Intimacy

2nd August 1999- Monday

The official announcement of Harry's promotion to Fifth Consort wasn't until the next day, as the first of August had fallen on a Sunday. However, the Harem had all been there to hear it directly from the Emperor, so the reactions were swift and unhidden, although thankfully dulled by trained public facades. The room had filled quickly with harsh whispers, but none had dared to speak louder than that, not under the watchful gaze of the Emperor. Harry had mostly ignored them and their stares, until they were finally forced to file out of his Palace once the spectacle reached its end, leaving Thomas and him to watch over their daughter. 

The man remained in his Palace for the night, overseeing her whilst Harry recovered and slept. The Emperor then left in the early hours of the morning to draw up the announcements needed for the daily meeting, having spent much of the previous day hovering in the hallways of Harry's Palace.

Harry wasn't attending the meeting today, he wouldn't want to even if he hadn't been exempt. But, how he wished he could see their faces as Penny announced it, the formal confirmation that he was now on practically equal ranking to the most powerful members of the Harem.

In two years, he had gone from Noble to Consort. It had taken Bellatrix nineteen years to reach the rank in 1995, Regulus twenty as he'd been promoted just earlier in the year, Isla fifteen by 1997 and Penny nine and a half by the time of her third child in 1998. Evangeline had become one after eight years, and a Noble Consort six years after that.

And, most of all, his promotion proved how it wasn't the gender of the child that granted the promotion, despite the Harem's staunch belief that boys were worth more to the Emperor. It was the matter of who gave birth to the child, and the affection the man held towards them.

Whether this would register with them, however, was another thing.

Harry was leant over the side of his daughter's crib, staring down at her tiny, swaddled form with glistening eyes, tracing her dainty features with his fingers. Soft as a feather, he brushed back the fluffy curls on her forehead, watching as Alsephina's lips pursed in her sleep.

She was everything he had ever dreamed of and more. Her tiny face was framed with bright, red curls, a full head of hair that was silky soft and unique. She had a cute button nose and lips that pouted cutely, tiny little hands and even tinier feet. He could see his own features in her- the nose, most prominently. From her grandmother. Alsephina, however, looked more like her father to him than Harry. Her eyes were shaped exactly like Thomas', her facial shape also more prominently defined than he's expected to see on a newborn. Other than that, they would just have to wait and see what their daughter looked like as she grew.

"Your Highness." Anya's soft call from the doorway barely registered to him as he continued to observe Alsephina. "You shouldn't be leaning over the side like that, you are putting pressure on your stomach."

"I just want to stare at her all day, Anya. She's just so perfect." He whispered gently, stroking a gentle finger down her cheek. She snuffled, and he drew back quickly, but that didn't stop her from waking with a distressed whine. Her eyes, hazy with sleep, fluttered, before closing once more after a few breathless moments

"You can stare at her all you like, sitting down with her in your arms. It is time for a feed." Harry turned and spotted the bottle in her hands, a grin forming quickly. He hurried to the rocking chair a few feet away, eagerly waiting as his maid reached into the crib and oh-so-carefully picked up his daughter.

Alsie fussed a little, waking up from her nap again, but Anya expertly shushed her, rocking her side to side before placing her in his arms. He awkwardly cradled her for a few moments, before relaxing and shifting his daughter into a more comfortable position. Red, sleep-filled eyes blinked lazily up at Harry, and he cooed at the disgruntlement so clearly displayed.

"Hello, sweetheart," He spoke softly, cut off from speaking further by the grumble of her stomach, and the plaintative whine she let out. He chuckled a little, careful not to jostle her much, before drawing her attention with the bottle. Her eyesight wasn't focused enough yet, so he doubted she truly knew what was going on, but he wanted to alert her nonetheless. "You're hungry aren't you, darling. Here, be good and take this for me, you didn't finish the last one."

"Fifth Consort!?" The maids huddled at the walls flinched as a cup went flying, crashing into the floor. Tea splashed over the floor and up the walls, and Penny sighed at the mess. She waved a hand, and a maid of her own quickly scurried to clean it up, dodging the fuming woman still ranting. "This is absurd, Sister! You must talk to His Majesty!"

Patricia was pacing back and forth in front of her, robes and hair a mess, her fingernails bitten down into bloody stumps. She was rubbing at her stomach whilst doing so as if reassuring herself it was still there. Penny swallowed a drag of tea, breathing out hotly through her nose with her eyes closed.

She huffed. "Sister, His Majesty-"

"That brat has been here two years- Two years! And he's a Consort?" Patricia scoffed. "If all it took to become a Consort was spreading your legs and popping out a girl, I would have been one back in 1983! Are you not annoyed as well, Sister? This- this promotion," She spat. "It makes fools out of all of us who have served as concubines for years, decades! Who have borne the Emperor child after child, only to be outranked by a mere boy?!"

Penny refrained from commenting that the woman's daughter had died in suspicious circumstances, and before that, Patricia had only held a sliver of the Emperor's attention. She would have never been promoted so soon.

More concerning to Penny was that she had the Emperor's favour, yet she was only promoted to Consort with the birth of her third child, and after nine years at that. Either the Emperor had become soft, or Harry was a more serious competitor than Penny had foreseen.

The boy wasn't all too popular with the rest of the Harem, not as she was. Nor was he Head of the Harem, something which Penny took pride in gaining from the old hag who had controlled the position for so long. He was also only the father to a single child, a girl at that.

She had three precious children, and hopefully, she could soon secure a fourth, a boy at that, before she grew any older. Within the next year, hopefully, a chance which was heightened now that the Emperor was obliged to spend ceremonial nights with her as his highest-ranked spouse.

Penny wanted her position to be safe before she raised any higher. Becoming Noble Consort with the birth of her next son, a position which had only been held once before, would be perfect.

Then, she could set her sights on the ranks of Imperial Noble Consort, and Empress.

With luck, the Emperor would realise her Rastus was surely the son most suited for the throne, and she would secure the role of Empress Dowager for herself with his standing as heir, ensuring her power was solidified for decades, even centuries to come.

No, Harry wasn't a threat. Yet. He had no claim to power further than his Lordships and the eventual marriage alliance his daughter would secure long in the future.

But Penny would keep an eye on him, and ensure his loyalty. She wouldn't target him unless absolutely necessary, and hopefully, he'd keep producing his 'darling' girls so that her own sons would have no more competition.

"Are you listening to me, Sister? I said-"

"It will all be fine. Princess Alsephina is that, a girl. She won't be under his control for long, only five years and she'll be within the children's Palace. And then, before long, she'll be engaged to some foreign Prince. His Majesty has shown us that he is willing to send his daughters abroad with the engagement of Princess Evana and that Prince of Italy."

Patricia scoffed. "You and I both know that was the girl's own decision. She fell in love with the boy when they met at that ball recently."

"Yes, well, we all know that His Majesty is lenient with his children. But what we also can infer from this is that the man has high expectations for his children's marriages. Marrying a Prince is the only title close to equal for our daughters. What will be more interesting, however, is who he will allow his sons to marry, as they will be carrying on his name."

"And which of his grandchildren he will allow to carry royal titles." Patricia piped in. She patted her swollen stomach. "I'm sure the Prince's children will receive royal titles, even if they aren't chosen as the next Emperor. It is so in almost every other Royal, European household."

Penny hummed. "Times are changing. I would be ecstatic to have all of my grandchildren carry royal titles."

8th August 1999- Sunday

The first time Harry laid eyes on his official Consort crown, he sighed. 

Yellow was most definitely not his colour. He hoped, selfishly, that he wouldn't have to wear it for long, even though another promotion was improbable at this time.

Of course, the orange of Noble Consorts wouldn't be a much better colour, in fact, Harry was positive he would look worse in it than he did draped in yellow.

Once he was finished with the ceremonial promotion, Harry would order some robes in light yellow, mostly white to look somewhat natural. Nothing like the bright yellow robes he had to wear for his formal ceremony, the colour identical to the gem symbolising Consorts.

The crown was placed on his head, fitting perfectly. It was much grander than the crown he was given as a Concubine, covered with diamonds, yellow gems dispersed evenly with a larger gem taking up the center. Harry found himself glad that the crown would be worn only for traditional occasions, and that he could return to using the smaller crown he was recently gifted soon enough.

Of course, he didn't have to wear yellow robes or the Consort crown after this if he didn't wish to. Harry was entitled to wear any colours that ranked below, but that would mean separating himself from the other Consorts, who wore their colour proudly. And standing out in this way specifically wasn't something that attracted appropriate attention.

Sighing, he smoothed down his robes once more, eyeing himself critically. His maids had done well, and Harry looked good despite his internal complaints. There was golden eyeshadow surrounding his eyes, which made the green pop, blending his features in with the robes he wore instead of the contrast he had expected. The inky darkness of his hair looked far deeper wearing such bright colours, and his eyelashes stood out far more than before.

"Your Highness,"

Harry turned with Anya's call, nodding. "I'm ready."

The pageantry of the event amazed Harry, despite having witnessed two Consort ceremonies beforehand. However, nothing could have prepared him to experience his own, walking down the aisle towards where the Emperor sat, surrounded on all sides by spectators.

Smoothly, he made his way up the dias steps, wincing slightly at the strain the movement was placing on his body, still not fully recovered from his daughter's birth a week ago. Still, Harry pushed himself, coming to a stop before the man.

Thomas, as ever, was the most attractive being Harry had ever laid eyes on, and he didn't believe that title would ever change. The man almost seemed more god than human as he stood there in black and gold robes, his imperious stare lightened with the perhaps-fondness within it. Although, calling the Emperor a god wasn't too far off of what he truly was- Immortal, all-powerful, and breathtaking beyond imagination.

As if reading his thoughts, the man smirked briefly, the twitch of his lips caught only by Harry due to his proximity.

He knelt. "I greet His Majesty, the Supreme Emperor of the Slytherin Dynasty. May His Reign last forever more, immortalised both in Body and in Mind."

Despite not being able to see the man's face, Harry felt as the man's magic swelled, tinged with appreciation. 

"Harrison Potter-Black, Son and Heir of the Potter Family, Heir of the Black Family, faithful and beloved concubine of mine, Father to an Imperial Princess, an heir to my throne." The Emperor began, his voice strong and proud as he spoke. "You have served me attentively in the short time I have called you mine, fulfilling your role as was expected, and further than that. With this edict, accepting the responsibility this role possesses, I formally proclaim you; His Highness, Fifth Consort Slytherin-Potter-Black."

Head lifting from the floor, Harry breathed in a stuttering breath. "I am most fortunate, Your Majesty. I will endeavour to uphold my position and bear the responsibility such a status requires. With my heart, I swear to raise our daughter, and any future children we may bring forth into this world should Magic bless us, to honour you. Us."

The formalities finished, Harry clambered to his feet, breathing in heavily as Thomas helped him gently. Their eyes met. They leaned in, drawn to each other like magnets, never kept apart for long.

Their kiss was long and far more passionate than perhaps was appropriate for such a public gathering, but Harry could not find it in him to care the slightest bit as he practically melded with the man. When they finally broke apart, the Emperor sat him in the chair next to his throne, brushing the hair back from his forehead.

"It seems I was slow with gifting you your most recent crown. Yellow is your new colour, after all. Perhaps I will soon gift you another." He tucked one of Harry's curls behind his ear, sitting next to him in one smooth motion. Harry chuckled, although grimaced a little.

"Ah, perhaps that can wait a little while longer? There will be plenty of time for you to gift me a Consort one in the future, after all."

The man hummed.

9th August 1999- Monday

"I congratulate you on the birth of your daughter, Brother." Penny clasped her hands around one of his own, smiling ear to ear. "Her arrival was impeccably timed, you must feel blessed for the Sixteenth Princess to share such a connection with you. Receiving your daughter as a birthday gift was a blessing from the gods."

"Thank you, Sister. I am overjoyed she finally decided to make her appearance." Harry gritted his teeth, wincing a little as he jostled his stomach.

He had been forced to host the woman and Erin, who had trailed behind her, for tea when the pair turned up unexpectedly on his doorstep. With little time to prepare, they were taking their tea in the front room, which was less personal than the rest of his house. He could hear his daughter's quiet grizzles from another room, every instinct within him fighting to comfort her. However, Harry knew that she was in safe hands, and that he was unfortunately obliged to host his two guests until they left.

He couldn't exactly kick Penny out, after all. Much as he'd love to do just that.

"Still, you must be somewhat disappointed. Both Sister Jasmine's and Sister Patricia's children are supposedly sons, and you ended up birthing a daughter." Penny giggled, hiding her smile behind her hand. "Ah, I apologise, it was rude of me to bring up such a sore topic."

"Why would it be a sore topic?"

She spluttered, clearing her throat to take a moment to compose herself again. In that time, Harry had fixed her with a raised eyebrow, goading her into answering the way he predicted. "Well, I mean, aren't you disappointed that she is going to be overshadowed soon by her brothers?"

Harry frowned, barely refraining from scoffing. "And why would she be overshadowed? They will be new children for His Majesty, yes, but my daughter is still only a few days old."

"Oh, you can't be so naive, Brother! It's to be expected that she will be. The Emperor has so few sons, after all, and sixteen daughters now. The arrival of a fifth and sixth Prince will be greatly celebrated." Erin butted in, looking dubious. "Even I admit that, and I love my daughter to pieces!"

Harry huffed, but kept his expression as genial as he could. "He has only a few sons, yes, but His Majesty treats all his children equally, as I have discovered. I admit, when I first entered the harem, I thought the same as you, that he wanted sons to succeed him. But now I can see that it's the rest of the harem that imposed those views on the general population, not His Majesty himself."

Penny scoffed, swirling the tea in her cup. "The succession laws state-" She cut herself off suddenly, a thoughtful expression on her face before realisation bloomed. "There are no succession laws." She muttered with dawning horror.

"No," He stated. "There are not. Because the Emperor is immortal." Harry pointed out, leaning back. He had looked into it once Thomas had given him a tutor, wanting all the information available to protect himself and his own. "There is no need for a successor, not for a long time, at least. There is, therefore, no need to favour sons over daughters. Only power matters, in the end. And as of yet, His Majesty believes none of his children can fill the void he'd leave if he abdicated in their favour, or are not yet of age to do so."

She blinked. "There are no succession laws," Penny repeated blankly, and Harry scrunched his eyebrows. "There's no succession laws!? That man!-" Explecitives spilt from her mouth, and Harry's eyebrows climbed further up as she continued. "What will happen if he suddenly dies-"

"He's immor-"

"Or incapacitated!" Penny pointed a serious finger in his direction. "What then? Oh, I'll tell you what! The whole realm with be in shambles, pillaging and killing galore! They'll break into the Court, murder us all and our children to get rid of the Slytherin bloodline!" She stood in a hurry, looking harried. Harry gaped as she hurried from his palace as if the fire was at her heels, halfway out of his seat as he heard the door slam.

Harry shared a look with Erin, who looked equally confused and followed the woman at a pace.

They managed to enter the Emperor's Palace after the Head Eunuch allowed them in, heading immediately for the man's office. The door was thrown wide open, and they could hear the discussion from within clearly.

"-make such an idiotic oversight? Were you even thinking of the children?" Her cool tone spilt out into the hallway, venom lacing it. She sounded confident and controlled, but the way her voice quivered with the word 'children' revealed otherwise.

Thomas was calmly observing Penny as she leaned over his desk, hands slammed onto the papers he'd been working on. The Emperor's eyes flitted over to the pair of them as they entered, nodding slightly. They froze, simply watching the scene unfold.

"And what about our own children? Am I just supposed to sit back, uncertain about a clear future, worrying that you may leave the realm in shambles just because you place such confidence in your immortality?"

The Emperor sighed, placing the quill he'd been spinning between his fingers down on the desk with a clack. "There are succession laws." Thomas bluntly revealed, clasping his hands together and giving her a bland look.

Harry faltered. Penny's cool anger stopped dead in its tracks.

"There are?" She questioned silkily, drawing back from her aggressive lean. Neatly, she folded her hands in front of her, straightening. "I wasn't aware, but I had assumed there would be some sort of succession in place."

As if her questions were a massive inconvenience and not crucial, unrevealed information, the man sighed again. "Yes. I am not, in fact, 'idiotic', Consort Haywood." The Emperor gave her a hard stare, which Penny bowed under. "I had thought of such a scenario, and many others in fact. Therefore, I created a contingency plan for my own sake of mind. The eldest child of my highest-ranked concubine will inherit the throne, regardless of gender. If they are unequipped for the position, it will go to the second born, and so on, as long as they are over the age of majority. If that is not the case, the adult with the highest-ranking parent will become my heir. Does that satisfy you, Consort?"

Harry could see Penny calculating in her head.

"Do posthumous titles count?"

He leaned forward. "Of course."

That put all children except First Princess Evana out of the running immediately, leaving her as the sole inheritor of the throne at that moment, if only because she was the sole adult child, but also because her mother had been a Noble Consort. Whether Penny became a Noble Consort soon or not, she would remain heir until Ninth Princess Aurelia reached the age of seventeen. In eleven years.

"Then I apologise sincerely, Your Majesty. I have gravely misstepped and accused you irresponsibly. However, I would not have come to such a conclusion unless Brother Harry hadn't-"

Thomas raised a hand, and she fell silent. "I am busy, this incident shall be forgotten. It is a matter I had been wanting to discuss since my eldest daughter's entrance into adulthood, anyway."

"But, your Majesty, we have-"

"Please, return to your duties. I am a busy man," His lip quirked. "Ruling an Empire is perhaps not as easy as I make it seem."

Once his concubines had left, Thomas allowed his ire to finally show. He clenched his jaw, breathing in deeply through his nose, thoughts swirling.

Thomas wondered, sometimes, why he still put up with many of them. They were insipid, power-hungry, incessant vultures. They were the mothers and fathers of his children, yes, but divorce was common enough that it wouldn't be a problem.

The only true reasons, he reminded himself, were that they knew things, they could be used as leverage, and some were useful. Such as the Black Family, the Nott's, the Greengrass', the Smith's, and the Malfoy's. The Potters. Their families were some of the biggest in the UK. 

The Rosenbergs and Lauriers were his most influential outside of the country. It had confused some at first why Thomas refused to fill his Harem with a candidate from each country, to ensure loyalty of some sort. However, he didn't truly feel the need to. Those who relied on politics to rule an Empire were doomed to fail. What people recognised most was power. They were more likely to rebel, yes. but power could stop that. Often, diplomacy fell short of the desired result.

That was why he was so eagerly awaiting the descendant of his that could match him in that area. The closest were but babes in arms for the time being, and Thomas hoped that there would be more prospects to come.

Evana, as much as he could sense her will to succeed him, would be a poor Empress, indeed.

10th August 1999- Tuesday

"Harry, sweetheart," His Mum's warm voice brought tears to Harry's eyes, and he sniffed as her arms wrapped around him strongly. "You're looking wonderful, healthy."

"You're as beautiful as ever, Mum." He returned, uncaring of the stares drilling into their embracing forms.

It was the celebration for his daughter's birth, and everyone even slightly blood-related had turned up for the chance to mingle with royalty. The Blacks were huddled in a far corner, swarming Bellatrix and Regulus, who looked to be in their element. The Selwyn's were similarly present, less related but still enough to weasel in. The hall, however, was devoid of any of his maternal relatives. The Dursleys, the family his Mum's sister had married into, despised magic. He hadn't seen them since he was a young boy.

Also in attendance was the man of the hour, the Emperor. He was sat on his throne, surrounded by Knights, surveying the crowd. His gaze always drew back to their daughter, who was nearby, guarded zealously by Knights and maids alike. Their eyes met then, and the man smirked before sipping at his wine.

"Hawwy!" A little voice gurgled, and Harry span so fast he got whiplash. In his Dad's arms, there sat his eighteen-month-old sister, her ginger curls wilder than ever, beaming at him with glistening brown eyes. He smiled at her gently, taking her into his arms when she reached for him. Her hands immediately came up to swipe at his crown, and Harry chuckled but didn't let her remove it from his head.

"Florence, have you come to see your niece?"

A look of confusion passed over her features. "Neece?" She lisped, and Harry was surprised for a moment that she had even attempted to repeat what he'd said.

"Yes, my baby, Alsie." Harry brought her over to where Anya stood over the bassinet containing Alsephina, bending so his sister could see the squirming bundle inside. "You're her Auntie."

Red eyes met brown, and Alsephina's squirming abated when Florence reached hesitantly down. Harry held his breath, ready to back away if his sister made any sudden moves, but the toddler surprised him by gently poking a chubby finger into the Princess' cheek. Harry laughed lightly at the look of disgruntlement on Alsie's face, pulling Florence away when the pressure she was using grew stronger.

"She isn't much younger than you, I'm sure you're going to grow up loving each other. And when she gets to Hogwarts, you'll take care of her for me, won't you?"

The childish enthusiasm which Florence put into nodding in agreement made him chuckle, despite knowing she most likely understood little of what he'd just said.

"Oh, she's a bright one!" His dad's voice came from behind him, and Harry snorted at the look on the man's face.

"Blame Mum, she's the one who introduced that red into our genes!"

"I'm talking more about those eyes!" James gaped, staring down at the pools of bloody red, shivering slightly. The appearance of slight flecks of green was the only thing stopping him from gulping despite the eyes belonging to a baby. His granddaughter.

Sirius, who had snuck up on them after being dragged into the Black Family's swarm, arm wrapped tightly around Remus', let out a whistle as he leant over the bassinet. "Wow, now that's a combination!" He sent a wolfish grin at Harry, who was preening despite himself. "You better hope she grows up to wear duller colours or your eyes will strain soon."

Harry rolled them. "She will wear whatever she likes, whether that be red, green, orange or yellow."

The baby in question gurgled, wide awake and looking around due to the commotion. Her eyes looked far clearer than they had previously, but Harry knew that Alsephina's vision still wasn't perfect. He cooed down at her, eliciting further noises that weren't quite intentional giggles yet.

Harry couldn't wait for that.

15th August 1999- Sunday

Two weeks after the birth of his daughter-

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, Your Highness, on the birth of the Fifth Prince."

Jasmine gave birth to her son, the Fifth Prince, named Atticus Orrick Slytherin, at just over forty weeks.

He was a tiny little thing with her brown hair, and baby blue eyes that had yet to change colour, grizzling constantly as they performed their formalities.

Jasmine looked exhausted, but she was grinning widely, her grip tight on the Fifth Prince. If the boy minded, the discomfort couldn't be recognised over his incessant whining. He hadn't stopped making noise from birth, not even when Jasmine had momentarily passed the Prince off to Thomas, who cradled him gently.

She had watched him intently as he did, licking her lips, a hopeful expression flashing across her features. The man's lips had quirked, and he'd given her a peck on her forehead, but apart from that, he only gave her the expected congratulations.

Oh, they weren't half-hearted by any means, the Emperor had been sincere as he'd thanked her, cuddled their baby softly to his chest, and revealed the name of the Prince with pride. There were also the many gifts she could expect to arrive soon, once they had been tweaked to fit the boy. But there had been no mention yet of a possible promotion, not like the sudden announcement of his own whilst he had still been reeling over the fact that his baby had finally arrived.

She didn't make any move to ask, either, and as Penny crept forward to break their moment, something sparked within Harry's heart.

It was cruel of him to be relieved the Emperor wasn't promoting her on the spot, or even announcing an intention to do so at the start of the next month. She surely would be getting some sort of promotion, after all, even if it was only one within her current rank of Concubine. But he was relieved. It only further separated the treatment Harry received compared to the other's, and further drove the fact that, despite having borne a Princess, he was the one who became a Consort.

By now, word had to have spread that the Emperor had a succession plan set up, with no preference for gender in sight. And that was for if something unfortunate happened to the man. Outside of that, clearly, the man would be choosing the descendant of his that impressed him the most. It must have been a shocking fact to discover, but he was still resting in his Palace from the strain of birth, so he had yet to attend a morning meeting since and therefore was unaware of his fellow concubine's responses.

However, there was also the fact that, with this news, those who only had daughters had renewed hope and ambition of gaining the title of Dowager once their child or grandchild ascended the throne. That large group contained Bellatrix, who would waste no time in grooming her daughter into the perfect heir and improving her own position to ensure she would be the one chosen. 

His competition had only gone and expanded whilst he was resting.

23rd August 1999- Monday

A couple of weeks after the birth of Alsephina, Harry re-entered the Harem formally, joining the morning meetings once again. He could have left it longer, enjoying free mornings with his young daughter, but he had a duty to uphold, and now that she was past her most vulnerable, he felt secure enough to leave her in the care of Anya and his personal maids for an hour.

Which was why, following behind him instead was June, grinning from ear to ear, and Lien. The pair hadn't been his first choice, not June, anyway; but the twins were preoccupied with a task he had assigned to them earlier, and his other maids weren't suitable for the position. Therefore, Harry had to content himself with the knowledge that Lien was at least reliable enough. June was a wildcard.

He entered the Hall to silence, blinking as he registered the small gathering present. Only Penny, who sat up on the dias, and Isla, were present.

"Ah," Penny exclaimed, smiling broadly. She was tapping her nails on her armrest, the noise echoing in the expansive hall. "Brother, I'm glad you are able to join us once again. We have missed your presence dearly, as one of the pillars of this harem. Please, sit, you must still be feeling strained."

Harry approached them, taking his seat second to the right of Penny. Next to him was Isla, who was watching his every move intently. Harry hadn't interacted with the woman much despite knowing her for two years now, their last momentous interaction being when she had to apologise for her son's behaviour. Despite that, their relations weren't frosty, to Harry's surprise.

"Good morning, Brother," Isla spoke, her voice slightly raspy. Her expression was neutral as always, but she seemed more present than usual.

"Good morning, Sister, and to you as well, Sister Penny."

The doors flew open with a bang then, and in came a stomping Bellatrix. Fearing confrontation, Harry sighed, but was surprised as the woman simply continued past and practically threw herself into her chair to the left of Penny. Notably, there was no entourage today.

Moments later, Regulus came gliding serenely into the hall, Felix and Alecto trailing after him. He sat down, giving Harry a small smile, but ignored the woman next to him completely.

Harry and Isla shared a look unmeaningly, whipping their heads away as they registered their instinctive camaraderie.

1st September 1999- Wednesday

"His Majesty announces that he is delighted to welcome his Fifth son, and conveys his deepest gratitude to Concubine Lafington."

Jasmine sat forward, eyes eager.

"And so, His Majesty has decided to promote Sister Jasmine to the rank of Secondary Concubine."

She was so obviously disappointed it would have been amusing if she didn't look so heartbroken. It looked like she wanted to refute that, say something along the lines of; 'But, I had a son?', or similar.

Looks were shared around the room, whispers following quickly, despite Penny's attempt to move on swiftly from the topic after a round of congratulations.

Harry felt some stares being sent his way, steadfastly ignoring them as Penny spoke, despite the thoughts swirling in his own head. Jasmine, overhearing the mutters, had tears gathering at the corners of her eyes, but none spilled.

What this meant to them all solidified everything.

The Emperor had made his beliefs clear.

2nd September 1999- Thursday

He was called urgently out of bed in the early hours of the morning to assemble in Patricia's Palace, with the news of her labour. However, her baby arrived before he reached the room, so as Harry joined the crowd of concubines, he heard the announcement of the new child's title.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, Your Highness, on the birth of the Seventeenth Princess. May your reign last forevermore-."

The woman was cut off as Patricia sprang upright suddenly, the midwife's words finally registering after a few moments of shock, eyes wild as she began unravelling the swaddle wrapped around the tiny baby in her arms. The shriek she let out was inhuman.

"What!? No, no, there must be a mistake," She muttered hysterically as she fought with the cover, the Emperor grabbing at her hands as she jostled the Princess harshly in the process. "I have a boy, I know that I have a baby boy!"

"Patricia-"

The blanket finally loosened enough for the woman to push it hastily aside, and her gasp of absolute horror confirmed the midwife's words.

The baby was a girl. A little Princess, whose Mother was now staring down at her with dread and dawning disgust. She was wailing pitifully, the sudden cold and harsh treatment a shock. Whilst the concubine was still motionless, Thomas plucked her from Patricia's arms, cradling her gently and holding her out of reach.

That seemed to snap her out of her trance. "No, no, that's not our child, Your Majesty! They must have switched our son for it, I know that we have a son!" She reached for the baby as if to grab her out of the man's arms, and he stood quickly with a sneer.

"Patricia, stop this nonsense at once. This is one of the reasons why I don't allow gender scans, to avoid circumstances such as this. She is our daughter-"

"No, no, I know what I saw! My Healer, she confirmed that we were to have a baby boy!"

"Then she was mistaken. This little girl in my arms, terrified and screaming, is the beautiful babe you have bore me. She is your daughter!" Despite his view of the scene being obstructed, Harry could hear the rage within the man's voice as he hissed, the baby in his arms yowling.

The Concubine fell silent, eyes wide, dropping to finally look at the girl's face. It was red from the strain of wailing, her tiny body flailing. Patricia blinked, tucking the blanket back into place carefully, even as the Emperor twitched.

"She has your hair." She muttered, voice hoarse. "Dani had mine."

The Emperor's face twisted. "She is smaller than her sister was."

Patricia licked her lips, at a loss for words. "I- What will we name her? I thought we were going to finally have our son, I didn't even-"

"I prepared for this." Thomas still didn't sound trusting, his voice cold. "Freyja, meaning noblewoman. I hope that our daughter will grow up to exhibit the grace and cunning needed to fight the battles she will face.." The biting tone softened a little as he spoke whilst looking down at his newest child.

"I hadn't thought of any names for girls, but..." She stared down at her daughter's face, conflicted. "Francine. I had Francis in mind for a boy, but... It suits her. Freyja Francine Slytherin."