The selection
The hall was a beautiful one. The ceilings high above their heads decorated with intricate designs, snakes depicted in all their glory. And the excited and expectant voices filled the hall.
The chatter died however, when the 5th noble entered, the participants doing quick courtesies and saying their practiced greetings. The noble waved a hand dismissively and instead smiled at them, with as much joy as a concubine would dare show the people that would possibly soon join her.
“Welcome to the Hall of Glory, where you shall be staying for the duration of your trials to decide whether you are worthy to become one of his Majesty’s concubines.” She said in a voice that seemed like that of a singer. “You will all be made comfortable for as long as you shall stay. I am Noble Emerald, and also most pleased to be your host in this year’s election.”
At this, multiple maids began to line the corridors. “The trials will begin tomorrow, but first we will have a banquet, as I am sure many of you have come from far away and must be famished. A palace maid will lead you to your assigned rooms so you may freshen up.”
The walk to his room was not very long, but it gave enough time to appreciate the very elegant place. Hadrian weaved through the crowd, with his maids in tow, and his arm interlinked with Luna’s.
“Heir Potter-Black, this shall be your room within the Hall of Glory. I hope everything has been done to your liking.” The young maid said as she bowed her head respectfully to Harry.
He smiled kindly at her, stopping outside the doors, Luna still at his side. “Thank you, Maya?” At his question of her name she nodded politely. And Harry smiled once more. “Will you be staying?” He asked then.
“Yes sire, I will be in your service for as long as you stay.” She said bowing quickly.
“Very well then Maya, this are my maids Amara, Kayle, and Elowen.”
All three of them smiled politely after being introduced, and they soon all entered the room. It was a beautiful room, with a high ceiling and beautiful lights. The bed had a canopy with flowing curtains at the sides, a beautiful shade of purple. The room had two sections, with a bathroom big enough to be a room all on its own.
“It looks perfect, thank you for your care Maya. Luna, won’t you go see your rooms?” Harry inquired, turning to his friend still holding arms.
Luna had that characteristic faraway look in her eyes, but dreamily smiled back at him. “I’m quite alright Harry.” And then she returned to her own world. Harry only smiled as he shook his head lightly.
“Master, would you like me to lay out your robes for you?” His head maid, Elowen, inquired.
“Ah, yes Wen, please do so. Please have a maid bring Luna her clothes as well.” Harry said. Today was a test run, he knew. And he would make sure to cause an impression.
-
Hadrian had been dressed in fine red robes, with golden threads, and rubies decorating him. His emerald eyes looked even more striking against the vivid color. Luna in contrast had pale blue robes with pearl jewelry and silver, complementing her beautiful blue eyes.
As they walked through the halls, some turned their heads, glances here and there. Nobody could deny the beauty that had joined them all, as both Harry and Luna looked marvelous. But if one had to guess, their gazes were trained on Hadrian, as he walked with all the grace of a god amongst mortals.
-
He soon became quite bored though, for all that Harry had begun mingling, even laughing as he chatted with other guests, some of whom he knew personally or through family connections. Luna had remained at his side all evening, but then they got separated some time during the dancing. Hadrian began to think that perhaps it was time to retire for the night.
It had been quite the night too. Everyone seemed to forget for tonight that they were here to compete for a place in the harem of the most powerful man in the world. And so they enjoyed each other’s company with the effect of drinks in their mix.
Harry took the quickest way out as soon as he was able to slip by Madam Ravecroft, a lady not afraid to run out of words to speak.
Outside the hall it was much quieter, and soon Harry began to wander. He didn’t go far, making sure to not seem as though he was up to some tricky business. But he did eventually find a garden just outside the back entrance, and decided to take a walk and get some fresh air.
The garden was absolutely beautiful. There were rows and rows of flowerbeds, with blossoms of almost every color. The trees were tall and full, the bushes well trimmed in the shape of exotic animals. It was clearly a garden grown to impress all who saw it.
Harry had perhaps been walking for some twenty minutes or so, when he felt a presence. He could often feel the magic of others, perceptive as he was, but this one didn’t feel like any he had felt before.
He turned around but saw nothing. Just the rustling of trees could be heard, but otherwise silence reigned.
“Is there someone there? I can feel you. Show yourself or I shall call a guard.” Harry felt for his wand subtly but couldn’t find it. Damn it, he thought, must have left it in the room. But it mattered little since he could cast spells without so much as uttering a word.
There was no response. Whoever was watching him didn’t make themselves known. Harry began to feel a bit restless, paticene not being one of his virtues.
“I am not bluffing, I will curse whoever if there, show yourself.”
At that he saw just the quick flicker of a light. And then hold and behold, the Emperor.
“Now, there is no need for that. I mean no harm.” The man’s voice was deep and smooth. He gave Harry a smile that bordered on the edge of an amused smirk.
Harry was frozen in place. He thought internally that he ought to have bowed as soon as he realized the Emperor was before him, but he couldn’t bring himself to. In his defense, he hadn’t expected to see the man there, much less be addressed by him.
Noting how he hadn’t said anything the Emperor took a step forward, and that is when Harry finally bowed to him. “Your majesty, Emperor of this great empire, I greet you.” He said in a rushed but graceful tone.
The man simply waved a dismissive hand, signaling for Harry to stand. Which he did hesitantly, before spluttering apologies that simply seemed to bounce of his tongue on their own accord.
“Your majesty I beg your pardon, I did not know it was you, had I known I would have never said such a thing, I-”
“Hush, there is no need for that.” He quickly interrupted Harry before he could apologize once more. “You didn’t know, you were simply keeping your guard up.” The Emperor made a pause then, regarding Harry with knowing red eyes. “If you wish for a place in my Harem, good intuition is something much required.”
“I- pardon?” Harry said a bit taken aback. Still feeling as if he should apologize more profusely.
The Emperor chuckled but didn’t reprimand him, instead he said. “Well that is why you are here, right? To pass the election and become my concubine.” He said this in such a calm manner that it felt as though they were simply speaking of the weather.
Harry didn’t know how to answer, or if he was even expected to. Of course he was there for the election, just as the other hundred candidates.
As he had not spoken back, unsure of what to say, the Emperor decided he should speak instead. “I will wish you luck then, and I shall be waiting to meet you again at the end of the trials. I hope I’m not disappointed.” He said, looking down at Harry with those burning eyes. Then he smiled when all Harry did was bow again.
He disappeared before Harry could straighten up, with a quick swishing sound. Leaving behind a very much confused 18 year old.
-
The next day was the first day of trails. Everyone was woken up early to get ready for the day. Harry hated waking up early, but he made no protest when Elowen woke him and led him to take a bath. When he was finished, breakfast waited for him on the small dining table in his room.
He sat down and ate, as his maids fussed around, making sure to arrange everything he would need today. Robes were laid out on the bed, jewelry was carefully selected, and Elowen began to gently brush his hair.
His hair was as messy as ever. It had grown out a bit during the summer, now shoulder length, he usually cut it to stay almost like his dad’s. But now he had let it grow out and was thinking of leaving it like that.
“Master, should I trim your hair? Or do you wish to leave it as it is?” Elowen asked as she finished brushing through it. It looked about as tamed as it could ever be.
“I think I will leave it long this time, maybe you could put some accessories in it.” He said finishing his breakfast, much to his maids delight. She loved to doll him up, but he would often leave his hair to be wild and untouched.
“Please don’t go overboard Wen.” He said, smiling at her knowingly. She smiled back but didn’t reply.
By the time his maid had finished dressing him he looked every bit as the future heir of two noble houses. With bellowing green robes, and emerald jewelry that matched his eyes.
He took a look in the mirror, seeing himself stare back.
I look like them. He thought.
-
When Harry entered the hall of Glory once more, finely dressed and ready for anything they threw at him, he was surprised to find Daphne Greengrass.
She had purple robes, and glittering jewels adorning her. Obviously dressed to showcase her wealth and complement her own beauty. She was talking to a group of candidates, most of whom Harry had never seen before, except for Cho and Cedric two of his friends from
Hogwarts.
As he approached the group sedately, walking gracefully towards them, they began to turn their head in his direction. Daphne’s eyes caught his, and he smiled faintly, unfazed by the look she gave him.
“Hadrian,” She addresses, nodding to him slightly.
“Daphne.” He returned, nodding as well.
Cho and Cedric had seen him now, and they smiled at him warmly, making their way over to him.
“Harry, we hadn’t seen you at dinner, we were beginning to worry.” Cedric said as he gave him a quick hug. Harry returned it with a smile of his own.
“Yes, we were worried that something might have happened. How are you Harry?” Cho asked him as she continued to smile, surveying him and letting him know of her approval at his outstanding look.
“I am well, forgive me, I hadn’t seen you guys either. I retired a little early, I suppose the trip here must have made me tired.” He answered smoothly. Not mentioning any encounters he had made last night.
Cho and Cedric were two of his closest friends, they had at one point dated each other (at different times, not all three of them) but then decided to simply be friends, and somehow formed their own group at some point during 5th year.
They had entered the selection together, vowing to try and make it to the Harem together as well. They wanted to have each other’s support through all of this, and Harry couldn’t be happier to have agreed.
Draco was of course Harry’s closest friend, but he had pursued a different path, he became one of His majesty’s guards. Harry didn’t doubt that he would soon rise to the highest position on the guard, he wished him only the best. And Harry also knew that they would see each other again, as Draco was also a noble heir.
Daphne cleared her throat, cutting their conversation short. She continued to look at Harry, clearly disgruntled at something. “Hadrian, I did not think you would actually do it. My you are bold.” She said, insinuation clear in her voice.
“I do not know what you mean Greengrass.” Harry opted to say. Playing dumb but somehow knowing how it would end.
“Oh I just mean that you are brave, that's all. Coming to the selection when you have no chance of passing.” She replied, a nasty grin on her lips.
“And why do you think that?” Harry inquired, tone remaining calm and composed. He wouldn’t let her get to him.
“Well, it is obvious isn’t it? You are a halfblood. His majesty would never taint his royal line with impure blood.” She sneered.
Harry gave himself a mental pat on the back for guessing her intentions. Of course she would bring up blood purity, as though that was any issue. But no matter, he knew how to handle it.
“Oh? Is that so?” He pretended to be even more dumbfounded. “That’s an odd thing to say, considering His Majesty is also a halfblood. Do you pretend to say His Majesty’s own blood is tainted?” He said with the most unassuming tone he could muster. Looking at her in an innocent manner.
At this she looked taken aback, quickly opening and closing her mouth, but no words came out. Harry relished in her clearly embarrassed expression.
“I- I didn’t- of course I wouldn’t- No!” She began tripping over her own words, face visibly heating up. The others that she had been previously engaging in conversation looked at her down their noses, clearly not wanting to seem like they approved of any bad behavior.
Daphne stopped talking. But now she looked at him with a downright angry gaze. Clearly knowing she had been bested.
“I’m sure you didn’t mean it as such, Daphne.” Harry said politely, deciding to give her a chance to take her words back.
She looked at him distrustingly but spoke, “No of course not, I would never dare. His Majesty is perfection, and so are his heirs.”
Harry gave her a slight smirk, clearly pleased with himself for having kept his cool. Cho and Cedric shared a quick glance, then linked their arms with his as they made to go further upfront. Away from her Daphne and any other possible interactions.
After about 20 minutes of waiting, the 5th Noble Emerald and about 6 Second class attendants arrived in the hall. They were dressed finely as well, showcasing their standing with their respective colors. Purples and pink for attendants, blue for nobles.
“Good morning everyone, I hope you are all ready to begin the trials, and that everyone had an explendid night.” The noble spoke, her singer’s voice resonating through the crowd.
Everyone made quick courtesies and greeted the concubines. Nodding along to her words. Some smiling to show they had indeed enjoyed the banquet.
“Excellent, I am glad it was so. Now, this morning we have much to get through. Your first trial will begin right away.” She paused as she said this. Giving her words time to settle in over them.
Then she continued. “Today you will be tested in your ability to navigate social dynamics. We shall be holding a gathering with some of the lords and ladies of the court, and you will be given the opportunity to showcase your knowledge of diplomacy.” She again made a pause to let them register the information.
“Remember, this are lords and ladies of His Majesty’s Court. Make a good effort to impress them, I will be taking note of this interactions, and any who does not possess the skills needed will be instantly disqualified.”
After she said this, her gaze made a swipe around the room, taking in the expressions of those before her. She seemed pleased at some of the determined looks. Hadrian locked eyes with her once, she seemed satisfied with what she saw.