Intimacy

4th September 2000- Monday

Potter's laughter echoed through the hall, his cackles amused and unhindered by the vicious glare sent his way by Bellatrix, who appeared to be at the end of her tether and hungry for blood. His laugh was so carefree, as if he hadn't a care in the world, openly mocking one of his Harem members, and it only solidified in Penny's mind that he was not fit for the position of Head of the Harem. It was merely the first meeting, and he had already managed to work Bellatrix up into a rage.

But who was she to question the Emperor's authority?

Penny tensed, readying herself to intervene if the woman resorted to violence, still feeling a duty to protect the man despite her disdain, but Potter's voice sounded once again, filled with mirth as he stared down at Bellatrix with bright green eyes,

"You can't be serious, can you?" Potter breathed out, a smile twitching at his lips. "You are? Oh, that's just-" He giggled again, and Bellatrix snapped.

"Of course I am serious! In all the time you have been within the Harem, His Majesty has begun spending the night less with other members, depriving them of the chance to bear his children, whilst you have thrust upon us three of your spawn in the past year!"

The man's expression darkened, his amusement fading entirely, and he leaned forward, but Bellatrix was too far into her rant to notice. Penny did, as did others, of whom many began to shift uncomfortably as the magic in the air gained an electrified feeling.

"You call him every other day to go galivanting around the Court, disturbing him from his work and disallowing others from spending that time with him. I have not met with the Emperor in weeks, and I am his third-ranked concubine! That is what I call hoarding, Potter." Bellatrix hissed out his name, her wand twirling between her fingers, perhaps an instinctual action, but it was threatening enough for the magic in the room to snap at her in response to Potter's growing agitation.

Bellatrix appeared bewildered for a moment, before her stormy expression grew darker. "You don't like the truth being spoken out loud, but I remind you, Potter, you allowed me to air these grievances, so I will speak my mind."

"Do not call me Potter," The man replied, tilting his head to snarl down at her. "If you refuse to call me Brother, it must be Slytherin-Potter-Black, as those are my names. You are not permitted to call me anything else," His smile grew nasty. "Consort Bellatrix, as you rank below me now. And, for your information, I do not hoard His Majesty as you say, he comes to me, as I am his favoured concubine." Potter practically purred, satisfaction blooming in his eyes as Bellatrix growled like a wild animal. "And we have had our children in such a short space of time, because he wishes for it. Have you perhaps... attempted to persuade him into having a child with you?" His eyes swept the hall, directing the question to all of them. "Instead of relying on your family names," His gaze darted to Bellatrix. "-and your magical power? Or have you sat there, wondering whether I am going to ask him to sleep with you whilst I do?"

Potter laughed again, and this time, it was with derision.

"Why don't you all stop being so ignorant-" He hissed. "-and start wondering why he doesn't call for you, hm? Now, Bellatrix, what were your other grievances, since your first I deem to be inconsequential and out of my control."

The woman bared her teeth at him, and made to sweep out of the hall, her shoulders tensed with violent anger.

But the man cleared his throat. "Did I dismiss this meeting, Consort Bellatrix?"

She stopped, and from this angle, Penny couldn't see her face, but she knew her expression must be murderous. She decided to step in.

"I believe Sister Bellatrix is rather distressed at this moment, Brother Harry. Perhaps you should consider allowing her to leave early, it would be in everyone's best interests." She stood, meeting the man's eyes with her own. He appeared to have a hold on his anger, but Bellatrix surely did not. There was no need for such a petty argument to turn to bloodshed, not when what Bellatrix had spoken was the truth. Potter was hoarding the Emperor's attention, but it was notpolite,nor wise to say such a thing when the man was so fresh to his new seat of power.

He looked at Penny, his head tilted, observing her.

"No," Potter spoke simply, eyes flitting back to Bellatrix's shaking form. "I don't believe I shall. She may sit once more, and remain silent, but this meeting is still in progress. There have been many times when I was distressed within these meetings," He met Penny's eyes, and the green in them glowed brighter as he leant forward, enunciating his words. "And I don't recall either of you allowing me to leave." The man leant back, folding his arms. The air in the hall was stagnant with tension, but he didn't appear willing to budge. It was Bellatrix who moved first.

Penny tensed, ready to intervene, but the woman, quite contrary to her explosive personality, simplymade her way back to her seat, her gaze connected to Potter's the entire time, neither flinching back from the venom with the other's eyes. She sat, and Potter nodded.

"Has anyone else any grievances to air?"

Silence met his question, and a singular, sleek eyebrow rose. "No? I could have sworn there was some lingering... tension in the air." Potter's smile was a bite. "Especially from you, Sister Penny."

Her shoulders tensed, and she met his gaze. "I believe you are mistaken, Brother Harry." He hummed, and she smiled back at him.

"Is that so?" The silence lasted for a few long, tense seconds, before his expression gentled as he swept his gaze over the rest of the concubines. "Then, let us move on to more important matters, as all the grievances have been addressed. I feel so refreshed, knowing that my Brothers and Sisters seem to hold me in such high regard."

Penny could practically hear the cogs in Bellatrix's mind working from across the aisle, and she prayed that she didn't do anything rash.

It needed to be meticulously planned, and it needed to bring the immediate downfall of the callous brat before them.

Thomas entered his Noble Consorts Palace to see the man swept up in rage. The windows were shattered from the excess magic that was leeching out of him, the furniture was shaking from the force of his emotions, and there were no maids in sight. His husband was wearing a path in the carpet from his pacing, and Thomas watched for a few more moments, before stepping forward.

"That," He began, capturing Harry's attention. "Was perhaps the worst first meeting I have had the pleasure of witnessing, courtesy of the minds of various maids."

The man snorted, although it was a wholly unamused sound. "Don't, I messed up. I thought I had everything under control, I was going to listen to their grievances, assess who was a threat and who was a tentative ally, and go from there. But Bellatrix-" He ran a hand through his already unruly hair, knocking the hairpin within it askew. Thomas stepped forward, reaching up a hand to gently fix it. Harry's shoulders slumped, a movement which his eyes caught and tracked like a hawk, noting the gesture for what it was. Trust, in the face of what had surely awakened every defensive nerve in his body. "She called our children spawn, said I had thrust three of them upon the Harem in the past year." His voice was filled with anger, but there were tears in his eyes, and Thomas felt a spike of rage flare in the back of his own mind, aimed towards the ones who had reduced his strong-headed husband to tears.

"I heard." He smoothed a hand along Harry's cheek, capturing his attention. "I will not lie, what you have done today was foolish." Thomas ignored the flinch this elicited from the man. "You have brought upon yourself the anger of Bellatrix, and she is a vicious woman by my own admission. But-" Harry's eyes brightened, and he couldn't help but inch closer to him. "What you did was needed. And I assure you, she will not be able to harm you, and if I manage to catch her in the act, she will be dealt with accordingly."

"How?" His husband whispered back, and Thomas adored that malicious little gleam in his eyes that he had been slowly coaxing out over the past few years. "How will you make her pay?"

"I will tear her down from her position, rank by rank, month by month. She will see ruin, her long decades of work vanquishedin an instant. And only when she is at her lowest, shall she pay the ultimate price."

"Her life?" Harry leant closer, breath heavier as his eyes lidded. Thomas noted the lust within them, amusement sparking to life and smothering a part of that rage that was still burning steadily.

"Hmm," He mummed, tilting his head to brush his lips against his husbands'. "That could be arranged, if you can persuade me."

6th September 2000- Wednesday

Alexus and Amelia hesitantly approached Harry where he was sitting on the sofa, smiling welcomingly at them.

"Prince Alexus, Princess Amelia, welcome sweethearts." He spoke softly, beckoning them closer as they wavered. Alexus was the first to smile, rushing forward with a bit more speed than was polite, folding his hands behind his back like the proper little Prince he was.

"Uncle," The boy gazed at him, the same height as Harry when he was sitting on the sofa. His eyes were quick to stray, however, as Lilaia made a cooing noise where she was settled in the bassinet to the side of the sofa.Harry's smile was indulgent as he watched the way Alexus' eyes softened, and he took an instinctive step forward towards her. "My new sister," Alexus spoke softly, awed.

"Lilaia," He confirmed, surprised that he could so quickly spot that she was his sister and not his brother. He watched as Alexus hovered over the bassinet, his blue eyes sparkling, and Harry smiled. "Would you like to hold her?" He asked, and the boy's shining eyes were enough confirmation for Harry to pick her up gently, patting the sofa for the Prince to sit. He was quick to do so, and Harry passed over the sleeping baby, making sure that she was supported properly. Alexus was a natural, holding her with awe, breathing quietly and smiling down at her so gently.

Harry turned to Amelia, who was still standing a few feet back. He beckoned her closer. She approached hesitantly, eyes flitting between him and Alexus, before focusing on the other bassinet, holding Julius. "May I hold my new brother, Uncle?" She requested politely, and Harry was quick to settle her in the same position as her older brother.The pair made a pretty sight on the sofa, each cradling a tiny infant as if they held the world within their small hands.

Harry's heart softened, and he mourned that he hadn't been able to join the Harem sooner, and adopt the sweet girl before him, protecting her from the harsh words of concubines and maids alike. However, she was now older, and the choice of adoption was ultimately within her hands.

11th September 2000- Monday

It was a bright and sunny day when Erin confirmed Harry's deepest fears about her. In the back of his mind, he realised he had known for a long time, suspected that something was up, that she was hiding something from him, from all of them.

"Magic," The woman, whom he had grown increasingly close to in the past months, giggled slightly, sighing in wonder. "My mother was enthused when father finally confided in her about it, she told me. It was... it was something out of a fantasy book, something she had never dreamed of being truly real in a million years. She was so excited to learn about it, especially when I began showing signs of having inherited it. But, all the magic in the world couldn't stop her from succumbing to illness, however. And it seems I am fated to follow, leaving my sweet daughter and son behind."

Harry gulped, all reassuring words and platitudes dying in his throat, feeling that they would be unwanted at that moment. He croaked out solemn words that caused a heavy ache in his chest just to speak them into existence. "How long do the Healers say you have?"

Erin gave a hysterical chuckle, shrugging her shoulders. "Days, months, weeks, years? They don't know. All they can tell me is that something is wrong and my own magic is trying to kill me, and who knows when it will succeed?" Her smile faltered, turning brittle. "I can feel myself losing it already. By the hour, I'm feeling weaker, my magic is leaving me, and with it, all my strength. I believe that they are being optimistic, thinking I may live even another month. The Late Concubine Emma may have had that sort of fight within inher,to live the long years that she did, but I just..." The woman sighed, her tired eyes meeting his tear-filled ones. "Jasmine has already promised me that she will take in Serina and Enis when I pass, whenever that may be. I trust that she will raise them how I wish to, and won't use them for an ulterior motive."

Harry nodded seriously. "And I will make sure she is not hindered by the others. I will use all my power to ensure they end up in her care."

His friend's eyes glittered, and she squeezed at his hands. "I just... I just wanted to ask something of you, Brother."

"Anything." Harry agreed without hesitation, hands clasping Erin's tighter.

She smiled wryly. "You shouldn't be so giving, now that you are the Emperor's Primary Spouse. What if I had taken advantage of that offer?" The woman chuckled with light humour, turning her head to the side to cough into her shoulder. He watched her with watery eyes, noting how her chest heaved with the strain of every breath, as she practically withered away beneath his gaze. "I wouldn't have, I am too fond of you, although your genuineness may be mistaken as naivety by some. No, I wanted to ask you to watch over them for me, my babies. Make sure they aren't neglected, or used by others. I wish to trust you with this, as I believe we have grown closer over the past few months."

"We have, I cherish you as a dear friend," Harry replied, attempting to convey his sincerity.

Erin teared up a little, turning her head to the side and blinked the moisture from her eyes, huffing a little. "I do as well." The grip on his hands tightened, and she leaned in to brush a kiss on his cheek. Harry hadn't recognised until that moment that they were damp with the tears flowing freely down his face, and he startled at the realisation that he had already begun to mourn his friend. "Thank you, Harry."

12th September 2000- Tuesday

Harry moved into his new, incredibly spacious Palace the next day, his appreciation for the splendour dampened. The world seemed to have grown a grey tinge to it since Erin had confessed her condition to him yesterday, as it was no longer a possibility, but a probability that she would pass. And, it would occur soon, at the beginning of his rule, before he could use his new power to aid her.

He watched fondly as Alsie toddled down the hallway to the extensive living area in the main building, still in awe at how much larger the Palace of Celestial Favour was, with three buildings instead of two. Compared to the two-storied Palace he began in as a Noble, it was unimaginable how far Harry had come. Only one other had ever held the title of Noble Consort, and that was a posthumous blessing by the grieving Emperor. Harry held the power truly, a step closer to the ultimate title, a goal he would not have even dreamed of attaining even a year or so past. But now, it was within reach, with merely a rank in between.

Anya placed a gentle hand on his shoulder from behind, and Harry held it with his free hand, his left arm occupied by a slumbering Julius. Lilaia was held currently by the newest maid he'd been sent from his family, Moira. His two newest assigned maids, Ivy and Deja, were with the other maids unpacking his belongings.

"I can't believe I have made it this far, Anya." He whispered, staring at the detailed walls and carved archways in shock. It was an opulent Palace, and it made the idea that there were two Palace's far grander unbelievable.

"It has been your own doing, Your Highness, and well earned in my opinion." His Head maid muttered back, pushing him slightly forward so that he'd stumble further into the living room. Inside, he couldn't believe his eyes. The floor was a sparkling white, the furniture green and silver, andpillars dotted the room strategically with decorated carvings, but the best feature that caught his eye was the ceiling-to-floor length windows that spanned an entire wall, allowing a clear view of the expansive garden outside. Harry breathed out in shock, stepping forward.

"Oh," He spoke breathlessly, staring out at the large garden, teeming with life, and the gorgeous stream that cut through the middle of it. "It's..."

"All you asked for. His Majesty questioned me on your likes for the garden," Harry's head whipped around, and he stared at her smile. "He had them all implemented in some way. There is a small play area for the children to the side furthest from the front, and a pond with fish, as well as a herb garden."

Harry's heart swelled with fondness for them both. For Anya, his loyal maid who had stood by him for years now, and for the Emperor, who had created the paradise outside of his window simply because that was what Harry liked.

17th September 2000- Sunday

Erin passed peacefully in her sleep not even a week later, the echoes of the conversation ringing in his head as he was informed by an Eunuch.

He began the process of implementing the mourning period immediately, ensuring that Erin would be honoured in death more than she had been in life. He had even managed to convince the Emperor to style her posthumously as the Late Concubine Erin Slytherin-Witt, despite her being a Noble. It was one of the last things he could do for the woman who had grown upon him over the past few years, except to care for her children.

Jasmine had swiftly adopted the both of them with Harry's and the Emperor's consent, despite the petitions from many others, including Bellatrix, Penny, Patricia and, boldly, Daphne and Dahlia, to take either one or both into their own households. He would have never allowed that, for both Erin, her children's, and Jasmine's sake. Harry may have lost a friend, but she had lost the woman she was closest to, who she had relied on and cared for deeply. She was inconsolable, and Harry was at an utter loss as to how, or even if he should, help further.

26th September 2000- Tuesday

Albus Dumbledore was stumped at what to do in this peculiar situation.

His niece was in front of him, her blue eyes blazing with enthusiasm, the colour so identical to his own. He regretted not spelling them another colour when she had been so bold as to enter herself into the championship, as it was most likely this feature that had tipped Tom off. But, even then, the man would have noticed a glamour instantly, and he was well versed in various modifications, so potions and even muggle means would have been uncovered eventually.

He had been furious when she had played his hand too early. Estella's confidence knew no bounds, and while it was usually a trait he treasured in his only niece, this time, the consequences were too large to ignore. Forced to confirm his continued existence in front of a crowd as large as that, and Tom himself, to rescue her from what would have been torture and certain death. Estella had been so sure she would win, and infiltrate the Harem's ranks, becoming the man's favoured concubine. She giddily told her uncle that, when, and only when she was pregnant with the man's child, would she slit his throat the muggle way and have her child placed upon the throne.

Where had Albus gone wrong with raising her? Surely she was not so naive as to believe it would be that easy? And who would accept a baby for an Emperor, from the womb of the woman who had killed the previous one no less? And that was on the very slim chance that Estella could have successfully killed him. Tom's paranoia knew no bounds, she would never have been allowed such a chance. No, his niece's plan never would have worked, but Albus had indulged her despite that.

But, he would not be indulging this.

"You wish to befriend Harry Potter?" He questioned her, to be sure that he had heard correctly.

She smiled at him, nodding her head. "Yes. You said his parents were sympathisers, as are most of the families they surround themselves with. Surely, he too must hold some understanding towards our cause."

Albus held in the frustrated sigh that wished to escape him. "Harry Potter is Voldemort's favoured concubine, the father to three of his children, why would he wish for the man's downfall, do you believe?"

"Because," She drawled. "He'll have a cause to. If we offer to place one of his children upon the throne, and get rid of Bellatrix and other dark sympathisers within the Harem, he'll be glad to aid us." Albus raised an eyebrow at that. "And, he is loyal to his parents. He joined the Harem for the sake of his family's reputation, to bolster it before his sister was born. The Potters haven't been this politically relevant since generations ago."

He steepled his hands, resting his chin on them, humming in thought. His niece brought up good points, but befriending the boy wouldn't be easy, especially not for her. Then, a thought swept into his head.

But the boy's parents, now perhaps they would be easier to persuade, and the boy would follow after.

30th September 2000- Saturday

Penny was preening. It was obvious to see where he sat, and he watched her out of the corner of his eye. He didn't attempt to draw attention to it, as the woman seemed content not to gloat at the time being, and as he had been awake for the majority of the night looking after a pair of screaming newborns, he wasn't inclined to listen if she did.

The meeting was coming to its natural conclusion when the woman seemed to sit up a little straighter, her countenance brightening. Harry suppressed a sigh, knowing that whatever could make her this happy would most likely not do the same for him.

"Brother Harry, may I speak for a moment? I have the most magnificent news to share with you all." She smiled up at him, and he waved for her to continue with a small one of his own.

He was attempting to be less confrontational after that disastrous first meeting of his at the beginning of the month. The mourning period they observed since the death of Erin had allowed him time to think things over and realise he had been rash, although his words and actions had not been undeserved. No, in fact, Bellatrix had been acting out for too long, and now that there was someone who truly ranked above her, a Noble Consort to a Consort, she truly needed to watch herself. Thomas had agreed with that.

"I am pleased to share with my Brothers and Sisters that I am pregnant once again, my fourth pregnancy!"

Many of the concubines gasped enthusiastically, beginning to congratulate her.

"Oh, my, congratulations, Sister Penny!"

"What wonderful news!"

"A fourth child, His Majesty must be so incredibly awed with you, Sister!"

Harry drummed his fingers on the armrests of his chair for a few seconds, waiting until she turned her attention up to him expectantly. "Yes, I am sure His Majesty is pleased, congratulations on your fourth child, Sister Penny."

The smile she gave him was smug, and his eye twitched. Irritation thrummed within his veins, and Harry breathed out heavily to call himself. It spiked once more at her next words, however.

"Perhaps my fifth as well, Brother, If I too am blessed with twins as you are. I will find out soon enough, as I am already ten weeks along."

"Perhaps." Harry hedged. "Ten weeks? I expected less, as you spent the night with the Emperor on your birthday most recently."

"Yes, It seems I tested too early after the last time I spent the night with His Majesty, and the results came back negative. Imagine my surprise when I tested earlier this month after spending another night with him, only to discover I was already several weeks along!"

"Well," Bellatrix spoke up, grinning. "This is most welcome news!" The woman crowed, side-eyeing Harry. "It seems my accusations towards you were a bit harsh, Brother, if Sister Penny has found herself pregnant. Let us hope that many of us find ourselves as blessed in the coming months."

He nodded his head sharply, meeting her dark eyes. "Of course, if His Majesty wishes for it."

She snarled at him silently. "Of course he will, that is why the Harem exists after all, Brother."