Intimacy

20th June 1999- Sunday

The confinement period was a blessing for Harry, in the end. For the first few days, he had been left alone to settle, simply satisfied with the knowledge that the Emperor didn't believe that he was behind the poisoning, and was currently searching for the culprit.

After that period of suspension, the Emperor had visited his Palace with a cold expression, personally informing him that Patricia was still pleading innocent, and he was inclined to believe her. Shocked, he had refused to listen at first, believing the man was going to turn on him then and have him arrested on the spot.

It had taken a while for Thomas to calm him down enough that he would hear him out, and many declarations that he still believed in Harry's innocence.

He explained to Harry that there was evidence to support her innocence and that she wouldn't have placed her long-awaited son in any harm. The poison had been a strong one, and an attack on the both of them. Harry had been lucky he was cautious, Patricia had been fortunate that her magic was strong enough to fight off the worst of it.

The woman was still adamant that he was the culprit, but now it seemed less likely to Harry that she was behind it and framing him, and more like someone had attempted to harm both of the babies, placing the blame on whichever one of them pulled through the best.

It angered him, as well as terrified him. Someone obviously had ill intentions towards his child, both of their children, and unfortunately, Harry couldn't begin to pinpoint who. All members of the harem would gain in some part from both him and Patricia losing their children, or having their reputations mangled from the blame. That only made searching for the true culprit harder.

Harry didn't believe that this poisoning was the one Nott had been warning him about, however. Dahlia wasn't as ruthless as she wished to believe, she wouldn't have targeted him through Patricia, and she seemed to idolise the woman. It did concern Harry that she may attempt to do something in this time of turmoil, however.

Therefore, Harry took the confinement as a blessing, and was dreading entering the fray once again, especially since his competitors would have had that time to slander him, to use those days to change the narrative to fit their needs. Not that it mattered, truly. The Emperor had announced neither he nor Patricia were the culprits, but rather the victims of an outside attack.

He was eager, however, to watch the others and attempt to deduce who was behind the poisoning, as there was no doubt in his mind that the culprit was one of them. Things were beginning to heat up now that Harry was steadily approaching his second full year in the Harem, as if the rest of the concubines had finally decided to treat them as the competitors they were, instead of newcomers with no attachment to the man they all coveted.

This episode demonstrated what many were capable of, despite the false sense of security they had been collectively lulled into over the past few years of fewer attacks. It would have the hackles of many up for months to come.

1st July 1999- Thursday

Confinement ended on the first of the month, although Harry hadn't felt the time at all. The Emperor continued to visit him every few days, and they would talk about the future. Their future with their baby was Harry's favoured conversation topic.

As his due date slowly crept up on him, only a few weeks if his baby stuck to schedule, his mind was filled with the thoughts of them being parents. Thomas had plenty of experience, and this would be his twenty-second child, but this would be  their , hopefully, first.

Harry was already considering names, but none were definite, as he needed to know what Thomas was going to name them. But one thing was definite, whether they were a boy or a girl, they were going to have a middle name that reflected Harry's mother.

Harry had his dad's name as his, and while he wasn't going to be so on the nose and name his child 'Lily' or something along those lines, he was looking towards the more botanical names.

There was also the matter of preparing for the arrival of his child. The nursery's decoration had been underway for weeks now, as had the creation of their wardrobe. Most of it was neutral colours, pastels and blacks, but a few items were more decorated. They weren't going to be an ordinary child, after all. They were going to be A Prince or Princess, and no matter what, the heir to the Potter estate. His second would be entitled to the Black Family fortune, but Harry had already begun planning the split of assets to make sure none of his possible further children felt left out of any inheritance.

They would be Royals, no matter what, so it wasn't as if they would be deprived of much anyway. They would always be entitled to the best society had to offer, with their pick of suitors, and access to the wealth attached to the Slytherin name.

He nodded in thanks as the Knights on either side of the Meeting Hall doors opened them, entering with Anya guiding him gently. He winced, feeling his ankles chaff on his shoes, but luckily his robes covered them. Harry surveyed the Hall, noting how it was mostly filled.

Jasmine and Patricia were looking much rounder than before, at nearly thirty-four weeks and thirty-two weeks respectively. Jasmine was visibly preening as those surrounding her showered her with compliments, staring down at her heavily swollen stomach jealously. She was patting it, chucking as she spoke to her child sweetly, eyes full of love.

Patricia's, on the other hand, were full of distrust. She was cradling her growing bump protectively, glaring at those who looked at it for too long. Harry grimaced as she turned her stare to him, the Harem finally noticing his arrival.

He was a little later than usual, his ankles sore, gait smaller and slower due to his state. He was now thirty-seven weeks along, after all.

There was a dramatic gasp.

"Oh, Brother Harry! You're back with us!" It was Cedric, who stood to hold his hands, guiding him towards his seat in between Regulus and Patricia. "You're practically glowing!"

By his other side, Anya was barely containing her frown as Cedric practically dragged him along, but Harry chuckled good-naturedly. It was only fair to let the man have a little spotlight whilst he could, seeing as how he'd been so useful to Harry in the beginning.

"Hopefully only for a little while longer. I'm eagerly waiting to meet my child when they finally decide to make their appearance."

"It shouldn't be too long off now," Regulus spoke as he sat. "You're thirty-seven weeks now, correct?"

Harry nodded. "I'm hoping they'll arrive within a week or so." Wryly, he smiled. "They're quite big, my healer is surprised I'm still up and about."

His Uncle hummed. "They'll be putting you on bedrest soon, then. It happened with Felix when he was thirty-eight weeks with Prince Elias and measuring larger than normal."

"Are you saying you believe his baby will also be a boy?" Patricia mocked, cutting in. She was scowling, eyeing Harry with distrust, and she flipped her hair over her shoulder when their eyes met, turning to Regulus instead.

Regulus scoffed, rolling his eyes. "A baby's size doesn't indicate gender. I was merely pointing out a similar situation, so that Harry won't be concerned when it happens."

"Well," She continued. "I was thinking, all three of us can't possibly be carrying boys, that's just absurd! His Majesty only has four boys, it's highly unlikely we'll make that seven within a month. Therefore," She turned to Harry, smiling nastily. "I think you'll have a girl!"

Harry barely refrained from sighing. "Wonderful," He blandly responded. "I've always wanted a daughter first. Maybe mine and His Majesty's second will be a son, as we'll surely have another, the Emperor is already so enamoured with our first, and they haven't even arrived yet."

Her smile dropped, and it was her turn to roll her eyes. She snorted. "Well, try not to be too upset when that doesn't happen. If you can't give the Emperor a son, he's less likely to have another child with you."

"His Majesty told you that, did he? Funny, he was telling me just a few days ago that he has names in mind for our future children already."

Huffing, Patricia refused to respond, and Harry shared a glance with Regulus.

Once the remaining concubines arrived, Penny began the Meeting swiftly.

She unrolled the parchment in her hands, plastering a saccharine smile on her lips. Grinning, Penny began to speak in that bubbly tone of hers. "His Majesty hails the endurance of his Harem for yet another year and asks for us to reflect on the occurrences we have faced over the past year. He comments that there have been trials to face over the months, but that as a Harem we continue to move forward, and eagerly await the new additions arriving soon, the three Royal children due imminently."

There were polite claps and murmurs of thanks and congratulations.

Penny's smile turned biting. "There are a few members of our gathering who His Majesty believes have reached the time for promotion. However, he declares that due to their behaviour, he only wishes to promote one of those. Sister Lovegood." She chuckled, looking towards Luna. "Congratulations are in order, Sister,"

Luna, a dreamy expression on her face, smiled. She looked unsurprised, but she always did have a strange way of knowing upcoming events.

"His Majesty graciously promotes you to the rank of Fifth Noble."

The choked breaths of Dahlia and Daphne were clearly heard. They were the current Primary and Secondary First-Class Attendants respectively, after all. Usually, it would be the highest member of each class to be promoted, not the third. It meant they were two of those who were skipped over for their desired promotion.

"I thank His Majesty, he's very kind." Luna turned to him then, blinking. "This means we'll have more space in my new garden, Harry. Little Rue can come to play in it when they're older."

Someone snickered, and Harry heard various sounds of scorn and dissatisfaction. His smile faltered, words of congratulations dying in his throat.

" Rue ? That isn't a name appropriate for His Majesty's child." Pippa scoffed, laughing lightly along with the others. It was mocking, and they were all staring at him as if he'd done something humorous.

Harry huffed. "That's not-" He began to explain but was cut off by Patricia's noise of derision.

"What makes you think you can name His Majesty's child? It is His Majesty's decision-"

" I know! " Harry raised his voice, glaring at the concubines whose titters slowly tapered off. "I haven't  named  my child. You're right, His Majesty will do that. However, as you might have forgotten since you're getting on in your years now," Patricia spluttered, and he heard giggles further down. "I will have the right to give my child a  middle  name."

"Rue is not a proper-"

"Rue is not the full name!" He barely refrained from throwing his hands up in the air, frustrated. "It is a shortened version of it. Either Ruellan or Ruellia, that's what I've decided on. Why that pertains to you, I have no idea, as His Majesty has always staunchly defended a concubine's right to name  their  child." He huffed, leaning backwards. "Congratulations, Sister. I'm sure Rue and I will be frequent visitors of your new Palace."

Nodding happily, having ignored the others entirely, Luna smiled, and it washed away a good portion of the ire Harry was feeling.

14th July 1999- Wednesday

At nearly thirty-nine weeks along in his pregnancy, the constant surveillance Harry was under was beginning to grate on his nerves. It had been days since he'd last had a moment alone, the team of Healers he'd been assigned for his last few weeks seemingly believing that Harry would enter labour at any given moment. He had been excused from attending the daily meetings earlier in the week, which he had eagerly taken, but was now sorely regretting that. Harry had unknowingly subjected himself to constant prodding and little of anything else.

The heat didn't help, July having reached scorching temperatures that left him gasping for air due to the humidity. The only reprieve from this was either to sit in front of a fan, or find shade elsewhere in the Court.

"Your Highness, please, you must remain within your Palace walls. The baby could come at any moment!"

"I'm not feeling any closer to birth than I was an hour ago, I can assure you that this baby will stay put at least long enough for me to go for a walk!"

"But, Your Highness, there is a risk that your labour may progress quickly! The Royal child must not be born in the garden!"

Harry exited the gates, Healers and a horde of maids hot on his heels. He was determined to enjoy the fresh air of the Court whilst he could, and to do so, he needed to get out of the four walls of his Palace before he went stir-crazy.

Behind him, it sounded as if a stampede was following him, most of Harry's household having decided to follow him, along with the Healers.

"Your Highness, I must implore you to return! You should be resting whilst carrying the Royal child!"

"Then I should have been resting the whole of these long, nine months!" He shot back, continuing on his way.

"Please, Your Highness, you must return!"

"Harry," The Emperor's voice surprised him, and he spun to face the man. "I came to visit you, yet I find you running from your Palace as if it is on fire." Thomas was dressed far more casually than Harry had ever seen, robe open to reveal the black button-up shirt and trousers he wore underneath rather than tied intricately at the waist. He stared at the Emperor's figure, barely managing to tear his eyes away.

Harry chuckled awkwardly. "I needed to get out, Your Majesty."

Thomas surveyed the crowd behind him blandly. "Thank you all for your care, but I will be overseeing my Concubine for the time being."

The head Healer looked as if she might argue, but thought better of it. "Of course, Your Majesty."

Wrapping an arm around his waist, which made Harry's face burn brightly, Thomas steered him away from the Palaces. He realised where they were going after a few minutes of walking.

"I've only been to the Pavillion of Stars once."

"Did you not like it?"

"Oh no, it's very pretty! It's just, it's the most busy of the Pavillions."

"My Knights are turning away any who wish to use it. I was going to return and read there after seeing you, but I suppose if you wish for some fresh air, it would be in both of our interests to remain there."

The Pavillion of Stars was the smallest of the Pavillions but by far the most luxurious. Whilst the others had plain seating, and were decorated rather sparsely, the Pavillion of Stars had cushioned seats and a beautiful glass roof that allowed an unobstructed view of the stars. Harry had rarely approached it, due to the spot being frequented by Bellatrix and those who followed her. Penny, likewise, had claimed the Pavillion of Light, which was bigger, contained floor seating that was much preferred by the young children, and had a stained glass ceiling that projected rainbows onto the surroundings during sunny days.

They ascended the steps, Thomas slowing to guide him carefully up them, which made Harry blush. The man settled them on the round bench in the middle, right under the roof. Despite it still being daytime, the view of the blue sky dotted with clouds was nevertheless rather beautiful.

"I wished to speak with you, Harry."

The informality of his speech snatched his full attention, and Harry ripped his gaze away from the sky to watch the man beside him. "Yes?"

"I had something created for you. Consider it a gift for carrying my child, if you will. And as something to celebrate your second year within the Court." Thomas withdrew a square box from seemingly nowhere, presenting it to Harry with care, his lips seemingly fighting away a smirk.

Harry took it carefully, meeting the man's eyes with trepidation, and gasped when he opened it. Inside was a beautiful, small crown, composed of glittering diamonds and a central emerald which shone in the sunlight.

He was awestruck, barely managing to croak out his thanks as he gently ran his finger across its silver frame. "I- I already have a crown?" Harry contested, meeting the Emperor's prideful gaze. "You gave me one for my ascension. Is this for our child?"

"No, I intended it to be for you, my Concubine. I am giving you another for daily wearage. The other is much too bejewelled to wear outside of occasions. This is smaller, tamer."

"It will incite jealousy like nothing else." He stated, still staring at its glistening form.

Thomas chucked, picking it up and gently placing the crown atop Harry's head. "You incite jealousy by simply existing, my Concubine. Besides, I give gifts to each of my concubines when they are expecting. It isn't usually so shiny, however. Perhaps I am feeling inspired by your beauty."

Harry blushed, stuttering under his intense stare. The Emperor's hands were gentle as they cupped his face, and Harry blinked, confused, humming in surprise when their lips met.

"There," Thomas' voice was filled with satisfaction. "Perfect."

31st July 1999- Saturday

As Harry bent over to place his teacup on the table, he groaned in pain suddenly, breathing heavily through his nose as his baby took that moment to deliver a harsh kick to his lungs. Breathless, he straightened, collapsing heavily back into the plush pillows surrounding him.

Despite the reduced strain, sweat beaded on Harry's brow, and he groaned again as the pressure on his lungs didn't abate.

He was now past his due date to the point that his Healers were becoming concerned. Two days ago had been forty-one weeks, and he was feeling every one of them at that moment. His baby still showed no signs of wanting to greet the world, and within the next few days, if they didn't make their long-awaited appearance, they were going to be forcefully evicted.

The healers had been reassuring him that going over was usual for first pregnancies, but Harry could see that they were beginning to fret as he passed forty weeks, and then forty-one to everyone's surprise.

In contrast to a couple of weeks ago, all Harry wished to do was sit on the sofa, enjoying the release of tension. However, as opposed to their earlier advice, the healers seemed to wish for him to be more active now, in an attempt to coax his child into the world.

His birthday, which he had expected to spend lavishing in the comfort of holding his baby, no more pressure on his organs, was instead spent wheezing and twisting with discomfort, much to Harry's absolute  joy . He was grateful his child was still healthy and comfortable, yes, but he was sure they would be just a comfortable  outside  of his body, where Harry could enjoy relaxing, sleepy cuddles without the constant pressure.

"Your Highness, do you need another pillow?"

Anya stood in front of him, eyebrows scrunched in concern. The Healers had left the room on his orders to 'let him breathe!', so it was only the pair of them for the first time in what felt like forever. Harry gave her an exhausted smile.

"It won't help," He huffed. "They just don't seem to want to settle today-"

A sharp pain suddenly stabbed sharply up his side, cutting off his sentence, and Harry doubled over in pain. He groaned, batting at Anya's hands as she fussed over him. The shocks didn't abate for a few more moments, before ceasing abruptly.

"Your Highness! Are you alright?"

He panted deeply, clutching onto her hand for dear life as another agonising stab rippled through him then. Harry crumpled further, feeling his legs begin to shake. The waves of pain continued, abated, and then came rushing back with ferocity.

"I think-" Harry forced out, eyes squeezed shut. "I think the baby is coming."

1st August 1999- Sunday

Cedric's knees ached, a bone-deep numbness having spread from his feet and up his legs a little while before. His back and neck were stiff as well, and he hissed as he shifted, restless. Before him, the Eunuch overseeing them stared at him disapprovingly, and Cedric shrank back, wincing as his feet began to tingle.

They had been called to Harry's Palace hours ago now, when the Healers had announced that his labour had progressed enough that they were imminently awaiting the birth of the Concubine's child. However, it was taking longer than Cedric expected.

The front row of their kneeling forms were the only ones not in perfect formation, those few who outranked the Secondary Concubine in the room. There were only five now. However, they were each stiff, watching the door with hard eyes.

By the Emperor's side, Consort Penny shifted, attempting to make small talk with the imposing man. He shushed her every time, arms folded as he, too, stared at the door

A yelp of pain startled him, and Cedric looked towards the sound along with the rest of the others, waiting for further noise. Silence was the only thing that followed. Cedric glanced at the candle on the altar that denoted the concubine's health, relieved to see that it was still flickering strongly.

The Emperor, who stood closest to the door, shifted, clenching his fists as the door swung open. There in the doorway stood Harry's Head Maid- Annie or something- her hands folded before her and head bowed demurely.

"Your Majesty," The woman spoke, voice soft. "The-"

A shriek cut her off, the wail different to the others that had come from the room before. Without a word, the Emperor pushed past the maid, an expression of wonder clear on his face.

Cedric felt his heart clench with jealousy.

The wails of the newlyborn child continued, and he bit his lip harshly, feeling tears sting in his eyes.

He and Harry had both been the only male Nobles together, Cedric had been higher ranking than him in fact. Now, Harry was a Concubine, and his child had finally been born. Before this, Cedric felt he could lie to himself a little and believe that they were still as close as he thought, being only a rank apart and being tentative friends. However, now, Harry had something Cedric didn't. A child.

No matter what gender his child was, he currently held the Emperor's sole attention, whilst Cedric was left to clamber to his feet, legs stiff, and struggle forward to take in the view of the happy family.

It had been a whirlwind of movement after his labour had begun. Anya had called for his Healers immediately, and they had somehow managed to get him into one of the spare rooms, decked out for maximum comfort during what would turn out to be a long and arduous labour spanning thirty hours by the end.

In the evening of the following day, having spent his entire birthday and the rest writhing in pain, Harry finally welcomed his baby into the world.

There were a few tense, heartwrenching seconds of terrible silence, in which Harry's heart shuddered with panic. He was filled with anguish as those dreadful seconds stretched and stretched and-

His child began to scream, their wail relaxing the tension in the room and sending Harry into blubbering, relieved tears. He reached eagerly for them as soon as the midwife had finished swaddling them in a soft, green blanket, hands shaking.

He took his child into his arms carefully, staring at their face obsessively. They looked perfect, all pink and swollen, tiny eyes closed, lips pursed as they settled. Even still covered in gunk, they were the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen.

Harry looked up grudgingly as he heard a rustle, and Thomas was by his side in the next second, staring down at the pair of them with nothing but devotion in his eyes.

"Harry, well done." His voice was calm, although Harry thought he could hear a tinge of emotion in his tone. It was deeper than usual, a sign that he was clearly affected.

He smiled at the man, shifting so he could see the face of their child clearer, whose wails had trailed off into hiccupy cooes now that the bustling had abated. The whole Palace seemed to be holding their breaths, allowing them this moment to themselves.

The midwife wrung her hands as she waited before them, and Thomas nodded at her. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Your Highness, on the birth of the Sixteenth Princess. May your reign last forevermore, Your Majesty, and your newest child inherit Your immeasurable power."

Harry heard the sighs of apparent relief from the other concubines, who he noticed were now gathered around the door, watching the scene intensely. His attention however was quickly turned to his daughter. He cradled her tighter, examining her features as she shifted.

"She has my mother's hair." He whispered to Thomas, who leaned down to stroke the red, wispy locks plastered to her forehead. There was quite a lot, enough that it trailed into her eyes, and by the way her nose scrunched, she didn't enjoy the feeling.

"So she does." He looked enamoured, red eyes fixed on their daughter, who was making tiny sounds that melted Harry's heart.

Sleepy, tiny eyelids fluttered, and both parents leaned in closer, eager. Her eyes opened then, revealing bloody red orbs identical to the Emperor's. Harry thought he could see tiny flecks of blue-maybe-green around the centre, but her eyes were too slitted from exhaustion to tell.

Harry unwittingly gasped, although it contained a tinge of horror. At the Emperor's sharp look, he hurried to explain. "Red hair and red eyes." He met the man's eyes wryly. "It's a combination."

The man's disbelieving chuckle revealed his thoughts on that. "I think it's perfect. She's certainly the most visibly vibrant child I have."

Their moment as a family of three was broken as Penny inched forward, clearing her throat. She didn't appear happy, but there was some satisfaction in her gaze as she stared down at him and his daughter. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Brother. It is such a joy to welcome yet another Princess." Penny smiled serenely, hands folded in front of her. "I congratulate you and His Majesty on her birth."

Harry bet it was for them, but he couldn't find it in himself to care much about their glee. His daughter was perfect, and he loved her no lesser than he would have if he'd had a son. And by the Emperor's glance, he didn't either, unlike the assumptions of the concubines watching them eagerly.

"Thank you, Sister."

"Have you decided on a name, Your Majesty?" She continued, and Harry gritted his teeth at her presumptuousness to ask that before even he could.

Thomas nodded, meeting his eyes instead, which soothed Harry's ignited ire. "I have. I thought to honour the Black family, as the Potters don't have a distinctive naming tradition. She shall be named Alsephina, after the star system within the constellation Vela. I hope you like it, my Concubine, I spend many days deciding on what would suit our daughter."

Harry sniffed as he looked down at the baby in his arms, attaching the name to her. It fit, it honoured his family, and most of all, it was perfect with the middle name he had chosen. "It's a beautiful name."

"Have you thought of a middle name for our daughter, My Concubine?"

He had. It was one that had taken weeks to decide on. At first, he had wished for it to be a homage to the Black family, names along the lines of Mariela and Hespera coming to mind. And then it had become Rosalia, to honour his mother. Felix, however, had used a similar middle name for his daughter, and not wanting there to be a misunderstanding, he had searched for another. It still did honour his mother, but it fit much better with the Emperor's unusual naming pattern. "Ruellia. It is a beautiful flower, I have many growing in my garden. I thought to honour my mother if I had a daughter."

Thomas nodded, humming. "Perfect. Alsephina Ruellia Slytherin." 

The baby in his arms made a noise as if agreeing with her Father, and Harry couldn't stop the wet chuckle that escaped him, feeling tears trail gently down his cheeks. A warm thumb drew across his cheek, and Harry met Thomas' eyes, which were warmer than he'd seen before.

"Thank you, darling." Harry's breath caught in his throat. "I will treasure our daughter, our first child together, dearly."

He managed to croak out a 'Thank you', eyes filled with tears that refused to spill. Harry gulped, squeezing Thomas' hand which had slipped into his own.

"And as my final thanks for our daughter's birth, I wish to bestow upon you the rank of Fifth Consort."