Intimacy

15th July 2000- Saturday

The meeting the day after the Selection had ended was one that exhausted Harry greatly. All spoke, as each member had an opinion of the previous day's outcome, and those of the lower ranks were eager for a more in-depth retelling of the Emperor's reactions and interactions with every notable candidate during the ceremony. There were few, the man's disinterest clear to them all from the years they had known him. He had been disappointed by the candidates, or more truthfully, he wasn't interested or enthused concerning the Selection this year at all. It prompted much discussion, although covert in nature.

Most of all, they were intrigued and hungry for details concerning the two new members, who were just settling into their rooms in the Palace of Gathered Beauty at that moment. The two that were chosen despite the Emperor's disinterest. None had seen them since the Selection, many of the Nobles and Attendants never. So, they turned to the few of them that knew one, at least, from their days at Hogwarts together.

"What is Attendant Chang like, Brother Harry?" Pippa questioned him, twirling one of her brown ringlets around her finger. "As you knew her at Hogwarts."

"She intelligent, a lovely woman, and I'm sure she'll prove to be a great addition to His Majesty's Harem. I can see why His Majesty chose her." Harry answered, keeping his tone light, but also trying to detach himself from emotion a little bit. He knew just what they would question soon enough, now that they were on the topic.

Opposite him, Bellatrix, never one to remain silent, snorted. "And I'm sure you had much input in that decision, Brother. It benefits you greatly to have such a close friend in the Harem."

Harry smiled. "I did, His Majesty has much consideration for me. I am most grateful he took my input on Attendant Chang. It warms me to see most obviously his care for my opinions and trust in my decisions."

Bellatrix's backers were easily turned against her, from the way the others shared glances. The woman folded her arms, sticking her nose into the air. Ever since her demotion due to his rise, she had seemed cowed, but Harry wouldn't let himself be deceived. It was mightily obvious that Penny and herself were now in league with one another, and to have the Primary and Third Consorts against him was a frightening prospect. At least it appeared Harry held the allegiance of Isla, and Regulus wasn't one to let him be ridiculed, despite his stronger familial connection towards Bellatrix.

Cordelia spoke up, her voice containing a teasing lilt to it. "I heard an interesting tidbit from Brother Cassius that you and Attendant Chang were once lovers, Brother Cedric."

Cedric blushed slightly at the attention this comment received, rubbing the back of his head with a chuckle. "We were, at one time. But I broke it off with her, as I was sure that joining His Majesty's Harem was the course I should take."

"Ah, but Sister Cordelia, that's not all," Dahlia got a nasty grin on her face, glancing briefly at Harry. He barely refrained from snorting, crossing his arms in front of him as he readied himself for the overexaggerated responses of the other members, despite most of them perhaps already knowing of his and Cho's past. It would have been one of the first things the others asked of his yearmates once they heard of the woman, or even when he had first joined the Harem himself. Any details of his life before could perhaps be used against him in the future, as the woman was attempting now in the face of such a seemingly perfect opportunity. "Our Brother Harry also dated Attendant Chang for a little while."

The noises the concubines made grated on his nerves, but he kept a genial and open expression, even as they began to clamour for more information, sending snide remarks his way.

"Does His Majesty know of this, Brother? I'm sure he'd be most interested to know that three of his concubines had at one point dated each other."

"He does," Harry revealed, smiling with his teeth. "I told him before she was chosen. Perhaps he permitted her to join due to our close friendship. After all, Dahlia, as my closest friend at the time, you should know that me and Attendant Chang parted amicably, and that we no longer hold feelings for one another. I haven't seen her for three years, it will be nice to catch up."

The titters, somehow, increased, although some were pointed towards Dahlia this time around, which had the girl blushing as if she hadn't brought that attention upon herself.

"Well, Brother," This time, it was Penny who spoke her mind in her lilting voice. "It is a reasonable concern to bring to light."

"Is it?" Harry questioned rhetorically, allowing himself to bite the bait. "Or can you all not accept that His Majesty is far more trusting and confident in mine and Brother Cedric's faithfulness than you seem to believe?"

Penny attempted to backtrack as soon as it was implied she was questioning the actions of the Emperor. "That's not what-"

Harry continued, not allowing her to defend herself and somehow twist his words. "His Majesty trusts me, and Brother Cedric. That should be all that is needed to be said and known. Now," He smoothed down his robes over his stomach, his restlessness inciting one of the twins to push harshly at his left side. "I believe we should move on before Sister Penny further implies anything that may upset me, and incite me to respond in kind. I care for your reputation, Sister, so please, let us let this topic lie."

The woman did not speak from then until the end of the meeting, and only to dismiss it, skin visibly clammy and pale. It earned her many curious and downright delighted looks from the other concubines, which she was aware of. Their ravenous stares were devouring the sight of her evident weakness.

"I was incredibly surprised that His Majesty chose only two new members, and that both were only relegated to the Second Class Attendant rank." Alecto huffed from her seat. "It leaves the Harem with the same number of members as it had three years previously."

Bellatrix answered her. "It reveals that His Majesty is content with the numbers of his Harem at the time being. And the lower ranks needed to be filled once more, the Emperor has been most generous in promoting us in the past few years. Brothers Cassius and Adrian are now joined by our new Sisters, His Majesty thought wisely of the future. This will ensure there are Second Class Attendants to utilise for the next Selection."

Thankfully, Harry thought, such a thing was now three long years away. He would have time to prepare, ensure he held even more power, and to hopefully keep Thomas' attention fixed on him.

And perhaps, by then, if he still held this undeniable sway over the Emperor, he could convince him to change the way the Selection occurred. No longer would it arrive like clockwork every three years, in the plans Harry was drawing up in his head, but only when necessary. It would ensure that there were fewer new members to draw away his husband's attention.

Harry could feel he had become obsessed with such a thing, craving it and receiving it with glee. The man had a way of making Harry feel dizzy with power, and perhaps even love, even though he knew love was a dangerous thing to hold towards a man such as an Emperor who held a harem to sate his needs and deliver him many heirs.

Harry would have to learn to tamper his jealousy, and live with the fact that he must share the man whom he truly loves.

Jealousy which still simmered within him when he thought of the Tournament, and those sparkling blue eyes that haunted his thoughts.

19th July 2000- Wednesday

Harry stopped in the doorway of the meeting hall, blinking at the sight of added chairs and the two newest Attendants seated on them. He quickly plastered a genial smile on his face as he swiftly passed them, nodding his head at Cho with familiarity, and giving the other woman, Leanne, a cursory smile.

He noted as Cho smiled back hesitantly, and the other woman stared after him with stars in her eyes, leaning forward to watch as he made his way to his seat. Harry shifted uncomfortably as her stare refused to abate, grateful that the entirety of the Harem separated them as the others quickly filed in after.

Taking her seat on the dias, Penny gave a bright smile to their newest members, and Harry ducked his head, remembering falling for the same bright smile at the beginning. Now, he knew her true nature, hidden behind her geniality. Whether their relationship had ever truly been a happy one, Harry would never know. He had looked up to her, especially after she had protected him from Cordelia. But now that he was met only with brittle smiles and cold stares, Harry debated their genuineness.

"Sisters Chang and Buchanan, welcome, we're so glad you have both decided to join us so soon."

Buchanan gave a shy smile and a nod, seeming to preen under Penny's attention. Cho accepted the welcome gracefully, her expression controlled. Time would tell if she had fallen under her spell, which the other seemingly had.

"Thank you, Consort Slytherin Haywood. I already felt so welcomed by Nobles Malfoy and Greengrass that I decided to attend today."

Ah, so Cho had already been approached by others. Harry could feel Dahlia's smug stare, obviously attempting to incite a reaction from him. Unluckily for his once friend, Harry was more secure in his friendship with the woman than that.

But, he would have to approach her sooner than later, to ensure there were no harsh feelings between them from three years of no contact. Harry would invite Buchanan for tea as well, to get to know her. She was the true wildcard.

She seemed to be a shy woman, if the way she was shrinking into herself said anything. However, the way she was staring at the other members, him included, as if they were her idols made him shift uncomfortably. Perhaps it was nothing, but her seeming worship of them could perhaps cause some trouble for Buchanan in the future. The Harem weren't nice, and if she wasn't smart enough to realise that soon, the woman wouldn't survive, let alone thrive.

But whether to take her under his wing or not, given her seeming innocence to the point of obliviousness and naivety, was the question that remained on Harry's mind as they exited the Hall to ready themselves for the third day of the Tournament.

The third day began with a brilliant display of power from Alixan, the witch showcasing why, many times, it truly was the larger magical core that won out in the end. Having exhausted her opponent, it was only a matter of time before the other woman was bound, helpless to fight back, ending the long, drawn-out duel after what felt like hours.

The audience let out a sigh of relief, claps ringing out as the pair bowed to one another, the referee floating the stumbling, exhausted woman off of the stage as she struggled.

Alixan, taking centre stage, bowed before the Royal Box. "Again, I have defeated my adversaries in your name, Your Majesty." The proud woman announced, smiling.

Thomas looked unperturbed at her bold address. "That you have." The woman beamed happily. "But this is still only the third day, and you have many worthy opponents left before you may taste victory if you can defeat them, Miss Alixan." It was a clear dismissal, and the crowd cheered as the next competitors took to the stage, hoping for a flashy, but shorter match.

Alixan vacated the arena with hesitance as if disbelieving that the man wouldn't wish to converse with her further. But she did not argue, as some would have, taking it in stride and bowing respectfully to them.

Harry slouched back into his seat as he watched her disappear into the darkness of the tunnel, jumping slightly as the Emperor's hand brushed over his. Harry looked over, only to see that the man was watching the two competitors exchange pleasantries before their battle began.

He smiled fondly, knowing that the touch revealed all there was to know.

The pair below began their battle by circling each other. He recognised one of them as the Spanish competitor, from that remarkable and memorable duel on the first day. Harry's heart leapt into his throat as the two began to fire spells at one another in quick succession, obviously reading the mood of the crowd, who had become restless after such a drawn-out showcase previously. It meant the spells were less refined, magic wilder, and Harry couldn't help but smile in exhilaration as the mood of the scene got to him, leaning forward in his seat and clasping Thomas' hand tightly when Ricci summoned lightning from the clear summer skies.

The arena was scorched and broken by the time the dust had settled, revealing only one competitor standing, the other sprawled amongst the rubble. Ricci turned to the Royal Box and bowed, grinning tiredly with victory, and her victory set the crowds off into a loud roar of approval.

Harry couldn't help himself but to clap eagerly, smiling down at the woman who had bested her opponent so splendidly. As his hands came back down, one was taken softly, and he followed the arm of it to stare into Thomas' blazing red eyes, filled with fiery emotion.

"Did you enjoy the fight, Harry?" The man murmured to him, and Harry, still filled with second-hand adrenaline from watching such an exhilarating battle, grinned eagerly up at him. His husband's gaze only grew more intense, but Harry turned his attention back to the arena, now eager to watch the rest.

"Yes, it was a thrilling duel to watch. Mrs Ricci is very skilled, you should consider adding her to your Knights even if she does not end up as the Champion."

The Emperor hummed, a non-answer but Harry was too engrossed watching the referee spell the arena back to its original state, the next two duellers entering to much fanfare, the crowd riled up and roaring in approval as they began exchanging powerful, beautiful feats of magic.

20th July 2000- Thursday

Now that the new members had settled in, as broadcasted by their attendance at the daily meeting yesterday and this morning, Harry decided to invite them for tea alongside Luna, whom he still trusted the most out of everyone in the harem. He believed that would always be the case, however. Luna didn't hold a bone in her body to be ruthlessly ambitious, not to the detriment of those she cared for. However, he did know, from the mysterious way she held herself and the cryptic way she spoke that she was not a lady to be trifled with. Harry was glad she was his friend.

It was an uncomfortable trek into his garden, his stomach now swollen past the point of comfort, his size almost broadcasting that something was different with this pregnancy. He was far larger at thirty-four weeks than he had been at full term with Alsephina. His feet, too, were aching, rubbed raw in his shoes despite soft socks and creams to soothe the pains.

Thinking of his little Princess conjured a fond, but exasperated smile on his face. He had left her in the watchful care of Lola, not trusting her grabbing hands and ever-expanding vocabulary whilst around relatively unknown persons. Alsie, a few short weeks shy of her first birthday was now a proper little person, with all the emotions that came with true cognisance. And for all her sweetness, which his daughter freely gave to all those around her, she seemed to have inherited Harry's temper, which made him a blushing mess whenever Thomas gave him a knowing smile.

By the time he had arrived, his three guests were thankfully present, and they each stood at his appearance.

"Your Highness, Consort Slytherin-Potter-Black." Cho and Buchanan greeted him simultaneously, whilst Luna greeted him far more happily and casually in her sweet voice. "Harry!"

"Sister Luna, Attendants Chang and Buchanan, thank you for joining me for tea at such short notice."

"It is a pleasure to get to know you truly," Buchanan spoke with a wide smile, almost bouncing on her toes. Harry waved for them to sit down, almost falling into his own chair that Anya pulled out with a relieved sigh.

"And I, too. To be chosen by His Majesty, you have become one of the very few people who are recognised by him, and such a thing makes me very interested in getting to know you." Harry turned to Cho, giving her a smile that wavered slightly, uncertain how his words were to be received. "Of course, me and Attendant Chang already know one another, and I consider her to be a friend of mine."

Cho nodded, smiling, and he was relieved at that. "Yes, I am grateful that you still consider me to be a friend, as I do, Consort Sly-"

"Please," Harry interrupted, smiling wryly. "Call me Brother Harry. My title is rather long, and we are way past formalities from knowing each other for so long."

Cho appeared thankful, her eyes bright. "Thank you, Brother Harry, call me Cho as you always have, or perhaps even add Sister to the front of that, as we are now both a part of His Majesty's Harem."

Harry turned to Buchanan, his smile turning a little more forced at seeing the stars in her eyes. "You may do the same, Attendant Buchanan. I'm not one for stringent formalities."

The woman practically leapt at the opportunity. "I'm very grateful, Brother Harry! Ah, please also call me Sister, or Leanne, whatever you prefer."

Harry nodded, eyes meeting Luna's. She was amused, and they shared a hidden smile.

Perhaps those surrounding him now could at one time become some of his closest confidants. Leanne would have to tamper her hero worship before that could occur, however, especially towards those who wished Harry harm.

21st July 2000- Friday

Penny tied up her silken robe slowly, glancing back at the Emperor, who was already dressed and pouring himself a goblet of wine. She stared longingly at the ruffled sheets, reminiscing the time they had shared mere moments before. The man had quickly removed himself from the bed once they had finished, and they had yet to speak in the time Penny took to compose herself.

"Your Majesty," She called out for his attention, clearing her throat. "Do I truly have to leave? Perhaps, as to ensure the conception of our next child, we should-"

"I decline." The man answered swiftly, draining his cup and placing it back on his desk. "You have completed your duty as my Primary Spouse. That I am still bedding you is only for ceremonial purposes. We have three healthy, strong children. Having yet another with you is not a wish of mine."

She frowned, internally screaming with frustration. What did the Emperor know about the duty she wished to observe? Was it not her decision to have another child? It wouldn't make much of a difference to him, the man already had over twenty children, she lost count around that mark, but to her, a fourth could mean her long-awaited promotion to the rank of Noble Consort.

A rank which, now, she seemed to be in a race to attain with Harry, who was pregnant and still receiving regular attention from the man. Penny could not allow him to eventually have three children as she did and lose her position and the Emperor's Primary spouse, not to an upstart who had only known the man for three years in comparison to her twelve. She deserved to be the Head of the Harem, she had worked so hard to finally oust Bellatrix, making her way up from the rank of Attendant to Primary Consort in under ten years.

"Would having a fourth child with me be such a chore, Your Majesty?" She hedged, fearing his response. "As a member of your Harem, it is my duty to provide you with heirs, as many as my body can and I am willing. I want another child, it is not a chore to me."

The man looked at her, her husband, the man she respected but feared all the same. There was nothing fond in his gaze, not like there had been years before, or at the birth of their three children.

"As I have said, I do not-"

There was a knock at the door, and the Emperor stopped, flicking a hand to open it. He turned his full attention to the Knight standing in the doorway, uncaring of how Penny's eyes had begun to fill with tears. The Emperor beckoned the Knight in, and Penny stepped backwards, holding her robe tighter to her body, flushing at being seen in such a vulnerable state. The Knight did not so much as glance at her, his full attention on the man he served. 

"Your Majesty, I have news to share you wished to hear immediately." He intoned blandly, stepping closer at the man's insistence. Penny felt the moment the Emperor put up a shield to conceal their conversation.

She caught his satisfied smile at the words the Knight had whispered into his ear, her interest growing at the unusual sight. Penny waited until the Knight left to sate her curiosity, clearing her throat.

The Emperor looked up, the look in his eyes broadcasting puzzlement as to why she had yet to leave. Folding her arms across her chest, feeling the unwelcome chill in the air grow, Penny tried her best to smile cheekily the way she'd seen Harry do. By the way the man's face contorted minutely, it was successful.

"So, what was that about?" Penny purred, making her way closer to him. Such a voice had made him speak of relatively significant matters in the past, so she was moderately confident it would do so now. If she was being honest, Penny thought that with age, she had only grown more beautiful, an attribute which had attracted the man to her in the first place, and all men that crossed her path.

The Emperor sighed, leaning back in his chair, and she eagerly lapped up the unobstructed attention she was receiving. "My Knight was informing me of my children, Alexus, Amelia and Alsephina. They are seemingly having a lovely time in Harry's palace."

Penny's heart stuttered at the mention of that dreaded boy's name from the Emperor's mouth, smile faltering. This was the information that needed to be whispered so secretively, by a Knight of all people?

"Ah, is that so?"

Harry watched fondly as Alexus gently held his daughters' hands. Alsephina was watching her feet as she shuffled along after him, tongue peeking out cutely in concentration. It was the most heartwarming of sights.

By his side, Amelia was resting her head on his shoulder, seemingly content. Her shoulders were less taught with tension, and her breathing was less stuttered. It warmed him that she seemed to trust him so, having noted how she was often on guard around the other Harem members bar a select few.

"Uncle," Her soft, hesitant voice broke the relative silence they had settled in, and Harry shifted, humming gently. "When the babies come, will I still be allowed to visit you?"

Harry's heart stuttered, stopped for a moment, then began beating erratically as a slight nervous sweat broke out on his brow. "Babies?" He cringed, hearing the obvious anxiousness in his voice.

Amelia, too young to pick up on the specifics of tone, simply heard the shake in his voice and jumped to the worst conclusion. "I won't get in the way, I swear, Uncle! I'll be good, I'll help you with the babies, I won't be loud and I'll- and I'll-"

"Hush, my sweet," Harry shushed her, still feeling his pulse jumping, heart in his throat. "Of course, you may visit me. In fact, I believe I'd want you here even more, so that you may bond with them."

How had the girl known of his twins? Harry looked down, noting the way Amelia was biting her lip. She whispered back to him softly.

"Thank you, Uncle. I've never gotten to see a little baby before." Then, she looked up at him, noting his expression, and tilted her head. He swore then that a slight smirk had twitched at her lips, but what she said next simply froze his thoughts until he could think no more. "I saw them, Uncle. A little star and snake, twining around one another. I love them already, and I won't let anyone hurt them. Don't worry, no one but Father ever believes me, anyway."

Thursday, 27th July 2000

At the next Consort meeting, Penny seemed colder than normal, even towards the Consorts she apparently liked. Mostly, however, her cold sneers were saved for Harry, and her quips quickly fired when he spoke up. The meeting was fraught with tension, with Primary and Secondary Consorts at a standoff that the other three had no interest in intervening in.

It was coming to the end of the meeting when the woman finally spoke her mind, and Harry was presented with what had irritated her so greatly.

Penny gently cleared her throat, smiling softly when their attention was drawn. She placed down her cup and deliberately folded her hands in front of her. "Brother Harry, do you perhaps have anything you wish to inform us of?" The woman began, voice silky but coated with frost. Harry looked up, green eyes flashing at her tone, and mimicked her posture.

"I don't believe I do, Sister Penny. Why? Have you heard of something?"

She kept a genial facade, as if politely asking, genuinely curious, but her eyes revealed the depths of her hidden anger. To his side, Isla shifted, and Bellatrix looked gleeful behind her cup. Regulus was staring at him, expression blank, although there was a tinge of hurt in the taught line of his lips.

They all knew something, and it had upset them, something which could obviously damage his reputation. Harry fought the urge to bite his lip unsurely, feeling as if he had been chucked out at sea with no lifejacket.

"His Majesty was for some, strange reason, oh so intrigued that you were spending time with the First Prince and the Eighth Princess in your Palace. I had questioned him why, but the fact that one of his Knights thought to inform him of this fact makes me believe that he was concerned." She had a fake look of worry and disappointment on her face, which made Harry's skin crawl. "Brother Harry, we have told you many times before, that you shouldn't be currying favour with the children, especially not the First Prince. You are not a new member now, you have been a part of His Majesty's Harem for three years, and as my Secondary Consort, you should know to behave appropriately for your position. Neither the First Prince nor the Eighth Princess are to be adopted by you, none of us wish to see them exploited. We bring this to you as concerned parents ourselves, who wish to watch over our orphaned nieces and nephews and keep them out of the politics of the Harem,"

After such a bold speech, in which she, and those around him, had revealed they were reaching such farfetched conclusions that they weren't even remotely correct with, Harry had to laugh. And he laughed and laughed, especially as their faces contorted, and Penny went slightly red.

"Brother Harry, what is the meaning-"

He waved her quiet, sat up straighter, and smiled. "Please, Sister, don't confuse me with you," Harry spoke, his grin sharpening as the weight of her words finally settled in his mind. Merlin, if she had spread these false accusations further than those at the table, his reputation would have taken a hit, and Harry would have been incredibly annoyed and not so willing to play nice. He ignored the splutter this drew from her and bulldozed on. "Frankly, what you have just said irritates me. I am not trying to 'curry favour' with the children, I have my own to do so if I ever sink so low. And I have certainly not made any moves to adopt either one of them, the First Prince especially. I know that they are old enough to make such decisions on their own, and I would not push them to do so. I simply invited them to my Palace, or more so they invited themselves with permission from His Majesty," Harry let those words sit in the stilted air for a moment. "To see my daughter. Now, please, Sister Penny," Harry drawled. "Set these idiotic thoughts aside, or perhaps we may have a problem."

With that, Harry left.

31st July 2000- Monday

Harry's twentieth birthday dawned on him with sunny skies and perfect weather, with a gathering of family and friends within the Hall.

His Mum had hugged him tightly when she had seen him, cocooning him in a warm embrace that made him feel small despite long having outgrown her. She had whispered into his ear that she loved him, that she was proud, and then greeted her Granddaughter with the enthusiasm a Grandmother could only deliver with their first grandchild.

He had been wrapped up in his Dad's arms only a moment later, who hadn't said much, but simply held him, and then reared back in surprise when one of his children had delivered a kick. He preened as he, his Mum, Sirius and Remus fawned over him, feeling slightly guilty that he couldn't reveal they should be expecting two new additions rather than one.

The celebration for his birthday had been large, although thankfully less strenuous than he had been anticipating. And what he had planned for his daughters would hopefully be grander. Harry had ordered her a small bouncy castle for the day, and the Emperor was most obliging in organising the Hall to be decorated how he wished.

Harry hoped that his twins would hold on just a little longer, allowing his daughter to celebrate her first birthday with all his attention placed on her. Then, he would gladly retreat to his Palace for solitude and anxiously await their anticipated arrival.