Intimacy

13th February- Friday

Luna sat in front of Harry, sipping her tea, looking for all as if she had no cares in the world, her robes colourful and glittery, shining in the weak, wintery sunshine. His lip twitched upwards as she hummed happily at the taste, even though she had already taken a sip only moments before and done the same thing.

They were sitting in his private garden, Harry having invited her around for her birthday, with the invitation to bring along anyone she wanted. The only person who had arrived with Luna, however, was her personal maid.

She stood off to the side, twitching every time she glanced towards the girl, her muted blue robes a direct contrast to the brightness of Luna's. Harry watched her from the corner of his eyes, cataloguing her reactions and sussing out her feelings towards his friend.

"This tea is wonderful, Harry, although, it could do with a bit more sugar." Luna reached forward for the sugar pot, as she had done three times before, and Harry quickly pulled it away, shaking his head.

"No more sugar, you'll rot your teeth."

"Sugar doesn't rot your teeth, silly. The tooth fairies do, so that they can steal them away" She giggled, reaching once again for the pot, and Harry vanished its contents, humming disbelievingly.

He wondered how Luna had entered the harem in the first place. She didn't come from a prominent family, despite her status as a Pureblood. She held above-average magic, although so did many others in the harem, and Harry knew that the Emperor surely didn't believe half of what came out of the girl's mouth, so it wasn't for her Ravenclaw intelligence. He could admit that she was very pretty, but in a cute, small-animal-like way. Luna, from what he knew, held no ambitions for power as he did, so it was perplexing as to why she had chosen to be a concubine. There was magic in place that disallowed anyone from being coerced by third parties into joining- their application had to be created of their own free will, so it could only have been her own intention.

"Luna?"

"Hm?" She looked directly into his eyes, the pools of swirling blue gaining clarity at his attention, and Harry lost his nerves in the face of their intensity.

"Nothing. Here," He plucked a cupcake off of the tower instead to distract her. "Eat this."

She tilted her head. "But sugar rots your teeth, Harry, and I've already had my daily maximum." Luna leaned forward conspiratorily. "The Emperor ordered for me to only be allowed a certain amount each day." She pouted. "He said it makes me even more insufferable than usual." Giggling, she sipped once again at her tea.

He brought the cupcake up to his own mouth with a frown, biting into the sugary goodness and groaning at the taste.

17th February 1998- Tuesday

"-your Majesty, I implore you to think of lowering the age to join your illustrious harem. My daughter, Elisabeth, she is eager to join, however, she would not have met the age requirement by the next selection, by only a small margin-"

Tom harshly slammed his pen on his desk, stopping the man halfway through his speech, lifting his head to glare at the wretch in front of him. He was a balding man of fifty, the Lord of a Noble house that didn't deserve the taint he placed upon its name, neither did his nine daughters that he tried to marry off at any opportunity. The eldest was only sixteen and already betrothed, as was his fifteen years old, thirteen-year-old and now, he'd obviously moved on to his eleven-year-old. 

And, lower the age limit? It was already lowered enough! He had wanted none under the age of seventeen at first, even higher if he could, but at the staunch requests of many of his advisors and Noble families, he had decreased it. He would not do so again, not after over twenty years. "I will not. It is already low enough, I have no want for there to be children within my harem. I have already made modifications to what I had previously wanted." Tom stated bluntly in a no-nonsense tone, going back to his writing.

Yet, the man seemed not to have any sense and continued to bug him. "But, your Majesty, surely fourteen is old enough-" He raised his hand, silencing the man.

"Absolutely not, get out of my office."

The man fell to his knees, clasping his hands together dramatically. "Your Majesty, she is beautiful beyond compare, she would be a shining jewel in your harem. If not, then how about one of my older daughters-"

"Begone!" The man, cowed, scampered out of his office, bumping into his head Eunuch on the way out, who was entering. Tom sighed, rubbing his forehead, already feeling a headache coming on. "What is it, Elson? It better be good, I am in a foul mood."

He bowed lowly, grey eyes sharp and cool. "Noble Potter-Black has made a request to take lunch with you in the gardens of your choice this afternoon, your Majesty. What shall I tell his maid?"

His headache receded slightly at the thought of spending time with one of his newest, and most intriguing harem members. The man was powerful and engaging, yet willing to defer to him, which soothed him enough to find amusement in his actions. Yet, Tom could feel his need to defy him despite that. He was headstrong and bold enough to joke with him, cunning and resourceful despite his status as a Gryffindor. It was the breath of fresh air that he needed in the midst of his bad mood.

"Tell him that I accept, and to meet me within my personal gardens at eleven thirty."

"Yes, your Majesty."

For a change of pace, Harry sent Kia to the Emperor's Palace to request if he could meet with the man which, surprisingly, was accepted. Harry would have thought that he'd get many propositions, and his request to be moved to at least a few days' time.

They were having tea in the Emperor's garden, which was as spectacular as ever, even on a mild, winter's day. Flowers were blooming, and the whole garden seemed to be placed under its own sphere of influence, feeling more like a late spring afternoon.

He sat on the cushioned seat, fiddling with his fingers under the unwavering stare of the Emperor. Despite having called for him, he had no idea what to speak about with the man. Surely, not any topic would do, it'd have to be one about something of significance, such as the Empire, or the happenings of the harem. However, there had been nothing much as of late, so Harry was stumped.

Seemingly having had enough of his silence, the Emperor spoke, his tone smooth, yet heavy with authority. "What concerns you, to be so quiet, my Noble?"

Harry hesitated to speak his mind, but since he had been so bold as to arrange this meeting, sighed instead. "I'm... I think that it is partly because I am missing Hogwarts. Learning, whilst I didn't enjoy it sometimes, was interesting. It was easy to get absorbed in, and knowing things is, in some way, thrilling. I don't seem to hold much enthusiasm to open up a book whilst there is no need to do so, and there being no structure to my day makes it even harder."

The Emperor hummed, his red eyes gaining a knowing glint. "I will see if I can sort something out for you."

He bowed his head, breathing out a sigh that his words hadn't offended the man in any way. "Thank you, your Majesty."

"Although I suppose, since the tours will be starting up soon, you will have more to do than currently. I hope that preparing for these will alleviate some of the monotony you feel."

"Tours, your Majesty?" Harry questioned. He hadn't heard anything of 'tours' from either his maids or the other concubines.

"Trips outside of the harem walls to attend events such as foreign weddings, political gatherings, or simply to reside in another palace for different scenery for a little while. After you have been in my harem for over a year, you may be granted permission to attend these events with me, granted that you attain the rank of Concubine by then. You may not have known this since there have been no trips as of late, with many of my upper harem falling pregnant, and I did not want to leave in case there were any complications. As you know, Bellatrix has suffered a lot with carrying children, and this had been the longest she had carried, and Penny's delivery with our son was traumatic, to say the least, so our travels had to be placed on hold. I hope that by the time these begin once more, you will be able to join me."

Harry's spine straightened, and he blushed slightly at the insinuation that he would be promoted. "I hope so too, your Majesty."

The Emperor's expression changed then, a smouldering look entering his eyes. "Call me Thomas. However, I only permit this when it is solely the two of us."

Harry's mouth gaped open. Call him what? "Oh, I wouldn't dare call you such an informal title, your Maj-"

"Harry, call me Thomas. That is a demand, not a request." His gaze sharpened, making Harry's heart race in trepidation and fear.

He spluttered once again at the casual way he was addressed. Did the Emperor, ruler of the entire world, just call him Harry. "Um, of course, your- Thomas."

"Better." He looked amused. "Now, I am afraid that I have things to do, and whilst I have enjoyed our time together, I must go now."

"Thank you for your time, your- Thomas."

He smirked. "It was my pleasure. Until next time, my Noble."

25th February- Wednesday

Aoife entered the room and gave him a low bow. "Master, there is someone at the door asking for you."

Looking up from his book, Harry hummed. "Bring them in."

"Yes, master."

An older woman entered a few moments later, dressed in long, black robes that covered even her shoes and dragged on the floor, the cut unflattering and bulky with no patterns. She looked to be around the age of sixty to seventy years old, eyes rimmed with round spectacles, not unlike his own old ones that had long been discarded since he had his eyesight magically corrected. She carried a black briefcase, which she held in front of her as she bowed.

"Greeting to you, Noble Potter-Black. I have been assigned by His Majesty to tutor you in subjects of your choice, which he has informed me included Defense against the Dark Arts and Charms."

Harry blinked in surprise, turning his face away from the woman. The...Emperor had sent her? A pleased smile grew on his face, and he faced her once more.

"I am grateful for His Majesty's thoughtfulness, that is correct. Are we to begin today?"

She continued to bow. "If that is what you wish, your Lordship."

"It is. Do you have your materials with you?" The woman nodded. "Excellent, then please, join me." He waved his hand for her to sit across from him on the sofa, and she bowed once again as she sat. "What is your name?"

"Professor Bailey, your Lordship."

"Do you mind if I simply refer to you as 'Professor'?"

"You may refer to me as you wish, your Lordship."

"Then, Professor, what did you have planned for today?"

Her eyes grew stern, and she drew herself up proudly, the mask of Professor taking over any deference she previously showed. "I was thinking of beginning with Defense, specifically, a lesson that will allow me to evaluate your current knowledge of both Defense against the Dark Arts and the Dark Arts themselves."

"Then, I can say now that I know little of the Dark Arts, since my parents tend to shy away from that topic, and Hogwarts only teaches it in the seventh year, which I missed out on."

"Then that shall be our focus for tomorrow, but for today, let me assess your knowledge of other magics, starting with the basics."

2nd March 1998- Monday

After the previous month's major upheaval, no one expected there to be any movement within the rankings, however, the Emperor was, as ever, notoriously hard to predict.

"His Majesty writes that he is currently in a good mood, and therefore declares that all of his concubines with who he currently disfavours in any amount are in luck. Sister Cordelia and Brother Lukas, his Majesty says that you will remain within your positions despite this, however, Noble Jasmine, you are to become Secondary Noble, and Attendant Snyde, you are to become Fourth Second-Class Attendant."

Harry sighed to himself as Bellatrix moved on after that, bemoaning that he was, once again, relegated to the position of fourth Noble. It seemed that every time he made a move up the ladder, he was pulled down once more as another Noble outpaced him. He was beginning to understand how it had taken Penny nearly a decade to become a Consort, despite being another who had been given the position of Noble from the selection ceremony.

Walking out of the hall, he was startled by an arm linking with his own, turning to face none other than Penny, who was smiling up at him fondly. "Hello, Brother!"

He hesitated momentarily on how to respond but decided on following her lead. "How are you today, Sister?"

"I'm brilliant! And you?"

"Well."

"Good! Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to take tea with me today?" She beamed at him, still clinging hold of his arm, and he couldn't find it in him, not that he had much choice, to say no.

"Of course, Sister."

Her new palace, the Palace of Infinite Purity, given to her by the Emperor when she ascended to Consort rank, was twice as large as the previous one, and much more luxurious. Sprawling gardens, fenced in by white walls, surrounded a large palace made of white stone, shining brightly in the soft sunlight.

She led him towards a round table for two, near a marble fountain that's water sparkled, the droplets glittering as they rained down into the pool at the bottom. Harry observed his surroundings with awe and jealousy, voicing this to his companion.

"Your new palace is beautiful, Sister. I am very jealous."

She giggled sweetly, still holding onto his arm. "Oh, don't be, Brother. I have no doubt that, soon enough, you will have a beautiful palace of your own. His Majesty seems to have taken a liking to you."

Harry blushed. "I think that, if that happens, it won't for a little while yet."

She hummed. "Hmm, I don't know about that." Her secretive smile grew hope within him that he refused to show on his face, studiously keeping his expression neutral. He pulled out the chair for her before her maid could do so, who looked at him in displeasure. "Oh, thank you, Brother! Mandy, could you fetch the tea and cakes for us? Ask Chloe to help you bring them all out."

"Yes, Madam. And what tea will his Lordship take?"

"Mint, please." He answered, and the woman bowed, turning with a swish of her sage green robes. Harry shifted his attention back to Penny, recognising the chance for what it was- a time to gain information. "Sister Penny, you have been in the harem for nearing a decade now, right?"

"Yes, although, it seems like just yesterday I first laid eyes on his Majesty. He looks as handsome as ever, perhaps more so." She gushed, and Harry nodded along.

"Then, you would know about the tours and events outside of the Court."

"Oh, yes." She breathed breathily, an almost awed expression on her face that made him burn with jealousy. "It is almost intimate, heading out with the Emperor for trips, despite most of them being formal in nature. It is only a selection of us, after all, as sometimes, his majesty decides to only take a few of us Concubines, and Consorts along. It's been a little while since the last one, however, maybe even over a year now."

"Do you know when the next one will be?" So that he could ensure he'd be a Concubine before then, if it was possible.

"Oh, not at least for another few months! I haven't heard anything about one as of yet, and they wouldn't give us less than two months' notice."

Then, Harry had time, and he'd use that to his advantage.

9th March 1998- Monday

Harry used his free time to write both Remus' and his Dad's birthday letters, having to fit all his thoughts, congratulations and questions into two pieces of parchment being one of the hardest tasks he'd had to complete in a while.

Sure, now that he had a tutor, his days passed with a little more activity, but it was still a mind-numbingly boring existence he was living as a concubine with little to no official duties. Even the reason he was here had yet to be fulfilled- gaining a high enough rank to protect himself and his family.

On the first of the month, it had been a disappointment to once again resume the position of Fourth Noble, but he hoped soon he could be promoted to Primary or Secondary Noble, or even to a Concubine.

He was beginning to grow comfortable with the Emperor and more receptive to the man, which he seemed to enjoy. There had been another meeting between them after the one in which he had complained about his homesickness, the Emperor asking for his progress in his lessons, and seemingly pleased with himself when Harry had given him a grateful smile.

Since that fateful Halloween night, there had been no moves by the Emperor to further their intimacy, and Harry was slowly growing impatient. He was on the fence about whether or not to force the Emperor's hand and initiate it himself, but he was worried that being rash would come across as being pushy instead of endearing him further to the man. Sure, he was now allowed to refer to the man by his name, yet there was still a certain distance between them that Harry thought could only be lessened by a few options. One of them was spending the night with him, which there had, so far, been no known intention by the Emperor to do so.

He didn't know what it was that was stopping the Emperor, but soon enough, he'd find out when he next met up with the man.

26th March- Thursday

"You do understand that you have passed the three-month leniency period, correct, Brother Felix?" Consort Isla's tone was biting, her lips twisted downwards in displeasure. Felix shuffled where he stood, a protective palm laid over his slightly swollen stomach. How none of them noticed, even the Emperor, was startling.

However, despite his defensive stance, Felix still looked proud of himself, his chin tilted upwards as he stared Isla down with scorn. "Yes, I do. I conceived on the twelfth of December, and it is now the twenty-sixth of March. However, I was-"

Bellatrix, who had remained silent so far, held up her hand to cut him off. "No matter the excuse, the Emperor expects there to be repercussions. Despite my fondness for you, I agree with his Majesty, and therefore, you are to be confined to your Palace for the remainder of the month. Congratulations on your pregnancy, Brother. You're second child, how prosperous!"

Penny stood, a frown on her pretty face. "But that's much too lenient, Sister! His Majesty stated that those who go over the time frame must stay within their palace for at least a week, depending on how long they disregarded the decree, and their weekly stipend is to be halved. What you are suggesting is for Concubine Rosier to only be confined for five days and with no monetary penalty. He went over by two or more weeks, surely it stands that he should be punished further-"

She stood, her magic flaring outwards in a burning wave that had Harry's own lashing out in defence. "Silence! I am the authority here, I make the decisions, as has been decided by his Majesty when he made me his Primary spouse! If I say as such, it shall be done." Bellatrix screeched, staring down at Penny with a murderous gaze. "If you don't like it, then you should take it up with his Majesty." Penny's gaze gained a steeling glint, and she span on her heel, heading for the doors with a dramatic swish of her pale yellow robes. "Where do you think you are going, Consort Haywood?!"

"To see the Emperor. And it's Slytherin-Haywood, Sister." She cooly snapped, the doors closing behind her with a deafening thud. On the dias, Bellatrix seethed, gripping the sides of her chair with clawed hands. Her fist connecting with the armrest made Harry flinch back, but the Consort made no move to grab at her wand, content to stew in her violent thoughts.

What consequences would this bring, Harry thought to himself?

27th March 1998- Friday

Concubine Felix had promptly been confined to his Palace for two weeks- the amount of time he had gone over the grace period, with his weekly stipend halved for the duration. It had caused a stir within Bellatrix's palace, the Consort throwing a fit over her authority being overruled, even if it was by the Emperor.

Harry had heard about this from June, who had whispered it into his ear with vicious satisfaction. The maid was becoming his chief confidant for the gossiped information making its way through the Court, giving Harry an in into knowledge he'd previously be oblivious to.

Later on in the day, a Eunuch arrived to inform him that the Emperor had requested to spend lunch with him, and invited him to his private gardens once more.

Harry, dressed in robes that bordered on white, they were such a light blue, stood before the Emperor and bowed.

"Greetings, your Majesty."

"Harry, what did I say last time? You are to call me Thomas when it is only us."

"Yes...Thomas."

"One day, I hope that you will be able to say my name comfortably, but I suppose that is a long while off yet."

Harry hummed, sitting in the seat that was already pulled out, noting the steaming cup of mint tea placed before him and the tower of sweet treats off to the side to allow them an uninterrupted view of each other. "How are you, Thomas."

"Well enough, however, recent circumstances have left me saddened. I am fine with my concubines keeping their pregnancies a secret up until the end of the first trimester, when they are most vulnerable, but I know that I'd then have to deal with the tantrums from other concubines if a child suddenly pops up without prior knowledge. It's happened in the past, and it has never ended well. Bellatrix has always had a rather... explosive reaction." He smiled meanly. "She is so easily riled, although, it is an enjoyable sight to witness when her ire is not targeted at that which I have permitted." Harry didn't know how to reply to that, so he simply sipped at his tea once more, noting how Thomas gazed at him intently. "Enough about me, how are you, my Noble?"

"I'm good, especially now that I have a tutor. I've also been meeting up with my fellow concubines more recently, now that the weather is growing warmer."

"Good, I'm glad that you are fostering closer relationships. I've never enjoyed all that drama, despite how entertaining it can be sometimes."

They continued to talk on this line for the rest of their time together, until it was time for the Emperor to leave, his day still filled with meetings and political documents to sign.

Harry cleared his throat as he stood, hesitating for a moment, before pushing on. "Your Majesty-"

Thomas frowned. "Har-"

"No, please, let me say this." Thomas' eyebrow raised, and he waved his hand for him to continue. "Your Majesty, may I be so bold as to request to spend the night-"

"No." The quick rejection hurt, and he couldn't help but let this seep into his voice.

"Why not?" Harry's voice cracked slightly, and he reddened in embarrassment, his eyebrows still scrunched in hurt.

The Emperor was quick the placate him, head tilted in empathy, and visible, unexpected amusement. "My apologies if I have upset you, my Noble, but you are simply too young for me to see you in that way."

"But I am an adult!" It sounded petulant even to his own ears, but it was the only thing he had.

"An adult you may be, but only just so. Perhaps, past your eighteenth birthday, I may find your request more acceptable, however, as of the moment, I simply find no such attraction towards you."

Harry only allowed himself to break down in the privacy of his bedroom, the door locked, silenced and warded.

What were his chances looking like, now?