Intimacy

15th November 2000 - Wednesday

Lily sat on the sofa, watching as her daughter played happily and noisily with the toys sent by Harry, holding back tears at the sight. She couldn't help but look upon the scene and think back to when Harry was as small as his sister, clapping his hands and looking up at his adoring parents for their words of approval. Florence mirrored him in a way Lily hadn't been prepared for, but with her own flair that spoke of an intelligence cultivated by Remus, her godfather. Harry had been far too influenced by Sirius when he was younger, Lily was glad he seemed to have settled now.

She wondered if Harry was doing the same at the moment, watching over his children as they played, as much as her littlest grandchildren could.

"Lils?" James' tired voice sounded from the doorway, and she couldn't help but smile teasingly up at him. His hair was askew, brown eyes lidded with sleep, and there was an imprint of a pillow on his cheek. He had been working late last night, kept busy by the new status they held in society by being connected to their son. Harry had done a wonderful job in turning their fortune around, but it meant there was an excess of work to do, many meetings and gatherings to attend, and a whole lot more expectations placed upon their family. Still, she didn't begrudge her son for wanting Florence to grow up respected, not ridiculed. His efforts to become Head of the Imperial Harem were not in vain, and she couldn't be more proud of him. But they would need to hire help at some time, there was only so much James and her could handle alongside their own work.

"Finally awake? Almost half the days gone." Lily goaded, and he groaned, throwing his head back.

"It's only ten, that's nowhere near half the day!" Her husband whined, falling to his knees to scoop up Florence. James then proceeded to complain to their daughter about how 'Mummy is so mean' and that she was 'nagging him again, she's going to make me cry!'. Florence giggled happily along as he did so, nodding encouragingly. James looked so dashing holding her gently in his lap, and Lily swooned a little, eyeing his slightly greying hair and smile lines with a warm heart. She blushed a little as he winked at her, catching her staring, feeling like a schoolgirl under his adoring attention once more.

It had been soincredibly surprising and flattering to catch James' attention at Hogwarts. He had been handsome even then, in a much cuter way. If only he hadn't opened his mouth, she would have fallen for him much sooner.

His personality had left much to be desired for, however. He was, to put it simply, a bully, and she would not associate herself with someone like that. She protected Severus from his and Sirius' pranks whenever she could, scolding them and berating them. It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of Severus' personality whilst he was surrounded by other Slytherins that she began to understand where their animosity towards one another had stemmed from.

Now, however, Severus and James were able to be amicable towards one another to an extent, and she had forgiven both of them for the way they had behaved in their school years. Having a child with one, and seeing the other treat her son so well had ensured there would forever be a mutual connection between them, and they appeared willing to be civil.

Lily sighed happily as she watched James twirl their daughter around, content.

Harry was having a lovely, relaxing day in his Palace. There were no Tea's or lunches to attend, the morning meeting was over, and he was simply left to his own devices with only a few maids and his children for company. The weather was cold, so he had decided to sequester himself, his children, and a watchful Anya within the smaller living room, the fire blazing, sofa's covered with cosy blankets, toys scattered across the floor and a crib brought in for his twins to remain secure.

He peered over the rungs at his youngest babies, both happily giggling away next to each other. Only occasionally would he allow them to be within the same crib, and only when they were awake. When Harry did, the twins loved it, staring into each other eyes and bursting into adorable, baby babbles. He sighed lovingly, reaching down to tickle under Julius' chin, smiling as his son giggled, clasping his hand between both of his small palms. He loved this stage, where they were beginning to recognise and interact with Harry a little more, not so tired all the time.

He stared down at them both, looking back to where Alsie was playing under the supervision of Anya, showing her each block before she placed it on the growing mound before her. Harry grinned at the sight, turning back at the growing noise the twins were making. He blinked, frowning in confusion, as he gazed at Julius. Something wasn't quite...right.

Harry noticed it a moment later. The pink strands appearing in his son's hair.

He gripped the crib in shock as the roots of Julius' hair grew a brighter pink, the colour spreading out to turn his golden locks an unmistakable candyfloss pink. The boy squirmed happily as he stared up at Harry sleepily, cooing. His daughter's burbling drew his attention away, still attentive to his children's needs even in a moment of shock.

Lilaia's hair was slowly turning a light blue that matched her cornflower eyes that stared up at him brightly. His daughter giggled, reaching a hand out to grip the now pink locks her twin was sporting, and Julius returned the action in kind. Harry's knees felt weak as he held himself up barely by hanging on to the thankfully magically reinforced crib, disbelieving. He let out a shocked laugh, lacking humour, as he brought a shaky hand up to cover his face.

What was he going to tell their father?

"Your Highness, what is the matter?" Anya called over, concerned, but she did not leave her place by Alsephina's side, as she was ordered.

He let out a distressed giggle, shaking his head as Lilaia's eyes turned red of all colours.

"They're Metamorphmagi."

24th November 2000 - Friday

Since Harry had informed him of their twins' talents, Thomas had been taking every opportunity to observe the pair of them, asking his husband to bring along all three of their children to each morning meeting. Alsephina showed no signs of being a metamorphmagus, but he hadn't ruled out the chance just yet.

Julius and Lilaia, however, changed their hair and eye colour frequently, one moment mirroring the colour of his own, then changing to the colour of the desk or armchair he was sitting in, cradling them. He blinked every time, cataloguing the memory, registering how far their abilities stretched. So far, it appeared they could only change the colour of their features, mainly hair and eyes, although Lilaia had turned slightly orange one morning, but the change was minuscule.

Still, it was a sight to see, and Thomas still couldn't quite believe it. For over a century, the Black Family's blood abilities had remained mostly dormant, only slight talents surfacing in the most powerful few. The resurgence of the metamorphmagi talent had begun with one Nymphadora Tonks, half-blood daughter of Andromeda, Bellatrix's younger sister, and her muggleborn husband. That had clued Thomas to the fact that new blood was needed for its reappearance. The inbreeding they partook in had dulled their talents, just as how his maternal family had been growing magically weaker until he was born, the product of new blood revitalising the magic. Then, Delphina had been born, and she was already showcasing her ability, although it seemed less potent than Tonks'. Now, his two youngest children had also evidently inherited this rare and powerful ability to shapeshift at will, and Thomas could barely believe his luck.

Harry seemed to be a treasure trove for unlocking rare talents.

His husband was over the moon about it, delighted that his children could change their appearance so easily, bursting into laughter whenever they changed their hair to outlandish, bright colours. He murmured to them sometimes about them being the next generation of 'marauders', whatever that was supposed to mean. It made Harry happy, however, so Thomas was content to believe it was something positive.

Thomas thought of other boons this gave his youngest children. A clear, undeniable show of magical strength was one, although he hadn't been in doubt about that. It also gave the two an increased validity to their claim as the next heirs to the House of Black. Harry had some blood connection to the House, but it was his relationship with Sirius Black that gave him the title of heir, and not all were pleased about that. Now, however, with his children showing that they had inherited the coveted ability of the House that rarely revealed itself in recent years, their claim was stronger than any.

As if Thomas would have allowed them to strip his children of their right to be heirs either way.

The Council, also, had raved over this new revelation. If some hadn't had an interest in his husband before, Harry had gained it now. He had proven himself capable of passing down not only the parseltounge gene, but the Metamorphmagi one. Bellatrix was also included within that category, but the Council had sidelined her for good. There was no way they would allow the youngest Prince and Princess to lose out on a Lord or Ladyship, either, and the Black Family, whilst holding much sway, was not the highest power within England. He was. An honour which he would pass down to one of his children when he split the Slytherin Lordship from the title of Emperor, if he recognised an heir worthy enough of such a position.

4th December 2000 - Monday

Penny walked down the beautiful brick path towards her destination, breathing in the smells of winter, taking her time. By her side, her Head Maid held onto her arm, keeping her steady, ensuring that both Penny and her baby remained safe from an accidental fall.

She adored staring down at her growing bump, where her miracle baby resided, lying in wait until the day they were born, wholly wanted and loved by their mother. The Emperor may not have wanted her baby to exist, even going so far as to forgo a promotion for Penny even though a pregnancy usually resulted in one, but she surely did. And His Majesty had made no moves to prevent it despite his lacklustre reception.

Penny also delighted in the stares of the other concubines now that her belly was becoming obvious, jealous that she was yet again carrying the Emperor's child, her fourth, whilst many had not one. And she was the only one, presumably, at this time, which only made the pregnancy all that much sweeter. Penny would languish in this rare occasion, and hoped it would be many months, selfishly perhaps even a year, until the next pregnancy announcement. And hopefully, that would be an ally of hers. She was a generous partner to have, after all.

Until then, she would have to work herself back into the Emperor's good graces, plan her rise to Head of the Harem once more, and devise a strategy to keep herself there. She wouldn't fall again, not to Potter, and most certainly not to the next chit who stole away all the attention.

That meant, she needed to retain as many allies as possible, and regain them even from Potter. The lower concubines were like sheep. They followed the instructions of the highest-ranked concubine, which Penny hadn't minded when she had held the position, however, now, it was detrimental. Those who didn't were a mixed bag; they were either the smartest of the bunch, the insane who didn't care for much, or purely idiotic.

She was approaching a group of the latter at the moment, having arranged to share a small lunch with them within the Pavilion of Light. Penny was a little late, but she wasn't bothered by that. They wouldn't say much, they were just thankful she had invited them in the first place.

"Sister Penny!" First-Class Attendant Merula was the first to chirp, standing from the table at the centre to bow. The rest followed, Second-Class Attendants Cassius and Adrian, First-Class Attendants Zacharias and Penelope, Nobles Pippa and Cedric, and the newest, lowest-ranked concubine Leanne. Each greeted her fervently, and she sat at the head of the table with a put-on smile.

She didn't truly wish to be surrounded by such low-ranked concubines, after all. If she had it her way, she would be lunching with Consorts and Concubines only. However, those were the clever ones, and they would take much more convincing than a simple tea, a few promises and a little bit of favour shown to turn to her side.

Potter had already ensnared Regulus and Isla, although Bellatrix was assured that she could bring the man over. Isla would hopefully continue with her indifference, as she had done for many years now since she birthed her coveted son.

Concerning the Concubines, Jasmine was truly in his grasp, although Penny did not lament that fact. The woman was far too emotionally fragile for her tastes, especially since the death of her not-so-hidden love. Cordelia, also, seemed to be staying out of the way in recent years, a contrast to her previous ostentatious personality. Potter had truly dampened her, which Penny should perhaps be thankful about. The woman had been far too pompous and self-absorbent for her rank.

Noble Luna was not of any consequence either, and neither did Penny wish to approach her. She was unsure whether she fell into the insane, smart or idiotic categories, the woman was just so ditzy that Penny couldn't bring herself to care much. Cedric, also, confused her, but he at least was not exhibiting signs of insanity. She had invited him today to suss out whether he was truly loyal to Potter or not.

It was Attendant Theodore and the newly added Attendant Cho that Penny truly wished to add to her allies. Leanne would be an easy catch, being so new and naive to the scene, but those two were too smart for their own good. Theodore, she had thought, would follow Attendant Dahlia into her camp, who had a very intriguing, personal vendetta against Potter, or perhaps Attendant Daphne whom he seemed closer to. But, defying expectations, he appeared to have thrown his lot in with Potter, and it was causing tension within the First-Class Attendants. And Cho, whilst being only a Second-Class Attendant, had the makings of a powerful player in the game. Penny would keep a close eye on her, even though the woman appeared to be uninterested in gaining His Majesty's attention at the very moment. Both would be wonderful allies to have, but if she could make them indifferent in this power struggle, it would deprive Potter of some key players. Penny would meet with them in a more private gathering, so as to not be weighed down by idiotic comments from others.

Despite the many he could call his allies, however, Penny knew that a large amount of the rest were indifferent, or largely within her faction.

Bellatrix was surely playing for herself, but there was no chance she would aid Potter, so Penny could trust her for now until the time came to let her fall and take the brunt of the blame.

Concubine Felix and Attendant Lukas were one in the same. Both were relatively cautious with their allegiances, but also obviously not within Potters faction. Neither did they appear willing to seek out allyship with him. Hopefully, they would either remain that way, or join her truly, which she would prefer.

Concubine's Alecto and Patricia were wildcards. Penny would perhaps place them in the same boat as Bellatrix, those allied to her only for the time being, with their own agenda. However, alike Bellatrix, there was insanity lurking under their, to varying degrees, controlled facades. Whether they would make good allies against Potter whilst she herself had to remain incredibly careful was debatable. She could not trust them not to reveal her plans out of spite, or go out of the way to harm him obviously and bring down Penny with them. Penny would have to observe them further to decide. Alecto, especially, seemed to be veering ever closer to the edge, her sanity questionable.

The rest, Pippa, Zacharias, Merula, Adrian, Cassius and Penelope, Penny could categorise two ways. One was those who wished for Potter's downfall, which was the majority of them to some degree, barring Attendant Penelope. That woman seemed indifferent, but perhaps she could be persuaded in some way. After all, she appeared to have trouble disobeying authority, she would not deny Penny much.

All accounted for, Penny was satisfied. She clearly had many more potential allies than Potter, and after today, perhaps she could consider many of them truly on her side.

Focusing once more, she allowed their compliments and congratulations to wash over her, her pregnancy once again the topic of conversation. Each concubine was eager to gain her attention, and Penny wasn't shy in admitting that one of the easiest ways was through her children. She and Potter could have perhaps remained civil, even become close allies, with the gentleness he showed her daughter, if only he hadn't stolen the Emperor's favour.

"Sister Penny, are you hoping for a girl or a boy this time?" Noble Pippa questioned, leaning forward with eager eyes.

Next to her, Attendant Merula scoffed. "Of course, a boy. Sister Penny already has two daughters, and a single son. It would be preferable for the babe to be a boy."

"That is correct." Penny agreed, and enjoyed the noises they all made. "I love my girls, but I dearly wish for another boy." And, even though the Emperor had made it quite clear gender was not an issue, Penny still subscribed to the notion that a male child was the preferred option within royal and noble Houses. She would push for her daughter to be the next Empress, as she was the eldest, but it would be her sons who would most likely find themselves with Noble titles, passed to them through agreements she would create with dying Houses. She wouldn't allow her sons to go without, of course. Penny couldn't have them resenting their future Empress.

"Oh, I dearly hope I find myself pregnant sometime soon! I have always wished for children, and I'm not getting any younger. It makes me feel slightly worthless, sitting here, enjoying the luxuries of the Harem, without providing His Majesty another heir. If only he would spend the night with someone other than Pott- His Highness, the Noble Consort." Attendant Merula ranted, pausing obviously on her stumbled words to glance at Penny for a reaction.

Penny hummed, watching with faint amusement as the woman seemed to preen under her gaze. She made it quite clear that she was not fond of Potter, and the woman seemed to want to make it known to Penny that she agreed.

Most of the others followed suit, making it known that they too disapproved of Potter, slighting him in ways that they could not be reprimanded for. Not that Penny would. However, she noted that Cedric, Penelope and Leanne did not join them in this, with Cedric even frowning. Leanne looked confused, biting at her lip, whilst Penelope seemed to be shrinking into herself.

Ah, it had been worth the shot, but it was clear that these three had loyalties elsewhere, and a simple lunch would not shift them.

It was of no consequence. After all, the other five had proven themselves.

11th December 2000 - Monday

Harry held the hands of the emperor of Japan, smiling politely as the man bowed, greeting him. The muggle gripped him tightly, and Harry suppressed a grimace. His hands were sweaty, and he didn't like how the man's fingers lingered on the ring Thomas had gifted him. Harry was glad when he moved on to greet Isla, who was standing in as his Second due to Penny remaining at the Court.

He hadn't expected a warm welcome exactly, the Emperor had taken control of their country by force, after all, and made their own emperor a lesser one. However, the frostiness their presence evoked sent shivers down his spine.

Now, with confirmation that Dumbledore was alive, Harry had begun to hear whispers. Of revolution, stirring at the outskirts of the Empire. Australia, the USA. Seeing how they were received in Japan only confirmed that Dumbledore was provoking another uprising, and who knew but perhaps the Emperor when they would strike? It made Harry feel vulnerable.

Still, he had to grin and bear it, and allow the man to introduce himself and his family to them. Harry noted that the woman by his side was decorated incredibly lavishly compared to the concubines standing in neat rows behind them, the children of the emperor lined up in a short line in front. There were five of them, and at least twenty concubines. Harry had heard that the royalty and political leaders of the muggle world had taken it upon themselves to emulate the Emperor, and either reinstated the Harem system they had used in centuries past, or created one that aligned with their society. The wizarding world had done so as well.

Harry also noticed that none of the concubines were introduced to them, despite each Consort and Concubine of His Majesty's taking their turn to say a few words of greeting to the emperor and his empress. The children, inexceptionto the only boy, were similarly left nameless. It made for a stiff and awkward atmosphere, unchanged by the invitation to enter the Grand Palace where the emperor and all his relatives resided.

Harry could practically taste the coldness this trip would be tinged with.

The feast held in their honour followed the same tune. The food was lovely, and Harry enjoyed tasting authentic dishes he'd never had the opportunity to eat, but his stomach roiled every time he chanced a glance up at Thomas.

His husband appeared furious, in that subtle way that preceded an outburst. Harry hoped it would occur outside of range, and not cause a stir. Not that anyone would dare hold the man accountable. But, still.

He ate his food, and pretended not to notice when Thomas stood, ushering the emperor to follow him from the room.

The following morning, they were heading back to the Court, and Japan was ushering in their next emperor, the young son of the incapacitated previous emperor.

17th December 2000 - Sunday

Cradled in his lap, Julius was dozing contentedly, making little noises in his sleep when Harry shifted to reach for his cup. His son was exhausted from an hour of being cooed over by those Harry had invited for tea, and from the magical output his metamorphmagus talents required. Ever since that day he and Lilaia had first shown off the rare talent, it had been hard to catch their true appearances.

Julius seemed to be sporting a permanent head of black hair, identical to Harry's, and for some reason, his eyes were lilac. Lilaia on the other hand had turned her hair red like her older sisters, and sported green eyes like his rather than her usual blue.

There had been an outroar when their talents had first come to light. Thomas was, as expected, overjoyed and proud that their children had inherited a talent from the Black family that was rarely seen, Harry had no doubts he would accept it. However, the Harem was less pleased. Oh, there were the ones who congratulated and gushed over the twins' surprising abilities, sending them gifts and asking to see their talents in action. But others saw this as yet another slight to themselves.

Bellatrix had crowed loudly when Princess Delphina showed the first signs of being a metamorphmagi, proclaiming it as a sign of magical talent, and a blessing from magic that both Bellatrix and the Princess were favoured. Bellatrix did not seem to share that same opinion towards Harry and his twins. In fact, when Jasmine had let the information slip in the morning meeting a few days ago, she had reddened to a spectacular purple colour, her emotions clear on her face, but she did not speak until after the meeting had concluded. Instead, she had waited for the Consort Meeting, which Harry now headed, and questioned him on the matter heavily. If she had been expecting to find another explanation for their talents, the woman was sorely mistaken. It was clear they had inherited the coveted talent that rarely showed in the recent generations of the Black Family.

Sirius had been ecstatic when Harry sent him a letter to request books on the subject, to better help his twins when the time came to teach them control.

With this new development out in the open, Harry had received many requests to join him for tea to see his twins' talents, whether from genuine curiosity or seething jealousy. Harry had refused some, as he believed their interest to be less than stellar, but he was happy to host Regulus, Jasmine, Luna, Cedric, Theo, Cho and Leanne for the afternoon.

Each had attempted to remain polite and not pry too much, but it was clear that each concubine was curious to some degree. Regulus, especially, showed interest, as it was from his family that the twins inherited their talent from.

"Have they shown any signs of manipulating other features? From what I read when I was younger, most who possess the talent begin with colour,and then progress onto changing the shape of their features. The eyes, ears, nose and hair are the most common." The man questioned, leaning forward to stare at Julius. Harry smiled politely, although he was a little put out. The conversation was overdone by this point, and Harry was sure Regulus had spoken the same words an hour before.

"They have not, they have only shown a talent to change their hair and eye colours as of the moment. It is not concerning, they are only four months old, Uncle."

"Of course not, Harry," Regulus replied, smiling slightly. "I am just awed at the fact that there are yet more metamorphmagi in the newest generation, with Andromeda and her Nymphadora, Bellatrix with Princess Delphina, and now you with Prince Julius and Princess Lilaia. It seems that the Black Family magic is awakening once more." Regulus got a look in his eye, one he gained whenever he was speaking about his family. It was a dark one, tinged with fervour that Harry didn't care for. He smiled regardless.

"It is an exciting prospect, I'm glad to witness it, and share such a personal role."

"Well," Theo spoke, and Harry shot him a glance. He and Theo had a strange relationship, he was attempting to place his trust in the man, but he could still not get an accurate read on him. So, he had no idea what he was about to say, nor if he would like it. "I would like to toast to that. Brother Harry, your children are always so full of surprises, I am interested to see what the future holds for us all!" The man sent him a wry smirk, and Harry huffed, amused, lifting his teacup mockingly. They all copied him, amusingly.

26th December 2000 - Tuesday

With Christmas and Yule passed, there was a lull in the Court for a few days. Preparations for the Emperor's birthday were underway, although they were within the background currently.

It was the perfect downtime to relax before then, with Christmas finally over. However, Harry's children didn't wish that for him.

Alsephina hadn't been most impressed to wake up and not experience the same excitement as the previous morning. His daughter had yelled and cried, working herself up until magic was sparking off of her, and he fought not to coddle the girl lest he turn her into the sort of spoilt brat alike his cousin Dudley, who, for good reason, Harry rarely if ever saw. She had calmed quickly, however, when she had realised all her gifts were still there, and was now contentedly playing in the corner with the light-up ball, a gift from Remus.

Thankfully, the twins were still too young to realise what day it was, or even care all that much. He dreaded to think of next year, where he would have a two-year-old and twin one-year-olds to worry about, setting each other off. Harry would cross that hurdle when it came, however, and quickly shook the mere thought out of his mind.

He focused, instead, on Luna, who was sat across from him. The woman had appeared at his Palace without notice, but Harry would never turn her away. He was intrigued as to what had brought her here. The girl, as always, was cryptic.

"He won't begrudge you, Harry."

Her soft voice broke through the companionable silence that had fallen as they both enjoyed the afternoon, the words spoken soothingly. His shoulders relaxed despite not knowing what she was hinting about.

"Who won't begrudge me, and for what?"

"The man you love, and the secret you keep from him out of fear of rejection."

Harry blinked, tilting his head consideringly. The first was obviously Thomas, but Harry could not think of something he was keeping from the man, not purposefully.

"What secret, Luna?" It was best to be straightforward with his friend. If you indulged her and spoke similarly, the riddles and unsaid words would only grow more complex.

Luna's smile was sweet and innocent, it sent a shiver down Harry's spine.

"You can understand what you should not be able to. It will intrigue him greatly, and will become one of your greatest weapons."

31st December 2000 - Sunday

As he turned yet another year older, Thomas could not help but to reflect back on his life, as dreary and humiliating as his youngest years had been.

He had been born mere moments before the year had turned, breathing in his first breath of life as his mother lost hers. His first moments were a sign of his inevitability.

At a young age, Thomas had realised how different he was from the other children around him, even the adults. He could perform inconceivable feats, wonderous acts of magic that made the muggles fear him, try to beat the freakishness out of him. Isolating him, feeding his desire for revenge, to grow stronger and conquer all those who had ever looked down on him.

That desire had only grown, and its target expanded with his introduction to the Wizarding world of Britain.

Albus Dumbledore, of all people, was the wizard to orient him, and reveal to a young Thomas the reality of his powers. That he wasn't so singular after all, and the old man in front of him could destroy all of his worldly belongings with a mere flick of his wrist. It only stoked his want to grow stronger, staring into those twinkling eyes filled with disapproval and disgust. Thomas had taken glee in revealing to him his ability that truly did make him stand out, but regretted showcasing his parseltongue so rashly. It had made the old man wary, and Thomas gained an enemy for life.

Entering Hogwarts had been the moment his world tilted on its axis. The thought of a school primarily focused on enhancing a student's magical ability had been awe-inspiring to think about, and he had eagerly anticipated the first of September. However, the majority of the students had been a less-than-stellar introduction to other wizards and witches. What Dumbledore had forgotten to mention was Thomas would be considered a muggleborn, or mudblood, for having no discernable wizarding heritage. And that meant, to his fellow Slytherins, and a large portion of the student body, that he was lesser. It had been a shock to be at a disadvantage for once, with older, stronger peers able to hit him from behind and leave him struggling. It had been yet another motivation for Thomas to grow more powerful.

After his second year, nobody dared to touch him, his strength proven brutally, all but the most idiotic respectful at the least. His Knights had formed by his fourth, a group that would eventually ensure his continued dominion. He had a shoo-in to a high ministry position by the time of his graduation, but had decided to pursue the position of Professor of Defense against the Dark Arts, wishing to transform the position and mould future students into prospective Knights.

Dippet's refusal to accept him into the staff of Hogwarts set Thomas down another path, and he thanked the man for it, for only a couple of decades later, he controlled the world in its entirety as Emperor.

By 1975, now the ruler of the world, Thomas was beginning to think about his dynasty, and how he would ensure it would continue and spread throughout the world until it had seeped into the cracks of every society. The idea of the Harem had been his conclusion.

Only the finest of wizards and witches would enter the Harem, those with intelligence, magical power and prestige. They would be his confidants, the parents of his children who he would name Prince's and Princess', sending them off to marry into the most Noble magical families and ensure the loyalty of future generations through blood. It was a long time coming, but Thomas had nothing if not time to spare and ensure his legacy remained.

Now, many years later, at the end of the first year of the new millennium, his life's work was finally bearing fruit. Thomas had consulted a trusted diviner, and the man had confirmed to him that he would soon be welcoming his first grandchild, the culmination of all his work.

Harry felt trepidation as he entered the Emperor's Palace, despite having done so many times before.

As per tradition, as the highest-ranked concubine of the Emperor, it was Harry's duty to spend the night with the man on his birthday, and the eve of the New Year. To say he felt giddy was an understatement. It was the first time Harry was truly reaping the benefits of the system, what Penny and Bellatrix had been coveting for years. Both had now lost one of the most stable avenues they possessed to gaining more power, through close and intimate connection with the Emperor.

However, it was a far more formal affair than he was used to. He had been bathed in all sorts of rejuvenating potions, and he had never felt so refreshed and awake. Then, Harry had been bored to death in the Hall of Worship, listening to the Eunuch there praise his and the Emperor's union, blessing them. That had made Harry blush. He didn't want to think about everyone in the Court knowing exactly what he and the Emperor would be doing that night.

Nodding to the Head Eunuch, he made his way to Thomas' rooms, fiddling with his sleeves as he waited outside the door. It swung open after a moment, and Harry stepped in, biting his lip, eyes to the floor. His ears felt hot, the mood different tonight. He could hear the clinking of a glass being set down, the rustle of fabric indicating his husband was approaching, but Harry remained stuck in the doorway.

"Harry," Came Thomas' smooth, cultured voice, a strong hand gripping gently at his chin and lifting it. Harry's eyes flitted up, and his blush deepened at the sight of the man's chest in front of him. "What has you so worked up, hm?"

"I-" Harry hesitated. "Everyone... knows." He cringed, wringing his hands. "I know that some have known before, but... everyone knows that the Head of the Harem spends the night in your Palace on New Year's. I just... I never imagined how it would feel."

Thomas hummed, pulling him closer using his grip on his chin, his other arm snaking around his waist. Harry jolted, making a soft noise. He heard the door shut softly behind him, feeling Thomas' magic sweep out across the room, warding it tightly. "Do not bother to consider what others think, my Noble Consort. Their opinions mean little."

"Still," Harry hesitated, letting out a yelp as he found himself being backed towards the man's bed. "Um, Thomas?" His voice shook, unsure about how fast the man seemed to be moving tonight. Usually, they would share a meal first, and talk. Was this how it went when spending the night was an obligation?

The Emperor hushed him, speaking in a low, soothing tone. "Do not fret, dearest. Sit." Harry relaxed, allowing the man to push him down. Harry gulped as he loomed over him with a devilish smirk, hands clenching into the bedsheets in an effort not to reach forward and grab. So much for wanting to take things slow. Harry was as impatient as he'd believed Thomas to be. "You always fuss. It is precious." He crooned out, and Harry's ears prickled, noticing the change immediately.

Parseltounge.

Since Alsie had begun speaking clearer, Harry found himself understanding more and more. It wasn't perfect, and he couldn't speak the language himself, but he understood exactly what the Emperor had just whispered, the man unknowing Harry could understand. He flushed, and remembered Luna's words.

Thomas stroked thin, perfect fingers down Harry's warm cheek, his eyes showing his fascination. "My Darling," Came hissed words once more, and Harry shivered as the syllables tickled his ears. "You look so beautiful."

His mind mush, Harry didn't think before responding, blushing heavily. "Thank you, but I think I pale in comparison to you."

Above him, Thomas stiffened suddenly. It took all of a moment for Harry's mind to register what he had just said. What he had just revealed.

Oh.

Oh, no.

Luna!