Intimacy

28th September 2001- Friday

Isla could barely wrap her head around the obscene upheaval the Harem had gone through in just the past few years.

She had been a member of the Harem since its earliest days, joining during the Third Selection, yet, even then, a case such as this had rarely occurred. Usually, it had been the unborn children that had been targeted outright, poisoning attempts common, maids slaughtered by the tens and eventually hundreds for the parts they played in this violent, cruel game. A concubine or two would fall ill every so often, yes, and it was expected to target your opponents with anti-fertility potions or creams which would cover their faces in boils so that they would be unnattractive to His Majesty, but it was rare to try and kill another concubine outright. In fact, it was only certain that Evangeline had been poisoned to death by another concubine, whom the Emperor had then killed.

But Isla knew that many more who had ‘committed suicide’ had actually been driven to do so by others, or killed in a way that made it out to be an accident.

There had been eight years of peace since the last member of the Harem had died a few years ago. Three had passed during the 1980’s, but Evangeline, Emily and Jane’s deaths in 1990 had shocked them to the core. It had been mutually, silently agreed upon by them all that they would no longer cause each others deaths directly, and that had stood for nearly a decade. Then, Harry had joined.

Isla was not blaming him for their deaths, she knew in her heart and in her mind that the man didn’t have that sort of ruthlessness within him, but his presence had startled many. His quick rise through the ranks had been terrifying to watch, and it had changed something within some concubines.

Victoria had ‘drowned’ in 1998, and it was perhaps plausible that the explanation for that was true; she could not bear to live any longer due to the loss of her pregnancy. But the timing was suspicious, and the whole situation just rubbed Isla wrong.

Over a year later, Emma had succumbed to her illness, which they had all suspected would happen at some point. It was not suspicious, but it did mark the second death in the Harem since that fateful 1997 Selection, the second since 1990.

Erin had then passed that same year from complications concerning childbirth. Isla didn’t know if she believed that, however. It was plausible, but she thought that perhaps the woman had been ‘helped’ along to the afterlife during her illness.

And finally, just a few days ago, the Emperor Isla knew from the past had shown his face. In all his violent, bloodthirsty glory, His Majesty had slaughtered a concubine at their feet, his expression deadly and unapologetic. Merula hadn’t stood a chance, and their pleas for leniency, unknowing of what was happening, had fallen on deaf ears. Eventually, they would all be told of her crimes, but in that moment, it had seemed as if the Emperor had lost his mind and simply turned on the woman. It made them all fear for their lives. Those snakes, writhing over her twisting, contorting body, and the gutwrenching, hair-raising screams she had made as she was bitten would remain with Isla forever, and she knew that the others would be having nightmares for months.

A life taken for the thought of losing his favoured concubine. It marked the fourth death in just as many years.

Isla didn’t even pity those who stood in Harry’s way of the Emperor now. They had all been warned clearly enough. Obstruct the Emperor’s obsession, and they would find themselves hung from the highest tower of the City.

1st October 2001- Monday

The atmosphere in the next morning meeting that Harry attended was tense beyond belief. He had finally fully recovered from the poisoning attempt, his Healer had reassured him, and had wanted to return to his duties as soon as possible. It was an uneasy time within the Harem, after all, and Harry was the Head.

Harry himself could yet scarcely believe that the Emperor had truly tortured Merula in front of many of the other concubines, he couldn’t imagine how shocked and vulnerable they were feeling. Some appeared it, with dark circles under the eyes and their faces taut and stiff with tension. Others were attempting to seem unbothered, but the way their eyes flickered around suspiciously belayed their discomfort. Then there were those who were either masters at masking their emotions, or who truly felt nothing after seeing the one they had called Sister for thirteen years tortured before them.

Isla was blank faced, and Harry could not surmise her true feelings on the matter. Bellatrix was truly unruffled, as if she hadn’t even known the woman, and Patricia seemed bored more than anything. On the other end of the spectrum, Cassius appeared as if he had been crying before the meeting.

It was awkward, therefore, when Harry had to clear his throat to gain the Harem’s attention. A few jumped, turning to him with wide eyes, whilst others barely spared him a cursory glance. They all knew there could be nothing good for them within the scroll he was holding, none had done anything to merit a reward this month. Harry was surprised that he was handed a ranking scroll at all, although perhaps it was a formality to announce the stripping of all of Merula’s titles. She had been the lowest of the First Class Attendants, after all. Nobody gained rank from her death. After this, it would be as if she had not existed. Thomas had already ordered her Palace stripped bare and its contents burned.

Harry attempted to smile reassuringly down at the concubines gathered down below, but none returned it. It was his duty as the Head of the Harem to soothe any dissatisfaction, but if the other concubines did not wish to participate in his attempts, then he would not bother. His smile slipped, and he rolled open the scroll without flourish. Harry’s eyes widened slightly at the contents he skim-read, and he did truly grin then.

“His Majesty congratulates me on my trustworthiness, and my determination in the face of grave danger. He expresses his sorrow that this event even came to pass, and hopes that you will all join him in reviling the name of the disgraced concubine who tried to harm one of your own.”

“Congratulations, Brother.” Isla wished him blandly, although she did smile slightly.

Harry’s smile wavered as he took in the dull expressions of the concubines. He sobered quickly, his grin slipping. He had forgotten himself. Most may not have liked Merula, but to smile whilst the atmosphere was still so charged with tension? Harry internally grimaced, berating himself.

He continued. “And, following this event, I am to announce that the disgraced concubine who dared to plot so nefariously is to no longer be named by any concubine within His Majesty’s Harem, or those who do so will face punishment. His Majesty wishes not to hear that name from this day onwards. With this, He concludes his wishes.”

Some nodded hesitantly, others eagerly. Most seemed not to care about that woman at all, especially not in keeping her memory alive.

Merula’s name would be mentioned no more.

14th October 2001- Sunday

“Congratulations, Your Highness.” The Healer smiled up at him, and Harry knew exactly what they were congratulating him on.

It was a scheduled check-up for three weeks after the attack. Harry was fully healed now, well-rested and less anxious. For the first week after the attack, he wouldn't sleep in his own bed. He still had Anya stand in the corner of the room to reassure his overreactive consciousness of his surroundings and hypervigilance. This check-up was simply an additional one to see if the venom had a delayed reaction, after careful observation from his maids.

He hadn’t expected to receive such news, however. Harry could see from the image floating in front of them, displaying an ultrasound of his belly, that he was pregnant yet again.

Pregnant, with his fourth and fifth children, twins, yet again. He could see the both of them, closer together than Julius and Lilaia had been, divulging that they would most likely be identical.

He felt no trepidation at the news this time, only joy. Harry had been through a twin pregnancy before, he knew what to expect. Two new babies were a welcome addition to their family, especially since all his children were out of the infant stage now. Alsie would nearly be three by the time her new siblings arrived at the projected date of late May next year, and the twins, his first set, would be approaching their second birthday. Harry couldn’t wait, excitement and impatience filling him at the thought of telling his children of their new siblings, now that Alsie especially was old enough to understand the basics.

But, he couldn't get too ahead of himself. His Healer had told him that he was measuring at just under seven weeks, far too early to be showing or to get too attached to the life he carried. He couldn’t help himself, however, and knew that he had to tell his husband as soon as possible. However, he would wait until the end of the month to announce it to the Harem at large. It was too soon after the poisoning attempt to risk. Even the thought that he had been pregnant whilst that had occurred nearly sent Harry over the edge, despite the Healers’ reassurances that the twins appeared healthy. He almost wanted to dig up that woman’s corpse and revive it just so that he could kill her again himself. It had inflamed his temper to such a degree that he had sent Anya out with the news that he would be resting at home for the rest of the day, so that the Harem would not disturb him. It would allow him to come to terms with his newest pregnancy in peace, even if the Healer had reminded him yet again not to let his hopes get too high.

However, he would allow himself the guilty pleasure of beginning to crochet blankets for his newest children, in the privacy of his Palace, no matter what they said.

15th October 2001- Monday

Harry eagerly intertwined their fingers, glancing up at the man beneath his eyelashes. His husband tilted his head at Harry's coy act, observing him with amused suspicion as he allowed Harry to tug him closer to the sofa.

“Why did you request to meet with me, Harry?” The man questioned him fondly, and Harry chuckled slightly.

“I was signed up for that Tournament in December.” He began, smiling inwardly at the man's raised eyebrow.

“I know, I approved your request.” Thomas answered, wrapping an arm around Harry’s waist. “Is anything the matter?” The man’s eyes narrowed slightly, and Harry chuckled breathlessly at his husbands instinctive reaction.

“Now it's going to be many more months until I can join one again. It seems my Mastery campaign has to be put on hold.” Harry groaned, despite clinging closer to Thomas, internally pleased. He was complaining more out of principle than true annoyance.

Harry could see his husband's mind connecting the dots, realisation obvious in the way his eyes flickered from boring into Harry to glancing down. A hand came forward to gently brush over his belly.

“You are going to give me  another child, Harry?” Thomas whispered, cupping his cheek with a gentle hand. He leaned into the touch, like a cat nuzzling for warmth and affection.

He grinned cheekily, humming. “Yes, and another on top of that. It seems I’ll finally be giving you those promised five heirs.”

The fingers on his cheek tensed, and Thomas drew back as if stung, staring at Harry with wide eyes filled with more emotion than he had seen from him in a while.

“Twins? Yet again?”

“Yes, a second set.” Harry felt himself blush as he brushed a hand over his belly. “I am glad that you convinced me to wait a year to try once more, otherwise we would have five children younger than three and that would be far too… hectic, even with our Eunuchs and maids. Are you…. Upset that it is twins?”

The Emperor kissed him breathless in response, and Harry chuckled into it, having come to expect such a reaction from his husband now. Their tongues danced, and he eagerly accepted everything the Emperor gave to him, humming happily as the kiss deepened, and frowning when the man drew back.

“I could never be upset, not regarding you and our children. Whatever you give me, may it be five more after this or none, I will accept them all graciously, and cherish you and them with all I have to give.”

“Thomas,” Harry breathed out between the engulfing kisses, brushing the man's hair out of the way so that he could stare into his eyes. “I never thought you would, I was simply assuring myself and guaranteeing that you are happy that I am having twins once more.”

“Why would I not be?” Thomas frowned. “It is not like you had any say in the matter, our second set of twins are a blessing and a happenstance.”

“I do not wish to accuse you of anything, but… a second set of twins… would mean we will be having a fourth and fifth child at the same time, more children than any other concubine has borne you, and I worry since your reaction to Penny’s fourth was-”

“Harry,” The Emperor cut in, staring down at him with a serious expression. “I want children with you. I want them. It is not merely an obligation with you. I want as many children from you as you are willing to bear for me. You have not forced another child upon me, as she did, when I had expressly told her I wished for no more of our union. In fact, it may be you in many years time who refuses me more children.”

Harry couldn't help but scoff at the thought. “That will never happen, I would never dare to refuse you, and I, too, wish for many children. Having twins again… it is a wish come true.” Harry's countenance softened. “I am glad that you feel the same way I do. But, let us get through this first.”

Thomas smiled, pressing a last kiss to his forehead. “Of course. I am greatly thrilled to receive news that we are expecting twins again.”

27th October 2001- Saturday

Sasha gave birth to five, healthy kittens on Saturday morning, each little bundle perfect like their mother. They were tiny creatures, with unopened eyes and  fine coats of fur, squirming around near their mothers belly with a singular focus to feed. Harry was not ashamed to admit that he had cried sitting next to his beloved protector whilst she was giving birth, whispering to her soothingly and massaging her muscles when she grunted in pain. His sweet Sasha hadn’t made a violent movement, despite the many words of caution his maids had worriedly stated throughout the hours. She had, instead, snuffled into his palm, purring up against his stomach, and had nudged her newlyborn kits his way mere minutes after they had been born.

Harry had marvelled over them, pressing a gentle kiss to each of their heads after they had been bathed, laying down beside Sasha’s side to alleviate her worries of being in such a vulnerable state. They were beautiful little creatures, two with white fur like their mother, two tanned like the typical Wampus, and one grey kit twice the size of the others that fought free of Harry’s hands whenever he picked the feisty girl up. They were perfect.

As he surveyed them, Harry couldn’t help but connect the number to his own children. Sasha had given birth to five kittens, and, if everything progressed smoothly, Harry would be welcoming his fourth and fifth children into the world next year. He gave the five kittens a considering glance. He had thought that, once they were old enough, he’d have them sent to a sanctuary to help with the conservation of their dwindling species, but now, after the news he had so recently received, Harry began to think of another plan.

1st November 2001- Thursday

Harry could not speak as he stared down at Thomas’ beautiful handwriting on the parchment, spelling out words that sent shock waves down his spine and his mind spinning.

“What is it, Brother? You are as white as a sheet!” Penny called out. The woman, after months locked away in her Palace, had finally been set free. Thomas had discussed her release with him before he signed the document, and Harry had agreed that, to calm the growing antsiness of her allies, Penny needed to be freed. She was under heavy watch, especially since both the Emperor and himself were suspicious of her, but she was once again allowed to join the morning meetings. There were still restrictions placed on her movements within the Court, however, the Head Eunuch had to be present at every meeting she attended, which the woman openly despised and loudly opposed. There was nothing she could do to change Thomas’ mind, however. She had well and truly dug a hole for herself, and she now had to sit in it.

“Are you well, Harry?” Regulus asked after him, his eyebrows drawn in concern. Harry shakily nodded, letting out a quivering breath.

“Yes, yes, I am just….. I had not been expecting this.” He began, smoothing out the parchment and drawing in a deep breath to calm himself.

“Expecting what?” Bellatrix asked giddily, interpreting his shock in the worst sense. However, Harry did not feel distressed over what was written, mostly, he was overwhelmed and overjoyed in a conflicting mash of emotions.

“Well, I had informed His Majesty earlier this month of my pregnancy,” He began boldly. Several concubines gasped, whether that was in horror or exclamation. Harry continued before they could bombard him with questions or congratulations. “And he congratulates and thanks me for this. But he also asserts that I have been a source of great comfort  for Him as of late. And, therefore, he…. He promotes me to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort.”

Harry did not bother to lift his head to watch the reactions of the other concubines. He was too occupied in attempting to temper the smile that wished to break free, and was failing. He sought out only Luna, and received her gentle eyes and silent congratulatory claps, which made him chuckle wetly.

“Are you sure that this is true, Brother Harry?” Felix questioned him, expression divulging his incredulity. “It is… it is just so sudden! His Majesty has never done this before, you have only been the Noble Consort for barely a year!”

“Yes, well, His Majesty has also never expected a second set of twins from one concubine, neither has he welcomed five total children with one. The Emperor was very….apparent in his affections when I told him the news.” Nothing could break Harry’s smile, not as he blushed in remembrance and fondness at the ravenous way Thomas had made known his approval of the news. The bitter expressions on some concubines faces made the news even sweeter, even, enough for Harry to brag about the unexpected but wholly accepted news of his second twins.

“Twins!” Bellatrix practically yelled, leaning back in her chair, physically reeling from shock, her grey eyes wide with emotion.

“Twins, Harry?” Regulus breathed, staring up at him as if he had just announced he was an alien, or perhaps a god.

“Twins.” He nodded his head gently, smiling. “And I am so glad that His Majesty removed that woman from the Harem when he did, because I had been pregnant with these babies when that poisoning had occurred. I do not believe I could have contained myself If I knew she had remained alive after nearly killing all three of us.” Unconcerned, Harry bared his teeth in a mockery of a smile. “Isn’t His Majesty so gracious to his favoured?”

7th November 2001- Wednesday

Harry’s promotion to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort had more than solidified in the concubines’ minds his unparalleled position compared to them. Four years ago, he had been a Noble. Now, he was to become the Empire’s first ever Imperial Noble Consort, surpassing even Evangeline, and solidifying his children’s positions as first in the line of Succession, even if that line was worthless whilst the Emperor lived.

To Regulus, Harry’s promotion was shocking, but wholly welcome. Despite his initial reservations regarding the man, then a boy, he had grown to care for him. He was his brothers adopted son in all but name, the heir to his House, and had produced his own heir, their blood mixed with the Slytherin line to produce a Black Heir that would be remembered for centuries to come. In Regulus’ mind, Harry had more than done his duty to repair their House’s damaged reputation, more than he and Bellatrix had done in the twenty-odd years they had been married to the Emperor.

Not that Bellatrix was willing to accept this. It seemed as if Harry’s promotion had truly broken his Cousin. Regulus wouldn’t be surprised if the woman found herself placed within the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility some time soon. Alongside many others, perhaps.

He had made the correct choice to support his brothers’ heir, even over his own daughter.

18th November 2001- Sunday

The Council were yet again stalling his demand to discuss the matter of dissolving the Harem, and to put such a decree into motion.

The Council did agree that many of the concubines in his Harem had been overstepping their bounds the past few years, including Bellatrix, Penny, and Patricia, the key figures mentioned in their disgruntled discussions. However, the majority simply voted for these members to be removed from the Harem instead of its complete dissolution, stating that there was still a need for the other concubines as they would provide him with more heirs. His statements that nearly thirty children, with Harry currently pregnant with twins, were plenty enough children to secure the Slytherin Dynasty were met with silence and awkward shuffling. Thomas knew that this was because many of his Council members were focused on the fact that there had been a death in the Harem recently, so there would perhaps be another Selection in the future to replace that empty position, a place that one of their relatives could fill. And even more and sooner, if he did take their advice to send a good amount of his current concubines to the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility to ‘enjoy’ retirement due to their recent actions. Self-serving, conniving creatures, the lot of them.

The other half excused their hesitation on wishing to wait to see how Harry dealt with his new position of Imperial Noble Consort, as if he had not been the Head of the Harem for over a year now. They argued that there had never been an Imperial Noble Consort before, and the position was different to being a Noble Consort. His Council members suggested to Thomas that he should watch how his husband handled his new position for a few months or perhaps even over a year before even considering dissolution, as being the Head of the Harem compared to being the sole concubine and spouse of the Emperor were very different positions. He had to agree on that. Once the Harem was dissolved, and there was no’if’ in Thomas’ mind concerning that, Harry would essentially become his Emperor Consort in all but name if he had not already attained that rank by then. And as Emperor Consort, he would be Thomas’ co-ruler, expected to perform the same tasks that Thomas dealt with. Harry was the heir to two houses, and obviously politically trained, but being a Lord and being an Emperor were two incredibly dissimilar positions. His husband would have to be prepared thoroughly for the role, and Thomas did not wish to rush and stress the man, especially not whilst he was yet again carrying his children.

Therefore, Thomas had conceded to his Council’s judgement. They had attempted to soften the deal by expressing their delight in his husband's third pregnancy that would ‘solidify His Highnesses position as your favoured further’, and that even though the Harem remained, there was no expectation for him to produce more children with the other concubines. They were simply there for failsafe’s, which he agreed with. He would never share a bed with one of those conniving worms again. Thomas trusted none of them, not enough to sleep with them and bless them with the care of more of his potential children. He had never trusted them, but now that he had shared a bed with one he did, he could not go back to the same cold, perfunctory performance.

And now that they had mentioned it, Thomas truly began to consider pruning the Harem if it was going to be dismantled anyway, disregarding that the Council would demand another Selection be held after. His concubines were truly hanging onto their lives by threads. He knew that Penny had to have had something to do with the attack on Harry. Even if she had not been the one to orchestrate it, the planning which would have had to have gone into it too complex for her addled state of mind, she had surely been the one to supply those mind-altering potions.

Despite knowing this, however, Thomas was biding his time before striking. He didn’t wish for Harry to be in any more danger, but this chance would be hard to come by again. He was waiting for the perfect moment, for when he had a solid excuse to execute that wretched woman, for Thomas would not stand to see her live her days out in the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, not after what she had done. She was still, somehow, beloved by many in the Empire due to her pretended charitable and gracious nature. Perhaps, even a few would rebel if he had her slaughtered for no ‘viable’ reason. Thomas cared not for the opinions of lesser beings, but sending more cannon fodder into the arms of the Order was not what he wished to do, especially since they seemed to be planning something.

His seer Noble’s vision had only confirmed Thomas’ suspicions. Dumbledore was once again attempting to send the Empire into an all-out war.

26th November 2001- Monday

Despite having received his promotion nearly four weeks ago now, there were still a few days left until Harry was officially coronated as the Empire’s first Imperial Noble Consort. The preparations for the public ceremony had been exhausting and time-consuming so far. There were many things to do; fittings, meetings, rehearsals, everything needed to be perfect for perhaps the biggest event the Empire had experienced since the Emperor’s coronation a generation earlier.

Therefore, when he managed to snatch a piece of free time, he spent it with his husband, his children, and the little ones who decided to tag along to their picnic.

Alexus, Amelia and Silas had become close despite their initial rocky start. The siblings’ relationship had come a long way from the first time Harry had seen them interact. Now, Silas treated Amelia gently, complimenting her dress when he had first seen her, and Alexus no longer teased the younger boy so spitefully, now reassured that his brother wasn’t out to offend them both. They were still brothers, however. It warmed Harry’s heart to see the two eldest Prince’s roughhousing, careful to avoid their sister who was busy making a paper chain. Alsephina looked like she wanted to join in, but Harry had been quick to scoop her away out of range from flying elbows, distracting her as well with a colouring book so that she did not also ruin her sister’s work. Jules and Lila were curious but wary of approaching their older siblings, so they had taken the time to start their own spat, which Harry had broken up with an exasperated sigh. Their son was now sulking on his Father’s lap, whilst Lila was dozing over Harry’s shoulder.

To think, he’d soon enough be adding two more babies to this drama-filled Palace. Or, in fact, the Imperial Noble Consort Palace that he would be given after his formal promotion. The interior was still under construction, to make it perfect for Harry and his children. And, honestly, Harry would not have it any other way. His children were happy, and content, and they were thriving, their relationships with some of their older siblings blooming.

“Da, no!” Jules cried, still squirming in Thomas’ arms. He wished to be held by Harry, but as Lila was sleeping, he couldn’t hold his son lest his youngest daughter wake up. And she was a terror when her naps were interrupted. Therefore, despite how it pained him, Harry had to shake his head gently.

“Don’t you like your Father Jules? I’m sure you can have a cuddle with him if you want.” He gently reassured the boy, and got an adorable frown in response, his sons hair turning a green colour that revealed his dislike of that.

“Da!” The boy simply shouted, reaching tiny arms towards Harry. He pondered for a second, wondering if he could set Lila down without waking her up, but then he shifted and his daughter whined in her sleep. That was a no. He sent a pleading expression towards Thomas, who was staring down at their son as if he was a bomb about to explode.

‘Give him a cuddle.’ Harry mouthed, and Thomas turned their son around to place him on his shoulder. The boy went quiet, freezing for a moment, debating in his little mind his reaction to the newest development. Then, he flopped, melting into his Father’s shoulder. Harry let out a relieved sigh, and chuckled gently at the expression on Thomas’ face.

It was moments such as this one that truly solidified in Harry’s mind that he had made the right choice listening to his soul all those years ago. Thomas had given him everything he had ever dreamed of.

2nd December 2001- Sunday

“Harrison James Slytherin-Potter-Black, do you swear on your magic to become the epitome of what a loyal, ideal Imperial Noble Consort should be? To protect the Empire and its people, to remain faithful to His Majesty, the First Emperor, to raise your children to embody the ideals of the Empire and ensure they are model Prince’s and Princess’ of the realm?”

“This I swear.” Harry ducked his head, feeling a wave of magic rush over him as the vow solidified.

The day had finally arrived when he formally became the first ever Imperial Noble Consort. Harry’s heart thundered inside his chest, and his hands felt clammy where they held onto the hands of the anointer before him. He kept as cool of an expression as possible, but he couldn't deny his nerves. This was the biggest moment of his life, and surely the most public. Never had there been a promotion ceremony held before the Lords and Ladies, with screens of the event projected so that the people gathered outside and around the world could watch too. It was an incredibly public spectacle, and Harry could feel the gazes of billions on him. His mind could barely comprehend what was occurring, despite having had a month to come to terms with the Emperor’s plans. Thomas had wished for this to be a spectacle, to solidify within the people’s minds Harry’s unequalled position within the Harem. It was a statement, one that nobody could ignore. His husband wanted to make it clear that what he felt for Harry was worthy of broadcasting to the entire Empire.

Gulping at the thought, Harry willed his hands to stop shaking as the anointer withdrew, turning to pick up the crown which laid innocently on the pillow behind him.

It was beautiful, extravagant, and embodied wholly what Thomas wished to convey to his subjects. He would spare no expense to drape Harry in finery and showcase him to the world. The crown was double the size of his Noble Consort one, obviously purely decorative because the amount of diamonds and rubies covering it would weigh a ton. Harry hoped that someone had had the foresight to spell in weightless, or it would topple off of his head soon enough.

“Then, I do proclaim you, His Highness, the Primary Imperial Noble Consort. May your reign as His Majesty’s loyal concubine and spouse be long and fruitful, and may your union with His Majesty produce children that embody your ideals and bring innovation and prosperity to the Empire. Long live the Imperial Noble Consort, Harrison James Slytherin-Potter-Black, first of the Empire.”

The crowd gathered below chanted the words, all the Lords and Ladies of the Empire gathered in the biggest Hall within the City, and a great cheer went up outside of the castle.

The crown was placed upon Harry’s head with great care, the weight of it heavy but not unbearable. It fit him perfectly, the silken insides soft on his head and aiding him in keeping it upright once the anointer stepped back to bow deeply to him. The man got to his knees, placed his head on the floor, and bowed. The rustling of fabric behind him signalled that the Lords and Ladies had followed suit, as they were directed. Harry turned to survey the crowd behind him, his robes swishing as he did so. He was wearing red, as was now his right.

His robes had been specially commissioned for today. Never had he worn such finery. They were beautiful, intricate, and Harry wished he never had to take them off. The blood red stood out starkly against the white, contrasting wonderfully, the colours of an Imperial Noble Consort suiting him so much better than the orange of a Noble Consort. The golden detailing, a garden scene intertwined with stars to symbolise his houses, was perfect and glimmered gently in the sunlight. And his jewellery, rubies and diamonds to match his crown, perhaps cost more than Harry could ever conceivably imagine. Thomas’ gift to him for his promotion.

Harry met the eyes of his husband, the one person in the Hall still standing. Harry gave a dramatic dip of his head, and Thomas mimicked him teasingly, his eyes bright and filled with pure want and awe, as if Harry was a being to be worshipped. Harry blushed under such an intense gaze, his eyes flitting about to try and contain his reaction, but they couldn't help but land on Thomas every so often, as if he were a magnetising force.

11th December 2001- Tuesday

At six weeks old, Sasha’s kittens were beginning to run and squirm their way around the cosy, cushioned area Harry had created for them, their eyes bleary but open, making the sweetest little sounds as they grew used to the large world around them.

Alsephina was enamoured with the kittens, the largest in particular, which she had named Dusty, a homage to her grey coat. Harry encouraged this budding interest of hers with enthusiasm, coaching her on how to hold the kitten gently, under the watchful supervision of Sasha. Despite being kittens, however, these creatures were not the same size as your average housecat. Already, they were nearly the same size as a smaller cat, almost too large for Alsie to lift up and hold despite her adoration with them.

Jules and Lila didn’t seem all that bothered with them after the first week, but Harry chalked that up more to their age. He had hope that they would bond with two of the kittens when they were a little older. Harry had gotten Sasha when she was several months old, after all, and they had bonded closely.

As if privy to his thoughts, Sasha purred as she pressed her large head into his stomach, demanding him to stroke her, which Harry did with a fond chuckle. Despite being one of the most fearsome creatures on the planet, Sasha truly was just like her smaller, domesticated counterparts.

After the birth of her kittens, the Wampus cat had become exceedingly protective over Harry, and he knew that it was because of his own pregnancy. Sasha had always been sensitive to his bodily changes, and she seemed overjoyed that he was carrying his own ‘kits’ so soon after she had had hers. He smiled as she barely placed her weight on his growing belly, her purrs ticklish.

At fifteen weeks along, Harry was really beginning to show, a small bump tenting his first layer of robes. When he was in the comfort of his Palace, the heating turned up to a perfect temperature, Harry walked around in thin layers just so that he could marvel at the small swell at his lower stomach.

It had been sweet to try and explain to his children what was happening. Perhaps he had been too hasty, as even Alsie had seemed to not grasp what Harry was trying to tell her. She had simply poked one of her fingers into his belly and giggled, before running off to play with her toys. He had sighed good-naturedly, but made a note not to even attempt to tell the twins until he was ready to deliver.