The Ball
October 28, 1998 - Wednesday
The meeting hall was bathed in golden light, murmurs and whispers filled it. Hadrian took his place in the Noble’s section, chatting with Malric who seemed in good spirits that morning.
“I suppose it is call for congratulations, brother.” Intoned a voice from Hadrian’s left. Further down the row, the fourth Noble Zabini spoke.
Hadrian exchanged a quick glance with Malric, and turned questioningly to Zabini. “Congratulations brother? What for?” He asked, not wanting to sound rude in the slightest but being confused as to what the man meant.
“For moving up the ranks, of course.” Zabini answered matter of factly.
Hadrian shifted a bit, now understanding exactly what the noble was talking about. With the ascension of Felix to Concubine, he would become the Primary noble in his place. Of course everyone else in the noble’s section would be moving up a rank as well, but of course some would find a way to still be enraged by it.
“The ranks are simply shifting as brother Felix is to move up, it is not a promotion brother .” Malric spoke, regarding Blaise’s disdainful expression.
“Indeed brother, but still, to become the primary noble with not even 5 months of joining us. What an impressive deed.” Blaise was clearly trying to get to something, his words were punctuated by the way his eyes set on Hadrian unmoving.
Hadrian tried for an unassuming smile, simply nodding and then saying, “Thank you, brother, but I do believe the only one who should be congratulated is brother Felix.”
The man gave him an assessing look, before pursing his lips and nodding curtly. “I suppose,” he paused, and Hadrian dreaded to know where he would take this conversation. “Still, I wonder, brother, what made his Majesty give you such a position.” The man’s tone, to his credit, did sound genuinely curious. But it was clear that curiosity was more of a matter of judgment than anything else.
“I don’t know what I could have possibly done to deserve the honor, but I thank His Majesty’s graciousness.” Hadrian was quick to reply, taking from Noble Zabini any chance that the conversation would turn unsavory.
“If it‘ll be His Majesty’s pleasure, brother.” Blaise replied, giving Malric and Hadrian one last glance over, before returning to talking to Noble Emerald Greymore.
Hadrian decided it would be best to simply ignore the comment all together, no harm was done.
From her dais at the center of the hall, Primary Consort Bellatrix cleared her throat, silencing everyone. “Good morning brothers and sisters,” she began to speak, “I trust you are all well. There have been some recent changes as you are aware, our brother Felix is being promoted to the rank of concubine. As always, the promotion of a concubine to a higher rank means everyone else within that rank, noble in this case, also moves up a rank, and I expect you all to adjust accordingly. No petty grievances will be tolerated.”
As she said this, others were not so subtle in their disapproval, but of course none voiced their own feelings on the matter.
Hadrian kept his face neutral, listening carefully but letting on no emotion in his expression. This promotion was significant not only to Felix, but also to him. Now as the primary Noble, the highest amongst the other nobles and every rank below, it was an honor but a challenge as well. Hadrian was still, very determined to make sure he preformed his new duties exceptionally.
Bellatrix continued to list the other announcements on the scroll, “Unto different matters, the annual Hallow’s Eve ball is just around the corner, attendance is of course mandatory to all members as per tradition. I expect nothing less than perfection from each of you.”
There was a ripple of excitement at the mention of the upcoming Ball, everyone already excited to know the theme. It was a big event, and even some courtiers would be in attendance, not only that but it will be the first ball for every newly joined concubine.
“The theme this year,” Bellatrix said, pausing for a bit of suspense. “Is a Masquerade, I am sure you are all capable of making the the appropriate arrangements.” She said this with a smile, arranging the events of court were one of the Head of the Harem’s duty even if they did not do so alone.
Besides Hadrian, Malric seemed ecstatic to hear the theme of this year’s ball. The noble inclined closer to whisper to him, “A masquerade brother, isn’t that exciting?” Malric’s genuine enthusiasm made Hadrian smile as well, nodding in agreement.
“Now,” Bellatrix said, voice never losing its usual authoritative tone. “Are there any questions? I am pleased to answer any concerns.” She said as she looked at each of them, awaiting to see if anyone had anything to ask or add.
Patricia was first to speak. “Would there be a formal presentation for brother Felix, sister?”
At this, the man in question blushed, looking down at his tea cup.
Bellatrix inclined her head, thinking before she gave her answer. “There won’t be a formal announcement yet, but it is a good opportunity to celebrate the occasion. However, the ceremony on November 3rd will be when the ascension happens, and after that everything will be official.” Her tone was deliberate as she made things clear.
Hadrian caught the sour face that Katherine made, but she made no move to voice her grievances. Others weren’t as open with their opinions, choosing instead to remain neutral. Hadrian simply watched silently, noting the slight changes in expressions from the others.
“If there are no more questions you are all dismissed.” Bellatrix concluded, and everyone got up from their seats, saying their goodbyes to the consorts and leaving the hall in a flurry of chatter.
“Harry, stay a moment.” Bellatrix called as everyone else was leaving, Hadrian paused and stayed behind. He turned around to see his aunt Bella step away from her throne-like chair, approaching him.
She regarded him with a measured look, before saying calmly, “Nephew, I want to talk about the upcoming changes in the noble ranks,” she began. “Being the primary noble has more responsibilities than the secondary position, you are aware of this are you not?”
He met her eyes sedately, “I am.”
“Good, it is no small task. The other nobles will be under your care, you will be the highest ranked amongst the unofficial spouses, and there will be many watching you.” Hadrian could tell she meant well, but her words sounded so much like a warning that it unnerved him a little.
“I know auntie, I won’t give them the chance to see me falter.” He replied.
A faint smile curved Bellatrix’s lips. “I expect nothing less from a Black.”
-
As the sun climbed higher in the sky Hadrian walked silently through a garden, picking a quiet spot under a tree by a lake. He pulled out a runes book and began to read, getting lost in his own mind as the gentle autumn breeze made the trees rustle.
“You’ve got a knack for finding the quietest corners,” Cedric said as he approached, startling Hadrian out of his trance.
Hadrian glanced up, lips tugging up as he saw Cedric, gesturing for him to join him. “I needed a break, that's all, figured I could get away from my maids for a bit.” He said quietly.
Cedric hummed, sitting down beside him and looking over to the lake. It was a beautiful day despite the cold that had befallen them, and the flowers that surrounded them wafted their soothing aromas in the air.
“Do you miss home?” Cedric murmured suddenly. Hadrian startled, a bit taken aback at the sudden question.
He glanced over to his friend, he had a far away look in his eyes as he looked beyond the lake to the other side of the garden. Hadrian took a deep breath, thinking of his answer.
He hadn’t realized it until now, how much he truly missed home. It hadn’t truly been that long, just about 3 months, less than when he was away at Hogwarts. Still, back then at least he knew he could always go home on holidays, now he couldn’t even leave the ciditale.
“A bit yes, you?”
“Yes, a lot actually.”
They stayed quiet for a bit, birds singing in the trees as they watched the water ripple and the flowers sway. But after some time Hadrian broke the silence, “I miss it, but I don’t regret my decision.” He whispered.
Cedric’s breathing continued on steadily, “I don’t either,” he replied, but he didn’t look at Hadrian when he said it, instead his eyes were trained on the ground now.
Sensing the need to change the subject Hadrian sat up as he leaned against the tree’s trunk. “Are you excited about the ball?”
At this Cedric became enthusiastic, he turned with a smile to his friend and nodded earnestly. “Oh yes! It’s our first big event, and a masquerade sounds delightful! Have you thought about your gown or mask? I know what I would like mine to be.” Cedric went on in a rush.
Hadrian chuckled a bit at this carefree moment, “I don’t truly know yet, it will probably be black, it’s liberating that we don’t need to keep to the usual color scheme designated to our ranks.”
They continued to talk about the upcoming ball before it got a bit too cold that even with the heating charms they felt chilly.
As they walked back down the garden path Hadrian’s maid and Cedric’s appeared, bounding over to their masters quite relieved.
Elowen approached Hadrian, inspecting him for anything amiss, seeing that he was alright she then proceeded with the usual protocols.
Cedric and Hadrian eventually parted ways, and when they were far away enough Elowen said, “Master, you mustn’t run off like that again.” She was looking at him intently.
“I was just reading, nothing happened.” Hadrian continued to walk towards the noble’s castle. But Elowen was clearly not pleased with this answer.
She stopped abruptly, waiting for Hadrian to do the same. “Harry, I mean it. It’s not safe, please promise you won’t do so again, if you need to get away I understand but at least take me with you master.” Her tone was stern but on edge, and only now did Hadrian realize that she was absolutely right, he also hadn’t meant to worry her.
Looking at her apologetically he answered, “I won’t Wen, I will bring you with me I promise. You are right, it’s not safe here, we have to adhere to protocol unless we are alone.”
Elowen understood immediately what he meant, looking around discreetly, she gave a brief bow to him. There were eyes everywhere, and a maid couldn’t be seen to act so familiarly with her charge.
Hadrian gave her a quick reassuring smile and nod and they continued on their way, Elowen just one step behind as always, she would remain at his side for all the years to come.
-
October 31, 1998 - Grand hall of Gathering
The ball had finally arrived, the grand ballroom extravagantly decorated. Enchanted chandeliers floated above casting light to the whole hall, the walls shimmered with illusions of dancing shadows, and the air was alive with the thrum of laughter and conversation.
Everyone was dressed lavishly, with matching masks and gowns that made them look like royalty themselves. Consort Bellatrix had a long dark green dress with an emerald encrusted corset, a mask of velvet green with golden filigree, and a crown as extravagant as her corset atop her meticulously done curls.
Hadrian watched the many men and women of the court that were in attendance, more so the consorts, who never missed the opportunity to try and outshine everyone else. Similarly to Bellatrix, Ophelia had also outdone herself. The consort wore a dark indigo gown with a slit that went up to her mid-tight, she had a mask decorated with sapphires that caught the light of every chandelier in the room.
Perhaps others didn’t notice it for the challenge it was, but Hadrian could clearly see the way the consorts played the game of push and pull, Bellatrix would never simply back down, but Ophelia knew she had potential. That is what it was all about, neither of them would give up the fighting.
“Ah, brother Harry, you look ravishing.” Katherine said as she approached him, Aurelia at her side. They both wore matching gowns of deep burgundy, and decorated themselves in diamond jewelry from head to toe. Somehow they managed to look beautiful instead of it being too much.
Hadrian himself wore an off the shoulder’s black dress, with a mask of black and silver. His hair was pulled back with pins held by silver chains, deep sapphire jewelry decorating him. It was far less showy than those of the others, but he looked elegant and it was no surprise that so many eyes were on him, men of the court trailing their gazes at his every move.
Hadrian turned to them with a smile, he was beginning to spend more time with the concubines and consort Ophelia, as it seemed the woman had taken a particular interest in him. Hadrian wasn’t sure if it intrigued him or concerned him.
“Likewise sisters, you both look absolutely beautiful.” He gave a slight courtesy and a radiant smile, taking Katherine’s outstretched arm when she offered.
They walked around the hall with their arms intertwined, the three of them talking about how the ball had been so far, Aurelia and Katherine seemed quite enthused to discuss the garments of all guests.
“And sister Anastasia, what was she thinking wearing that dress? It looks atrocious!” Katherine whisper-yelled, as she and Aurelia giggled. Hadrian however wasn’t truly listening, he hadn’t been paying much attention, mind wandering elsewhere.
His eyes looked to every corner of the room, looking for something, or rather someone, even before he himself realized who that was. But he did catch up in the end, when he met the burning eyes of the Emperor.
Hadrian wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he could have sworn the man’s lips turned ever so slightly upwards in the shadow of a smile.
-
Thomas’s POV
Thomas was keenly aware of his Primary Noble’s presence, that same commanding and graceful presence that made it impossible for him to tear his eyes from the perfection that was the young man.
And was he a vision, draped in the rich fabric of a tight black dress that clung to his figure with effortless elegance, shoulders and collarbone on display. Yes Thomas knew well that his Noble was a radiant beauty.
Others noticed too.
Thomas wouldn’t think of himself as insecure or immature in the nature other men sometimes were, as power didn’t allow for such a weakness, but he knew he was a possessive bastard, a man that knew what belonged to him. As he observed the way Hadrian moved around the room, surprisingly in the company of two of his Imperial concubines, he couldn’t help but linger on the form of the man, on the way his hips swayed slightly with every step.
A flicker of something dark curled deep in his chest, it wasn’t merely admiration in the gazes he saw from other men, it was hunger. These greedy men dared look at his Noble with an almost unconcealed desire, like the jewel that he was but out of reach to anyone but Thomas.
One of his courtiers, Lord Mordrake, a man that had been in his court for only two years yet made himself known in all the ways he could, was now looking at Hadrian in a manner that made Thomas fingers tighten around his wine glass.
Impertinent fools.
They could admire all they wanted, but he was the only one who could have this jewel. Hadrian was his alone.
It almost struck Thomas as funny, he would have laughed at the thought, it was so sudden but filled him with such a rush of adrenaline. He truly was a possessive bastard. He never cared much for the other concubines, liked yes, but cared beyond what they could give him? Not much.
Yet watching Hadrian now moving about the room, blissfully unaware of the effect he had, made something unrecognizable settle within Thomas. He could feel the eyes of his other concubines on him, the expectant looks of his consorts as they wished to gauge his attention. But he cared little for their looks of desire, his attentions were elsewhere at the moment, on the man it had been all evening.
Then, as if sensing his gaze, Hadrian turned, their eyes meeting. Thomas relished in the way those rosy lips parted, how his breath seemed to get caught in his throat for just a moment, before his Noble schooled his expression back into careful neutrality.
He was a charming thing, if only he knew how he stirred up these feelings within Thomas, how he made his all powerful Emperor want to tear that pretty dress off his body and ravish him right then. Oh how he wanted to have him in his arms, in his bed, make love to him in all the ways Thomas knew how. Slow and gentle, or rough and passionate.
Hadrian held himself with composure, and Thomas allowed himself to give the man a private smile.
Settling his glass, The Emperor rose from his throne, descending the dais and walking with sedate steps but full of purpose. The crowd parted before him like the sea, allowing him to reach that whom he had wanted to all night.
He extended his hand in an invitation, a smirk on his lips. Hadrian frozen in place before him, “My Noble, would you allow me this dance?”
-
Harry’s POV
Hadrian’s breath hitched almost inaudible, the Emperor standing before him with his hand outstretched and asking for a dance. Of course he had felt that heated gaze on him for a while, felt it for a moment in which he sought to find its source. And when their eyes met, the Emperor had smiled at him.
It had felt like a touch to his skin, hot and claiming, and he had truly relished in it. Now though, he found himself frozen completely unable to move, hesitating just the slightest while the Emperor himself stood before him asking to dance.
Eventually the murmurs of the ballroom became a distant hum, Hadrian only being able to focus on the man before him, standing in crimson robes with golden stitches and swirling patterns. The man was a sight to behold.
Hadrian’s heart pounded fast against his ribcage, knowing there could ever be just one answer, but still being reluctant for what it would mean. It wasn’t just a dance, not when the entire court was witnessing.
This was a statement.
He inhaled, steadying himself, and then placing his hand in the Emperor’s offered one, the warmth of his touch sending a spark through Hadrian.
“I would be honored, Your Majesty.” He said, voice smooth despite the raging storm he felt within, his heartbeat rapid in his chest.
The Emperor’s fingers tightened just a bit, as he guided him to the dance floor. Hadrian could feel all the eyes on them, and hear the whispers and distant murmurs. But he kept his eyes looking forward and focused on the man before him, and they danced in a seamless rhythm, matching each other’s movements perfectly.
When he finally allowed himself to look up to the man’s eyes, he realized how the Emperor was studying him, not with the detached curiosity he did before, but with something deeper. Something he couldn’t quite name just yet.
Others joined in to dance with their own partners, the music changing from time to time. Yet the Emperor kept his eyes on Hadrian, unmoving.
“Are you enjoying yourself, my Noble?” The man murmured, a whisper only for Hadrian to hear.
It made his stomach fill with a syrupy feeling, he tilted his head, letting his lips curved up in amusement. “There is much to observe.” He finally answered.
The Emperor’s grip tightened around his waist, expression as if amused at the response. “And what have you observed?” That rich smooth voice intoned.
Hadrian met his eyes once more, this close his eyes were an alluring red, like wine or blood, enchanting but dangerous. After a pause Hadrian offered a knowing smile, “That I seem to attract a bit of attention.”
The Emperor let out a chuckle, deep and rich, “that is an understatement dearest.”
Hadrian swallowed, he still danced, but the Emperor’s presence was intoxicating, filling all his senses.
It wasn’t just a dance.