Intimacy

14th March 2000- Tuesday

Seven and a half months after her birth, Alsephina was taking solids alongside her bottles, and it made Harry sigh in both relief and regret that she was advancing so swiftly. He couldn't but think that he was perhaps subconsciously pushing her to grow up faster, due to the arrival of his twins. He knew it was detrimental to think in such a way, but he couldn't help it.

She had just finished gumming at the small amount of food he had placed in front of her, not truly having eaten anything, but she seemed to understand the concept now.

He picked her up with a groan, smiling at the giggles this elicited. She wasn't truly that heavy, but she was definitely growing, looking nothing like she had even a couple of months before.

He carried her into the living room, noting the strange lack of maids dogging his heels as he walked from the dining room to his more private living room, eyes flitting from side to side.

Entering the room, Harry shut the door with a little more pressure than needed, his eyes widening.

Thomas was sat on the sofa, and Harry startled at his unexpected presence, tucking his daughter closer to his chest.

"Your Majesty," Harry breathily exclaimed, his heart beating furiously within his chest for a number of reasons. "I was not expecting you."

The man, lounged back on the sofa and sipping from a mug of tea, looked so domestic as he flashed Harry and their daughter a fond smile that he almost physically staggered back from the shock of it. Sasha was curled at his feet, resting peacefully, her large body heaving with every heavy breath. She didn't even blink an eye open at their entrance, content that the man was no threat to either of them.

Thomas hummed, meeting his eyes. "I had a spare moment, I thought to come and visit you and our daughter, and to see how your pregnancy is progressing. You are well?"

"I am, thank you for your concern." Harry smiled, approaching the man. He settled next to his husband with a little sigh, already feeling the weight of his stomach at just sixteen weeks. Sixteen weeks with twins, something he hadn't informed the man of yet. 

Harry bit his lip, suddenly anxious. Unexpectedly, a warm thumb brushed itself over his lips, smoothing over the area he had bitten. He met the Emperor's searching gaze with a guilt-ridden expression, and the man sighed.

"Harry," Thomas murmured, his voice low and calm. "What is it you wish to tell me?"

"We're having twins." He whispered, licking his lips shakily. He had forgotten that the man's thumb was still pressed on them, and his tongue brushed it. Leaning back with a blush, Harry looked up to gauge the man's reaction.

Thomas was frozen, staring down at him with such an expressive face that it startled Harry. The man was usually so composed and unshakable.

"Twins?" The man whispered, sounding shocked. Harry nodded, biting his lip to keep his smile from growing. His husband's eyes were practically sparkling, having shifted to stare down at his curved stomach.

"Twins. I found out a few weeks ago. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I really wanted to, but..." Harry shrugged. "I liked keeping it to myself for just a little while. And I wanted to surprise you, I got you a-"

He was engulfed in a warm embrace before he could turn and fetch the gift, gasping lightly as the man's arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Between them, Alsephina giggled happily, reaching up to bat at her father's face.

The embrace was warm and steady. With their daughter in between them, and their twins growing healthily, Harry felt complete despite never having realised he was missing anything in the first place.

It was a while before the man drew back, his expression changing for a moment, before reverting back to fond as he brushed a hand over Harry's slightly rounded stomach. Harry noticed it, tilting his head.

"What is wrong?" He asked, and Thomas glanced up, an emotion flashing through his red eyes.

"I was thinking of the reactions of the rest of my Harem. They won't be... pleased, to say the least. However, they may be as displeased as they like, I won't let any harm come to you." He spoke quietly, so as not to startle their daughter, who was staring up at them with a bright smile still, happy to be within her parents' embrace.

"Then let them find out about our twins at their birth." Harry sent the Emperor a conspiring grin. "It's hard to hide a pregnancy, hiding twins is easily explained. Besides, I want to see their faces when they see both of them."

The man laughed deeply, staring into his eyes. "Perfect."

Later on in the day, Harry was on a walk of the grounds surrounding his Palace, wanting a bit of fresh air and to escape the constant watchful gazes of his maids. He had brought Enid and Ellie with him, knowing the both of them were far more outwardly relaxed in comparison to his personal maids, whom he had informed of his twins once the Emperor had left.

Rounding the corner, his eyes widened as he nearly collided with Dahlia, stopping himself just short. The girl's eyes widened as she grabbed hold of Daphne's arm, letting out a tiny gasp. Both took a step back, and there were a few moments where the three stood in awkward silence.

"Consort Potter," Daphne spoke coldly, and Harry broke eye contact with Dahlia to look at her.

"If my name is too much of a mouthful, have the decency to be polite, Attendant Greengrass. I may take offence." He responded silkily, raising an eyebrow when her lips pursed. Neither of them bowed, despite his hint.

"We are heading for lunch with some of our fellow Attendants." Dahlia unexpectedly announced, meeting his eyes again. "Would you like to join us?"

"Dahlia!" Daphne hissed into her ear, appearing aghast. "Why would you-"

Harry tilted his head. "I would. However, I won't be eating, as I have already had lunch with His Majesty."

"The rest of us just want to see you." Yet again, she didn't speak his name nor one of his titles, a passive-aggressive yet technically valid way to not address him properly. Dahlia was smiling, but not acting overly concerned whether he joined them or not. "You've been rather standoffish with the other members lately. We are worried about you, when you're in such a... delicate state, you should rely on your Brother's and Sister's."

"I have been preoccupied." Harry raised an eyebrow. "And rather drained. I cannot entertain even my closest friends most days. Luckily for you, you have caught me at a good time."

Harry linked arms with Enid as he followed after them, realising they were leading him to the Pavillion of Raining Flowers. Good, an open space such as a Pavillion was much preferable to being stuck in the Attendant Palace and its grounds.

As they ascended the steps, Harry realised that Dahlia had been understating when she said 'some' of the Attendants would be attending. Only Penelope and Merula were absent, and around the table sat Theo and Zacharias next to each other. On the opposite side, Adrian, Cassius and Lukas were staring as they approached, facing the stairs.

The Third First-Class spoke, sounding slightly affronted. "You didn't inform us that Consort Pot- Slytherin-Potter-Black would be joining us, Sisters." Lukas raised an eyebrow, staring at the women, who sat next to Theodore.

Daphne sniffed. "We ran into... Brother Harry, Dahlia invited him."

"How could I not?" Dahlia demured, waving over a maid to pour her a tea. "Brother Harry is rather elusive, It would be respectable to reassure our other Sister's and Brothers of his continued wellbeing."

Harry sat at the head of the table, noting that it had been left free, and also noticing the sudden switch up of how Dahlia and Daphne were addressing him. Sighing, he pushed away the plate that was placed in front of him by a maid, rejecting her offer to fill the teacup as well.

He was here to socialise enough that no one could disparage him for being antisocial. Harry had already heard rumours that something was up, and he didn't wish to fan them further.

"I'm glad to could join us, Brother," Theo spoke up, meeting his eyes. "How has your morning been?"

Folding his hands, Harry settled himself back as much as he dared. "It has been well. His Majesty visited this morning to spend time with our daughter. Have you been well?"

He could see the Attendants freeze in his peripheral vision at the mention of the Emperor, but kept his attention on the only Attendant he moderately liked.

Theo, noticing his bluntness, smirked. "I have, thank you for your concern. Although, I can't help but feel jealous at your mention of the Emperor. His Majesty visits you often?"

Harry hummed. "Occassionally, although not without prior notice as today. I was quite shocked."

Lukas made a noise in the back of his throat, drawing Harry's attention. "I must admit, you have been rather lax with your duties since becoming a Consort, Brother."

"What duties have I been neglecting?" There was genuine confusion in his voice. "His Majesty and I have enjoyed a flourishing relationship since the birth of our daughter. My duty is being fulfilled, I assure you."

He scoffed. "Don't be coy. Your duty to us, the other concubines. You are supposed to support us and ensure that we fulfil our purpose here as well. To produce royal children."

Harry smiled, a condescending thing. "Do you want me to hold your hand and lead you into His Majesty's bed, Brother? I had no idea that was my 'duty'. I never got such support?" He laughed at their scandalised expressions. "I doubt the Emperor would be all too pleased to see me dragging one of you in. Perhaps you can interest His Majesty using your own merit?"

The looks they gave him made Harry laugh further, standing. "Whilst this has been amusing, despite the short time I have spent here, I really must leave. I believe I have offended some of you with my truthfulness. Good day."

Harry smiled down at them, uncaring if they were offended. They were in a public enough setting that if anything untoward occurred, it would be traced right back to those at the table. They were a bunch of Slytherins, mostly. Even they wouldn't do something so blatant and idiotic. So, they were left to seethe.

"You think you're too good for me now?" Dahlia hissed into his ear as he passed, reaching up to clasp his robe in her hand. She looked flustered, possibly due to his quick departure from the situation, an insult to her invitation. Not that it truly mattered, he was high enough in the ranks that her invitations were easily rejected.

It didn't take much thinking at all to find the answer. "Yes, I do."

Had his words been rash? Yes. Could he have continued the conversation smoothly without slighting them? Also yes. But if Slytherin's hated and took action for anything more than an insult, it was a show of weakness. Taking those insults and insinuations from concubines so far down the totem pole would have been suicide for his authority.

And shutting down their perceived self-importance felt good.

18th March 2000- Saturday

Mirroring the scene of over two and a half years ago, once more, the Harem was called upon to pray for the health of Noble Emma, as she had turned for the worst.

However, this time around, there were far more people within the Hall of Worship in contrast to previously, as if many could tell that this time, there was far less chance of the Noble pulling through. Her illness had taken a turn for the worst, and the situation was severe.

Princess Sylvania was absent, by her mother's side as she perhaps drew her last breaths, although Harry was unsure how the situation was progressing. No updates had come in over an hour now, and no one had spoken a word since.

The door to the great hall opened then, and in trudged in an Eunuch, dressed in solid black. The implications of the colour revealed the news before he announced it solemnly.

"It is with a heavy heart that His Majesty announces the tragic passing of The Noble Emma Vanity, Mother to Second Princess Sylvania Slytherin, loyal concubine to His Imperial Majesty. His Majesty commands that there are to be three weeks of official mourning in respect of the Late Noble, and requests his concubines to return to their Palace once they have concluded their prayers in respect for the grieving Princess and family."

No one spoke, although there were plenty of sounds of choked gasps and half-smothered, grief-stricken cries. Harry made a noise of hurt, thoughts whirling as he thought of the woman they had just lost.

Emma, who'd been a concubine since the very beginning of the Harem. Emma, who was a lovely, thoughtful woman, a kind figure amongst the vultures she shared the Court with for so many years. Who was now dead, after many long years of suffering.

Who left behind a daughter, the Second Princess, who would surely blame herself for this.

25th March 2000- Saturday

"I declare that, in honour of her faithful, steadfast service, twenty-three years that she spent within my Harem, Emma Vanity is to assume the post-humourous title of Concubine. At the wish of our daughter, Emma is to be buried within the royal cemetery, and a tree is to be planted within her palace garden to commemorate her life as my Noble."

There were sniffles from the front rows- the only time anyone was placed in a position higher than all the royal concubines- and a woman was sobbing as the Emperor spoke clearly to the gathered, dressed in pure black.

It was a sombre affair, set in the Hall of Worship- a place Emma had decided her funeral was to be held when she had first fallen ill after birthing her daughter.

"Emma was a lovely woman, who stood by my side for countless years, she will be remembered fondly. And her daughter, her pride, will carry on her mother's legacy for many years to come."

The Emperor placed a hand upon her coffin, a beautiful oak covered with patterns of her family crest and the Slytherin insignia. It was closed, upon the request of Emma herself, who hadn't wished for her family to gaze upon her worn body.

The man appeared to hesitate for a moment, making an aborted movement to lean down, before straightening and turning to face the bereaved. "It is time."

Emma's family stood, a small, huddled group who made their way up hesitantly to stand before the Emperor, who stepped to the side so that they could say their last goodbyes before she was interred into the royal cemetery.

1st April 2000- Saturday

Usually, on the first of the month, there would be some sort of delight in the concubines, eager to discover if they had, perhaps, caught the eye of His Majesty, and risen in the ranks. Or perhaps, if they were unlucky, angered and annoyed him enough that he demoted you, to the glee of the rest.

However, the meeting was a sombre one as the hole in the ranks that Emma Vanity had left, after over twenty years of service, was forcefully closed. No longer was the position of Third Noble void, but replaced by Cedric, whose promotion was earned simply by the death of their Sister. Luna took Cedric's previous rank of Fourth Noble with a blank expression.

They didn't smile and thank the Emperor for promoting them but simply nodded instead, accepting that the Harem would move on as always, the mourning period coming to a quick end.

No one spoke as they exited the Hall and went their separate ways, still prohibited from gathering outside of the morning meeting. The Court was quiet, even as the marriage of the First Princess, the Tournament and the Selection dawned ever closer.

9th April 2000- Sunday

As the marriage of his first daughter drew ever closer, Thomas was flooded with paperwork and increased appointments that needed his personal presence. There were many things to plan, last-minute decisions to agree on, and a considerable number of people to speak to. The Royal Family of Italy were exceedingly willing to listen to all of his daughter's requests, this marriage being perhaps one of the largest occasions the country would see for decades. It would elevate their status beyond that of other royals, and set a precedent for his future children's marriages. No doubt, there would be an influx of contracts and requests for courtship from further royal families around the world for his older daughters in the coming years. He had already received one presumptuous letter from the German Royals, considering his second daughter, who had just lost her mother, since she was turning seventeen later in the month. Their suit had been immediately rejected, and a scathing response sent.

The quickly approaching date of the World Tournament was also on Thomas' mind, and whilst most of the participants had already been chosen by their countries, he now needed to make the choice of which thirty-two would make it to the stage.

The ones who did needed to be the best, of course, but they also needed to be interesting. The public didn't want any ordinary, powerful witch or wizard, they wanted drama, and most of all, they needed an underdog to root for.

It would be best for him to ensure they enjoyed the tournament to the fullest, so that he could set into motion plans for further tournaments every five or so years.

However, before that, there was the matter of his next Selection, which would be occurring in the midst of the Tournament.

Thomas had been debating its continuation for months now, seeing little reason to add to his Harem when he only truly spent time with one of his concubines, and met with several others only on the askance of his Council.

However, his advisors had made a solid debate for the continuation of the Selection. He had lost two concubines since the last in 1997, and his upper ranks were filling out, leaving the bottom ones sparse. His longest-held members were also ageing now, with Bellatrix the oldest at forty-eight. And Thomas lacked any true interest in any concubine he'd recently added, barring Harry.

His increased and focused interest in the man had made his advisors wary, and they had been mentioning Harry's rise and the attention he lavished him in more often as of late. They had urged him to 'spend time with' another of his concubines, most favouring his other Consorts, most specifically Penny and Regulus. Bellatrix seemed to have lost her value in their minds, especially after the birth of their daughter. She had fulfilled her purpose, granted not to their desired degree, and they had stated that she was growing older and there were concerns about her carrying further children.

Some seemed to believe it was the Black family ties Thomas was so interested in, regarding Harry, having seen the results of such a union within Delphina and Alsephina. The re-emergence of metamorphosis talents and Parseltongue had sent his advisors into a flurry, and many were congratulating and incredibly inquisitive about his Secondary Consorts' quick pregnancy, despite their hesitance.

However, truly, Thomas was aware of his intense interest in the man. He wasn't oblivious, he could see that he was treating Harry, viewing him differently from the others. He was simply biding his time, watching for the right moment. Time would tell if the man was truly the one Thomas would keep by his side for eternity.

The faint noise of footsteps drew his attention, and he glanced up to see one of his Knights patiently standing at the door, bowing.

"You have news?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The new Muggle President of the United States has finally been selected, and she has sent her deepest apologies for the wrongdoings of her predecessor."

Thomas hummed, tapping his quill into the ink pot. "Invite her to the Court next week, I wish to meet her for myself, to make sure she doesn't repeat her predecessor's mistakes."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

16th April 2000- Sunday

Harry watched on as Prince Alexus crawled around on the ground after his sister, chuckling to himself as his daughter stuck her tongue out at her brother.

The boy, true to his word, had asked the Emperor to spend time with Harry and his daughter, and this was the siblings' sixth 'play date'.

Harry was content to allow the boy to visit as many times as he wished, and it was lovely to watch the Prince interact so fondly and gently with his baby sister.

However, his visits had attracted the attention of the other harem members, to the point where it was beginning to be brought up within the morning meetings. Penny had urged him to 'take caution' in case he was accused of 'influencing' the Prince.

Looking his way, the boy grinned. "And soon, we'll get to play with another new sibling!" He spoke happily to Alsephina, whose eyebrows scrunched as she tried to understand his words. She was only eight months old, barely crawling and only just beginning to connect words to items in her mind. Still, the boy seemed content that the only response he was going to receive was an uninterested babble. "I hope it's a brother, I don't have many of those." He chirped. "And only Si will play with me, Eli just cries when we talk to him, and Aunt Penny says Ras is too young. I haven't seen my newest brother yet either, I heard it was Aunt Jasmine that gave birth to him. Uncle!" The boy turned to him once more, and Harry had to stifle his chuckle.

"Yes, Prince?"

"Can you have a boy, pretty please? I have too many sisters!"

He couldn't stop his laugh this time. "I'm afraid I don't have a choice in that regard, Your Highness."

The boy pouted, and leant down to whisper conspiratorily in his sister's ear, although Harry could hear every word. "I still hope it's a brother!"

24th April 2000- Monday

Harry heard a floorboard creak once more under the pressure of someone's feet, and he inched closer to the door, footsteps muffled with a spell. His cloak, brought with him into the Harem but kept tightly locked up in a compartment in his suitcase was wrapped tightly around him, hiding him from view. Long gone were the days he'd use the cloak for any little thing, such as sneaking around the hallways at night with his friends in Hogwarts. His Father had let him in on the importance the cloak held to the family, and he was unwilling to let any of the Harem members use the fact he could use it to slink around against him.

The door handle to his room twisted, and he readied himself, instincts on alert with the fact that his baby was sleeping behind the door at his back.

As it opened, Harry lifted his wand quicker than the other could react. "Flipendo! Incarcerous!" He cast rapidly, and with a yelp, the intruder went down. It took a few seconds for him to recognise just who was sitting on his bedroom floor, entangled by layers of ropes and staring up at him with bleary, wide eyes. The spell hadn't knocked the man out, but he was clearly bewildered. "Nott?!" He whispered harshly, closing the door quickly before any of his maids were alerted to the noise.

The man on the floor struggled a little, huffing. Looking sheepish, he stared up at him. "Brother, I have a very good reason for this, I assure you."

"What the bloody hell are you doing in my Palace at-" Flicking his wand again, he conjured a clock face. "Three in the fucking morning!? What sort of explanation- No. Shut up. Let me think for a minute." Harry ground out as the man made to speak.

A growl from the other side of his bedroom had both of their heads turning in that direction, and Harry swore once more as he remembered that Sasha had been placed on guard duty outside of his daughter's room, connected to his own.

"Sash," Harry gently cooed, trying to break the Cats' attention away from where she was fixated on the squirming, tied-up figure of Theodore Nott, who was most certainly not supposed to be in his Palace, which the intelligent creature undoubtedly knew. "Easy now."

The cat let out a chuff, still glaring at the concubine.

The man wriggled in his bonds, staring at the now massive form of his Wampus cat. "I'm not here to harm you!" He assured, turning to Harry. "Really! There's- There's something I must tell you."

"Explain." Harry snapped, snagging a hold of Sasha's collar just in case she decided to turn the man into a snack. He flicked his wand, untying him.

Theo glared up at him for a moment, getting to his feet. "Did you have to tie me up like that?"

"Did you have to break in? Could this not wait until the morning?"

The man cracked his neck, still scowling. "No. It's about one of your maids- Jane?"

"June." Harry corrected, sending Sasha back to his daughter's door so he could focus his full attention on Theo. "I believe we should sit, although I apologise that I can't serve you tea." He snarked with a pointed look, noting how dark the sky was.

They sat on the sofa, and Theo watched Sasha warily for a few more moments before settling back.

"That cat is way too big to be a housepet." He muttered, but Harry ignored it.

"What about June is so important it couldn't wait?"

Theo met his eyes. "One of my maids spotted her recently exiting Consort Penny's Palace, with a small bag. She was unsure what was inside it, but she believes it was payment for information. Your maid seemed gleeful. Or it could have been some sort of poison, who knows?"

Sitting back, Harry frowned, folding his arms.

He knew June wasn't wholly loyal to him, however, she was also useful. Lola had yet to set up an information system and rapport with the other maids as effective as June's, so he had been keeping her close to him for a little longer. Harry knew she had been selling information to the other concubines, but hearing it spoken so blatantly made him hesitate. He was unsure what she was sharing, or what she knew.

What if she knew about the twins?

"Thank you for informing me-"

"That isn't all." Theo interrupted. "Consort Bellatrix has also been visiting Consort Penny's Palace far more frequently these days. Don't you think that's suspicious? Their interactions with each other outside of the morning meetings have been increasing since your promotion."

He had. It was hard not to notice how the pair seemed to have grown closer in the nearly three months since Harry had become Secondary Consort. They had never been antagonistic, not truly, but they hadn't been close. Now, they were visiting each other every few days, and were uniting against him in the daily meetings.

Their alliance, more than anything, could spell trouble for him.

Penny's emergence as another faction within the Harem had been a blessing when she had been promoted to Consort, as it weakened the existing factions, but now, it was detrimental to Harry. Especially as his own faction had been forming ever since he had proved himself a contender for the Emperor's favour.

However, not all was as dire as it seemed. Isla seemed to hold a favourable view of Harry, and Regulus and Bellatrix's relationship still seemed frosty despite Penny's affirmation that they should repair their relationship. She had been increasingly vocal about the Consorts presenting a united front in their weekly meetings, even attempting to grow closer to Harry.

The Consorts were a divided group, and that was the best situation Harry could hope for in such tumultuous times, especially since he had an inkling that with the birth of his twins, he'd be promoted once again.

26th April 2000- Wednesday

Thomas, freed finally from the waves of paperwork and constant meetings he'd been subjected to- a downside he hadn't truly envisioned when he'd taken on the role in a moment of distrust- had made his way to the one Palace where there would be little politicking to handle.

The man hadn't expected his husband to be in a deep slumber, protectively guarded by his Wampus Cat and Head maid.

Thomas had settled instead, with a nod to the maid, on the sofa, scooping his daughter up into his arms from her place on the floor.

Alsephina had shrieked in joy at his appearance, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck as she babbled incoherently. Thomas had smiled down at her indulgently, as, unlike Harry, he couldn't yet decipher her baby gibberish.

His daughter gurgled happily in his arms, and he pressed a kiss upon her hair, smirking slightly as she grinned. Cradling her tighter to his chest using one arm, he freed the other, bringing it up so that she could see it.

"Avis," He whispered, and two birds appeared in a whisp of golden magic, shooting up into the air to circle one another, swooping back down to twirl around their bodies.

Alsephina was positively delighted at his display of magic, and Thomas had to shush her gently once her shrieks of joy became too loud, watching fondly as she swiped at the birds fluttering just above their heads.

Harry mumbled in his sleep, catching Thomas' attention. His eyelashes were fluttering, the man on the verge of wakefulness, his swift intervention evidently too late as the man was waking.

He raised his hand, shooting a wandless spell at his shifting form in a gentle wave of magic, and Harry slumped back into a doze, a small smile twitching at his lips.

Thomas rocked Alsephina from side to side, observing his husband now that there was no fear of breaking his much-needed rest.

The man looked peaceful in his sleep, lips pursed slightly and eyelashes brushing at his cheeks. He had evidently fallen asleep unmeaningly, as he was dressed in fine robes.

Thomas was glad Harry was finally resting. Their twins were taking a lot out of him as they grew at a faster rate now, growing close to viability. The man needed all the respite he could get, and Thomas wasn't against using underhanded but harmless measures to ensure he was getting it.