Chapter 4
September 23rd, 1998
By the time September rolled around, Hadrian had already gotten more accustomed to his new life. It has been a little over a month since his arrival, and so far he had kept away from as much drama as he could. Learning about everyone, weighting carefully who he interacted with, and those he was better off keeping away from.
It wore on him sometimes, on days when he wished to simply skip the morning meetings and keep within his apartments. But he knew it was barely just beginning, he would be spending the rest of his life there, and daring to slack off wasn’t an option. He wouldn’t show any weakness, as much as he could help.
Nobody so far had outwardly tried anything against him, although that might be because he was a new concubine, with not enough standing yet. But there were those who made the occasional snarky remark. There were always whispers, because he had entered the harem with a higher rank than it was expected.
Hadrian tried to not let them get to him, sometimes others would speak of thoughtless idiotic rumors, but he knew better than to retaliate or even give them any attention. It might come off as an admission otherwise. He realized the ones who started some of those rumors might just feel threatened.
The air was a bit chilly now, as summer came to a close and autumn made its slow descent on them. He sat in his seat with a warming charm casted over and a hot cup of lavender tea, quietly speaking with noble Velmoor. The man had apparently taken a liking to Hadrian, and now he often joined him for tea or walks around the noble’s garden.
Hadrian of course still kept his guard up around the man, but he felt himself enjoying their chats and the company. Malric didn’t seem to have a single mean bone in his body, always soft spoken and polite. He never spoke ill of anyone, and would instead offer guidance to the newcomers. Hadrian had thought at first that he was too friendly, that it couldn’t be more than an act. How had the man survived this long with that kind of behavior? But soon he realized that it was his good nature that kept him from being a target of the usual brutality of the harem.
Noble Velmoor had joined the harem as a 2nd class attendant, but he rose in the ranks soon enough. He had remained the secondary noble for a long time, never moving up or down the ranks again. That was of course until the previous selection when, guiltily Hadrian thought, when I took his place.
Still the noble was never cold or rude towards Hadrian, he had taken to try and become his friend. It felt like an odd reaction to being replaced, but since Hadrian didn’t wish the man any harm either, and really he had no say in the rank he got, he decided to look past it and let things be.
The murmurs that filled the hall suddenly stilled, Consort Bellatrix clearing her throat to call their attention. She unfurled the scroll in her hands and read it as she spoke. There wasn’t anything of much note, except a reminder that the 2nd prince’s birthday was coming up soon, but many didn’t much care as you could only attend most celebrations once you were an official spouse.
This wasn’t the case for Hadrian though, since he was the 2nd Prince’s cousin, and had been invited personally by his uncle Regulus to attend. Hadrian had been swift to accept, never missing an opportunity to spend time with family. He had been invited four times during the past month to spend time at either his aunt’s or his uncle’s palaces. They had been clear in their happiness of him making it in and receiving the title of noble, although his uncle had been quick to remind him how the harem was a treacherous place and that he must be wary of the dangers. Hadrian had reassured him he would be careful.
Now they were talking amongst themselves again, filling in for the other half hour they had left of the meeting. Hadrian was keenly aware of the stare that seemed to be burning the side of his face by the minute. He discreetly turned to face from across his seat at Imperial Concubine Aurelia, who didn’t have the sense to seem ashamed at being caught openly staring daggers at him. She met his gaze almost challengingly, and continued to talk to Imperial Concubine Katherine.
He had no idea what it was all about, but luckily he didn’t have to dwell on it longer at the moment, as their attentions were suddenly turned to Noble Felix. The man in question was clutching the arm of one of his maids as he seemed on the verge of throwing up. Everyone else was either feigning concern or silently judging, clearly looking for explanations as to why the man was in such a state. They were of course suspicious of what it was, and didn’t hold back their disapproval.
Felix instead rose from his chair with the help of his maids and made to leave the hall, Consort Bellatrix made no move to stop the primary noble or reprimand him.
The rest of the meeting became a gossiping session, everyone already knowing what this was about.
A new pregnancy would be announced soon.
-
September 28, 1998
It was announced in the following morning meeting after the slight incident, that Primary Noble Felix was pregnant. He was now to become the 7th Concubine within two months, finally graduating from the lower ranks and becoming a legal spouse. The news was met with both contempt or congratulations. Some were more genuine than others.
Imperial concubine Katherine seemed the most distressed by the news, she had been clear in her dissatisfaction when she pointedly made a comment about how Felix had already miscarried once. This of course had been very insensitive, and it had made the pregnant man quite upset, he kept his head down and didn’t even try to say anything to the woman.
Hadrian had thought it was cruel of her to speak like that about someone’s lost child, but he couldn’t very well say anything, as she was much higher ranked than he was. At least there were others, his uncle Regulus for example, who called her out on her hostility towards a pregnant concubine. Consort Ophelia also spoke up about her displeasure by the insensitive comment, especially since she herself had difficult pregnancies and knew it was no small matter.
In the end Katherine did apologize, stating how she hadn’t meant for it to sound harsh or insulting, and wishing the man a healthy pregnancy. However everyone knew she had very much meant what she said, and was only trying to deflect being punished for her thoughtless words.
It had been almost a week since then, and today was second Prince’s Altair’s 9th birthday. Hadrian was just finishing getting ready to leave for the party, making sure his gifts were all ready.
He wore a dark indigo dress, with golden threads resembling constellations and stars. His hair, which reached a bit past his shoulders now, was pulled in a half up half down style with pins keeping it in place. He opted to wear gold
jewelry, with indigo heels to match. He looked radiant, truly breathtaking.
“You look lovely, Master.” Elowen said, finishing with putting on his earrings. She was smiling at him in the mirror, he smiled back.
“Thank you, Wen.” He said, taking her offered arm and leaving the room. He took his two other personal maids, Kayle and Amara, as well as his two eunuchs who carried the gifts between them.
When they arrived, the palace was already filled with people. The imperial children were there, or at least most of them, and the birthday boy was being praised and congratulated by all the arriving guests.
“Well look at you, already nine! How exciting eh?” Hadrian said as he approached his cousin, who beamed at seeing him running to wrap his arms around him.
“Cousin! You came!” The boy exclaimed happily, looking up at Hadrian without letting go.
Hadrian brushed a stray hair away from Altair’s face, giving him a bright smile before saying, “of course I did, couldn’t miss your birthday could I?”
The boy only smiled wider, giving one last squeeze before he turned, taking his hand and pulling Hadrian towards where the rest of their family stood talking by a table. Lily and James were there too of course, along with Sirius and Remus, and even grandfather Arcturus. All of the Blacks were there, Narcissa was the first to spot Hadrian, quickly pulling him to her.
“There you are darling, we wondered when you would come.” She said, bringing him over to where the rest were talking. The nexts to notice him were his parents who hugged him tightly as if they hadn’t seen him in ages, bombarding him with questions.
“Lils, prongs, give him a break would you?” Padfoot said, before taking his turn in hugging him tightly, followed by uncle Moony.
“We’ve just missed you so much son,” his dad said, always the emotional one. And smiling as brightly as always. “Would you look at that, you look marvelous, and so proper too. You look like them.” James said, a bit in awe.
“That’s because I am one of them now, dad,” Hadrian said, rolling his eyes but smiling warmly at his dad all the same.
“I suppose you are, huh? Still our boy though.” He said, as grandfather Arcturus pulled Hadrian for a quick hug, he gave his grandfather a kiss on the cheek.
“Anyways, I couldn’t miss my little cousin’s birthday, I think I have the best gift.” Hadrian said, everyone turning back to the birthday boy who preened under the attention. Altair bounded excitedly over to where all his presents sat on piles on a table, but his mum stopped him from opening them yet.
“Not so fast, you have to wait a bit longer darling, there is still one more surprise for you.” Regulus said, grinning at his son. He too looked beautiful, in long copper orange robes that might have not suited him much in color but still made him look as elegant as ever, with his consort crown shining in the light of the chandeliers.
“A surprise? Oh please please mum, let me see it!” Altair exclaimed, now tugging at his mum as the man simply nodded and smiled.
Then Maia, Regulus's daughter and the 8th princess, appeared with a box-like object being levitated by two maids. She first went over to greet the family, lingering longer on Hadrian and repeating how much she would miss him at hogwarts. Hadrian told her he missed her as well, but that he was always available if she needed him, she could always write to him for anything.
Then Altair was allowed to open the big surprise, and everyone stared in awe as a creature resembling both a dog and a bird was presented. Its fur was white but its wings had a brown gradient at the ends, and warm brown eyes that stared curiously back at the boy in front of it. Altair gaped as he looked upon the creature, realizing what it was.
“A windhound?!” Altair beamed.
He ran towards his mum and hugged him as he explained, “Yes darling, I know how much you wanted a pet, do you like it my sweet?” He asked lovingly as his son continued to hug him.
“It’s the best present mum, thank you so much, I love it!” Altair looked back at the winged pup who was now sitting and staring at him in wonder.
He ended up naming the pup “Maple” because of his brown eyes, which was actually genius, Sirius had said. They all enjoyed a good time together as a family, the occasional concubine would come up to congratulate the prince, but else they were left to simply enjoy some quality time.
“I suppose that means my gift is the second best this year,” Hadrian said jokingly, he gave Altair a cloak that could turn into a pair of wings once he shrugged it on, lathered with protection charms. The boy had of course loved it, compared to the clothes or toys that other concubines gave him.
Everyone gave way when the Emperor arrived, less than an hour later, he walked up to his son, embracing him and wishing him a very happy birthday. Then he gave the boy his birthday presents, which consisted of about ten different gifts altogether. All of them were more extravagant than the last. But the ones that Altair liked most was the wand his father had had made especially for him, which had designs that glowed like blazing fire, but he was told he could not use it until he went to hogwarts, and a magic stone that could conjure up anything he asked for. There were some limits to its powers of course, in order to make sure it was safe for the boy, but it still made for a very fun gift.
The younger children were now off playing with the new gifts Altair had received, and so the adults were left to mingle. Some concubines gave Hadrian weird glances, because of course, he was the only unofficial spouse that had been invited. He however paid no mind to any of them, he was there because he had the right, his cousin had wanted him there and so he was.
Hadrian was just drinking some wine by a table in the corner when he heard the Emperor’s voice. “You look quite stunning My noble.” The man said as he approached, Hadrian bowing to him. The man gave him a smile and placed a soft kiss on his hand.
“Thank you, your Majesty,” Hadrian replied blushing slightly.
The Emperor seemed amused by this reaction, chuckling softly. “Just being truthful, how are you enjoying the party?”
“I am yes, I’m glad my cousin wanted me to come, I missed him and it was quite nice to be with family again.” Hadrian said softly, then was a bit embarrassed for saying more than he intended.
“I am glad it is so,” The Emperor said, now with a glass of wine in hand. He looked into Hadrian’s eyes as if he was trying to decipher something, those burning red eyes intense against his own emerald ones. Hadrian was entranced by it, he couldn’t look away if he wished.
Hadrian felt they had stared at each other for hours on end, before the Emperor broke the silence. “Tell me, would you have lunch with me tomorrow My noble?”
The question seemed to break him out of the trance, “I would be delighted to your Majesty.”
-
September 29th, 1998
Hadrian had woken up with the first rays of light filtering through his windows, he had followed the routine that now filled his every morning. But after the morning meeting had ended, and he was back in his palace, he only thought of how today he was to have lunch with the Emperor.
That wasn’t usually a part of his new routine, but it was more than a welcome change. Hadrian could use this moment to perhaps initiate something with the man, just spike his interest, he had to start somewhere. But there was still quite some time before their lunch, and he decided he would call his friends to have tea in his quarters.
They arrived a bit early, settling around the table set in the less formal meeting rooms. Conversation sparked and he shared with them that he would be having lunch with the Emperor later, which prompted questions from his friends, all except Luna who simply gave him that knowing look.
“It’s just lunch, he isn’t asking me to spend the night together, don’t look so awed.” Hadrian responded to their reactions.
“It isn’t just lunch, it’s lunch with the Emperor, the Emperor Harry.” Cedric exclaimed, hands flying about as he gestured. Cho also had said her thoughts on this, saying how she thought it was as much of an opportunity as it was something to think of strategically.
“If you succeed in catching his interest then perhaps it will start something. It’s an important occasion, Harry.” Cho said, always the rational one. That was one of the traits that they shared, being able to look at things from every possible angle.
“I think you already possess his interest.” Luna suddenly said, after being quiet for most of the conversation. Hadrian wasn’t sure if she was telling him this as her own opinion or if her seer abilities had shown her something. He didn’t ask though, simply smiled, he trusted her as always.
Tea soon came to an end, as it neared lunch time. Hadrian prepared to go meet the Emperor at the pavilion of fireflies. He wore blue and white robes, with subtle silver jewelry. He looked just the right amount of elegant and casual. His hair style once more in a half up half down, as he had taken to wearing it now, with a silver pin with pearls to help keep it in place.
Then he took Elowen alone with him, trying to keep this encounter private between him and the Emperor. They arrived at the pavilion, a table for two placed close to the little stream that went under the pavilion all across connecting to a lake in the garden of lilies.
The Emperor stood, dark green robes billowing. Hadrian bowed, and the Emperor gestured at the seat across from him before sitting down himself, Hadrian following his lead.
“Thank you for joining me, My noble.” The Emperor’s voice came smooth as silk. He waved a hand and the table was filled with delicacies, two tea cups and saucers appearing before them. Hadrian impressed by the effortless display of magic.
“I am honored to spend time with you, Your Majesty.” He answered, shifting slightly on his seat. The Emperor’s burning gaze fixed on him. The man waved his hand once more, this time filling the cups with tea.
“Lavender, I hope it’s to your liking?” The Emperor asked as he picked up his own cup and took a sip. Never once truly leaving his gaze from him.
“Ah yes, my favorite actually.” Hadrian smiled and also sipped the warm tea. The Emperor seemed pleased at that, settling down his cup.
“Tell me, how have you been adjusting? How are you finding life at court?” The man asked.
Hadrian paused, weighing his response before answering. “It’s a big adjustment, Your Majesty, but I’m trying to adapt.”
“I imagined it hasn’t been easy, there isn’t much that can be done to fully prepare for a life here.” The man remarked, but tried to keep his tone light.
Hadrian hesitated, not sure how much honesty was prudent. “Well I can’t say it’s easy, Your Majesty. But I was brought up for the intricacies of court, albeit not entirely in this aspect.”
“Indeed, you are the heir of two noble houses, a future lord in your own right.” The man paused, considering before he continued, “I found it quite intriguing that you decided to join my harem, when you already have other good prospects.” It was a silent question, the Emperor was asking him his motives for entering the selection.
Hadrian thought on this for a moment, careful to answer this properly. “I did have other paths I could have chosen, but this is the one I settled on. It is the greatest honor to become Your Majesty’s concubine, and bear your Imperial heirs.”
The man’s lips twisted in the faintest show of a smile, not quite there. “A diplomatic answer, you are a true puzzle My noble.”
They took a moment to eat quietly before the Emperor addressed him once more. “Your scores for the selection were remarkable, Hadrian. You scored higher than any other concubine or person to grace my court, more powerful even than those in my own council.”
Hadrian didn’t speak, unsure even if he was expected to. He had wondered if the Emperor would bring up his scores, but he wasn’t sure on what the man was seeking to hear. He remained quiet for several minutes, but he did end up speaking. “I was truly shocked by the results myself, Your Majesty, there isn’t much I can say on this. I do, however, hope that I can use these abilities to serve you and your empire.”
Hadrian’s tone was truthful, he only hoped the Emperor would realize this and know that he would never choose to be a threat to his established rule. The silence that followed felt heavy, as his words settled around them, and so, uncertain he turned his eyes to the swirling liquid of his cup.
Then came a sound deep and resounding, but melodious all the same. Confused Hadrian brought himself to look up again to find the Emperor silently laughing, his eyes glowing with amusement.
He blushed as he stared at the Emperor, the most powerful man, ruler of the world, laughing freely in front of him. Had he said something funny to warrant such a reaction from the man?
“You amaze me,” the Emperor started after some time, no longer laughing, and Hadrian quickly missed the sound. “When I received the results of your scores, I thought that perhaps the evaluator had been mistaken. I didn’t doubt you were powerful, not after your clear display of magic, but such a talent is rare.”
Hadrian shifted slightly, still feeling his cheeks burn hot, but he held the Emperor’s eyes steadily. “Magic is a part of all of us, Your Majesty, I only seek to understand it to the best of my ability. If lady magic was kind enough to grant me her blessing, it is up to me to wield it right.”
This answer seemed to spark something in the eyes of the Emperor, like something clicking into place. “Most see magic as a tool, as a means to an end. But you seem to understand that the power lady magic grants us is much more than just that.” The Emperor regarded Hadrian, with this new understanding of him.
“Yes Your Majesty, I wish to understand not just the magical aspect of that gift but also why it is given to us in the first place.” Hadrian confessed, no longer unsure of what the Emperor was truly wanting to know.
“I want you to know you already have my attention, Hadrian. Hold onto it with strength.”
They continued to eat and changed to talking about other, simpler things. Until an hour had passed and it was time to call their meal to an end. Before letting him go the Emperor took Hadrian’s hand, placing a kiss to it. “Thank you for humoring me, my noble.”
“It was my pleasure, Your Majesty.”
-
October 10th, 1998- Sunday
It was a Sunday morning, the air chilly outside as autumn made its presence felt. Hadrian had come to appreciate the calmness of the weekends; without the morning meetings that often drained his energy, the day stretched out ahead like an empty canvas.
He was content to lay in bed a little longer, quietly enjoying his book. Elowen knocks and enters his bedroom to serve him breakfast, receiving a smile in return. He eats his meal in silence, enjoying his peaceful moment.
Then he calls in his other personal maids and lets them prepare him for the day. He is dressed in casual clothes, robes that allow him to be comfortable within his apartments while also being sophisticated enough. Hadrian goes to his study in his library and takes out a runes book he had been reading before the selection. Immersed in his own world, as hours pass by.
“Master?” Maya pops her head in after being allowed.
“Mhmm?”
“You have an invitation from Her Highness the third consort.” The girl extends the invitation to him, as Hadrian thanks and dismisses her. He reads the letter done in perfect calligraphy, the words polite but not betraying any motives as consort Ophelia invites him to tea with another few concubines.
He gets up diligently to go prepare, as even if the consort is “requesting” and not demanding his attendance, Hadrian knows he is expected to accept. He couldn’t afford to slight such a powerful member of the harem.
“Wen, Kayle, Amara.” He calls out.
“Yes Master?”
“I need you to get me ready for tea with the third consort.” He said to them, already getting undressed. They nod and move swiftly to get him prepared.
Hadrian wondered what this could be about, the consort had never shown any interest in him before. She did smile at him sometimes when they caught eyes, but she had never spoken or interacted directly with him. So why had she invited him to tea? Did she seek to test him in some way?
He didn’t have much time to dwell on this, before he was being led to the woman’s garden by her head maid. He dressed in fine but subtle robes, with a light cloak as the weather had begun to cool. He wore not too much jewelry to make sure he did not slight his hostess in any way. Elowen and Kayle were each by his side, taking note of their surroundings.
He had not been the only one invited of course, and was mildly surprised to see that his three friends had been as well. Cho, Cedric, and Luna were already seated at the table, as well as two long standing members of the harem, Imperial Concubines Aurelia Slytherin-Selwyn and Patricia Slytherin-Rakepick. Two of the consort’s allies.
Hadrian approached the table, bowing before them. “Your highnesses.” He greeted. Then turned to the woman sitting at the head of the table, “Consort Ophelia Slytherin-Hawthorne, thank you for inviting me Your Highness, it is an honor.”
The consort waved her hand dismissively, smiling at Hadrian. “Please Noble Potter-Black, you may call me sister. It is my pleasure to have you here for tea.” Ophelia said kindly, gesturing for him to take a seat. The other two concubines expressed that they also wished for them to call them sisters.
“Ah, then you must also call me casually, sisters.” He said, returning her smile. Nodding to his friends that nodded back and smiled at him from their seats.
Maids moved silently, serving tea and light snacks and pastries. He took a moment to appreciate the garden’s beauty. It was truly grand as was to be expected for a consort. Then he focused his attention on Ophelia, her long blonde hair that reached her waist was pulled in a braid over her shoulder, and her consort crown of orange topaz giving her that regal look.
Her blue eyes were calculating, as she took a sip of her tea, her eyes swiping over the group. “I must say, having fresh faces in the harem has made things so lively.”
Aurelia, seated at her left, chuckled softly. Her auburn curls gleaming in the sunlight, as did the yellow gems of her crown, matching her robes, her honey-colored eyes seeming very warm in the daylight. “Indeed, sister. Although not all new members adjust as gracefully as others.”
Patricia chimed in, “True, the court can be….overwhelming to some.” Her tone was light, but with an edge to it, as if testing.
Hadrian smiled faintly, choosing to speak. “Yes, it is all about adapting is it not? And learning with time how to navigate it.” He said carefully.
Ophelia’s eyes sparkled at his response, amusement clear in her features. “Ah yes, spoken wisely brother. How have you been finding the adjustment so far?” She inquired.
“I am doing my best to learn, sister, and see the best way I can perform my part as well.” Hadrian replied calmly.
The consort’s smile widened, something like approval flickering for a moment in her eyes, “I am glad, it is our duty to learn how to best serve our roles. And how about you sisters, brother?” She turned to the other three concubines.
Cho, ever polite, answered first. “It is a great privilege sister, I am grateful to serve the empire in any capacity.”
Cedric followed afterwards, “I agree with sister Cho, it is an honor.”
Luna’s answer came next, less diplomatic, “The court is beautiful. It inspires learning, and growth.” She smiled softly.
All of their answers seemed to please the other concubines enough. Ophelia nodded, lingering her gaze on each of them in turn. “You speak with grace, a good quality, sisters, brothers.” She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping just a notch. “I hope you all know I value harmony and unity amongst all members of the harem. It is best when we are able to work together, wouldn’t you agree?”
Aurelia and Patricia’s smiles never wavered as they voiced their agreement.
Hadrian was careful in his approach, “Unity is essential, sister.”
“Precisely,” Ophelia’s tone was sweet and unassuming, but her eyes were sharp as she scanned their faces for any flicker of dissent. “I hope we too can rely on each other, and continue with our goal of fulfilling our duty to the empire.”
The statement was clear, although not as direct. She was asking for alliance, or at least for them to not go against her. They let that open question hang over them for a couple of seconds, before conversation spiked up again, now discussing lighter topics. Talking of the consort’s pregnancy and the potential of her child being a baby boy. But despite the subtle laughter and pleasantries, Hadrian couldn’t help but feel the weight of Ophelia’s words.
She was testing them, laying down the question of alliance, or the possibility of rivalry. And he wasn’t sure which one was safest to take, or if any were safe at all.
Their tea came to an end later, but before he could leave Ophelia tapped his arm lightly. “Care to walk with me for a moment brother Hadrian?”
He obliged, linking arms with her as they wandered idly through her garden. “You have a strength about you, brother,” her tone was soft but measured. “It’s…refreshing.”
He smiled politely at that, not sure if he was expected to answer. “I meant what I said, about the harem being better when there is unity. In a place as confusing and ever changing as this, it’s important to know who you can trust.”
Her words hung heavy with implication, Hadrian meeting her eyes evenly. “I will keep that in mind, Your highness.” He said cautiously, offering a faint smile.
Ophelia’s own smile returned, as warm and practiced as ever. “Good, I knew we would understand one another brother.”
They parted ways afterward, and Hadrian wondered if he had just gained an ally, or had been silently marked as an opponent.
He supposed he would just have to wait and see.