Intimacy

3rd May 2000- Wednesday

Alsephina murmured softly in his arms as Harry carried her from the Sedan, sleepy and not too enthused that he had decided to bring her along. Jasmine had invited him for tea at her Palace with Erin, and, moderately close to the pair, he had accepted. With their shared pregnancies, he and Erin had been growing closer in the past weeks, and Harry hoped that he could perhaps add the pair to his miserably small group of tentative allies.

The mood in the Court was still rather dampened due to the death of the late Concubine Emma, but things were beginning to pick up three momentous events dawned on the Empire: the First Princess' wedding occurring in a matter of weeks, the beginning of the Harem Selection not long after, and the World Tournament running alongside it. Therefore, Harry found it easiest to move around the Court in his Sedan, as it was sure to get him where he needed faster than on foot.

He was welcomed warmly by a pair of maids at the gates, both smiling and bowing as he exited the Sedan.

"Your Highness, the Secondary Consort." They greeted him in unison.

He waved them up quickly, still juggling his squirming daughter.

"We are to lead Your Highness to where Her Highness Lafington and Lady Witt are taking tea. They requested we inform you that Her Highness Princess Serina and His Highness Prince Atticus are present as well." The maid on the left spoke, eyes lowered.

"I had presumed." He responded kindly, dodging Alsephina's swatting hands. "My daughter will enjoy seeing her siblings, I hope."

"Her Highness wished to know if Princess Alsephina will be needing anything whilst she is here, Your Highness."

"Is there a secure area set up where I can place her? She has begun crawling."

And gained a rebellious streak within the past few days, as shown by her glare as she pushed at his arms, mumbling, no longer sleepy.

"Yes, Your Highness. Concubine Lafington prepared an area for Prince Atticus and the Princess to share."

"Then that will be all."

The pair bowed again and began leading him around the Palace- identical to the one he'd possessed as a Concubine- towards the rear garden.

Jasmine and Erin stood as they noticed his approach, bowing as he closed the distance between them.

"Brother Harry," Jasmine spoke, as the higher-ranked concubine. "Thank you for accepting my invitation. Her Highness, the Sixteenth Princess," They bowed a tad lower to his daughter, which felt all kinds of strange. Alsephina looked at them with a bewildered expression, turning to hide her face in his neck.

"Brother Harry, Her Highness." Erin echoed, smiling.

"Sisters," He greeted in return, allowing Jasmine to link arms with him as Erin situated herself on his other side, cooing at his daughter. "How are the both of you?"

Jasmine sighed. "As well as I can be at this time. I admit, I am still rather saddened at the passing of our Sister. I cannot seem to believe that she is truly gone, Emma was such an integral and steadfast of the Harem."

"I as well, Sister," Erin spoke, her eyes sad. "She was such a lovely woman, and will be sorely missed."

"That she will." Jasmine inclined her head. "It has been a distressing past few weeks, but I must admit, there have been some bright moments. Atticus has been thriving recently, he's close to crawling properly now, and with Erin and yourself progressing so well in your pregnancies, I am filled with joy for the future. Especially as the eldest Princess is marrying within only a few week's time."

The table that had been set up in the Concubine's garden was beautiful, decorated with flowers and filled with all kinds of confectionery. Harry glanced at some of them as he sat, wondering.

Jasmine giggled to his side. "They are traditional Indian desserts, I like to have a few on occasion. My mother always despaired that I was raised more in the ways of my Irish ancestry."

Alsephina squirmed harder in his arms now that his attention wasn't focused upon her, and Harry sighed, meeting Jasmine's knowing and amused stare.

"Atticus is already in the play area, he has been grouchy this morning. Even spending time with his elder sister did nothing to brighten his mood.

"Princess Serina?"

Erin sighed, shaking her head. "My daughter didn't wish to play outside today. No, Princess Sylvania came to visit, she has been visiting her siblings more often since her mother's passing. I can't blame the poor dear, her siblings seem to be an escape from her grief at the moment."

"And the presumptions of others aren't allowing her to grieve in peace as she needs." Jasmine tutted. "Ever since her seventeenth, many letters of courtship have come from around the Empire. Their ignorance is astounding! The girl is grieving, she has no time nor is she in the correct mindset to consider such frivolities as marriage and politics!"

"She is now a part of the line of Succession." Erin pursed her lips. "They are all salivating over the prospect of adding her to their lines, despite knowing her position isn't concrete as long as His Majesty lives, long may He reign." She muttered afterwards as if the mere thought of the Emperor's death was an offence.

It was, considering his immortality.

"Has she visited often?" Harry questioned. The Second Princess hadn't visited his Palace, but then, that was to be expected. They had only interacted a few times, and just as with the other elder children, she didn't seek out the company of the concubines.

Jasmine waved her hand. "Only occasionally. It is truly only a few of us she visits, due to our closeness with her mother. That we are the parents to her siblings is only a bonus."

Harry made a noise of interest, sipping at his tea and eating one of the treats he recognised.

"How is the Princess, Brother?" Erin directed at him, looking at the Princess as he stood to place her in the play area with her younger brother. "She seems quite lively from what I've witnessed."

Harry barely refrained from sighing. "She has been a bit spirited the past few days. I believe she is going through a growth spurt, it has made her incredibly grouchy." They watched on as she shuffled herself into a corner with a teddy bear, hugging it to her chest as she squinted over at Atticus, who was rolling around on his back.

"It must be difficult for you to handle." Jasmine pondered. "Atticus is the same age as Princess Alsephina, and I don't believe I could deal with being so heavily pregnant whilst dealing with him. It is a testament to your strength, Brother."

"And just think," Erin chimed in. "You'll soon have another to look after, two under two years old, perhaps even under one."

"Oh, I hope I can safely pass Alsephina's birthday before I give birth," Harry admitted, despite the unlikeliness that he'd reach past the thirty-six weeks needed. Twins came early in most cases. "They'll be in different school years no matter what, but in childhood, I want them to have a bit of space."

Jasmine hummed in agreeance. "You are due for September, possibly, aren't you? It would be wonderful if you made it that far, it would make Alsephina two years ahead in academics, despite only being a year older."

Harry waved that thought off with a strained chuckle. "Don't curse me, Sister. I would have to carry until nearly forty-one weeks, as I did with Alsephina. I do not believe my Healers will allow me to go overdue again, they were greatly disturbed last time, despite the lack of difficulties."

"This one is more high risk?" Erin questioned. "The Healers seem to be more alert, and you are visited often."

"Yes, it is, as I am pregnant so soon after my first." Harry half-lied. It was true that the Healers were cautious as Alsephina was born less than a year prior, but it was more so the existence of twins than anything.

"I wish you well, then, Brother." The woman smiled at him genuinely. "I hope, however, that our children do not share a birthday. The Harem has been lucky so far to avoid clashes." That broke the tense atmosphere that had descended as they discussed heavier topics, and he chuckled with the women.

10th May 2000- Wednesday

Alsephina cruised along the sofa, her steps steadier, and Harry quickly grabbed his camera in the chance that she was about to take her first, unsupported steps.

She was watching him with her red eyes, scrutinising his joyful and encouraging expression with pouted lips. He could tell that she wanted to be with him, but unless she called for him, Harry wanted to test whether she'd make her first tentative steps in a moment of independence.

His heart leapt, when her hands came off of the sofa, and she stood unassisted for a few moments, just staring at her hands as if wondering why they had released the cushions. Then, an expression of determination flickered through her eyes, and she took a single, tentative step forward, hands outstretched. Harry was on his knees before he knew it, an arm extended to catch his daughter if needed, the camera rolling where it had been left on the sofa. Alsephina took another tiny step, and Harry made a noise in the back of his throat as she wobbled, but didn't move to scoop her up. The third step was more confident, but it was also the final, as she tumbled the moment after, scooped swiftly into his arms and peppered with proud and adoring kisses. Alsie giggled with delight, babbling as she waved her hands about, and Harry's heart swelled with love.

Dual kicks to the sides of his belly let him know the twins were feeling his proudness, too.

14th May 2000- Sunday

Thomas watched as Harry fussed over the placement of photo frames on the mantlepiece, muttering to himself and tutting as he shifted some slightly. It was hypnotising to watch as the man swayed, making sure the photo of his family was straight, the newest photo of Alsephina- a moving photo which depicted their daughter's first steps, an achievement she had made only a few days ago- was centre stage, and the most recent scan of their twins was next to it.

His Consort was nearly six months pregnant with their twins now, and Thomas was hesitant to ask Harry if he was well. His glares had become sharper the last few weeks, as the babies began to press on his organs and kick at his sides.

As only the second pair of twins to grace the Court, every Healer within his employment was on standby for any complications. One Royal child's birth was a cause for them to be on high alert, with two, Harry was being watched almost incessantly. He would go early, most Healers took that for certain, but they didn't know how soon it would be.

As his due date approached swiftly, instead of his worries abating, Thomas' concerns over the pregnancy had only increased. As His Consort had suffered during his early weeks, bedridden with sickness, he was on edge for any further complications.

The lack of attempts to cause harm to Harry was also strange.

Thomas had taken many precautions. He had warded his Consorts Palace from antagonistic entities entering and was notified when anyone did. It had been effective, especially when the wards had picked up another of his concubines, Theodore Nott, entering in the dead of night a few weeks ago. He had sent one of his Knights to investigate that occurrence, and to his relief, it appeared the Nott Heir was shaping up to be a tentative ally of His Consort.

He had also ensured the cook in his Palace was watched over for any treachery, an invisible Knight stationed in the kitchen where food and drinks were prepared. It relieved him that Harry was utilising food tasters, and liberally using detection spells on his food and drinks.

A pat on his leg had him peering down, and he smiled softly at his daughter, who had crawled away from her blocks and was reaching up with both of her arms to catch his attention. Lifting her, she squealed happily which made him smile wider, and he clasped her to his chest.

Her noise had attracted Harry's attention, and under his stare, Thomas preened, patting Alsephina's head as she giggled.

"Is she bothering you? She's supposed to be taking a nap, but she doesn't appear to want to today."

"Nonsense," Thomas denied. "My daughter could never bother me, not at this age. When she gets to five and starts barging into my office at all hours of the day I will be bothered, however. Especially since she and Alexus seem to be growing close. Is my son behaving for you?"

"He's an angel," Harry replied with a fond, indulgent smile, glancing down at their daughter. "And Alsie loves her brother very much, don't you darling?"

Their daughter was paying him no attention, still staring up at Thomas. Alsephina's red eyes were fixated on his face, watching his expression.

Harry snorted, amused, and Thomas felt his lip curl slightly, watching as a shy smile appeared on Alsephina's face as she peered at her Dad, who stared back with unadulterated love.

The moment was blissful.

23rd May 2000- Tuesday

Gathering within the Hall of Worship, where Evana had chosen to hold her wedding, the concubines sat silently side by side, in no particular order.

They were sat at the front, taking up four rows on the left side of the aisle as members of the bride's 'extended' family. The Prince of Italy's family took up only a single row on the opposite side, with foreign dignitaries and each spouse's friends filling the seats behind.

Harry hadn't seen her husband-to-be before, but he seemed to be handsome enough. His brown hair shone with a blondeish tinge, and his bright blue eyes were his most defining feature. He was standing on the dias at the front of the hall, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, wringing them nervously every few seconds as he watched the doors.

Harry turned as the music began, an enchanting, lighthearted tune- a flute. Evana looked stunning in a flowing, pure white dress that glittered with magic in the sunlight, her long golden tresses a halo around her head. The crown on her head was one Harry didn't recognise, perhaps created especially for her wedding. It was golden, and filled with light blue gems and diamonds, to match her eyes.

Next to her, however, the Emperor still shone dazzlingly. He wore no expression as he stared down at his daughter, who was clinging to his arm and gazing at her soon-to-be husband with tears in her blue eyes. The pair walked slowly in rhythm with the music, unhurried. The eyes of the hall upon them, they seemed uncaring.

The man's eyes flitted up then, and Harry froze as they met his own, burning into his soul. The moment could have lasted only that, a few seconds, or it could have lasted a whole eternity, Harry didn't know. He was caught in that gaze, unable to look away.

By the time Harry snapped back to reality, the Emperor and his daughter were at the steps of the dias, ascending them as the music reached its climax. The Prince reached out his arm, a hesitant smile on his lips, and the Emperor nodded at him with a stern expression. With a bow to her father, the pair joined hands and settled across from each other, similar in height.

Thomas, in a rare moment of indecision, seemed to hesitate for a moment, before turning to settle himself in the throne behind them, ready to bless their marriage in the name of the Empire, and as the father to the bride, once the ceremony was completed.

He looked powerful sat on that throne, dressed in fine robes that accentuated his presence. However, Harry couldn't help but notice that his expression appeared bleak as he stared down at the couple beginning their vows, his eyes vacant. The urge to join him was strong, but Harry resisted, making do with watching on as the man oversaw the marriage of his first daughter with an expression of hidden resignation.

The celebration following the formal ceremony took place within Slytherin Hall, the largest Hall within the Court to fit the masses of attendees, and it was perhaps an even more formal affair. Instead of unwinding with family as Harry had witnessed with every other wedding, the politicians and nobility invited were permitted to mingle, and with their presence, the discussion of contracts and the creation of treaties was prevalent.

Harry was, alongside the other Consorts, on the top dias, watching over the crowds, detached from the festivities. The newly wedded couple were down below, surrounded by a mixture of faces, from royalty to politicians, and had yet to have a moment to themselves. Their marriage, whilst seemingly a love match from their first meeting, had become political due to their stations as Italy's Crown Prince and Grand Imperial Princess of the Empire.

He shifted uncomfortably when the twin closest to his lungs gave a sharp jab upwards, breathing out heavily through his nose to steady the pain he felt. They were growing stronger as they developed, now at twenty-six weeks gestation, and this also had the consequence of keeping Harry up at all hours. One twin seemed to awaken during the day, whilst the other was most active at night, creating a cycle of sleeplessness that Harry couldn't escape. He found himself wishing they would arrive soon, and then cursing his thoughts, knowing that they stood the best chance if they stayed put for many more weeks yet.

A sharp jab to what felt like his lungs had him groaning, and he grasped a hold of the seat's arm, huffing as he doubled over. Penny's concerned voice filtered over the background din of the Hall and the pain he felt.

"Are you well, Brother? You have gone pale. The babe isn't coming, is it?" Her voice rose, and Harry hurriedly waved his hand, meeting the Emperor's gaze unexpectedly. It took him a few more moments to catch his breath, watched on by many pairs of concerned eyes, before he could straighten himself once more and alleviate their worries.

"I am fine," Harry breathed out, rubbing at his stomach as the twin further up gave another, softer, kick. "They just kicked rather hard."

A hand reached out, brushing softly against the swell of his stomach, and Harry watched with round eyes as the Emperor entwined their fingers.

"Our child is rather boisterous," The man's eyes lit up with an intrigued light as he stared at his stomach. "It is giving me ideas for what we shall name them." Thomas divulged, and there was tittering behind them, the concubines always eager to gain the Emperor's attention or to divert it from one another.

"May you tell us, Your Majesty?" Alecto simpered from below, sat in the midst of the other Concubines.

Her voice didn't even draw the man's gaze away from where their fingers were joined together over the swell of their children.

"I will not. You will be informed once our child is here, and my Consort has had the chance to give them the name he has chosen." He spoke with finality, drawing back. Harry missed the warmth of his hand immediately, surprised when the man cupped his cheek instead, fingers brushing over his jawline before he withdrew entirely, turning back to watch his children mingling with the guests below.

Harry flushed slightly, bringing a hand up to brush along the path the Emperor's fingers had taken, all too aware of the jealous stares sent his way.

2nd June 2000- Friday

Preparations had begun for the upcoming Harem selection yesterday, and Harry was already over the entire thing, and wholly exhausted from two days of constant chatter about it within the meetings.

As the Secondary Consort of Thomas, Harry would be expected to have a bigger role in the Selection process, especially the final section where the Emperor chose from the remaining candidates. He was there to advise, although most agreed that the Emperor chose whomever he wished without input most of the time.

His own selection had resulted in an unusually large amount of candidates selected, with six compared to the usual three to four. Perhaps it was due to the number of prominent names within the mix that year- Harry's year at Hogwarts contained an unusually high number of heirs, from Abbott to Zabini.

This year's selection would hopefully yield some candidates that he could add to his small number of friends within the harem, as his campaign had truly begun now, and would only accelerate after the birth of his twins. Although, Harry also hoped that there was only a small number of candidates chosen.

Two members had been lost since 1997, and the Harem now contained twenty-three members. If six were chosen once more, there would be nearly thirty possibly hostile entities to watch out for.

The others seemed also to be at an impasse whether they wished for more to join or not. They, too, perhaps, wished for more allies. And new members always brought with them fresh information and ideas.

What concerned Harry personally most of all, however, was whether His Majesty's favour towards him would stand the test of new curiosities. Harry had been such only three years prior, usurping the older concubines' long-held standings and settling himself as a major player within the Harem, gaining for himself the Emperor's favour.

But what if he, too, was pushed to the side and forgotten for a more ambitious, more assertive personality, when the Emperor had already proven he would throw long-held concubines to the side for his newest interest?