I’m sure that if you insist, he’ll come, but he’s a very busy man. Now, wait for the Auror, please.”
She left him in a stupor state. What was going on? She didn’t recognize Harry Potter? Not that he wanted to abuse his fame, but for once that he could help him, it didn’t work! He needed to see Dumbledore as soon as possible! And what of Sirius? The trap at the Ministry! It was only a question of time before Death Eaters realized that he was at St Mungo. He needed to go out! But as soon as he jumped on his feet the door opened again and a tall, white man, with dark hair entered the room.
He was talking to a Mediwitch in the corridor. “Yes, thank you, yes I’ll come by after. Yes!”
He turned around and Harry could feel himself blush. It was a very tall Alpha with good features who reminded him of Sirius but not quite. He smelled of old wizard house and coffee.
“Hello.” He said, smiling “I’m Auror Delwayne.”
After a few seconds of silence, Harry realized that he should answer. “Harry.”
“Well, Harry you were very lucky that my partner and I found you in this old house.”
“You found me?” he asked “How?”
Delwayne watched him quietly. “How about you sit on the bed, and you tell me what you remember. It must have been some adventure to end up in this house.”
Harry frowned. “I don’t know how I got in that house.”
“Really?” “No.”
“Then, where were you before? Were you with your parents? Did you see something unusual?”
“My parents are dead.” He said again, really, what was up with these people. “And I was going to the Ministry. Can I go now?”
Delwayne fixed him. “Go where Harry? You need to rest, you’re still under shock.”
“But I need to see Professor Dumbledore!” he exclaimed. Why did nobody understand? He was fine.
“Dumbledore …?” Delwayne was confused. “Why would you want to see Professor Dumbledore.”
“Because …!”
They stared at each other before Harry finally lowered his head.
“Harry, it is really important that you tell me what happened. They could be others like outside who need your help. Young Omega such as yourself and often victims of kidnapping, and you’re lucky we find you…”
“I have NOT been kidnapped!” said Harry angrily.
Delwayne just fixed him in silence, a bit shocked. “Well, Mediwitch Prewett said you were a firecracker, but I see she was not exaggerating.”
Harry frowned. “I’m not a child.”
“Of course not. That’s why you can answer my questions, no?”
“And after I can leave?”
“Well, once we find your guardian yes but…”
“They are muggles” interrupted Harry “I’m fine, really, Mister Delwayne. There is nothing wrong.”
“You think there is nothing wrong with being found nearly unconscious bleeding in an old dusty house with a renowned sexual criminal downstairs?”
Harry stopped. “What?” he said in a whisper.
What in the hell was going on? In one moment, he felt himself going numb and if Delwayne did not reach for him, he would be on the ground. “Easy, easy now.”
He felt gentle hands guide him to sit. “I’m sorry, I’m kind of blunt. I’ll let you rest okay. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.”
He left Harry, alone, again. And honestly, he felt like crying.
////
He fell asleep. After knocking and trying to open at least 5 times the door, being reprimanded by a member of the staff, got some food and another check of diagnostic, trying again to get out of the room by casting some spells and being threatened of being compulsed to the bed, he fell asleep. He got nightmares and could only sleep two hours at a time, but he slept. At night the window was filled with a sky full of stars, and it was breathtaking. Harry spent hours observing it.
When morning came, Mediwitch Prewett brought him his breakfast. “Hello Harry, how are you?”
“Fine.” He answered.
He could feel her worry at his monotone tone, but honestly, he didn’t know what to do. He was trapped here.
“Good news! We managed to contact the Potters.”
He looked at her. “What are you talking about? They are dead.”
“What a thing to say! They are alive, and they are coming to see you today. Matriarch Potter said she was intrigued by the young man that appeared on her family tapestry.”
‘What the hell???’
“Family tapestry?” he asked, was it something like in Grimmauld Place?
“Yes. For some Old Wizard Families, it is a tradition to have a tapestry that shows every member of the family. You appeared yesterday on it. I heard it was quite the stir. But they are going to take care of you, don’t worry. Anyway, eat your breakfast, I’ll be back later.”
And she left him again, alone, before he could utter a word. Good god.
////
After taking a long shower, getting dressed with a white shirt and a pair of large pants, Harry went through the things inside the dresser. The realization that he was in a room specialized for Omega started to sink. There were omega clothes, large and comfy, devoid of any scent to avoid the stress, as well as void candle perfume to absorb any kind of smell. But there were also books and some rather disturbing books…
‘The way of the household Omega’ by Jane Stefer. What the fuck? Who read that?
Curious, he went through a few pages, and gosh, what was the author thinking? What hospital let that for their patient? There were bits of advice on how to arrange your home, how to care for your children, how to …uh, spice your relationship with your companion. These pages made him go a little red on the cheeks. The little book to be the perfect little omega. A bit annoyed, he closed the book and set it aside. Again, a book was written by a delusional Alpha who probably thinks that all Omega only love to be submissive and quiet.
Next, there was ‘My first Pregnancy, The All-Mighty Guide for Omega’ with a lovely picture of an omega mother and her baby. Such a cliché. He knew that wizards were still very traditional but at this point. He often listened (not very well) to Hermione ranting with passion against the barbaric law. Well, according to Ron, the laws didn’t have any impact on everyday life. Now, omegas could work and have their bank account, inherit of fortune, and in some cases have the seat of their family in the wizenmagot. But they were still expected to have children. Not bonded, not married, but still have children. To assure the might of the magic world. What a load of bullshit.
He put it aside and took the last book. ‘History of Omegahood in Great Britain’ well at least it seemed more interesting than the over two. Sighing, he sat on the bed, opening the book, but his mind was not at it. He kept on repeating the events that lead him here. And the more time passed, the more confused he was. He remembered clearly the realization that Sirius was in danger, creating a diversion to escape Hogwarts. Flying on Thestrals' backs, arriving at the ministry, devoid of all life. Running through the corridor, the hall of prophecies, the anxiety, the dark, and the Death Eaters. The rush of adrenaline, the fight, and of course the moment where he had collided with an unknown object that for a brief moment shone and then took him away.
And then the dust and the blood. Yikes. Why did Dumbledore not come to get him? How were the others? Were they alright? Did the Death Eaters hurt them? The stress was eating him alive. And all these people talking about the Potters…If he had any living family, apart from the Dursley mind you, he’ll probably know about it! He put the book aside and looked at the window. Today it was not unicorn a but a swan on a great lake. There were trees and bushes. Very peaceful too. But not enough to smooth his worries. He couldn’t even touch his breakfast
He put the book aside and laid it down. As soon as his head touched the pillow, the door opened.
‘Oh, you must be kidding me!’
It was Mrs. Prewett with her ever kind smile. “Ah, I see you found the books!”
Harry nodded. “Do you feel alright?”
‘I feel like I could run away from here, so yes,’ thought Harry bitterly.
“Yes.” He answered with a dull tone, “Can I go now?”
Mrs. Prewett frowned. “Well, the Potters are here to meet you, so follow me if you please.”
Harry jumped out of the bed. “No one asked for me? Not even Professor Dumbledore?”
Mrs. Prewett looked at him funny. “No child, why would Professor Dumbledore ask for you? You’re not even a student at Hogwarts.”
Harry stopped. “What? What are you talking about? I’m a student! I’m in Gryffindor!”
“Oh, dear.” Said Mrs. Prewett, the face a bit white, “What have they been telling you? You’re not a student, dear. Let’s go see Matriarch Potter, she’ll explain.”
But Harry was frozen in place. Only when the firm hand of Mrs. Prewett forced him to move that he began to walk with her. His head was empty. He didn’t understand anything that was going on around him. He missed Hermione so much it hurts. She could have easily calmed his worries. She could have explained what was going on!
“Don’t fret child,” said Mrs. Prewett, in a quiet tone, “The Potters are very nice you know, friends of my boy, so I know them. Wonderful people. You have nothing to fear. They’re going to adore you.”
Harry just kept being silent, he didn’t trust himself to speak. They went through some stairs to arrive in a big open space. They were on the third floor, below was the entrance with cushion and tables, as well as the reception desk. There were quite a lot a people already, some civilian and some in uniform, Harry could easily recognize Aurors. He didn’t know for the others.
“This is the first floor, where the most common illness is treated,” said Mrs. Prewett as soon as she saw Harry was interested. “On the second, there are theaters for operations as well as the emergency. And on the third are the room for the patients. We are going to a private room to meet your family.”
They took a corridor to enter another corridor to finally arrive in front of a door ‘Private Room #5’
“There you are,” she said after knocking sharply 3 times. “We’ll see how it goes, alright?”
A cold and harsh voice answered, “Enter.”
Harry felt himself take a few steps back, not very sure about going inside. Maybe he could run and escape… he needed to see if everyone was alright.
“Harry?” asked Mrs. Prewett in a very, very quiet voice. “Are you coming?”
He froze. He looked at her and knew that if he tried to disappear, it would end badly. She was watching him very carefully as if he was a small animal that would be scared away. Omegas were prey, but not him. So, he straightened up and nodded. She opened the door and beckoned him to go inside. The heart in his throat, he got inside. The room was filled with sunlight, but not fake sunlight like in his room, but real sunlight from outside. There was a big gray sofa with two big armchairs with fluffy pillows in a corner of the room. Just before he was a wooden table with two chairs. In another corner, there was a tea set, and it was magically serving the tea, releasing a soft smell of green tea.
There were two other people in the room. The first one was a tall woman with long dark hair tied in a ponytail. She was wearing a brown suit and was holding her cane in her right hand. She was white and an air of respect emerged from her. Her brown eyes were fixated on Harry as soon as he entered the room. Her scent, her alpha scent, was familiar, she was family. A mix of fire and wood, of forest and paints, with charcoal. At her side was a man, with chestnut brown hair, really fine traits, and bright blue eyes. He was very beautiful and smiled at Harry when their eyes meet. He was dressed in an old fashion omega dress. His scent was less familiar but more smoothing than the woman, he was an omega, just like him.
“Harry, this is Lady Harper Potter, Matriarch of the Potter Family,” said Mrs. Prewett, a warm hand on his shoulder.
He didn’t realize that he was shaking. The Matriarch's presence was strong, she was a strong alpha. As he was saying nothing, she continued. “And this is Lord Wyatt Potter, the husband of Lady Potter.”
He couldn’t look at them. ‘What’s going on? Where am I? What’s this place? Where did this goddamn artifact send me?’
A hand went to lift his chin. He found himself looking straight into the eyes of the Matriarch. He couldn’t discern anything coming from her, and it was quite terrifying. She made him move his head from right to left.
“Well,” she finally declared, “Even if he’s not our, he’s a Potter, that’s a fact. He’s coming home with us. No objection, love?”
Harry blinked. “What.”
She let go of him and looked at Mrs. Prewett, “Dorothy, could we have the papers?”
“Yes, of course, Lady Potter, but I think the Aurors will still want to talk with young Harry…”
“Then, they will talk at the manor,” she answered with an even tone.
As Harry was fascinated with observing the tall Alpha, he didn’t see the omega approach. A hand in his hair made in a jump in surprise. He heard the older omega laugh. “Don’t be scared, we’re not going to hurt you.”
“Wyatt.” Said Lady Potter in a strict tone
“Yes, my love?”
“Stay here with Harry, I’ll be back shortly.”
She looked at him one more time, and Harry fought to not shrink on himself. “Come,” said Wyatt, leading him to the sofa, “It’s going to take some time and I know Harper loves to talk.”
Harry sat straight on the sofa, as the older omega went to fetch 2 cups of tea. “There you go, drink a bit, you look pale.”
Harry took the cup in his hand, she was warm, and he made him relax a bit. “Who are you?” he asked, “I don’t know you.”
“We don’t know you either, little one,” said Wyatt taking place next to him, his smoothing smell all over the place. “You appeared suddenly on the tapestry, one Harry Potter, with no parents, no relative, just you.”
The Gryffindor felt small under the stare of the omega. “Where are your parents?”
“They’re dead” he answered, that was the truth. He didn’t know these people, he shouldn’t tell so much, even more since they didn’t know Harry Freaking Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. “When I was a baby” he added on second thought.
“I’m sorry, dear, who took care of you?”
“My aunt and my uncle. They’re both muggles.”
“And where are they now?”
“I don’t know.”
Harry took a sip of his tea, closing his eyes, trying to calm himself. It was hard.
“Why did you not go to Hogwarts? Did your muggles prevent that? Or was it the bad man who took you away?”
There was a silence.
“What bad man?” Harry asked, confused.
Wyatt shook his head. “Never mind dear.”
“No, please.” He said, “I want to know, everyone is saying that. I… I don’t understand anything! You’re …. Supposed to be dead! All of you!”
“All of us?” Asked Wyatt. “Who told you that, dear?”
Harry turned his head, looking away from the omega. “Deary, look at me, please.”
He couldn’t. He needed to go out. He stood up, but as soon as he started to walk away, Wyatt grabbed him by the arms. Harry started to struggle. “Let me go!”
He was dragged against the omega. He was warm and so calm. His pheromones were heavy in the air, and Harry released that he was trying to appease him. “No!” he said weakly
No one has ever drowned him in so much scent. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon couldn’t bear the idea of looking at him, let alone scent him. Dudley punched his glands and years later it still hurt sometimes. Ron and Hermione were his friends, but they didn’t know what to do with their pheromones, and they were friends, not family. Sirius tried, once, he surprised Harry who did not react well. He didn’t try again. Remus neither. Once or twice, Mrs. Weasley has done it, but it was quick. Now he was in the middle of the pheromones that were specifically for him, and they were so strong.
“There, darling. Calm down. Nobody is dead, and no one will take you away from your family ever again.”
Wyatt made him sit on the couch, near him. “You almost smell like my Hazel, it’s uncanny. I don’t know how your parents hide you, or even how they are related to the Potters, but it’s over now, you’re with your clan.”
Harry frowned. “My parents didn’t do anything wrong! They didn’t hide me!”
“Of course, darling. Come here now.”
Wyatt beckoned him to get closer. Harry hesitated, but the omega let him decide, his pheromones inviting and patient. Finally, Harry got closer and put his head against the older omega’s shoulder. Then Wyatt began to scent him. His hand patted his head, and the slow motion of his head was relaxing. Harry never felt so at home. He began to relax, and as the time passed, his head grew heavier and his breathing slowed He heard the omega chuckle.
“You’re adorable.”
He felt a kiss pressed to his forehead, but realized he was purring. Internally, he was mortified. But at the moment he was so relaxed that he didn’t care. He almost didn’t hear the door open and the Alpha came in. “And I had doubts that you’ll reject him.”
“How could I? He’s a pup. And he’s ours. Right?”
“Of course, my love. Let’s bring him home.”
-edited on 12.12.21-