Intimacy

25th December 1998- Friday

The frosty morning air made Harry shiver under his many layers, clutching his robes closer to his body in an attempt to warm himself. With the deepening cold of the winter months now fully upon them, his winter robes had been pulled out from the back of his wardrobe, and today he found himself wrapped twofold, swathed in layers of fabric to hopefully keep out the worst of the chill. Heating charms had been applied aplenty, but Harry made sure his robes were impervious to magic, which unfortunately included his own for the time being.

Wound in Harry's hair was a plainer pin than the one he had worn to the ball, which he had unwrapped just this morning, a gift from his Mum and Dad. It was pure gold, embedded with tiny rubies that he hid before putting it on, not wanting that sort of ire directed towards him.

Red was for Imperial Noble Consorts. He would be crucified if he was spotted wearing the colour, even just a tiny amount.

As he was headed out of the door, Harry spotted the replacement for Aoife dusting shelves on the opposite side of the room. She was a tall woman with red hair and a brusque demeanour, named Attalie. She seemed nice enough, although kept her distance, always at the sidelines, never approaching or acknowledging him past a greeting and a bow.

It made sense. Her predecessor had been killed, after all, which he had only found out after prying. Thomas had seemed hesitant in informing him, but Harry had been adamant. He'd felt his heart stop when his suspicions had been confirmed by the man, shying away when he reached out to hold his hands, but after being soothed by that dark, melodious voice, Harry had caved and let the Emperor's arms wrap around him.

It had been a close call, too close for comfort. With the amount she had been dosing him with near the end, and for however long she had been feeding him the anti-fertility potion for, Harry surely would have struggled, if not been unable to conceive. He had let his emotions out in the comforting embrace of Thomas' arms, feeling guilty at keeping the secret of their growing child from him, but being equally assured that it was the best course of action.

"Can you have the rooms heated before I get back? It's rather chilly, I don't want to get ill so close to the new year." Harry asked Attalie, arm wrapped around Anya's as she fussed with his hair unsuccessfully, hovering in the open doorway.

The woman glanced at him, barely turning, and bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

With one last glance back, surveying the hustle and bustle of his maids as they packed away his presents and tidied up the living room, Harry patted his pocket anxiously and headed out into the chilly air.

Dreadedly, despite the festive occasion, the morning meeting was still held. Even more so, perhaps, so that the concubines could brag to one another about the gifts they had received from their families, or that they had gifted to their loved ones; royal children and Emperor included.

"Aurelia dearly loved her pony I gifted her," Penny informed them eagerly once the important business had been dealt with, a fond smile on her lips. "It is still young yet, but it is a fine beauty that will grow under her care. She's already smitten." The Consort looked beautiful and perfectly festive despite her sunny yellow robes, sat in her chair regally. On her lap was a tiny black kitten, a yellow bow wrapped around its neck. "Oh, and of course, my family sent along a gift for me as well. She was approved by the Emperor, so I've named her Soot."

Glancing down at the black mass of fur, Bellatrix's lip twitched. "A rather adorable kitten in comparison to the one Brother Harry received from His Majesty. But I suppose your family can't quite afford such a rare and splendid animal as a Wampus Cat."

Harry blinked, startled at Sasha's mention. He didn't miss as Penny stiffened, grimacing at the insult dished out in his name. It was odd for Bellatrix to use him in such a positive light, especially since she and Penny seemed to get along for the most part.

"Of course not, Sister. A Wampus Cat's price is immeasurable, it is expected that my family couldn't afford such a Creature. I highly doubt even your family could have procured one. Such is the feat and generous gift that the Emperor has given to our youngest Concubine." She responded in kind, a genial smile on her face.

Bellatrix snarled wordlessly at the jab but backed off with a huff. "His Majesty is incredibly generous, yes. His gift to me was several bolts of rare fabric, so I too know of his benevolence." She couldn't help but add, and the two continued with their stand-off as Harry focused in on another conversation.

"It has been very hard for Serina, being away from me for so long, so I thought to get her a little pet for company, a puppy." Erin was saying, gesturing with her hands. "It seems that gifting pets is a trend, these days."

"What did you receive, Brother Harry?" Regulus asked from the opposite row, wearing a silver hairpin that sparkled with emeralds that he'd revealed he'd been gifted.

"My parents gifted me this hairpin and a few other accessories. My Uncles thought to get me a few spell books, so that I may further my education still."

Regulus, to Harry's surprise, laughed like his brother. Throwing his head back, his hair a cascade of silk, he let out a throaty bark-like laugh. "My brother, thinking to gift books? That husband of his is a good influence."

"A werewolf, a good influence?" Bellatrix sneered the word as if it was poison on her tongue. "Pah, what does a mutt know of goodness?"

Harry didn't even begin to retort before Regulus shot a dark glare at his cousin, his mirth dampened. "Do not insult my brother-in-law so, Cousin. I may just see that as an insult, and perhaps our Brother here may see it as such as well. Remus is a member of the House of Black now, we do not insult our own, as you well know."

The Consort bristled. "That mutt-"

"Is not a mutt. Remus is my Brother-in-law and your Lord. You would do well to remember that, Cousin." He icily intoned, arching a dark brow before turning back to Harry. "It is wonderful that he seems to be growing up. I'm happy for him."

Harry smiled gratefully. "You and me both, Uncle."

Harry trod up the steps to the Emperor's Palace carefully, hand gripped tightly in Anya's as she stabilised him on the slippery steps. One unfortunate fall and...well, Harry didn't want to even think about it. He clutched his robes closer to him, patting his pocket once more.

The Knights standing at the entrance were staring down at him as he made his way up, blank expressions on their faces. They were dressed in dark robes that enlarged their forms, two onyx guardians protecting the chambers of their Lord. As he reached the final step, the one on the right moved.

"Halt. What business do you have with the Emperor, Your Highness? His Majesty is busy." The man spoke in monotone, face hidden behind his signature ceramic mask.

Harry stopped a few steps from the top, freezing. "I simply wished to give him a gift. For Christmas." He clarified when the man continued to stand there.

"I cannot allow you entry, Your Highness." The Knight blandly responded.

"I can leave the gift with you to pass on to His Majesty-"

"Please leave, Your Highness." The other spoke. "You are disrupting the peace. His Majesty is busy, as we said."

Harry frowed. "I simply wish to leave this with you if I must-"

The doors behind the pair opened, and there stood the Head Eunuch, dressed in black robes with golden edges, the only Eunuch allowed to wear such fine garments. He had a displeased expression on his face as he stared down at the guards, a sneer twitching at his lips. "His Majesty will see you now, Your Highness. And he also sends his apologies if these...ruffians have disturbed you."

The knight on the left twitched, shifting antagonistically, but backed down at the sharp glare sent his way by the other man.

"Come along, Your Highness."

"Yes, of course." Harry hurried up the steps and slipped in, the doors banging shut behind him.

Harry entered the Emperor's office, bright-eyed and jittery as he cradled the box behind his back. It fit into the palm of his hand, only a small present, but one Harry had thought a lot about to make possible. He'd sent off his ideas to many craftsmen and found one that was able to create what he'd envisioned perfectly.

Two cufflinks with the crests of both of their Houses, entwined harmoniously, beautiful, intricate things that sparkled with the magical protections Harry had woven into every crevice. A symbol of their marriage, and their future child. Children, he hoped.

"My Concubine, It is good to see you." The Emperor welcomed him, standing from his seat behind the desk. Harry smiled, still feeling a little out of it from the hostility of the guards.

"It is good to see you as well, Your Majesty. Merry Christmas."

He smiled softly in return. "And you as well. Did you like my gift?"

The Emperor's present to him had been packed in a black box wrapped in a golden ribbon. It was pretty, and the robes that matched the colours were even prettier. Silky smooth and pattered with golden snakes, they reminded him starkly of the Emperor's usual style, and Harry had eagerly shrugged them on to test their fit. Perfect, tailored to his body shape, although he wouldn't be wearing them any time soon.

"I loved it, Thomas. I hope you like yours too." Harry shoved the box at him, enthusiastically watching as he unwrapped it carefully.

Thomas opened the box, his eyes glinting with eager anticipation. He smiled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Harry's brow. "Thank you, my Concubine. It's the perfect gift."

Harry, having caught the brief flash of disappointment in the man's gaze, plastered a smile on his face. "I'm glad you like it, Your Majesty."

Thomas' red eyes snapped up to meet his own. He frowned. "It is not disappointing." Harry startled, spluttering slightly. "It is simply not what I thought it was going to be. Forgive me."

"No, no! That's fine, I didn't mean to imply anything! But, may I ask what you thought it was going to be?"

He sighed as his Concubine looked up at him with his doe-shaped eyes, the green sparkling and fresh amidst the dark tones of his office. "Something less tangible I suppose." His lip quirked up at the confused stare of the man, and he let his voice turn sultry. "Perhaps you can give me a kiss, that is partly what I had in mind."

Harry reddened beautifully, reaching up to mess with his hair- a nervous habit. "Um, I guess I can do that. Your Majesty." He quickly tagged on, stepping closer. Thomas rounded the desk, taking in the man in his full glory.

He was dressed in thick robes that hid his figure perfectly beneath them, and, taking that as a slight, he deftly untied the first one, delighting in the gasp that left Harry's lips. His hair was mussed, unruly as ever but oh-so endearing that it wasn't the annoyance he'd thought it'd be. His lips were slightly chapped but glistening, parted with desire. His eyes were filled with the same hunger that Thomas himself felt, clouded with want. And if he looked hard enough, Thomas could just see the beginning of a curve rounding his stomach now that a layer had been untied. His eyes roved the area, drinking in the sight, flitting quickly away as Harry wrapped his hands around his neck and leaned in, slotting their lips together in a passionate kiss that he sank into eagerly.

There was no doubt in his mind now. His Concubine was pregnant, and with under two weeks left of the grace period, he was growing concerned that, perhaps, Harry wasn't going to inform him until he couldn't hide it away any longer.

He'd have to force the man to confess, one way or another.

31st December 1998- Thursday

"My Primary Consort, as the head of my Royal Harem, I ask you to share this night with me. Do you accept?"

A repeat of last year's formality. A repeat of what must have been the same scenario for the last twenty-two years. Bellatrix had been Head of the Harem since its creation, her top spot secure for the majority of her reign, only usurped by Evangeline a minor few times.

Penny stood closely behind her, blue eyes watching the events sharply. Her gaze boring into the Emperor's own, begging him silently to change the ritual, to focus on the upcoming beauty that had risen from Second-Class Attendant to Consort in just ten years, half the time it had taken Bellatrix to rise from Noble.

The Emperor tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair, head tilted as Bellatrix eagerly accepted his invitation. He met Penny's eyes, red clashing with blue, before meeting cold brown.

"Bellatrix," His voice was silky smooth and filled with confidence as he broke through the scenario that had continued to loop for over two decades now, drawing the undivided attention of all. "Perhaps some company? We could use a pretty cupbearer."

The woman cackled, and Penny's smile dropped. "Yes, yes! That sounds wonderful! That Eunuch of yours never does stick around long enough to keep refilling our cups." She turned her head to speak directly to the woman behind her. "You wish to join us, Sister."

Penny met her gaze stiffly. "It would be an honour, Your Majesty, Sister."

With flourished movements, the Emperor stood, linking his arm with Bellatrix's, who preened under his attention. Then, he held out his other to Penny, who sidled up to him elegantly, cheeks flushed slightly and relief palpable.

Harry watched, heart prickling with jealousy, as they walked out of the hall, leaving them to wrap up the festivities.

1st January 1999- Friday

"Sister Penny, the Emperor compliments your trustworthiness in the face of a difficult and personal plight. He would like to extend his gratitude for your truthfulness." The woman glanced at the other, eyes glinting. "I would also like to personally thank you for your constant presence last night. You were a wonderful cupbearer." She emphasised the last word, a cruel glint in her eyes.

"I thank His Majesty and yourself for your kind words." Penny accepted, smiling up at the other Consort, her calm demeanour a far cry from the startled, wide-eyed stare she had given her the night before. 

Bellatrix shifted, lip curling. "And with the dawn of the new year, His Majesty also..." She paused, eyes closing. When she opened them next, she looked a mixture of resigned and furious, emotions which she attempted to keep under wraps as she plastered a half-hearted smile on her face. "Brother Harry, His Majesty promotes you to the rank of fourth Concubine." Her dark eyes bore into his own, features hard as stone. To his right, Patricia visibly seethed, her face turning red as her hands clenched. In front of him, Cordelia stared, tilting her head, not reacting as explosively as he would have thought. This made her the lowest-ranked Concubine, now. And it also pushed back Patricia to 5th, who-

"And what is His Majesty's reasoning for this?" Her voice was chilly, staring up at Bellatrix and the scroll she held with eyes that burned with fury. He chanced a glance at her, meeting her mad stare unflinchingly when she turned to him. Her lip curled, blue eyes blazing.

"His Majesty has not, which leads me to ask, do you know why the Emperor has promoted you, Brother?" Bellatrix questioned him, and Harry bit his lip, plastering a look of confusion on his face.

He swallowed the words that he wanted to blurt out. I'm pregnant. "I do not, Sister. I am in the dark as much as you."

Bellatrix scoffed, staring down at him. "Well, It can't be for nothing; His Majesty wouldn't do such a thing on a whim."

"He has previously, Sister." Isla, a usually silent spectator in meetings, spoke up. "Recently, Sister Malfoy was promoted simply because she was entertaining. His Majesty's favour with Brother Harry is growing, and he is promoting him as he did with his other favoured previously. You remember how Sister Penny shot through the ranks, don't you?"

The other Consort tutted. "I suppose that's true. You should graciously thank the Emperor for your promotion then."

"His Majesty is most gracious." Harry agreed, curling his hands further into his sleeves, trying his hardest to still their trembling.

Harry sped back to his Palace, heavily breathing but not stopping for a moment, not even at the insistence of Anya, who was hissing into his ear that his carelessness could harm his baby. He ignored her, stuck in his own thoughts about his mistakes.

Who knew about them? Did the Emperor? Was that what the promotion was about?

But Consort Isla had mentioned how the Emperor sometimes promoted his concubines on a whim. Yet, could Harry really rely on such a coincidence? Could he allow himself to believe it?

That twelve-week deadline suddenly felt like a ton of bricks weighing heavily on his shoulders.

7th January 1999- Thursday

Harry worried his lip as he stared at the date on the calendar, underlined starkly with a red pen.

Today, he was twelve weeks into his pregnancy, and he could feel the significance of his choice weighing on him. He still hadn't informed the Emperor, and after today, that choice would have ramifications for him, depending on how long his silence lasted.

Harry still didn't feel ready to tell his husband, however. As the weeks went by, the stares from the other concubines had become harsher and more hostile. He'd brought dangerous attention to himself at the Australian Ball back in December, and a few still hadn't forgotten that. Worse, the ones who had stayed behind soon found out about that altercation and how the Emperor had responded to it, and they too had things to say. The first few daily meetings hadn't gone without a snide comment from one about his 'gall', and the topic still popped up now and then. It was as if they were intent on besmirching his reputation to his face whilst they still could.

His promotion to fourth Concubine had only further inflamed things.

Patricia had yet to stop glaring at him every time they crossed paths, sneering at him during the daily meeting, and snidely commenting on Harry's every action. Her watchful gaze was becoming dangerous, especially now that his belly was starting to grow. 

He had first noticed it a few days ago, the tightness of his robes growing so uncomfortable that when he stripped them off, there was a faint line where the tie had pressed into his stomach. His previously flat stomach, that was now rounded slightly. Harry had cupped it gently, awed and amazed that he had missed the growth for so long, had been so wrapped up in worrying that he hadn't noticed the visible evidence that his baby was healthy and growing.

He would have to get some new robes as soon as possible and start making a gradual change to looser styles so as to not arouse suspicion. Harry was heading into dangerous territory. If anyone else found out, such as characters like Patricia or Pippa, would they tattle on him to the Emperor, who Harry assumed knew by now? Or would they do something more sinister?

There was a knock on his office door. "Come in."

Anya entered the room, peeking around the door. "Your Highness, the Healer is here."

Harry put down his pen, scrunching his eyebrows. "What for? I didn't call for her."

"To check up on you and your condition," Anya responded vaguely, although her eyes flickered down to his stomach. Harry pushed out from behind his desk eagerly.

"Already?"

"It is twelve weeks already, Your Highness. A scan is needed, to check up on..." She trailed off, but Harry was out of the door at the word 'scan', heading for his bedroom. Privacy was needed. 

"Send her to my room. Don't let the other maids know of her true purpose.

The healer placed her wand gently onto his stomach, moving it back and forth. Harry watched, transfixed, as the blurry grey mass on the screen shifted, and he first laid eyes on his baby. They were a vaguely human-shaped blob, cocooned in darkness and shifting ever so slightly. Harry had never seen something so beautiful in his life.

He let out a choked gasp of awe, fingers reaching out to stroke the screen, other fist clenching so as not to disrupt the movements of the wand.

"As I suspected, there is only one. Baby looks healthy and is growing on schedule. You are twelve weeks along, correct?"

"I am." He responded shakily, eyes still fixed on the softly moving figure of his child.

"Perfect. From the looks of things, I would date your delivery date to be around the fifteenth of July, which would be thirty-nine weeks into your pregnancy. However, this date may change, and do not be alarmed if it passes by a few weeks."

Harry looked at the Healer, a sudden panicked thought coming to mind. "And what if I don't make it to then?"

She sighed. "Let's get you safely to twenty weeks first of all. Then, I will give you another scan so we can check up on the baby once more. If there are any problems between now and then, please call for me as soon as possible. And... pardon my rudeness, Your Highness, but it would be prudent of you to inform His Majesty of your pregnancy before the day ends. There will be consequences-"

Harry glared at her, his toxic green stare deadly. "The consequences of His Majesty are far lesser than losing this child due to poisoning. I thank you, but I do not need your advice."

She pursed her lips and bowed. "My apologies. I wish health upon you and the baby, then. And I hope that the Emperor will forgive you soon enough."

Harry snarled, hand protectively covering his stomach. "They are my baby too, I'm carrying them. Besides, I believe him to already know."