Intimacy

29th April 2002- Monday

Laius and Linus were gorgeous, darling infants, who lit up Harry’s day. Finally meeting them, having carried them for months, was an unforgettable experience. With his first twins, Harry had felt weak and worried, unknowing of what to expect and drained from the extra strain of another baby. The birth of Lis and Lai, in comparison, had been easier on his mind if not his body. Both turned out oh so perfect, however, with their black hair and green eyes that mimicked Harry’s. They were the first of his children to take on his characteristics fully, rather than drawing on their grandparent's and great-grandparents’ features. It was strange to look upon a child and know that they were one day going to mirror yourself, but it also brought Harry much comfort. As did the easy acceptance their older siblings showed to Lis and Lai.

Alsephina had been incredibly gentle with them when she had been brought in the room after birth, cradling Laius to her stomach as Thomas had held his head and steadied them both. Their eldest daughter was enamoured in a way she hadn't been with Julius and Lila, too young to understand then. Now, at nearly three, her newest siblings were a novelty. She wanted very much to be involved, and when she wasn’t by Harry's side, she was hovering over the infants, reporting their every move to Harry.

“Lailai is crying.” The girl stated, standing in the doorway, her hand clenched into Dusty's fur for stability. The kitten, or cat now Harry supposed, was taller than his daughter, six months old and ever-growing. She was a proud feline, a good few inches larger than her siblings, but oh so gentle with her human. Harry knew Dusty to be a temperamental nightmare with the maids, but around Alsephina, the cat truly showed her age, rolling onto her back with a contented purr whenever the girl was near.

Jules and Lila, too, had recently bonded with a kitten each. Jules had picked the tan-coloured boy, naming him Sunny. Sunny was more aloof than the other kittens, often found lounging on the roof of the Palace, although never out of reach from Jules. The cat watched his son like a hawk, yellow eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Lila had picked one of the white kittens, the smallest of the litter, naming her Daisy. Daisy was a hyperactive ball of energy, oftentimes found chasing after the bugs in the garden, especially now that spring was in full bloom. That cat was a menace, although secretly Harry's favourite of the lot, because of her similarity to her mother.

Harry straightened, placing down the book he had been reading. “Is he? Thank you for telling me, is Anya in there?”

The girl nodded. “But Lis is also crying. It's loud. She asked if Da can come see.”

“Yes, Da will come see.” Harry held a hand out, and Alsie grabbed a handful of his robe instead, scrunching the delicate silk between tiny fingers. Rolling his eyes fondly, Harry made his way to the nursery, now able to hear the wails of his youngest children.

Jules and Lila had headed to the children's Palace for the day with Hestia, where Thomas had recently ordered a new Playset installed in the garden. Alsie hadn't wanted to leave his side, having become much clingier in the past few months. Harry had taken the chance to relax with a book, a pastime that was difficult to indulge now with five children who deserved his undivided attention. But Anya had shooed him from the nursery an hour ago, stating that she was ‘well capable of handling the little ones’. Harry, knowing that she would call upon him or another maid if she needed to, allowed himself the respite. Alsie, independent enough now, toddled around the house, which had a maid in each room to keep an eye on her, and his daughter had yet to interrupt him until now.

“Now what's all this racket, hmm?” Harry cooed as he lifted Laius out of his crib, his baby grizzling into his neck when he cradled him to his shoulder. “Are you hungry?”

“I gave them both a bottle not too long ago, Your Highness,” Anya answered, bouncing a softly crying Linus in her arms. “I believe he might have wanted you.” True to her words, the boy was beginning to settle now that Harry was there, contentedly snuffling into his neck, his eyes drooping shut.

“Ah, they just wanted me, Alsie, there’s no need to worry.” Harry gently smiled down at his daughter, who was watching the boys with concern. “Thank you for fetching me, that was very good of you.” The girl grinned toothily up at him, giggling slightly as her red curls bounced with the force of her nod.

“Can I have a treat?” His daughter lisped, widening her eyes to make her seem even more adorable, and Harry smothered his amusement at her blatant manipulation attempt. Whenever he began to think his eldest had inherited all of his traits, she pulled the most Thomas-like move.

“Of course, what-”

“Another sister!” The girl giggled, bouncing on her toes. “I only have Lila, and now there’s Lis and Lailai!” She nodded seriously. “I want the next to be a girl!”

Harry blinked down at her, smiling softly but apologetically. “I can’t control that, Alsie, even if I do give you another sibling. How about you pick another treat, hm? Something I can give you now.”

The Princess frowned, whether out of disappointment or thoughtfulness, tapping her foot. Harry’s lip twitched as he made yet another connection between the behaviour of his daughter and Thomas.

“Snakie?” Her bottom lip jutted out as she spoke the word. “Like Gini?

To Harry’s slight horror, the Emperor’s personal companion, Nagini, had been visiting his Palace ever since she had caught wind of Alsie’s growing ability to speak clearly in Parsel. The snake was a ginormous cobra, and if Harry was being completely honest, he had slight trauma since nearly losing his life to a snake in the attack. The Ashwinder that had bitten him had perished naturally soon after, but it did not alleviate the fact that Harry had been bitten by a snake within his very own home. But, he allowed Nagini to keep visiting for the simple fact that Alsie was enamoured with her.

Harry bit his lip as he looked at his daughter’s pleading expression, weighing the pro’s and con’s of her request. He could not expect his young daughter to care for the snake, and he did not wish to entrust it to his maids, which would mean Harry would need to care for the snake by himself. And a snake as large as Nagini would be…

“A pet is not a treat.” He decided upon, quickly reaching down to lean his daughter on his hip when her expression fell. “But it does not mean I am not open to the suggestion of you getting one. Eventually. As long as you have this discussion with your Da first. He may know what would suit you. Now, please, my daughter, let your next wish be something simple, like a cake.”

“Cake!” Alsie’s expression lit up with enthusiasm at the mention of a sweet treat, and Harry blew out a relieved lungful.

Princesses and their demands were hard to satisfy, but also, sometimes, their desires had simple answers.

1st May 2002- Wednesday

Harry returned to his position within the Harem on the first of the month to direct the monthly meeting with much enthusiasm. Thomas and he had spoken the day before on what Harry could expect for today, so he was not as surprised when he read out his gifts for the birth of the twins.

“His Majesty honours me today with a series of titles for the birth of our latest children. He bestows upon me the titles of Honoured Father, and of Beloved. I am exceedingly appreciative to be bestowed these thoughtful titles, and will wear them with great pride.” Harry smiled, only watching for the positive expressions in those gathered below.

“Congratulations, Brother.” Isla sincerely wished, nodding her head proudly.

“How perfect!” Luna chirped, smiling brightly. “Beloved, what a sweet title!” The twinkle in her eye divulged her prior knowledge of today’s announcement clearly, and Harry smothered his own knowing grin. He had wondered about Luna’s hints the past few weeks, but the woman had never told him outright.

“It is,” Harry blushed a little, tilting his head. “His Majesty wished to bestow me with something more personal this time.”

There was a gentle murmur as the Harem took in his admittance, but none of his previous competitors raised a fuss. Harry glanced around, taking in the subdued auras of the Harem. There was little commotion raised nowadays, not after the executions that had taken place. They were wary, their factions' numbers reduced by two, and they held the Emperor’s disapproval as well as his suspicion. All knew that he believed the conspirators did not stop at Merula.

Bellatrix was aware her time in the Harem was nearly up. The Council had put forward her move to the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, and it was now only a consideration of when rather than if. The woman seemed to have expected this, her outbursts calming now that the weight of political pressure had been lifted from her shoulders. Patricia, too, would most likely follow Bellatrix soon after as the second eldest of the Harem.

It was in Penny that Harry noted the most changes in. She said nothing in meetings anymore, surrounded herself with only a few other concubines who still clung to her every word, and most importantly, she did not outwardly challenge Harry any more. He had not noticed any plots, and all of her previous spies around the Harem had ceased their movements. He could not let out a sigh of relief yet, however. He did not trust the woman’s seeming passivity one bit.

13th May 2002- Monday

The celebration for the twins’ birth occurred over two weeks following their arrival. Unlike the past two times he had celebrated his children, Harry felt less of a rush to share his sons with the world, content to remain within a bubble with them and enjoy their earliest days in peace. Their introduction to the Court and Empire at large, however, had to be done, so Harry had dressed his youngest sons in finely decorated swaddles, Laius in red, Linus in blue, and taken them to the arranged celebration. 

The pair were quiet and content when remaining within Harry’s eyesight, so he kept them in his arms the entire celebration, seated by the side of the Emperor. Unlike his previous socialisation at Alsephina, Julius and Lilaia’s celebrations, Harry remained separated from the hubbub that was the mingling nobility this time around. Instead, he sent Anya to fetch whoever he wanted to speak to, or whoever had made the motion to approach. It felt less daunting, and Harry revelled in the relaxation his status had brought him. Thomas was content to indulge his whims, taking a child or two into his arms on occasion, the pair of them at ease in their own private sphere.

Harry stood with a smile when he finally spotted his parents, Lily and James arriving with Sirius and Remus in tow, the four of them looking relaxed and joyful, miles more energetic than the fatigued expressions Harry had grown to recognise on their faces. He rushed off to the side, knowing his parents wouldn’t appreciate the spectacle of conversing by the Emperor’s throne, a smile on his face as they made a beeline for him.

He waited as they approached, a twin within each of his arms, blending into his outfit. Harry wore a red robe with deep blue details of natural patterns, matching with his sons. He had foregone a crown for the day, his headpiece instead being a simple silver band that rested on his locks, contrasting elegantly with the bright boldness of his robes.

His parents were ecstatic to meet their newest grandchildren as Harry presented the pair to them with a proud grin. He first passed off Linus to his Mum, watching as she cooed over the boy, before turning to Sirius and Remus with a shy grin. He had watched their reaction to Linus’ middle name ‘Romulus’ out of the corner of his eye, noting the weighted glance they had shared with one another. Harry could see that Remus’ eyes were shimmering slightly, and his smile grew more bold. “And this is Laius Remus.” He announced, holding out the boy to Remus specifically.

Remus let out a strangled sigh as he took the Prince into his arms, his namesake burbling happily as he stared up at the new face. The man appeared gobsmacked as he watched the boy with trepidation, a tear trailing down his face. Sirius mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Harry, his own expression soft with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

8th June 2002- Saturday

Harry knew something was up immediately when Thomas, during one of their afternoons within the Pavilion of Stars, had sent their children and staff away with an imperious wave of his hand, expression unforgiving. Anya had glanced at Harry before ushering the children away, unable to reject his superior command, and he had turned to his husband with a curious frown.

“Thomas, is something the matter? Why do we need such privacy?”

“I wished to speak to you on an important topic, that is not for young or gossiping ears.” He had begun, meeting Harry’s eyes with a pensive expression that revealed the weight of his thoughts. His red eyes were filled with something resembling joy and love, such tender emotions compared to the serious expression he wore.

“You can tell me anything, my husband.” Harry reassured with the hint of a smile, gesturing for Thomas to begin.

The Emperor had hesitated for a moment, an unusual occurrence that set Harry on edge, only for his thoughts to be abruptly overturned as his husband began to speak. “I intend to do away with the Harem system. Entirely. The sole purpose of its existence was to produce heirs for the Empire, which it has fulfilled most abundantly. I was content for a while, to continue along this line. There was always the possibility, after all, however small, that my line could still die out. I would have been content for as many children as possible, mirroring the ancient Emperor’s of old with their droves of heirs. Alliances could have been forged with every great family within the Empire, many can still be forged with the children I possess, if they are content within a political marriage that is. But now, it is only you, Harry, who still holds my attention, who gives birth to my children. Who I want by my side, to share my life with. The others have served their purpose, and they are only growing more tiresome the longer I allow them to remain here, as is evidenced by their attempts on your life, and that of my children. I will tolerate them no longer. I have already set the process in motion with my Council. They have finally agreed. The dissolution is near.”

Harry’s widened eyes felt dry as he forcefully blinked, taking a moment to collect himself behind the dark reprieve of his eyelids. He had known of the Emperor’s thoughts to dissolve the Harem, and had known the day would arrive at some point, but he had expected years of deliberation, and even then a year or two of advance notice. But to hear that the Council had agreed? When they had been so staunchly opposed previously, if only so that their relatives could enter the Harem, or that they could gain from its politics.

“You…when?”

His husband reached for his hand, clasping it between two of his, and bringing it up to rest on his cheek. It was a darling, soft gesture that did not suit the man that Thomas was, but he was relaxed under Harry’s touch, as if all the weight had been lifted from him. “Soon, I hope.” He whispered against Harry’s palm, like a prayer. “As soon as I can. I assure you, it will happen, in months, perhaps weeks. I want them gone, soon. I need you and only you, my beloved.”

Harry tensed his fingers, cupping the man’s cheek with more force. He leaned up, standing on his toes to reach the face of Thomas, who leaned down with expectation. Harry searched his eyes, ignoring their lidded appearance with the man's growing want, gulping. He nodded. “I trust you. Thank you, Thomas.” Harry spoke with deep appreciation, their noses touching.

“Anything,” The man whispered back, slipping into that ancient language that resonated within Harry’s bones. “You could ask me for anything in this moment, and I would ensure you would get it, no matter what.”

Harry smiled fondly up at him and his enchanting eyes, filled with so much love and obsession that he could drown in it if he wished. Harry simply pressed a gentle kiss to Thomas’ lips instead, riding the wave of magic that washed through him at their intimate touch, refusing to be consumed, meeting that overwhelming feeling with a calming passion of his own. “I need for nothing at this moment, your words have brought me more joy than you could imagine. They are daunting, but I trust you with my whole heart.”

31st July 2002- Wednesday

Harry’s twenty-second birthday crept up on him without notice as the days since his conversation with the Emperor melded into one. Thoughts of the impending dissolution of the Harem invaded his mind without reprieve, rolling around within his head. When he had joined all those years ago, not once did the thought of the end of the Harem cross his mind. Not even last year did the thought occur to him that such a thing could truly happen.

Harry couldn’t believe that he was already twenty-two. He had been in the Harem for five years now, and so much had changed. He was still so young, within the prime years of his life, and already he felt that he had accomplished so much. He was on his way to becoming a Master of Duelling, he had five beautiful, wonderful children, and he was soon to become the sole spouse of the Emperor. The dissolution of the Harem would practically launch Harry into the position of Emperor Consort, even if Thomas did not bestow the title upon him right away. And that was a terrifying, daunting thought. The pressure that would be thrust upon him with the sacking of every other spouse would be immense. No longer would there be twenty-odd concubines to entertain the nobles and politicians at gatherings. Instead, it would be Harry by himself, the looming figures of the past concubine's children hovering over him, and the concubine's previous statuses a gloomy figure many would refuse to allow him to forget.

What would happen to them with the dissolution? The Palace of Benevolent Tranquility was created with retired concubines in mind, not that it had been occupied yet, but would the noble families of the concubines who had not produced a blood connection with the Emperor be content to allow those concubines to essentially rot within a secluded area of the Court? Harry doubted that very much. So, therefore, what would the Emperor do? Each of them were privy to the inner workings of the Court, and releasing them back into the public sphere would cause all sorts of problems. But so would caging them. Families such as Malfoy, Greengrass, Nott, they would not stand for their children to be kept away from them when another use could be found. He knew that Lord Malfoy would sell Dahlia off to the highest bidder as soon as she was back in his grasp. She had failed him so far, his eldest daughter. She would be promised a pureblooded marriage, and that is it. Dahlia, on the other hand, was her father’s heir. He would not allow her to remain celibate and set-aside. Harry also couldn’t help but want Theodore to remain, having found a kindred spirit in the snide man. And many others within the Harem would have to face this situation eventually, whatever the Emperor decided.

There would be much uproar once the news of the dissolution came out, before and after its execution, and Harry dreaded as much as he awaited this.

But, for the remainder of his birthday, he would put these dark thoughts out of his mind, and focus on the present.

1st August 2002- Thursday

Alsephina’s third birthday blindsided Harry, as much as he had spent the weeks leading up to it planning her celebration. He couldn’t believe that that tiny, red-haired bundle he had held in his arms was now a full-blown child, running about and yelling cheerfully under his watchful, wistful gaze.

The girl bounced about the garden in her birthday dress, a pink, butterfly-covered frock that Harry had commissioned for today, giggling happily as a group of her siblings followed her. It seemed as though the butterfly theme had stuck with his eldest daughter. She had become absolutely enamoured with the creatures, gasping whenever she saw one, and she insisted that her favourite dresses were covered with them, some as patterns, others as actual, fluttering, three-dimensional creations. Harry was all too happy to indulge in her love for the creatures, designing her latest birthday party around them this time, each of the guests wore a pair of butterfly wings. This time around, however, only the children had been invited. It led to a much more relaxed, drama-free atmosphere, and it allowed Harry to lay back and simply indulge in his daughter’s birthday.

He smiled fondly as Alexus jogged past, Julius in tow as he ran as fast as he could after his older brother. The two had formed a close, endearing relationship despite their age gap, and it always made Harry melt inside to watch.

Lilaia was hovering over Lai and Lis, watching as the babies rolled about on their backs and stared up at their older sister with gummy smiles and twinkling green eyes that sparkled like emeralds in the sunshine. The girl adored the younger twins, content to simply watch them, which meant she often times remained within Harry’s eyesight. He did wish that his younger daughter would branch out more and form deeper connections with her other siblings, but Lilaia was only just shy of being two. There would be plenty of time in the future for that.

Despite how it felt like only yesterday that Alsephina was born, and that it was unbelievable she was now three, Harry knew that he had so many more years yet to watch his children grow and flourish.

4th August 2002- Sunday

“I do think that you will make a fine Master Dueller one day, Brother,” Isla commented with a raised eyebrow as she stared at Harry from behind her cup, smiling slyly. “I must remember to ask for your signature one day.”

The pair of them had taken the time to wander down to the Pavillion of Stars after the morning meeting, chatting away as they went. Harry had sent Anya ahead to prepare a light tea for them, and when they had arrived, the table had been covered with plates of cakes and snacks. He and Isla had been conversing for hours by now, content in one another's presence, the sound of Harry’s children playing quietly to the side a soothing noise rather than a grating one. He was grateful that he and Isla had finally settled their differences, because the older woman was a joy to converse with. She was so worldly and knowledgeable, and Harry could listen without interrupting for hours. She indulged him in this, moving the topic onto areas he’d find the most interest in, such as the newest charms creations and the world rankings of Master Duellers.

Harry laughed cheerfully. “Of course, Sister, I’ll ensure you get the first!” He reached for another slice of treacle tart as he kept eye contact with the woman. “And I must ask for yours back, of course, although yours may be worth more than mine at the moment, the superb inventor that you are-” His hand froze over the plate as he felt a disturbance in the air, his head whipping around to stare into the distance. Some birds had taken flight from a tree, creating a swarming mass in the air. They were flying frantically away from the Court, a perturbing and frightening sight.

“Brother, what is it?” Isla questioned him urgently, and from the look on her face, she had felt the second slight vibration in the air. A third followed soon after, growing in urgency. The very magic of the Court was warning them of something impending.

The ground shook minutely, startling Harry into grabbing for his wand. The cups on the table clinked gently, the tea inside of them sloshing over the edges as the rattling only grew stronger. He stood with alarm, meeting Anya’s concerned gaze heavily, gesturing to his five, defenceless children that had begun to wail in fear. He desperately wished to rush over to them and bundle them into his arms, but he was best able to defend them from whatever was happening with his arms free and his focus unhindered. He would have to trust in Anya and his personal maids to ensure their mental and bodily safety. The woman nodded seriously in understanding, turning on her heel to snatch up the two closest children. His other maids did the same, until all five were within the safe confines of a group of highly trained witches. He was thankful that Amelia, Alexus and Silas had remained within the Children’s Court today, as he knew the defences there were nigh impregnable.

Not moments later, Knights began pouring into the Pavillion, surrounding it, their wands raised defensively outward. Harry froze, slipping into a defence position, his heart beating violently within his chest.

“What is happening?” He called out authoritatively, raising his wand to cast a shielding spell over the Pavillion, layering it but not overdoing it. He may need his magic for other means, if the situation escalated.

There was no response for a heartbeat, before one of the Knights spoke in a strained voice.

“The Court is under attack, Your Highness.”