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Chapter Text

Thomas Marvolo Riddle leaned over a balcony overlooking the construction of a massive compound. The Palace of Immortal Glory, his personal Palace, had been constructed first, and the Imperial Palaces spread out around it. His ascension to Emperor had been difficult but immensely worth it. He was Emperor of not only the Magical world, but the Muggle one as well.

He had taken London for his capital and just outside, he had started construction on a massive compound to keep himself, and those important to him, safe. They would say it was overkill, the size and scope, but he had already decided, after only a bit of urging from his council, to take a Harem. Modeling it after those of Imperial China and Japan, but putting his own spin on it, he decided he would have six separate ranks. The highest would be Empress, or Emperor Consort, a title he would reserve only for the worthiest. There would only ever be one. The next rank would be Noble Consort, of which there could be two at a time. Then it would be Consort, of which there could be six at a time. Then Concubine, the last of his official spouses, of which there could also be six at a time. Every one of the aforementioned would receive individual Palaces, and thus there was much to be built. Then there would be the Nobles, of which there could be twelve, split into two palaces, one for men and one for women. And finally, the Attendants, of which there was no existing limit, which were also split into two palaces, one for men and one for women.

He had decided that any wixen able to bear children, whether naturally or with the aid of potions and spells, would be allowed to attempt entry into his harem. His criteria would mostly focus on fertility and magical prowess. It took a lot of back and forth with his council and his most trusted followers, called the Knights of Walpurgis, to decide on a selection process. His council pushed him to consider beauty and pure blood higher than magical prowess, but he pushed back, saying he was more concerned about producing powerful children, than bedding beautiful men and women, that would simply be a bonus.

---

It took ten years from him taking over until everything was prepared for his harem. Some of the larger palaces were not finished yet, but the Palaces for Concubines, Nobles and Attendants were all done, as well as sprawling gardens around his own and the completed Palaces. Pavillions dotted the landscape, and a Hall of Gathering had been constructed at the center. The Consort palaces, the Noble Consort and Empress/Emperor Consort Palaces were under construction with timelines for finishing within the next year and half. He had used a combination of magical and muggle construction, taking the best of both worlds, and revolutionizing the industry.

Construction was not the only thing he revolutionized. In those ten years, he overhauled the systems of the world. He largely left the governance of the muggle world to their current leaders, though he weeded some out to make an example of those who had fought against him. He encouraged the use of muggle practices in the magical world where it would work. He also encouraged wixen to market their skills to muggles as well. He established a Magical University in London, to promote higher education, and streamline masteries.

In an attempt to understand Muggleborns, he decreed that as soon as a child showed signs of magic in a Muggle family, they would be taken to Gringotts for an Inheritance and Bloodline Test. It was discovered that most Muggleborns were descended from Squib lines. He also discovered that Muggleborns tended to be quite powerful, and often tended to descend from more than one Squib line. Something about even having the hint of a magical core, made them drawn to others with hints of magical cores. A lot of Pureblood Families had ended up extremely inbred, leading to the decline in magical prowess in them. The infusion of fresh blood, even muggle blood, or squib blood from another bloodline, did wonders to increase their power, and even brought back abilities long thought gone.

Also, due to his own experience, he had all magical children carefully monitored, as despite the integration of the magical and muggle worlds, some muggles still thought of wixen as freaks and abominations. He would not have a child grow up abused and bullied if it were within his control.

His first Selection drew in four members to his Harem. Two of them, Bellatrix Black and Alecto Carrow, had joined his Death Eaters (the second most elite guard he had) right out of school and had proven themselves well in helping to control small uprisings and providing security for himself and his council. The other two were nobility from other countries. Aurora Lavalle was the daughter of a French Duke and Diana Lyss was an American Heiress in her own right. All four entered his Harem as Nobles.

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One year after the introduction of his Harem, Emperor Thomas Slytherin, as he had become known, faced his first major challenge. Right under his nose, his biggest rival, Albus Dumbledore, had been gathering followers and mounted a rebellion. He lost many Knights and Death Eaters but eventually managed to put down the rebellion and force Albus Dumbledore back into hiding.

But there were consequences to Albus’ machinations. Innocents were left orphaned, parents lost their children, families torn apart.

One such orphaned child was of particular interest to the Emperor. Harrison James Potter-Black had lost his entire immediate family. His parents and Godfather had fought for Dumbledore and had died fighting. He was heir to both the Potter and Black families, to ancient and powerful noble Houses. In fact, he would become Lord Potter on his seventeenth birthday, as he was the last Potter. His guardianship came into question. As his parents had fought for Dumbledore, they had allowed him control over them, and he had helped them write their Will. It named Dumbledore as guardian, or if he were unavailable, young Harry would go to his mother’s sister, a squib with a muggle husband.

The Emperor would not allow that. A list of suitable guardians was drawn up. Chief among them was his godfather’s grandfather, the current Lord Black. Lord Arcturus was getting on in years and had lost his wife not long ago. He did not feel he could adequately raise the fifteen-month old boy. He did, however, recommend two of his granddaughters as potential guardians. The elder, Andromeda Tonks nee Black was a Healer, married to a Muggleborn Ted Tonks and had a young daughter. She said she would take Harry in if needed but that her younger sister Narcissa would be a better option.

Narcissa Malfoy nee Black was overjoyed to take in Harry. She had a son his age already and had been told by her Healers that she could not have any more children. She was pleased to have this opportunity to raise another child alongside her son. So, it was decided Narcissa, and her husband Lucius, would raise Harry. Lucius was a politician rising through the ranks and would soon sit on the Emperor’s Council. His father Abraxas had been one of the original Knights of Walpurgis.

And so, Harrison James Potter-Black became a ward of the Malfoy family. He would be raised to be a true heir and be loved and cared for until he chose what to do with his life. And he was happy.

Chapter Text

Harrison James Potter-Black nervously ran his hand through his shoulder length dark hair. A hand snaked out slapped his away.

“You are ruining all my good work!” Snapped the woman sitting next to him.

“I’m sorry, Lucy.” He apologized guiltily, giving her a small smile. As his head maid, Lucy was a bit more familiar with him than other maids would be. They were currently in one of his cars headed to the Imperial City Palace. His foster father, Lucius Malfoy, had insisted he have his own fleet of cars, befitting his station as Lord Potter and Heir Black.

He was nervous because he was heading to the Selection, where he would be tested in order to join the Emperor’s Harem.

Emperor Thomas Slytherin had been his obsession since he had first seen him at five years old. He, as the heir to the Black family, had been present for the wedding of the Emperor to his uncle, Regulus Black. In that moment, Harrison had vowed he would be in his uncle’s place one day.

His obsession had only grown at each interaction with the Emperor. And now, here he was, on his way to join the Harem. His best friend, Hermione Granger, had spent years helping him to study all that would be needed. He had told her his goal when they were thirteen and she had taken little convincing. She was a Muggleborn and had benefited greatly from the Inheritance tests offered. She had discovered she was descended from Squib branch of the Dagworth-Granger line, and she had lots of magical cousins to help her integrate into the magical world. She knew she would have been so much farther behind had she only learned of magic when her Hogwarts letter arrived at age eleven. She had no desire to join the harem herself but would do everything in her power to help Harrison.

He was pulled from his thoughts when the car stopped, and the door was opened.

“Lord Potter-Black.” The guard greeted, holding the door open. Harrison nodded and stepped gracefully from the car. His foster mother, Narcissa, had engrained etiquette into him from an early age. He had started out quite clumsy apparently, but he had caught on eventually. He followed another guard into the building, Lucy one step behind him, very carefully taking in their surroundings. Lucy was trained to guard him as well as be his maid, as any family maids he would be allowed to take to the Palace if he were selected would be. Depending on his rank, he would be allowed some family maids and be assigned some palace ones.

He carefully ascended the stairs and was led into a massive room. Others around his age of varying status were milling around. You could tell the nobles from the others by the fact that they each had a maid or servant following a step behind them. There were some that did not have maids since the selection was open to all comers. Harrison recognized most of them from Hogwarts, but there were a few unfamiliar faces he assumed were from farther afield. Before he could mingle, he heard a voice behind him that he was dreading.

“Potter! How dare you show your face here after how you treated me!”

Harrison turned slowly, schooling his face into the calm mask Lucius had taught him.

“Miss Weasley, you know its Potter-Black.” He sneered. “And I could say the same to you.”

“Well, after you dumped me, I didn’t have much choice, did I?” Ginerva Weasley snapped back, her face as red as her hair. Her robes were too tight and a bit threadbare, highlighting the lack of funds the Weasley family had.

“One, I did not ‘dump’ you, because we never dated. Two, do not shout at your betters. I have told you before, we will never be together, ever. I am gay and I am joining the Harem. Leave me alone.” Harrison told her calmly. Weasley reached out to try to grab his arm, only to be stopped by Lucy.

“How dare you! Lord Potter-Black is far above your station!” His head maid pushed the girl away, where she was grabbed by two guards and dragged from the room, kicking and screaming.

“That girl is so deluded.”

Harrison turned to see his close friend Daphne Greengrass approaching, her maid a step behind. He gave her a small smile.

“I don’t know how she can just be so convinced that she and I are ‘meant to be’.” Harrison said, giving a small laugh.

“That mother of hers has her convinced she will be the next Lady Potter.” Daphne offered with a shrug. She was right. Molly Weasley had somehow gotten it into her head that her daughter was going to marry Harrison. She had instilled this in her youngest two children, leading to some awkward and annoying encounters at Hogwarts. Her older children had often apologized for their behaviour. Fred and George Weasley had explained it all to Harrison one evening. How their mother had told Ginny that she would be Harrison’s wife and Ronald would be his best friend. How she had been assured that this would be their future.

“The Bumblebee told her before he flew back to his hive. The Nargles have kept me informed, they gossip with the Wrakspurts that so many people seem to be infested with.” Came a dreamy voice beside them.

“Darling Luna, a pleasure as always.” Harrison grinned at Luna Lovegood. The blonde girl was wearing a set of sparkling silver robes and her usual radish earrings.

“You’re trying for the Harem?” Daphne asked the younger girl incredulously. Luna gave them a wide smile.

“Of course. The Emperor is particularly infested with Wrakspurts. It should certainly be interesting.” She told them, eyes alight, before floating away to towards Cho Chang, a common born half-blood who had been roommates with Hermione and often studied with them.

“What the bloody hell is a Wrakspurt?” Daphne asked when Luna was out of earshot. Harrison laughed.

“Just one of Luna’s odd creatures. You learn to just smile and nod, mostly.” He told her. Daphne rolled her eyes.

“The Harem is going to eat her alive.” She warned. Harrison shook his head.

“She has Seer blood. She’ll be just fine.” He assured her. He personally thought the Emperor would find Luna quite entertaining and if he was going to have to share the man’s attention with anyone, Luna would be his top pick. On the few occasions he had met the Emperor, the man had always seemed fascinated by the unique.

He remembered the first time he had spoken to the Emperor. He’d been nine and bored of whatever function he was attending. He’d snuck outside and encountered a snake in the garden. The snake had been happy to have someone to speak to and Harrison chatted happily with him, unaware he was speaking Parseltongue. That was until he heard a hissing voice behind him. Isn’t this interesting, the man had said. Harrison’s face had gone bright red when he realized it was the Emperor. They had talked for a bit, about Harrison and about the snake. The Emperor had finished the conversation by cupping his cheek with his hand and saying I’ll be watching. This, of course, had only fueled Harrison’s growing crush on the man.

Before any more conversations, or memories, could occur, a bell sounded and a voice called out, “The Selection begins! Please gather!”

Everyone headed to the front of the room, where a small stage was set up. One of the Emperor’s Eunuchs stood before the crowd, a parchment attached to a board in hand.

“I will call out your names and a room number. Please be orderly as you head through the door to my right and find the correct room. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours with the Healer, going through your health, fertility and magical power.”

Harrison listened as names were called out. They appeared to be going in alphabetical order. After about twenty names were called out, the Eunuch paused.

“Please wait here until I return to call more names. Refreshments will be served shortly. You may talk amongst yourselves.”

Harrison sighed. At this rate, he wouldn’t be called until after lunch. He drifted over to the refreshments table as it was magically filled. Daphne had been called with the first group, so he grabbed a drink and wandered, looking for others he knew.

“Harrison.” A voice called. He turned to see Theodore Nott.

“Hey Theo.” Harrison greeted. “So, you decided then.” Theo smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I decided the Harem was my best option. I just don’t know what else to do with my life, honestly.” He said with a small shrug. Harrison nodded. He remembered Theo struggling to decide which classes to take all through Hogwarts. The young man was whip smart and loved to read, but decisions were not his strong suit.

The two young men chatted until the Eunuch returned. Everyone filtered towards the stage once more. He called another twenty people forward. Then he left again. There were less than twenty people left, so Harrison assumed he would be called with the next group. Theo had been called with that group, so Harrison was once more alone. Or so he thought.

“Potter-Black.”

Harrison turned to see another familiar face.

“Parkinson.” He returned. He had not expected to see her here. She had been seeing his foster brother Draco. He wasn’t even aware she and Draco had broken up. He hadn’t said anything when he wished Harrison well as he was leaving this morning. “Does Draco know you’re here?” Pansy Parkinson closed her eyes and sighed.

“No. Please don’t tell him.” She said. Harrison frowned.

“Parkinson, what’s your plan? If you pass the Selection, you’ll be part of the harem.” He reminded her.

“And I’ll deal with that. But if I don’t pass, I can still go back to him.” She said, looking down.

“And lie to him?” Harrison said, shifting uncomfortably. She was asking him to lie to his brother, too.

“Not lie, just…not tell him. It’s different.” She tried to explain.

“Lying by omission is still lying.” Harrison said, “We may have been Slytherins, but that doesn’t mean we need to be liars. There are plenty of ways to achieve our ends without lies. Especially to those we care about.”

“Harrison…I…I don’t have a choice. I love Draco, I do, but…my Father told me I could only marry someone of my choosing if I did not get into the harem.” She explained, eyes shining with unshed tears. “He’s forcing me to try regardless. If I fail out to quickly, or leave, he’ll…he’ll disown me. And Lord Malfoy will never accept a marriage for his son to someone with no family backing, you know that.”

“You know one of the questions they ask is if you are here of your own free will. They will know if you lie.” Harrison was not pleased, but part of him knew she was right. Lucius Malfoy was a proud man. A loving father, but a proud man. He would never allow Draco to marry someone without status.

“So, I convince them I’m not lying.” Parkinson insisted.

“Whether you get into the harem or not, there is another problem: Draco.” Harrison gave her a look. She shook her head.

“Please, Harrison, I’m begging you not to tell him.”

“You can’t ask me that. He’s my brother.” Harrison insisted. “Either you tell him, or I will. Tell him what you told me, about your father. He may be upset at first that you kept this from him, but he will forgive you. If you don’t tell him, it could be so much worse.”

“Alright. I’ll write to him tonight, regardless of whether I advance or not.” The girl promised. Harrison smiled.

“Good.” He said. Then he looked up as the Eunuch entered the room once more. He listened as his name was finally called and headed through the door to look for the room number he’d been given, Lucy one step behind, as always.

When he finally found the door, he pushed it open.

“Welcome, Lord Potter-Black. Please strip down to your underwear and sit on the bed. You can put on the gown once I’ve done the initial evaluation.” A kindly Healer instructed. Lucy helped Harrison to remove his robes, shirt and trousers. He sat on the bed and the Healer pulled out her wand.

“Excellent, my lord. Let’s begin. First we will do an in depth health examination.” She explained as she flourished her wand and stepped around Harrison. She paused when she saw the scar on his back. “How did you get this scar, my lord? There seems to be trace amounts of spell residue, though nothing to cause concern.” Harrison sighed.

“I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. A Healer has been monitoring it since I was fifteen months old. When my birth parents died, I was discovered in their home, alone. The Healer initially thought I had been attacked, but there were also signs of malnutrition and dehydration. They think I was alone for at least a week and that the scar was from a ritual gone wrong. They determined that my own magic had fought the ritual, and it had no long term effect except for the scar and a tiny bit of residue that gets weaker every year.” He explained, reaching back to touch the scar, a thin white line with thinner lines webbed up from it, making it look like the last rays of a setting sun.

“Yes, that would explain what I’m seeing here.” The Healer said. She flourished her wand again and a neatly folded parchment appeared in her other hand. She read it over. “Not too many injuries or illnesses. A few broken bones, a couple of bouts of magical flu, nothing out of the ordinary. Though I do see the malnutrition you spoke of.”

“The broken bones were mostly from Quidditch. I played Seeker for the Slytherin team while I was at Hogwarts.” Harrison said, lips quirking into a slight smile. The Healer nodded.

“You are in remarkably good physical condition, and Quidditch would explain that. I see no health issues of concern, though I will note down the scar and magical residue so that it can be monitored by Palace Healers should you get into the Harem.” She said, making a few notes. “Next we will test your fertility. This will be shown on a scale of one to one hundred. I will warn you, anything less than seventy-five is grounds for instant dismissal from the Selection and anything below eighty-five means you must pass all other tests with very high marks in order to even be considered.” She went on. “You may put the gown on first.” She added. Lucy helped Harrison into the hospital gown provided.

“I’m ready.” Harrison said. The Healer nodded.

“Good, my lord. Now, your file says you’re a natural male bearer. Those like you tend to receive a boost in fertility after their first pregnancy, but this test will only show your current fertility. Thus, due to your status, you are more likely to be accepted into the harem with a score between seventy-five and eighty-five, because this potential boost will be taken into account.” The Healer explained as she began to wave her wand in complex patterns in front of his stomach.

“I understand.” Harrison said, nodding slightly but staying still for the Healer. His own Healer had explained it to him many times. That he would be slightly less fertile before his first pregnancy due to the lack of womb. His magic would form one after it converted one of his sperm to an egg and that egg was fertilized by another wixen. Once he had the womb, whether he carried that first pregnancy to term or not, the next time would be easier. Less strain on his magic, only having to convert a sperm into an egg, instead of growing a whole organ and the birth canal that would accompany it. The birth canal would not connect to anything other than the womb until he gave birth, but it would still be there.

“Oh…oh my.” Harrison was pulled from his thoughts by the shaking voice of the Healer.

“Is something wrong?” He asked, as she looked at the small parchment that had appeared in her hand. Was this it, was his fertility too low? Were his dreams shattered before he even got the chance?

“No, no, quite the opposite, my lord.” The Healer exclaimed, handing him the parchment. Two small digits stood starkly on the page.

“Ninety-eight?” He breathed out, hardly believing it. Lucy gasped. “Before having a womb?” He choked out, looking at the Healer for confirmation.

“It’s the highest ever recorded. Even the late Noble Consort only scored ninety-three, and she was the highest before you, my lord.” She said, awe in her voice. Harrison frowned at the mention of the only deceased member of the harem, Diana Lyss, posthumously named Noble Consort, though none had ever held the position while alive. She had died in 1987, under mysterious circumstances. Harrison had attended her funeral, as Heir Black, though he had only been six at the time. “But let us continue.” The Healer went on. “Magical Power next. You must score at least a seventy in this. Less than that and you would be immediately dismissed. Similarly, if you score between seventy and eighty, you must do extremely well on the tests over the next two days to be considered.” She explained, this time waving her wand in a complex pattern in front of his chest. This time the Healer didn’t just gasp as she looked at the parchment that appeared, she actually dropped the parchment. Harrison picked it up when the woman looked too stunned to move.

He was also shocked to silence, but Lucy, reading over his shoulder, gasped loudly.

“Ninety-eight! Again! Oh, my lord!” She exclaimed, itching to pull the young man into a hug, but knew she could not be so familiar in front of the Healer. The other woman finally seemed to recover, taking the paper from Harrison.

“I-I must report to the Emperor immediately.” She said, gathering her notes and hurrying from the room, only pausing at the door long enough to say, “There is a guard waiting outside to take you to your rooms, my lord. Take as long as you need getting ready, then he will escort you and answer any further questions.” She gave a clumsy curtsey and rushed from the room, barely acknowledging the guard outside. Harrison frowned but motioned to Lucy to help him get dressed. Once dressed, he pushed open the door. Outside he found not just any guard, but a Death Eater, of the highest rank, denoted by the silver armband over his black uniform. Harrison supposed he was the only actual Lord in the Selection and that warranted the highest honours.

“Ah, Lord Potter-Black, please follow me.” The man said. Harrison nodded and followed closely, Lucy one step behind as always.

“Could you tell me when dinner will be?” He asked the Death Eater.

“Dinner tonight will be served in your rooms. It is already 5pm. You may request dinner whenever you are ready.” He replied.

“And my maid?’ Harrison asked.

“She may eat with you. Enough will be sent for both of you. There is a separate servants quarters within your rooms for her.” The Death Eater explained as they walked. Finally, he stopped in front of a set of double doors. “These are your rooms.” He said, pulling out his wand. He tapped the doorknob once, and it began to glow. “My lord, please place your hand on the doorknob and state your name.”

“Harrison James Potter-Black.” Harrison stated, hand on the doorknob. It pulsed under his hand.

“Alright, now your maid needs to touch the doorknob as well, but she doesn’t need to say her name.” The Death Eater instructed. Lucy reached out to touch the knob, placing her hand over his. The knob pulsed again. “Remove both of your hands.” They did so. “Now, only yourselves and select palace staff will be able to enter. I will be just outside if you need anything.”

“Could you tell them to send dinner up as soon as possible? I’m starving.” Harrison requested. The Death Eater nodded.

“I’ll have them send it up right away. Anything else, my lord?” He said, tapping a small panel on the wall with his wand. Harrison shook his head.

“Thank you.” He said, pushing the door open and stepping inside. The room was beautiful, but Harrison was too hungry and tired to truly appreciate it.

---

Emperor Thomas Slytherin sat in his office in the Imperial City Palace. He was going through the files on the candidates of the selection. He liked to go through the files after each day of testing. On this first day, he received the files in batches, as the tests were completed. As he always did, he created three piles. One was for dismissals, those who didn’t meet his requirements. A second for those he was unsure about, who would need more consideration. And a final pile for those who would likely get in regardless, unless they absolutely failed out of the next two days of testing.

He always considered this first day the most important, which is why he always started going through the files at this point. He often made his decisions on this first day with little regard for the rest of the testing. He’d already found a few in the first two batches he was seriously considering, and he was just waiting on the third when he heard a knock at his door.

“Enter.” He called, knowing that only a select few would get past his guards. One of his Eunuchs entered, an excited Healer on his heels.

“Your Majesty, this Healer insisted on seeing you, it’s about one of the candidates.” The Eunuch announced, with a bow. Thomas frowned. This was highly unusual. The woman curtseyed quickly then thrust a file at him.

“Your Majesty, you must read this file at once. He is—he is perfect!” She exclaimed. Thomas took the file. The name on it immediately caught his attention. His lips quirked into a smile.

Harrison James Potter-Black. Somehow this was a surprise and not a surprise, all at once. He opened the file, glancing up at the Healer who was vibrating with excitement. It must be good then. He looked back down. He was first greeted by a photo of a stunning young man. He realized, looking at the picture, that he hadn’t really seen Harrison since the boy was fourteen. The boy—young man now—had chosen to focus on his studies and allowed his foster father, Lucius, to represent him at important events. Thomas’ eyes lingered on the photo, taking in the features. Starting with the long dark hair. It had been shorter last he had seen; he liked the length and the way it curled gently at the ends. He couldn’t help but imagine what that hair would look like tousled after sex. His eyes continued to trace the younger man’s features. The shape of his nose, the curve of his chin. And his eyes. Green, like he remembered, but now the seemed to glow with power. He hadn’t even seen the rest of the file, but he wanted the man already. But he knew that looks alone weren’t the cause of the Healer’s excitement.

He flipped past the basic information page. He knew it all. The next page was interesting. The man’s health report only turned up one item of concern. A scar, with magical residue, though not enough to affect the man. So, Thomas moved on, blinking in surprise at the next line. Fertility: Ninety-Eight.

“Impossible.” He breathed out. He had never seen such a high score, and from a natural bearer too? The only member of his harem who had over ninety in fertility, had been Diana Lyss. He’d liked her a lot. A no nonsense American Heiress who didn’t take any bullshit from anyone, including himself. One of the few members of his harem who had given him twins. His oldest, Atticus and Amelia. Her death had been a devastating blow to him. He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as he continued to read. This time he actually dropped the file.

Magical Power: Ninety-Eight.

“He’s in. The rest of the tests don’t matter.” He said, picking up the file again, flipping through to the young man’s file to his OWL and NEWT results. All Os, with one exception, but a note was put in that the EE would have been an O but for extenuating circumstances and the man had refused the retake offered. “You can go.” He dismissed the Healer. “Jeremiah, stay.” He added to the Eunuch.

“Look at this.” He passed the Health page to him. “The part about the scar. Your thoughts?” Jeremiah had a mastery in Magical Theory. Many of his Eunuchs acted as confidential advisors, without the political agenda of his councilors and official advisors.

Jeremiah hummed. “It was definitely a ritual gone wrong. It seems the boy’s magic fought the ritual, even at that young an age. Probably continued to fight it as he aged.” He postulated. Thomas nodded, he had surmised as much himself, as had any of the Healers who had seen the young man while he was growing up. “As to the nature of the ritual? I can only speculate. Do we know more about the boy’s history?” He went on. Thomas handed him the rest of the file. He flipped through it, humming again.

“Anything to speculate on?” Thomas asked. Jeremiah nodded.

“Lord Potter-Black is a natural bearer. The ritual was performed when he was around one year old, if these scans are accurate. Something must have happened at that time for his parents, or someone they trusted to try the ritual I think they did. I think they wanted to take away his ability to bear children. From what I know of natural bearers, they have all the reproductive organs of a male with one exception. A small sack attached to the vas deferens that takes sperm and converts it to eggs on a monthly basis. Judging by the placement of the scar, I would guess their intention was to destroy that sack. That sack will eventually become a womb, once an egg is fertilized. Without it, he would not be able to have children.” He continued, still flipping through the file, then stopped suddenly. “It says here Dumbledore was heavily involved with his birth parents. A ritual like this is complicated. He could do it, but he would need help…” He trailed off. “Weasley…” He muttered, fingers brushing an incident report.

“What of the Weasleys’? You think they were involved?” Thomas asked. Jeremiah nodded.

“There is a whole slew of incident reports involving the youngest two Weasleys with the young Lord at Hogwarts. And even earlier today, there is a note that Ginerva Weasley attempted to assault Lord Potter-Black. She had apparently applied for the Selection but was removed after her attempted assault. She was yelling that he had ‘dumped’ her. He replied they had never dated. She’s a year younger than him, your Majesty.” Jeremiah gave Thomas a look. The Emperor blinked.

“Dumbledore wanted them together. He may even have attempted to file a marriage contract, but it was voided when I declared the Potters’ Will made under duress and not legally binding.” Thomas surmised. “But how would he have been able to do the ritual alone? Something like that would require multiple people.” Jeremiah nodded.

“Molly Prewett. Lily Evans. James Potter. Sirius Black. I went to school with them, your Majesty. The four of them, with Dumbledore, would definitely have the power, and ability, to cast such a ritual. It only didn’t work because of Lord Potter-Black’s power, even as an infant.” He told the Emperor, who nodded.

“That makes sense. Molly Prewett became Molly Weasley, did she not?” He asked, almost rhetorically, since he was fairly certain he knew the answer. Jeremiah nodded.

“There’s something there. Arthur Weasley claimed he did not side with Dumbledore, but his wife was not interrogated, due to having a lot of young children to care for at the time. Perhaps Arthur was ignorant of his wife’s activities? While not unintelligent, he seemed to be…easily distracted.” Thomas mused.

“That seems logical, your Majesty.” Jeremiah confirmed, handing the file back to the Emperor.

“Thank you, Jeremiah, you are dismissed. I’ve almost made my decision about the candidates this year. Please ensure that the remaining files are delivered to me as soon as the rest of the tests are done for the day.” Thomas instructed. Jeremiah bowed and left the office.

Thomas sighed and ran a hand over his face. He would put the matter of Harrison’s scar aside. It wasn’t like it was an immediate danger anyway. He would have his Healers monitor it at the Palace. There was just the matter of who was getting into the Harem and in what rank. Technically, that decision wasn’t supposed to be made until the final day, after all the tests and consultation with his highest ranking concubines. But he usually made it on this first day anyway. Normally, any candidates who made it through would become attendants, but he wanted Harrison to rank higher than that. Part of him wanted to give this young man everything. And he would, eventually. For now, he would settle for having him enter the harem as a Noble, out of the ordinary but not unheard of.

He had basically chosen four others already, meaning that five candidates would enter the Harem this year. More than any other selection had brought in. Only the previous Selection of 1996 and the first selection of 1980 had brought in a similar amount, each with four. Most of the others had brought in one or two. Or in some years, none at all.

He would sort out the ranks over the course of the next two days. He needed to be patient, and not go to Harrison immediately. He would take his time. After all, he had all the time in the world.

Chapter Text

Harrison woke to Lucy gently tapping his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, my lord, but you must wake if you want breakfast before the tests today.” She apologized, moving away to open the curtains then busied herself with a small table of food, the same one his dinner had been laid on last night. He hadn’t taken in much of the room last night, but he looked around now.

He was in a very large room. The bed he was currently in the process of sitting up in was large, with a canopy above. The decorations were simple, but tasteful, mostly white and grey, very neutral.

“Come eat, my lord, then we can get you dressed for the day. I’ve laid out your most comfortable yet stylish robes, as you will be taking a lot of tests today.” Lucy was saying, preparing him a plate from the food provided and laying out cutlery for him. He stood from the bed, pulling on the dressing gown Lucy had laid on a chair next to the bed.

“Lucy, I’ve told you, when we’re alone, you can call me Harry.” He reminded her as he went to sit at the table. She was one of the few allowed to use his nickname. Only his family, Hermione, Luna and Daphne had permission. Oh, and those children that followed him like ducklings. For some reason, most of the Emperor’s children who were at Hogwarts absolutely adored him, and even those who didn’t were friendly with him. It was probably an unfair leg up within the harem to have so many of their children so enamored with him.

“Not here, my lord. This is the Imperial City Palace. Here you are always ‘my lord’.” Lucy pulled him from his thoughts, shaking her head. Harry rolled his eyes and started to eat. He knew he needed a good breakfast to get through the grueling tests today. First would be the written tests, on a variety of subjects; then the practical exams, testing his knowledge of spells, curses and even runic patterns; and finally, the morality tests, before a panel of judges. The morality tests worried Harry the most. His morality was fairly grey, but there were some things upon which he was very set. His foster father often sat on the panel of judges, although he had had to abstain this year because of Harry being a candidate, and had told him that the judges were looking more for honesty than an actual moral code. If he lied, tried to guess the ‘right’ answers, he’d likely fail. So, it was best to tell the truth, whatever it happened to be.

“Did we happen to have a schedule for today?” Harry asked Lucy as he finished eating. She cleared his plate aside and then went over to the trunk with his clothing for his stay here. She tapped it with her wand and out flew the outfit she’d chosen for him for the day. She nodded.

“The Death Eater guard gave it to me before I woke you. You are scheduled for all the written tests before lunch, then lunch will be served buffet style in that large gathering space. After that, the practical tests will take place, followed by the morality exam. Dinner is once again served here.” She summarized for him. He hummed thoughtfully.

--

Harry was tempted to slump down in his seat as he put his quill down. He had just finished the final written exam. But he stayed upright and folded his hands on the desk in front of him. An examiner came and took his paper, meaning he could go. So, he did, stretching slightly as he stood. Lucy was waiting at the side wall and followed him silently from the room. They fell into a companionable silence as they headed to the large room where lunch was being served. Harry filled a plate from the offered buffet and sat at one of the tables. Lucy stood behind his chair.

Once he was finished, his Death Eater guard came to fetch him for the practical exams. He nodded to Luna who grinned dreamily at him.

The practical exams were brutal, and Harry was sore and tired by the end. Finally, he was led into a room with four wixen sat behind a table. A chair had been set out for him in front of them. He forced himself to sit gracefully, while Lucy stood by the door, with the Death Eater guard just outside.

“Lord Potter-Black. Thank you for joining us.” One of the wixen, an older woman with graying hair greeted him. He nodded.

“We are here to test your morality. Please answer our questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible.” Another of the wixen instructed. Harry nodded again.

“What do you think about lying?”

“Personally, I don’t like lies. I do understand that they are often necessary to achieve ones ends, but I avoid them if possible, especially to those I care about. I understand that if I am to be part of the harem, I will be privy to secrets that I will need to keep, even from my family. I do not have a problem with this and will lie when necessary to maintain secrecy.” Harry wondered how much of this was personalized based on his conversations at the beginning of the selection. He pushed that thought aside as he was asked more questions and answered them as well as he could.

“One last question, my lord, we know you must be tired.” The older woman told him kindly. “Should a situation arise in the harem where you found out another harem member was breaking the rules or the law, what would you do?”

“Well, it would depend on the member. If it was someone I was close to, or at least friendly with, I would approach them first and try to find out the whole story before jumping to conclusions. If I determine that they are not going to stop or have done something too terrible, I will make sure either they inform the Emperor or proper authorities, or I will do it myself.” Harry took a deep breath, then continued, “If I don’t know them well, I will inform the Emperor of my suspicions and allow him to decide what to do as he sees fit, but try to make it clear I don’t know them well enough to know the full story.”

Harry took the nods as a good sign.

“You may go, Lord Potter-Black. Have a good evening.”

--

Thomas sighed as he entered the boardroom set aside for him and the high ranking members of harem to discuss the candidates of selection. Normally it was only his consorts that would accompany him. But he had requested his Primary Concubine, Regulus Black, join them, since he was accepting Harrison into the harem regardless of any additional tests of factors, and as the young man’s uncle, Regulus deserved to be here when Thomas announced Harrison’s rank and presented his jewel.

The four of them were already seated around the table when he entered, and they all bowed their heads to him. Jeremiah entered behind him and handed packets to each of them.

“As most of you know, these are the candidates who have made it through the first two days of testing. Those with green marks will be in regardless of what we discuss here. Those with yellow require more deliberation. Those with red marks are only here to fill out the numbers for tomorrow’s testing.” The Emperor explained, mostly for Regulus’ benefit, as his consorts had aided with every selection so far. “Please begin.” He smirked slightly as they opened the packets and saw the first page. The pages were each summaries of the candidates, including fertility, magical power and the results of the tests today.

Gasps sounded around the table. Mutters of “ninety-eight” and “not possible” were heard.

“Harrison Potter-Black will be joining my harem tomorrow, my concubines. As you can clearly see.” Thomas told them sharply.

“Of course, your Majesty.” Bellatrix said, with a genuine smile, “My little nephew is the most powerful I’ve ever seen. I have no doubt he will give you powerful children.”

“I assume this is why you wanted me here, your Majesty.” Regulus added. Thomas nodded. They got back to the rest of the pages.

“Your Majesty, you’ve marked two as green already and four yellow. Do you truly intend to allow that many people into the harem?” Alecto asked. Thomas gave her a look.

“Yes, Alecto, I do.” He told her sternly.

“Shall we decide on the yellows?” Aurora asked, tapping her fingers.

“I think Daphne Greengrass is a good option. Good family, high power and fertility levels, very intelligent.” Bellatrix offered.

They continued to discuss for a few hours before dinner was served to them. Thomas was satisfied and sent Eunuchs to fetch the jewels required for the ceremony after tomorrow’s tests.

--

Harry smiled at Luna and Daphne as he was directed to sit at a table with them. Today’s tests were less tests and more…conversations. An Attendant from the harem would join them and evaluate their ability to hold a conversation, and play certain games.

“Lord Potter-Black, Heir Greengrass, Heir Lovegood, it’s so good to see the three of you again.”

Harry looked up to see Penelope Clearwater sit down across from him. He remembered her from Hogwarts, she was a Ravenclaw a few years above them.

They played a few hands of different card games at first, talking about Hogwarts and Penelope’s masteries and their plans for the future. She gave them all the best gossip from the harem and the Palace. Luna won nearly every round, which Daphne considered unfair. They played chess as well, though Harry often won those games. He’d had a good teacher, after all. Lucius Malfoy had taught both his sons chess and although they both excelled, Harry seemed to enjoy it more. Draco preferred dancing and piano, but Harry loved games, chess especially.

“I think the three of you will do well in the harem. I’ll be rooting for you.” Penelope said as she stood to leave. All three of them smiled and nodded to her.

--

Thomas looked at the five young men and women lined up before him. His high ranking concubines sat on a raised dais, looking on. He took a jewel from a pillow offered by a Eunuch. It turned to a Blue Topaz. The assembled audience, officials and courtiers mostly, gasped. Blue was the colour of Nobles. Not since the first selection had anyone entered the harem with the rank of Noble.

“Lord Harrison James Potter-Black.” The Emperor said, standing before the young man. Harrison smiled at him and Thomas swore his heart fluttered slightly. He really was even more beautiful in person. “I would name you Third Noble of my Imperial Harem. Do you accept?” He asked, softly, but his voice carried.

“Yes, your Majesty, I would be honoured.” Harrison replied, accepting the jewel from Thomas and holding it in front of him. Thomas’ hand lingered on the younger man’s briefly, staring into those pulsing green eyes. Then he blinked and stepped back, regaining his composure quickly. He stepped over to the next person in line. This time the jewel he took turned into a yellow Grossularite Garnet.

“Heir Luna Pandora Lovegood.” He said, watching as the young woman smiled serenely at him. “I would name you Second Attendant of my Imperial Harem. Do you accept?”

“Of course, your Majesty. I am most honoured by your choice.” Luna said, voice taking on a dreamy quality. Thomas knew she would be an interesting addition to his harem, especially if she proved to have her grandmother’s gift. He gave her a smile, then moved on. The jewel this time was a Citrine.

“Heir Cho Chang. I would name you Third Attendant of my Imperial Harem. Do you accept?”

“I do, your Majesty. Thank you for honouring me.” Cho said demurely. Thomas gave her a nod. The next jewel became a Yellow Sapphire.

“Heir Daphne Greengrass. I would name you Fourth Attendant of my Imperial Harem. Do you accept?”

“I do, your Majesty. I am honoured by your consideration.” Daphne said, lips quirking into a small smile. Thomas took the final jewel, which became a yellow Quartz.

“Theodore Thaddeus Nott. I would name you Fifth Attendant of my Imperial Harem. Do you accept?”

“Yes, your Majesty. I am honoured.” Theo said, nodding sagely. Thomas stepped back and surveyed his new concubines, eyes lingering on Harrison a moment longer than the others.

“Welcome to my harem, my concubines. Tonight, we shall have a celebratory dinner with the highest members of my harem. Do not get used to this, it will likely be a while before you dine with us again. You will spend one more night here, then in the morning your family and friends on your approved list will be able to come and say goodbye, after which you will be taken to your new home.” The Emperor explained. With one last lingering look, he swept from the room.

--

Harry paused outside the door to the small formal dining room he had been led to. His Death Eater guard opened the door, and he stepped inside. The Emperor and his high ranking concubines were already inside but he was the first of the new concubines to arrive.

“Ah, my Noble. Welcome.” The Emperor said, standing from his chair. Harry bowed. “Come, sit next to me and dear Bella.” He indicated the chair to his right, between himself and Bellatrix.

Harry found himself losing his nerves and had to stop himself from biting his lip. Somehow he made it to the seat.

“Dear Nephew, I am so happy you’re joining the harem. I always new you would be powerful.” Bellatrix grinned at him.

“Thank you, Aunt Bellatrix.” He said. Bellatrix laughed.

“You must call me Sister Bella now, little one. We are the Emperor’s Concubines.” She told him, throwing an arm around his shoulders, while the Emperor smiled on the other side.

Slowly, Harry managed to relax, speaking to both Bellatrix and the Emperor, and Regulus, who was seated across from them.

--

Harry woke the next morning with a smile on his face.

“Good morning, my lord.” Lucy greeted, as she tidied his room and presented his breakfast.

“Thank you, Lucy.” He replied, as he threw off the covers and put on his dressing gown. Today he would travel to the Imperial Palace. Even now, his rooms within the Palace of Noble Virtue were being prepared.

But first, an approved list of family and friends would be coming to say goodbye. His list had not been long, containing only his foster parents Lucius and Narcissa, his brother Draco, and his best friend Hermione. His Grandfather (great grandfather, really) Arcturus was also on the list, but the old man had barely left his bed in years.

Lucy helped him dress and the guard led him down to a small room, where his family waited.

“My little snake, I am so proud of you.” His Mother exclaimed, pulling him into a hug the moment the door closed behind him. He wrapped his arms around her.

He talked with his family and Hermione happily for the next hour. They each presented him with a small package to take with him, telling him to open them when he reached the Palace.

“Don’t let your guard down Harry.” Hermione reminded him. “The Harem is a dangerous place. Getting in was the easy part.” She added. Harry smiled at her.

“I know, Mione. I’ll watch my back, and so will Lucy.” He replied. Hermione nodded, letting out a shaky breath.

“I’ll miss you Harry.” She said, the beginnings of tears in her eyes. Harry pulled her close.

“I’ll miss you, too, Mione.” He whispered. She nodded and pulled away, wiping her eyes.

Harry finally pulled Draco aside.

“Did she tell you?” He asked. Draco sighed.

“She did. I wish she had told me sooner; I knew her Father was scheming; I just didn’t know it was about the Harem. I’m upset but I understand.” His brother told him, shaking his head.

Harry said a final goodbye to each of them and was led from the room.

He was settled into a car with Lucy and his Death Eater guard, whom he learned was permanently assigned to him. He looked out the window in awe, as the approached the Imperial Palaces.

Harry knew this was just the beginning but it was as good a beginning as he could have possibly hoped for.

Chapter Text

Harry walked into his new rooms to see five of his six maids lined up and waiting for him. As a Noble, he was allowed three personal maids and three Palace maids. The three personal ones were, of course, Lucy, who was his head maid and walking just a few steps behind him; Abigail, and Katrina, two of the many maids assigned to his care at home. They each wore a variation of the Palace uniform, with the crests of his houses, Potter and Black. The Palace assigned maids were dressed in the standard Palace uniform with the Slytherin crest. The three of them wore name tags, displaying their name and below that Noble Potter-Black, denoting his rank and houses. Each promotion through the ranks would enable him to have more maids, both personal ones and Palace ones.

Following behind Lucy was one of the Emperor’s Eunuchs. Once Harry was in the room, the man began to speak.

“Noble Potter-Black, welcome to His Majesty’s Harem. You will have a few days to settle in and are not expected at the morning meetings until Monday. As a Lord, there are a few privileges afforded to you above your rank. You may send and receive owls here instead of going through the Imperial Owlery. I see you have brought three owls with you.” He began, indicating where three owls were perched, off to one side of the main room. Harry smiled. The one in the center was his snowy owl Hedwig. He used her mainly for personal correspondence. The one of the left was the regal eagle owl, Aegis, which had been gifted to him by his grandfather Arcturus. He used him for his correspondence chiefly involving House Black. And the final owl was a large brown barn owl with a light face, called Marauder, that he used for his main correspondence, as Lord Potter. “The window in your study and the one in here have been charmed to allow owls passage. Should you displease his Majesty, this is a privilege that can be taken away.” The Eunuch went on to warn. Harry nodded.

“I understand.” He said. The Eunuch nodded.

“I have been informed that you have also brought a pair of snakes. Their terrarium has been placed in your bedroom for now. His Majesty wishes me to inform you that the snakes are allowed to roam the Palace grounds and hunt at will, so long as they do not disturb any residents, staff or guests.” The man went on. Harry nodded again, thinking about Apollo and Artemis, his pair of black vipers he’d had since his third year at Hogwarts. “As you are a sitting Lord, you have standing permission to attend any Wizengamot meetings as necessary, so long as they do not interfere with your Harem duties. Should you need to leave to attend to any other matters pertaining to your lordship, permission must be granted by the Emperor himself. He urges you to go to him if there is anything you need.”

“I will do that.” Harry assured him.

“Good. Now, you are allowed to go anywhere within this Palace and the gardens and pavilions not assigned to another concubine or to the Palace of Immortal Glory. Special permission may be given to enter the Palace of Childish Wonder, or the Children’s Palace as it is known. I have been informed that you are close to some of the Emperor’s children and they may request to see you. You may accept an invitation to tea, lunch or dinner from any concubine. His Majesty wants you to be made aware that, along with the other Nobles residing in this Palace, you have special permission to fly in the gardens. Wards have been erected to prevent flying too high, please do not test them.” The Eunuch warned. Harry nodded, smiling a bit, glad he brought his broom. From what he knew, all three of the male Nobles currently residing in this Palace had played Quidditch at Hogwarts, two of whom had been on his Slytherin team.

“I’m glad, I look forward to flying with the other Nobles.” Harry said.

“That is all for now. You will learn more at your first morning meeting. Should you have any questions, your Palace assigned maids would be happy to answer, or find the answer for you.” The Eunuch bowed and left, closing the door behind him.

Harry sighed, turning to his maids. He squinted at the name tags of the Palace maids.

“Nyla?” He asked, and the named maid stepped forward.

“Yes, my lord?” She asked.

“Do you have any special skills or preferences when it comes to duties?” Harry asked. Nyla nodded.

“I am adept at Herbology, my lord, and enjoy taking care of the garden.” She said, looking proud. Harry smiled.

“I believe I have a small garden courtyard for you to take care of.” He said. Nyla nodded.

“You are correct, my lord. I have already looked it over and determined what is needed to care for it. Should you want anything specific, I can request it.” She told him. Harry nodded.

“Janine?” He called next, and the indicated maid stepped forward.

“Yes, my lord. I am skilled with sewing, magical and mundane.” She informed him. Harry nodded.

“And Lara?” He asked, watching the final maid step forward.

“No special skills, milord, I’ll do what needs doing.” She told him simply. Harry smiled.

“Thank you Lara. Would you all please coordinate with Lucy, my head maid, so that everything is done as needed?” All his maids nodded and he dismissed them, heading into his bedroom to get settled.

--

Harry hadn’t realized how slowly four days could go. He’d woken up the first morning completely unsure what to do. So, he did the only thing that seemed to make sense. He explored.

He started with his rooms. They were far bigger than he expected. There was the main room, with a cozy fireplace surrounded by a couple of couches and chairs, a dining table that could comfortably seat six, and of course his owl perches under the large window, which looked into his private courtyard garden. The door next to the window led to said courtyard. Another door led to his private study, which also had a window looking out into the courtyard. All his books and files had been unpacked neatly into the shelves and drawers. There was a large desk with a comfortable chair.

Another door from the main room led to his bedroom. A big room with a king sized bed with a canopy above it. A walk-in wardrobe took over one of the walls, while bookcases and dressers lined the other walls, with the exception of one door, which led to a full on suite bathroom. There was also a secret entrance in one of the bookcases. It only led to a small room where whichever maid that was assigned to his care overnight would stay.

Back in the main room, there was one final normal door, which led to a small powder room. Just a sink and a toilet, for guests or if Harry did not wish to use the bathroom in his bedroom. There was another secret entrance out here, a section of wall that could be pushed aside with the tap of a wand. This led to the servants’ quarters and kitchens below. It would be useful for his maids to be able to come and go.

The exploration of his rooms, and the slight personalization of them, only took a day. So, the next day he explored farther, starting with the shared areas of the Palace of Noble Virtue. The Palace was split into two wings, connected by a large courtyard and garden. In his wing of the Palace there was one other resident, Cedric Diggory. Harry remembered the older man from Hogwarts. He had been a Hufflepuff, the seeker on their Quidditch team, so Harry had a bit of a friendly rivalry with the other man. But off the pitch, the two had actually gotten on quite well. In the other wing, he knew there were two residents, Marcus Flint and Adrian Pucey. Harry had known those two much better. They’d been on the same Quidditch team, so they were quite close. Harry had even stayed in contact with Marcus after the older man had left Hogwarts. Harry had taken over as Quidditch Captain and often wrote to the other man for advice.

“Brother Harrison!” A cheerful voice called from above him as he entered the central courtyard. Harry looked up to see Cedric, Marcus and Adrian flying their brooms above him. He smiled.

“Hello Noble Diggory, Noble Flint, Noble Pucey.” Harry greeted. The three men flew down to him.

“Oh please, Brother Harrison, you must call me Brother Cedric.” The bubbly Hufflepuff told him.

“Lord Potter-Black.” Both Slytherins greeted him, bowing their heads.

“Then you may all call me Brother Harrison.” Harry told them. The Slytherin’s gave their permission to use first names as well.

“Would you like to fly with us, Brother?” Cedric asked. Marcus, behind his Slytherin mask, seemed to vibrate with excitement.

“Please do, Brother Harrison. These two have nothing on your flying ability.” He said. Adrian only rolled his eyes, but Cedric put his hand on his chest in mock offense. Harry laughed.

“Sure Brothers, I even brought my broom.” He said, pulling the shrunken broom from his pocket and resizing it.

The four of them flew happily for several hours. Harry hadn’t flown since his final Quidditch match as Captain a few months ago, and he had realized that this was the first time in a long time he had gone that long without flying. He was happy he could keep flying here. He loved flying. He loved the freedom of being in the air. He had worried he would be made to give it up, but there seemed to be no indication of that.

They played two on two scrimmages and raced and played seeker games, which Harry and Cedric won every time. They switched up teams and laughed and flew late into the afternoon. When they finally landed, Cedric suggested they have dinner together in his rooms. All the young men readily agreed.

They separated to shower and change before meeting in Cedric’s room, each with a maid one step behind. All their maids appeared acquainted and served them silently and efficiently.

Harry learned that these dinners were a tradition among the men who lived in the Palace of Noble Virtue. They were happy to include him and all four got along extremely well.

--

As Harry readied himself for another day of exploration, this time a bit further afield, in the gardens and pavilions surrounding the Palaces, there was a knock at his door. One of his maids, Katrina, who had been tidying in the main room, answered it. There stood a maid with the Black Crest embroidered on her pristine uniform. Harry knew this meant she served either Bellatrix or Regulus. He stepped forward and gestured to Katrina to allow her entry.

“Noble Potter-Black,” The maid greeted, bowing, “My master, Concubine Black-Slytherin, apologizes for the late notice but wishes to invite you to his son, Second Prince Rigel’s, twelfth birthday celebration today. It is to take place in the grand ballroom of the Palace of Childish Wonder starting at noon. The Second Prince would like to add that he is most eager to spend his birthday with ‘his new favourite uncle’.” She went on. Harry grinned.

“Tell Concubine Black-Slytherin I would be honoured to attend and will be there at the appointed hour.” He replied. The maid nodded and bowed again, before taking her leave as Katrina held the door for her. Once she was gone, Harry turned to Lucy, who stood by his bedroom door.

“I know the perfect outfit.” She said. Harry relaxed and followed her into the bedroom, allowing her to dress him, with the help of Abigail and Lara. Janine came in to put some final touches on his outfit, some runes in gold thread.

“Good thing I was already planning a gift for him.” Harry said, going to his study and pulling open one of the drawers, where he had a small scroll, sealed with the Black crest. Inside were instructions for a spell his great grandfather Arcturus had taught him when he turned twelve. Harry had thought it fitting, since Rigel was a Black as much as he was a Slytherin. This spell was part of their heritage and Harry wanted Rigel (and Regulus’ younger daughter Amalthea, and of course his own future children) to be aware of their heritage. It was possible, of course, that Regulus had taught him the spell, but Harry still felt, as his grandfather’s heir, it was his responsibility to insure their heritage was not lost to the younger generations.

It seemed like no time at all had passed when Lucy informed him a car had arrived to take him to the Children’s Palace.

Harry looked out in awe as they passed through the gardens and entered the gated Children’s Palace. Lucy helped him out of the car and followed him into the Palace.

“UNCLE HARRY!!!” An excited voice shrieked and a preteen boy slammed into him just as he entered the ballroom.

“Hello, your highness.” Harry greeted him warmly and allowed the twelve-year-old to grab his hand and pull him through the room.

“Come see Mum, Uncle Harry! I’m so glad I get to call you Uncle now! I’ve missed you! It’s my birthday! Most of my siblings and even Father are here!” Prince Rigel babbled as he dragged him over to where Regulus stood, holding his four year old daughter on his hip as he spoke to a couple of concubines and, to Harry’s surprise, First Prince Atticus and First Princess Amelia. “Mum! Mum! Look, it’s Uncle Harry! He came!” Rigel announced to Regulus who smiled at him indulgently.

“I see that, my love.” He said, “Welcome, Brother Harrison, thank you so much for coming.”

“I was honoured to be invited, Brother Regulus.” Harry said, glancing at the other concubines and royal children. Regulus noticed and tilted his head.

“Brother Harrison, this is Third Concubine Bartemius Crouch Jr, and Fourth Concubine Caradoc Dearborn.” He introduced. Then went on, “And I’m sure you know First Prince Atticus and First Princess Amelia.”

“Well met, Concubine Crouch-Slytherin and Concubine Dearborn-Slytherin. And it’s lovely to see you again, your highnesses.” Harry said, dipping his head to the concubines and royal children.

“Please, call me Brother Barty, Noble Potter-Black. Reggie has told us all about you.” Barty said, smiling at him. Harry smiled back.

“Of course, Brother Barty, and you may call me Brother Harrison.” He told the older man, who nodded. “Your highnesses, it is wonderful to see you again. Are you excited for your Seventh Year?” He asked, turning to the royal children. Atticus grinned at him, then pulled him into a hug.

“Uncle Harry, I’m so glad you passed the Selection. I was thrilled when Father told me. Amy was too.” He said as he released the older man and pulled his sister next to him.

“Uncle Harrison, of all those Father could have chosen, I supposed you are the most tolerable.” Amelia said, though there was a glimmer of happiness in her eyes. She was not as affectionate as her brother, but loved Harry all the same, since he had helped Atticus out of a sticky situation all the way back in the twins first year. Harry grinned at her, long used to how she spoke.

“Why thank you Princess, that is high praise.” He said, while Atticus ad Rigel giggled. Harry turned his attention back to Rigel who still clung to his side. “And for you, birthday boy, I have a very special present.” He said, pulling out the scroll.

“Oooh, what is it Uncle Harry?” Rigel asked, eagerly. Harry glanced over to Regulus, who nodded slightly.

“Did you know, there is a tradition on our family, the Black Family? That the Head of the Family, or the Heir, teaches each member a special spell on their birthdays, starting at age twelve?” Harry asked Rigel, who looked up at him in awe, shaking his head.

“Oh, I remember when Grandfather Arcturus called me into his study on my twelfth birthday.” Regulus, smiling at Harry and Rigel. The boy looked so excited. Harry handed him the scroll.

“These are the instructions and the incantation. Don’t open it until your alone or only with close family.” Harry instructed sternly. Rigel grinned.

“Thank you, Uncle Harry!” He exclaimed, taking the scroll then throwing his arms around Harry. Then he turned to Regulus. “Mum, can I go open more gifts now?” He asked. Regulus nodded.

“Be good, son.” He told him, ruffling his hair gently. Rigel nodded seriously.

“Atty, Amy, want to come help me?” He asked. His eldest siblings nodded indulgently. “And Mum, can Thea come too?” He asked, looking at his sister. Regulus looked at his daughter, who nodded, so he put her down. The four royal children went off to where a table sat piled with presents. Other children soon joined them and so did the Emperor.

Harry watched the Emperor as he interacted with all his children and paid special attention to Rigel.

“He’s good with them.” Regulus said, interrupting his thoughts. Harry nodded.

“He is. I’m glad.” He said softly.

“All of us were, I’m sure.” Caradoc said. “You hear stories of the war and how brutal he could be, but there’s a soft side to him, around his family. He’s a doting Father.”

“And just what do you think you’re doing, being so familiar with the Royal Children?” A snobbish voice called out, as a woman with limp brown hair and dull brown eyes strode towards them, disgust and anger plain on her face.

“Oh shush, Sister Penny, who are you to deny my son a hug from his new favourite uncle on his birthday?” Regulus said dismissively, rolling his eyes. Harry blinked. This must be Secondary Concubine Penny Haywood. He didn’t know much about her.

“It is not proper! Noble Potter-Black hasn’t even been here a week and already he is trying to manipulate the Royal Children!” Penny said shrilly.

“Concubine Haywood-Slytherin.” A sharp voice sounded. Harry looked over to see Bellatrix, her arms crossed and her face stern. “I do hope you are being kind to our newest Noble?” She asked, though her tone clearly indicated she knew otherwise.

“Primary Consort.” Penny bit out. “I only meant—”

“You meant to insult him. At a child’s birthday. A child who clearly adores him. Have you not learned to leave well enough alone?” Bellatrix interrupted. Penny huffed and turned on her heel.

“I wish I didn’t have to invite her.” Regulus said with a sigh. “But she has a daughter close in age to Rigel, it would hardly be fair to him to not invite one of his siblings, and had I only invited Adrianna, Penny would have seen it as an insult and refused to allow her daughter to come. She is quite petty.” He explained. Harry frowned.

“That’s just awful. I’m sorry you have to deal with her just so your son can know his sister.” He offered. Regulus smiled.

“Hopefully soon you will also be worrying about such things.” He told the younger man, who smiled at him.

“It would be my dream.” Harry said, glancing over to the Emperor once more, the find the man watching him. It was in that moment it dawned on him. He was here. He was so close to achieving the goal he’d had since he was five years old, even before he truly understood what it meant. But now he did. Now all that was left was to navigate the harem, and perhaps, if he was very lucky, find his way into the Emperor’s heart.

--

Harry woke on Sunday morning feeling like he was long overdue for a walk in the gardens. He wandered the gardens closest to the Palace of Noble Virtue. Around midday he came across a pavilion. A sign denoted it as the Pavilion of Earthly Light. Trellises lined the walls of the pavilion, with flowers and vines climbing them. A hiss caught his attention.

“Massster.” Harry looked down to see one of his vipers, Artemis, if the small arrow shaped grey mark on her head was to be believed.

“Hello, Artemis.” He hissed back, crouching and leaning his hand down so she could climb up his arm.

“I just met Master’s mate.” She informed him as he stood back up, her head resting on his shoulder. That startled him.

“My mate?” He asked.

“Oh yes, he is a speaker!” She hissed, rubbing her head against his neck.

“You mean the Emperor? I suppose he will be my mate…or more like I am one of his.” Harry replied, smiling slightly.

“Hmm, yes, him. He smells good. We shall keep him.”

“Good to know you approve, dear Artemis.” Harry smiled and wandered towards a bench. He was about to sit down when he heard another hissing voice behind him.

“I’m glad she approves of me.”

Harry shot up and bowed.

“Your Majesty!” He greeted, startled, speaking in Parseltongue almost without realizing.

“My dear Noble.” The Emperor said smoothly transitioning back to English. “I’m happy to have come across you. I wanted to invite you on a picnic in a few days. My schedule is busy but I’ve cleared a few hours for you. I will send a Eunuch with an official invitation after your first morning meeting tomorrow.” He went on.

“I would be happy to spend time with you, your Majesty.” Harry replied, trying to tamp down his excitement. He’d barely been here three days and the Emperor was already inviting him on a private outing.

“Good, my Noble. I shall see you then.”

--

Harry entered the meeting room in the Hall of Gathering, looking around carefully. A few concubines had already arrived, but most had not. He noticed Penelope, her nose in a book.

“Sister Penelope.” He greeted, approaching her. She looked up and smiled at him.

“Brother Harrison! Welcome!” She replied.

“Do you happen to know where I’m supposed to sit?” He asked. She nodded.

“You’re the Third Noble, so you sit over there.” She indicated a seat across and diagonal from her. The chairs were arranged in a semi-circle, facing a raised platform with three chairs, which he assumed were for the Consorts. “You’re between the First Noble, Brother Adrian, and the Fifth Noble, Sister Adelaide.” She went on. Harry noticed that Adelaide, the only female Noble, was seated already.

“Thank you, Sister. We should have tea sometime this week.” Harry offered. Penelope nodded.

“I would like that. Though I’m sure you will have plenty of offers.” She replied, smiling. Harry smiled as well.

“I’m sure we can find some time. I’m curious to know more about your mastery studies.” Harry told her. She nodded again.

“You’re welcome to pick my brain any time. I’m sure His Majesty would allow you to pursue a mastery if you so desired. He likes his concubines to be well-educated.” Penelope told him. Harry hoped that she was right. “But for now, you should take your seat. The meeting will start as soon as Sister Bellatrix arrives.” She added. He nodded and headed to the indicated seat. It wasn’t long before the rest of the concubines filtered in. Adrian nodded to him as he took the chair next to him.

“Alright, everyone, settle down.” Bellatrix said as she strode in, taking her seat between Aurora and Alecto on the raised dais. The quiet conversations stopped and everyone focused on her. She took out a scroll and opened it.

“His Majesty would like me to welcome our newest members to their first morning meeting and hopes they have settled in well. He would also like to remind the rest of the harem to treat the newcomers and each other with respect and kindness, as always. There are no pressing announcements but he would like me to make sure the new harem members are aware of our rules and traditions.” Bellatrix summarized from the scroll before putting it to the side. She looked out at the assembled harem members. “You must always comport yourselves with dignity and grace, befitting a concubine of His Majesty. You may take meals or tea or just visit with other members of the harem as you wish. You may decline invitations from members who rank below you, but it is considered ill-mannered to decline one from a member above you, unless you are otherwise engaged.” Bellatrix paused and looked around, gaze lingering on the newest members.

“Don’t forgot to mention what they should do if they spend the night with His Majesty.” Alecto cut in.

“Yes, Sister Alecto, I was getting to that. Should you be invited to spend the night with the Emperor, you must inform one of the consorts, so that it may be recorded in case you should fall pregnant. Speaking of which, should you become pregnant, you must inform the Emperor and the harem before fifteen weeks. His Majesty allows such a grace period to protect expectant mothers within the harem, but if you should neglect to inform us before the fifteen weeks is up, there will be consequences. You may, of course, inform us whenever you would like prior to fifteen weeks. Most harem members tend to announce it around twelve to fourteen weeks, when they start to show noticeably.” Bellatrix continued, glaring at Alecto briefly. “I think that’s it, unless anyone has any questions?” She asked, though he tone made it sound as if she did not want to answer any questions at all. The new harem members shook their heads. “Good. Anything else we need to discuss?” She added.

The meeting went on for a bit, harem members bringing up social engagements over the next few days, and anything else that needed to be discussed. Finally, after what Harry thought was at least an hour, Bellatrix dismissed them.

“Brother Harrison, will you join me for tea?” A voice called out as Harry went to leave. He turned to see Luna.. Harry smiled and nodded.

“I would love to, Sister Luna.” He replied. Luna smiled dreamily at him and hooked her arm through his.

“Good. Soon your schedule will be very full.” She said, her voice a bit faraway. Harry laughed.

“I’m sure it will.” He said. And he found himself excited at the prospect.

Chapter Text

Harry had enjoyed tea at Luna’s. The Attendants’ Palace, the Palace of Worshipful Whispers, housed all seven attendants, and had room for more. They had taken tea in the shared courtyard. He had relaxed immensely in her company and was content as he returned to his own Palace in the late afternoon.

He received a few maids from other concubines, inviting him to tea, lunch or dinner for the rest of the week. He accepted all the invitations and had Lucy draw up a schedule for him. He was very pleased when one of the Emperor’s Eunuchs arrived to tell him he was invited to a picnic in the gardens outside the Palace of Immortal Glory. It was scheduled for lunch tomorrow, and luckily he had not made any plans for that time.

He didn’t have plans for dinner so he ate quietly in his room, waiting with bated breath for his picnic the next day.

He barely slept due to the anticipation. It was late into the night when the exhaustion finally overtook him.

--

“Good morning, my lord.” Lucy greeted, handing him a Pepper Up potion as he sat up in bed rubbing his eyes. He drank it and instantly felt better.

“Thank you, Lucy.” He said gratefully. “I should have slept more.” He added, sighing.

“You were too excited. To be invited to lunch with the Emperor so quickly. He must be very impressed with you.” Abigail said, practically swooning as she set out an outfit for him. Janine nodded from the corner as she packed away her sewing kit, having just finished the last touches of the outfit.

“I just have to hope I don’t do something stupid to ruin everything.” Harry said, stretching and pushing aside his covers. As he stood, Lucy helped him to put on a robe.

“Just be yourself, my lord.”

--

A Eunuch arrived to lead him to the garden shortly before noon. His maids had spent the hours of the morning readying him. He followed the Eunuch with Lucy a step behind and his Death Eater guard following at a respectful distance. A car was waiting outside his palace (one of his own cars he’d been allowed to bring with him). The Eunuch sat in front next to the driver, while he, Lucy and his guard sat in the back. It was the type of car that had two benches of seats facing each other in the back. He and Lucy sat on the one facing forward, while the guard sat on the opposite bench, head swiveling around. Even here in the Palace Grounds, he may not be safe. Harry had long since learned that his status as an heir, a lord and now a Noble of the Harem, would put him in danger, no matter where he went. He’d had hidden guards at Hogwarts as well.

Harry was soon distracted as they passed through a gilded gate into some of the most beautiful gardens he had ever seen. He was surprised how far they went into the gardens before the car stopped. The Eunuch turned to them and lowered the screen.

“We must walk from here, Noble Potter-Black.” He said. Harry nodded. The Death Eater exited the car first, followed by Lucy and finally Harry, helped out by Lucy. His maid straightened his outfit then fell into step behind him.

It was a short walk through smaller garden paths before they reached a pavilion decorated with hanging flowers. Cushions lay upon the ground and veritable feast was laid out.

“Please have a seat wherever you would like, Noble Potter-Black, the Emperor will join you shortly.” The Eunuch told him before bowing and retreating up a different path. Harry looked around a bit before settling onto a cushion to wait. Lucy took up a position behind him, while the Death Eater guard stepped to the side, picking a good vantage point outside the pavilion.

Harry did not have to wait long. Having no distraction now, or perhaps because the Emperor did not desire to sneak up on him, Harry felt the older man coming. The magic...it crackled in the air, tasting like fire and rain. A pressure, beautiful and suffocating. Harry had only felt a fraction of this most other times he had interacted with the Emperor. It reminded him of the very first time he’d laid eyes on him. He’d only been five years old, but the memory was burned vividly into his mind. The Emperor had been glorious, all power and desire. It had been a wedding. Oh, how Harry had desired to be in his Uncle Regulus’ place that day, even at five, when all he understood was the addicting feeling of magic and power, none of the rest. And now…now he wanted so much more. But he had to pull himself from his memories and remember to stand and bow.

“Your Majesty.” He greeted, unable to keep his voice from betraying his desire.

To his credit, the Emperor merely smiled, kissed his hand and said, “Hello, my Noble, please sit.”

Harry sat, and delighted internally when the Emperor chose a cushion right next to him.

“Thank you for inviting me today, your Majesty.” Harry said, unsure of what else to say.

“I have been looking forward to spending time with you since I laid eyes on you during the Selection.” The Emperor admitted. “Perhaps for longer.” He added, so quietly that Harry barely heard him. But the admission made Harry’s body sing with happiness. Lucy busied herself serving them tea and preparing a plate for Harry, while a servant did the same for the Emperor.

As they ate, they talked of mundane things, how Harry was liking his rooms and the Palace of Noble Virtue at large. Harry in turn thanked him for the permission to fly and told him how much he loved it. At some point they were interrupted by both of Harry’s snakes, who once again expressed approval of the Emperor.

“Harrison,” The Emperor asked after a while. A thrill went through Harry at the use of his name. “May I kiss you?”

Harry blinked at him, his mind going blank. All he could do was nod and then the Emperor’s lips were on his. Soft lips, demanding lips. A tiny swipe of tongue prompted Harry to open his mouth. Not a single thought but pure pleasure went through Harry’s mind as they kissed, his tongue giving way easily to the older man’s domineering one. Then there were hands, they started on his shoulders. One moved into his hair and pulled them impossibly close. The other made its way down his back. Harry’s own hands, though slow to react, wound their way around the other man’s back. Finally, the Emperor pulled away and Harry merely lay there, how did he end up lying down again? Where was he? Oh yes, with the Emperor, the Emperor who had just passionately kissed him. His first kiss.

After a few moments, the Emperor spoke up. “Was that your first kiss, Harrison?” He asked, softly, stroking the side of Harry’s face. Once again, all Harry could do was nod. “Good.” The Emperor practically purred, making Harry shiver with delight.

“Saved myself for you, you majesty.” Harry breathed out when he felt he could breath again. The smile on the Emperor’s face grew.

“Good.” He whispered again, “And I intend to be your last.” Then he dove in for another kiss.

--

“I knew you would do well in the Harem, Brother Harrison. Already the Emperor calls for you.” Bellatrix was saying, pride evident in her voice. She had invited Harry and Regulus for tea in her garden.

“He’s asked to spend my birthday with me. The whole night. Is that normal?” Harry asked. Both of his relatives nodded.

“Normally you have to ask if you’re lower than concubine though. And he has the right to refuse. But the fact that he’s invited you? Very promising indeed.” Regulus assures him.

“Oh, so most concubines ask then?” Harry clarified. Regulus nodded.

“It’s traditional. He has never refused me, or Bellatrix, as far as I’m aware.” He looked to Bellatrix who nodded in agreement. “I know he refuses Attendants Snyde and Walker every year. He refuses Concubine Haywood when she irritates him. Sister Aurora doesn’t always ask and Sister Alecto has been refused on occasion. Brother Barty and Brother Caradoc don’t always ask but they have never been refused when they do. As for the others, I’m not sure.” Regulus explained. Harry nodded.

“We’ve already had a few picnics…I don’t want to usurp his attention from the other harem members.” He said, a bit nervously. Both of them laughed.

“Oh sweet, sweet baby brother. Usurp away. Brother Reggie and I are secure in our positions and you are the heir to our family. You are more important than the rest of them combined. And Cissy will murder me if anything happens to you.” Bellatrix assured him, reaching out to pull him into a bone crushing hug. Harry smiled into her shoulder, then pretended to gasp for air.

“Can’t breathe, too tight.” He said. Bellatrix released him and all three laughed uproariously.

--

“Happy Birthday, my lord.” Lucy said as he sat up in bed. He smiled.

“It is my birthday. What’s the schedule for today?” He asked. Lucy smiled.

“You are hosting a small party in the shared courtyard around noon. Confirmed Guest list: Primary Consort Black-Slytherin, Primary Concubine Black-Slytherin, First Noble Pucey, Second Noble Flint, Fourth Noble Diggory, First Attendant Clearwater, Second Attendant Lovegood, Fourth Attendant Greengrass, and Fifth Attendant Nott.” Lucy listed out from memory. Harry had spent the last two weeks planning this party. Even as a lord, he was not exempt from the rule that only concubines and above could invite family and friends from outside the Palace to their birthday celebration. “The party will likely run until four or five pm. From there, you are expected at the Palace of Immortal Glory for drinks at six pm, followed by dinner, expecting to spend the night with His Majesty.” She said this last bit with a wink at him and Harry could not contain his blush. On their various picnics, he and the Emperor had gotten quite hot and heavy, though nothing more than kissing and touching…but this, this was his first invitation to share his Majesty’s bed.

“Is everything ready?” Harry asked as he stood from bed and Janine came to dress him while Lucy floated a stack of parcels and letters to the foot of his bed. Lucy nodded.

“Yes, my lord. Here are your presents, they have all been checked twice for anything harmful.” She told him. Harry smiled and sat on the edge of his bed, reaching for the one closest to him.

It turned out to be from Hermione. Her letter was simple, wishing him a Happy Birthday. He wasn’t surprised, as they corresponded every other day, so were both up to date with each other’s lives. She had, however, gifted him, also unsurprisingly, a book. He blushed as he read the title. The Magical Bearer’s Magical Guide to Magical Sex. Lucy looked over his shoulder and grinned.

“You have a few hours to read that this morning, if you’d like.” She teased. Harry rolled his eyes at her and put the book aside. Lara stood off to the side, collecting the letters and gifts and recording who gave him what so he could thank them later, as he opened the rest. Most were expected. Lavish gifts from his foster parents, expensive fabric and clothes from his brother. Yet more books from his friends, including those invited to his party later. From Penelope, he received a catalogue of mastery courses offered at the university, with her own notes on each class, the professors and her general thoughts. Daphne sent him a set of books on runes and Theo sent him a book on Magical Theory.

Others, like his fellow Nobles, sent him things related to flying. From Cedric, a set of practice snitches. It seemed like Marcus and Adrian had gotten together to get him a brand new set of flying robes, with the crests of both his houses, and, a bit presumptuously, the Imperial Slytherin Crest as well. To avoid confusion, the Emperor had slightly changed the Slytherin crest that he adopted so as to avoid confusion with the Hogwarts house. The robes, much higher quality than any he’d worn at Hogwarts, despite the fact that his parents had made sure they were always very good, looked perfect. The joint letter from the two promised that they had even gotten permission from the Emperor to include the Imperial Crest.

Luna sent him a set of soothing bath oils, saying he would likely need them tomorrow morning. Harry just sighed. Between Luna and Hermione, he was very prepared for what might happen tonight.

From Bellatrix he had received a whole selection of food, designed to increase the likelihood of conception. Regulus had gifted him an expensive set of quills and parchment.

Other concubines, who had either not been invited to his party, or had declined, sent small tokens. Jewelry was a popular choice, bracelets and earrings mostly.

The most surprising of his gifts came from Severus Snape, however. Harry was certainly no stranger to the man. He was Draco’s godfather and had often been in their home while he and his brother had been growing up. He was the Emperor’s personal potions master. The man had even told him stories of his birth mother, whom he had known quite well when they were younger. Only ever Lily though. No mention of James Potter or Sirius Black. The man had sent him a journal, with a note.

Harrison,

Your mother, Lily, left this in my care, the last time I ever saw her. She was frantic and asked that I give this to you on your eighteenth birthday, just in case. She said that she was sorry and that she never should have believed your father (James). I offered to help her but she shook her head, saying she needed to get back to you. I never saw her again. She was found dead a week later. I always regretted not being able to help her. The journal is bound by blood magic and only you will be able to open it. I have tested it for anything malicious and it came back negative.

I have shown this to the Emperor, and he has approved passing it on to you, but please, in case there is something we missed, do not open it alone, but with someone you trust.

If you ever need help, come to me. I’ve already taken over brewing all potions for you at the Emperor’s request. I’ve never seen him like this about any of his concubines. Be careful, Harrison, the love of a powerful man is alluring but the harem is more dangerous than you know.

Sincerely,

Severus Snape

Harry read the letter over twice, unable to focus on any one part. The way Severus had spoken of his birth mother over the years had made him miss her terribly. He loved his foster mother, Narcissa, and would never seek to replace her, but he had clung to those stories and memories Severus had shared. But, right there at the end, once sentence stood out: the love of a powerful man. The Emperor loved him? What? It had to be a figure of speech, right? Harry knew he could not focus on that now. So, he looked up and dismissed all his maids but Lucy. They bowed and left the two of them alone.

“My lord?” Lucy asked questioningly.

“Sev sent this. My…birth mother left it for him to give to me on my eighteenth birthday. He’s tested it as best he can, but its sealed by blood magic and he’s asked that I don’t open it alone, but only with someone I trust.” Harry explained, holding the journal in his hands. It seemed to hum under his touch. Lucy nodded and came to sit next to him. Harry took a deep breath and opened it.

My Dearest, Darling Harrison, the inside of the front cover read,

I am so sorry. Happy 18^th, my darling. I’m sorry I’m not there with you. I know 17 is the important birthday in the wizarding world, but I grew up in the muggle world and there its 18. You’ve probably graduated Hogwarts with top marks on your NEWTs at this point, my beautiful baby boy. You’re probably either deciding or have decided what to do with your life. Whatever it is, I’m so proud of you. But now I have to tell you something horrible. Something I should never have allowed to happen. I don’t know the whole story. My memory is fuzzy and I wasn’t there for all of it, but I’ve written down what I can. I started this journal when I started losing time. Please hold your judgement until the end. I don’t know who raised you, or what you may have been told about me or your father, or Sirius. But know that as much as I am to blame for stupidly following your father and Dumbledore, I think Sirius and I are victims, too. Know that at the very least, Sirius and I love you so much. There will be some entries from him as well.

Your Loving Mother,

Lily Evans

Then, just below, another message was scrawled.

Pup,

We don’t have much time. It’s a good thing Lily and I blood locked this journal when we did. Lily almost handed it over to Dumbledore. I broke the compulsion and she’s going to take this to Snape after I write this. We love you so much Pup. Please, be careful. If he’s still alive, tell my brother I love him, okay? I hope you understand everything we’ve written here. I think it was your magical backlash last night that broke the compulsions permanently. At least for me. They managed to ensnare your mum one more time. But I don’t think they can again, which is actually worse. I hope we see you again, but I doubt it.

Your Dadfoot,

Sirius Black

Harry blinked at the page. He looked at Lucy.

“I don’t think I should read this all now…but if I don’t…” He trailed off. What was worse, the anxiety of not knowing, or the horrors that could be in these pages? From what just the short notes told him, compulsions and Dumbledore had already been mentioned, plus his mother had signed with her maiden name. And magical backlash? Maybe his scar? He knew, from what the healers had told him over the years, that it was likely from a ritual gone wrong that his magic had fought.

Also, from Severus’ note, the Emperor was aware of the journal and may or may not ask about it. Should he share it, or no? Or should he push it from his mind and enjoy his birthday?

“Harry.” Lucy said softly, calling him by his nickname for the first time since before the Selection began. She gently placed her hands on his and closed the journal. “You can read this tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or never. Everything in this journal happened in the past, and none of it will matter unless you want it to. Knowing what happened won’t change that you grew up happy, with loving parents, even if those parents didn’t give birth to you.” She assured him. Harry gave a shaky nod. “Now, take a deep breath and lets start getting ready for your party. Afterall, we spent so much time planning it.” She added, pulling him off the bed as he laughed a little.

--

Harry surveyed the courtyard, nodding slightly. It was about half an hour before noon and guests might arrive at any time. As predicted, Luna waltzed through the archway not a minute later, greeting Harry with a dreamy smile.

“Happy Birthday, Brother Harry!” She chirped, pulling him into a hug. He chuckled and hugged her back.

“Thank you, Sister Luna.” He replied, squeezing her tightly.

“Truth weighs heavily, known or unknown.” She whispered in his ear, so low he barely heard. Before he could react she was pulling away and Cedric was arriving.

“Brother Harrison!” Cedric greeted. “Happy birthday! I hope we get a chance to test out my gift in the coming days.” He said, grinning. Harry smiled, Luna’s words pushed to the back of his mind, along with the journal.

“Thank you, Brother Cedric. I’m sure we will. My old set of snitches was getting a bit worn. I’m sure we will welcome the challenge.” Harry said, grasping Cedric’s hand. The older man nodded and clapped Harry on the back.

The party then became a blur of greeting guests and floating about talking, until they all sat down to enjoy some lunch. Maids flitted around, serving their masters and generally helping.

“Brother Harrison, it was kind of you to invite me today.” Penelope said after a while. Harry smiled.

“Of course. You’re my friend.” Harry assured her.

“You’re kind, Brother Harrison. I don’t often get such invitations. In fact, I believe the last time I was invited to a party was Sister Adelaide’s birthday the year I joined the harem. She invited everyone. She does not do that anymore.” Penelope said, with a sigh. Harry frowned.

“Well, then I shall invite you as often as possible.” He said, and they both laughed.

“You’ll rise quickly, Brother, no need to be so kind.” She told him.

“Thank you for your confidence, Sister. But I will always remember your kindness during the Selection and endeavor to repay it when I can.” He replied, and they both smiled.

--

Harry tried not to twitch nervously as he was led into the Palace of Immortal Glory. Past the vast entrance hall and farther in, deep into the east wing, Emperor’s private wing, which he had not expected. Other concubines had mentioned that he usually entertained concubines in the slightly more public north wing. Even Bellatrix said that she rarely entered the east wing anymore.

They finally entered a small, informal dining room, lit entirely by candles. The Emperor was already there, and he stood to welcome Harry.

“My Noble, I’ve had all your favourites prepared.” He said, indicating a table set up to the side with an array of food. He kissed Harry’s hand and pulled out a chair for him, helping him to sit before pushing his chair in himself.

“Happy Birthday, Harrison.” He said, as he took his own seat. He motioned for Lucy to stand by the wall and for his Eunuch to serve them both.

“Thank you, your Majesty.” Harry said, smiling happily, despite his nerves.

“Please, in private you may call me Thomas.” The Emperor said, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

“Thomas,” He tried, not missing the Emperor’s visible reaction, “Then you may call me Harry, in private.”

“Harry.” Thomas said, as low as a purr, causing Harry to shudder, which pleased the Emperor.

They conversed quietly and comfortably while they ate. Harry was quite impressed by the spread, which even included his favourite dessert, treacle tart.

After the meal, Harry was led by Thomas to what appeared to be the Emperor’s bedroom. Harry’s nervousness grew.

“No need to be nervous, my dear. We shall go at your pace.” Thomas assured him, maneuvering him to sit on the edge of the bed. Harry took a breath to give himself courage then surged forward, kissing the Emperor hungrily. He felt the older man chuckle against his lips. “Fast it is, then.” He whispered, waving his wand to remove most of their clothing. Harry merely pressed himself against the man, the fabric of their pants the only thing between them. His hand trailed up and down the Emperor’s chest. His tongue fought for dominance against Thomas’.

It wasn’t long before Thomas was kissing a trail down Harry’s chest as the younger man moaned. Thomas pushed him back against the pillows, hands hovering over the waistband of Harry’s pants, pausing to look up at Harry, who nodded enthusiastically. Thomas grinned and continued kissing downward as he pulled Harry’s pants off. Harry moaned and his mind went blissfully blank as the Emperor took his whole cock into his mouth. Thomas smiled around his cock and licked its head. Harry, whose whole body shuddered, came quickly.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized as Thomas licked up his cum. Thomas shook his head, and hovered over him.

“Never,” kiss on his forehead, “apologize,” kiss on his nose, “for,” kiss on his lips, “pleasure.” A final kiss on one of his nipples, making the younger man shudder and moan again, his cock once again beginning to harden. Now Thomas easily flipped him over, pulling his arse into the air. He licked a line from the base of Harry’s cock all the way to his hole. Harry moaned into the pillow beneath him. Thomas grinned and used one hand to separate the younger man’s cheeks while the other hand, and his tongue, teased his arsehole. He licked and teased until Harry came again, shuddering and screaming Thomas’ name. Now he used his fingers to scissor open the now wet hole.

“More. Please.” Harry moaned.

“Patience, darling.” Thomas warned, as he inserted more fingers, moving them until he found a sweet spot, which caused Harry to arch up against him.

“Again!” Cried Harry, “Please!” Thomas obliged, adding more fingers and stretching, brushing the younger’s prostate whenever he could. By the time Thomas thought he was ready, Harry had cum once more.

Thomas flipped the other man over. “I want to see your face while I fuck you.” He said, Harry moaning at just the thought. Thomas raised the young man’s legs over his shoulders and positioned himself at his entrance.

“You’re mine now.” Thomas said as he thrust into Harry. The younger man cried out.

“Yours.” Harry assured him as he came apart. Thomas gave him a moment to adjust, before slowly beginning to move, angling so as to hit his prostate. Harry once more came, coating their stomachs in white fluid.

“Forever.” Thomas hissed out in Parseltongue as he too came.

--

“You must confirm a rumor for me, Brother Harry.” Daphne spoke as the two shared tea in Harry’s private courtyard.

“Oh?” Harry asked, taking a sip of his tea and looking at her over his teacup.

“Is it true that you have spent the night with His Majesty at least four times in the last month alone?” She asked. Harry smiled.

“Yes, his Majesty has called on me at least that many times.” Harry replied. He knew his nights with Thomas would be remarked on eventually. Bellatrix had actually squealed when he told her the Emperor had called on him again less than a week following his birthday. He had been sure inform her each time, as harem tradition dictated. She seemed to grow more excited each time.

“I wonder if you’ll be the first to announce a pregnancy from our group.” Daphne said, referring to those who had entered the harem with them. Harry outwardly laughed, but internally recalled his fertility score and knew it was a distinct possibility.

“It’s far too soon for any such announcement, Sister Daphne.” He assured her.

“But I do wonder how long it will be before the Emperor promotes you. Perhaps you’ll find out at tomorrow’s morning meeting?” Daphne speculated. Harry laughed again. He knew promotions were only made at meeting on the first of each month. The meeting on August 1^st had not resulted in any promotions, but the same might not be said for the next meeting. Of course, as per tradition, the meeting on September 1^st was less of a morning one and more of an afternoon one, as those concubines with Hogwarts age children would be seeing them off to the train. Or, well, in actuality, they would floo to a heavily guarded platform adjacent to where the rest of the Hogwarts students would board. Harry himself had used that platform, as had many heirs, for higher security. This year there would be four concubines with Hogwarts age children, compared to last year’s three.

“Perhaps.” Harry said neutrally, though he had a feeling he would be.

“Don’t forget your friends as you rise.” Daphne said, her smile genuine but her words edged with nerves.

“I won’t.” Harry assured her.

Chapter Text

Harry was one of the last concubines to arrive to the meeting. Followed only by those who had been seeing off children to Hogwarts and Bellatrix herself. He’d barely taken his seat when the four concubines with Hogwarts age children waltzed in. Aurora and Regulus found their seats quickly, but Alecto and Penny seemed to hesitate in the doorway, attempting to draw the whole room’s attention. And succeeding, until Bellatrix walked in, and tutted loudly.

“Everyone, take your seats.” She snapped, striding forward purposely and glaring at Alecto and Penny as they rushed to their seats. Bellatrix didn’t seem too perturbed, however. “An auspicious day.” She said as she took her seat, the Emperor’s scroll clutched in her hand.

“As I’m sure you all recall, the first of the month is special. Today is a day for rank…adjustments.” She grinned wickedly. She did so enjoy building suspense, Harry thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Some of the other concubines shifted, while yet others looked on in disinterest, well used to the Primary Consort’s antics.

“Just get on with it, Sister.” Alecto snapped impatiently, “Some of us have been very busy already today and would like a chance to rest.” She continued. Bellatrix glared at her.

“Patience, Sister Alecto.” She snapped back, then harrumphed, opening the scroll. Her grin grew again as she scanned her eyes over the words.

“A few promotions today, brothers and sisters.” She said, eyes finding Harry. “The Emperor would like to make it known that Harrison Potter-Black shall hereby by promoted to First Noble. He asks only that Brother Harrison continue to please him and says others should follow our Noble Brother’s example.” She announced with a flourish. Harry smiled demurely, though he could not stop his cheeks from heating at the praise. He had known he would be promoted, but he had expected Second Noble first, not immediately to First Noble, one step away from being an official spouse. Others tittered around him, offering congratulations.

“I thank his Majesty for his kindness and favour and will endeavor to continue to please him.” Harry said, a variation of the common response to being promoted that Bellatrix herself had taught him only a few days prior. Most concubines saw others promoted before themselves and thus would learn the wording then, but in Harry’s case, his was the first promotion since the end of the Selection. He noted the reactions of the other concubines. Most seemed either to be genuine, or at least outwardly so. But a few, Alecto and Penny especially, seemed irritated.

“And next, Cedric Diggory shall be promoted to Second Noble.” Bellatrix went on when the murmurs had died down. “His Majesty says that Brother Cedric has recently pleased him greatly.” She added. Cedric smiled, as if he too had been expecting a promotion.

“I thank his Majesty for his favour and am glad I was I able to please him.” Cedric said. More congratulations. Harry did not miss the look on Adrian’s face. This dropped him from First Noble down to Third Noble.

“And one final promotion.” Bellatrix said, looking at the words on the page a bit strangely, as if they didn’t make much sense to her but were simply more puzzling than angering. “The Emperor would like to promote Luna Lovegood to Sixth Noble. He asks that she continue to confide in him.” She announced, without her usual flourish and in a confused tone.

“I thank His Majesty for his most gracious favour. He shall continue to know what he needs.” Luna said, beaming. Harry grinned widely and congratulated her.

“Quite a shakeup for the Nobles today, it seems.” Bellatrix commented when she had recovered from her shock. A few concubines congratulated Luna as well. “Any announcements or pressing matters?” She then asked the group. At this, Cedric stood.

“I do have an announcement.” He said.

“I’m not surprised.” Bellatrix said, waving at him to continue.

“I told his Majesty just yesterday, but I would like to announce that I am with child.” Cedric told them, smiling happily. Congratulations were bandied again, some sincere, some less so. Harry gave his sincere congratulations among them.

“How far along are you?” Alecto asked. Hoping to catch him beyond the fifteen weeks, perhaps.

“Fourteen weeks.” Cedric replied, to her obvious disappointment.

The rest of the meeting went like a typical one, but the conversations kept coming back to the promotions and Cedric’s pregnancy. It was the only currently announced one in the harem, so it was quite the hot topic.

As the meeting came to an end and everyone filtered out, Luna brushed past Harry and whispered two words, “Read it.”

--

Luna’s words rang in Harry’s mind as he returned to his rooms. He knew she meant the journal, locked in the top drawer of his desk. He had spoken about it with the Emperor, who had told him it was his to read or not read. He still hadn’t read farther than those two opening notes. He was unsure he wanted to. But Luna was right, he needed to read it, for his own peace of mind, if nothing else.

So he took the journal from its hiding spot. He opened it and ran his fingers over the notes on the inside cover, as if to memorize the handwriting. Then, finally, he turned his attention to the first page.

Date: 10 June 1980

Something is wrong. I’ve decided to record everything because I’m losing time. I feel like I’m losing my mind but also like its never been clearer. I don’t think I wanted to be here. I was just so…lost when I learned all my magical relatives were dead. Other Muggleborns around me were benefiting from the system the emperor put in place, with all sorts of magical family, but not me. My parents tried to console me when my inheritance test showed that all though both my parents were descended from squib lines (though learning that my maternal grandfather had been very famous before he passed and had abandoned my mother at birth to the muggle world couldn’t have been fun for her either), there was not a single wixen living related closely enough to be considered family. The last bastion of long dead lines, that’s what the goblins said. I got some money sure, titles I didn’t want or need, but not a scrap of family beyond my parents and a sister who already hated me for my power.

So yes, I was vulnerable when I entered Hogwarts. If it hadn’t been for Severus, I would have been woefully behind, but as much as I wished he was my brother, he wasn’t. They took advantage of that. I don’t know exactly what happened. I can’t remember. I only remember feeling alone and then suddenly I wasn’t. But I think it was a lie. A trick, a spell for sure.

And now here I sit, 8 months pregnant and finally clear headed. It’s your magic, little one, it has to be. Your father wants to name you after himself. I want to name you Harrison Severus. For the man who should have been my brother. You will end up Harrison James, though, I am sure. I don’t hate you, little one, I love you, despite the circumstances.

I think he gave me a love potion. A mild one maybe. Not something powerful. I don’t think I could have wanted to hit him so badly right before our wedding when he was being stupid with his friends if it was a powerful one like Amortentia. Compulsions for certain, though I think those were cast by Dumbledore. I don’t love James. I don’t think I ever did.

Some of my memories feel…fake. Shiny. Severus told me that a skilled Legilimens can change other's memories and a skilled Occlumens can change their own. Dumbledore is both, certainly. I’ve been trying to sort through what’s real and what’s not.

I’m hoping I’ll remember more. What I do know is Dumbledore wants you. He wants you for something and I don’t know what it is and I’m scared. I love you, Harrison and I won’t let them use you as long as I have breath in my body and maybe even beyond that.

Date: 1 August 1980

I KNEW IT! IT WAS ALL A LIE! But they didn’t just lie to me, Harrison, they lied to Sirius too! We finished the blood adoption ritual last night. The power released broke our compulsions. Not only that, but it…unlocked memories, I guess. As we were making you the heir to the heir to the Black family, a lot of Blacks were there, despite Sirius’ apparent rebellion. Even the Emperor attended. James pouted the whole time. And Dumbledore was nowhere to be seen, what with being a wanted fugitive and all. It was strange. Everyone was kind. Even Bellatrix, who I distinctly remember being hostile at Hogwarts, though she was much older than us. I thought Regulus would be jealous, having being heir presumptive after Sirius, but he seemed genuinely happy for Sirius, though some harsh words were said by Sirius, though he was not himself. It made no sense at all.

Until the ritual finished and a wave of power was felt by all. I thought Sirius was going to cry. By the time he had come to his senses, most of the guests, including his family, had left. James was sulking off somewhere and Sirius came to me. I’ll let him tell his story before I tell you what I’ve remembered.

Harry noticed the handwriting change then.

Hey Pup, Lils says its best to write this as if I’m talking to a much older version of you. That’s how she’s doing it. Makes sense. What’s happening is not something that can or should be explained to a newborn, I guess. Where do I start? Oh fine, Lily says to start at the beginning.

My parents sucked. But my grandfather and my cousins were great. Dad was supposed to be a close friend of old Tommy Boy – okay, fine, Lily says I can’t call the Emperor that – but he decided that his majesty’s integration with the muggle world was bad. So he was one of the first to ever be removed from the Knights of Walpurgis. He and mum were convinced that any mingling with muggles would doom wixen kind, so they tried to instill that in Reggie and I, despite everything. No one else would openly go against the Emperor. Growing up, I knew my parents were idiots and I protected Reg as best I could. He’s so young still…and I left him. I can’t believe I did that. I didn’t want to! I swear I didn’t!

Something changed at Hogwarts. I’ve always been rebellious against my parents, but not against the Emperor, or even the rest of my family. The Emperor has done great things for us, even I can see that.

I left him…at 15 I ran away to the Potters. I left him alone in that house. I would never do that. Why did I do that? James and Dumbledore, that’s why. I’ve had compulsions and potions and spells layered on me since I was 11 and its only thanks to you they’ve been broken. The blood adoption ritual always sends out a burst of power at the end, but its usually weak, especially if preformed on a newborn. And Dumbass-door wasn’t even there so he doesn’t know how powerful it was and that it broke the spells. Your magic has been helping your mum since before you were born, but I think they got her back under the compulsions a couple of times. Just from normal reapplications. We will have to be very careful.

If they find out we’re free, it could be bad for all of us, especially you.

Date: December 31^st 1980

I’ve felt like I’ve been living a double life since before the compulsions broke. Now its like I’m living a triple life. Society life, where as a Lord, James is expected at functions and as his wife I’m expected to accompany him. I was given a grace period after your birth but I am expected at the Emperor’s birthday celebration tonight. Then there is home life with you and James, with Dumbledore hovering around every turn. I’ve always written in a diary and I’ve made sure this one is identical to my current one, so no one suspects a thing. And finally, there’s the truth. With Sirius and with you. I keep ending up under the compulsions again, but then a burst of accidental magic from you will break them again.

It's awful. Dumbledore has plans. A rebellion. I want no part in it, but as soon as the compulsions are back, I’m willing to do anything for him. He wants us to fight. He wants to use you. I overheard him mention a prophecy. Well, 2 actually. A fake and a real.

The fake is what he wants to pass of as real and the real one terrifies him. I can hear it in his voice. The fake one is something he made up to make it seem like you were destined to defeat the Emperor. Dumbledore hates him so much.

But the real, oh the real one. He knows that one is about you. At least that’s what he says to his closest allies. He’s making plans. I managed to overhear the real one as he told it to Mad-Eye.

One with the Power to defeat the Light Lord approaches

They shall be born to the Emperor of Darkness and His True Consort

The True Consort shall be born as the Seventh month dies

To those who follow the Light

And rise swiftly to be marked equal to the Emperor of Darkness

The Heir will bring to Light the true Darkness of the Light Lord

And carry on to bring peace and prosperity to those who remain

Oh Harrison, your child. You’re so young. I can’t imagine you with the Emperor. But he has never marked anyone as his equal. You are destined for greatness. The Healer confirmed you were a magical bearer at 3 months. Dumbledore was livid. But he thinks if he can get a marriage contract between you and a boy of his choosing, he could use it to his advantage. The top contenders right now are Ronald Weasley and Neville Longbottom. Ronald is a few months older than you and Neville was born to my dear friend Alice only a day before you. However, Molly is pregnant again and Dumbledore is hoping for a girl, as he thinks you’d be easier to control without the ability to carry children. He would take it from you now if there was a potential girl for you to marry among his followers. But there isn’t. He had hoped that Andromeda and Ted Tonks would join him, but with the Emperor more accepting of Muggleborns, Andromeda remains loyal to her sisters. The Emperor gave Ted a position within his government as a solicitor, so they have even less reason to join Dumbledore. He is left with fanatics like Molly Weasley and James. Or those like myself, Sirius, and Alice, who have been swept up in his web. I know Alice has been under compulsions as well. She and Frank were planning on eloping then all of a sudden they were allowing Augusta to plan a massive wedding for them. Augusta is staunchly on Dumbledore’s side as well.

Well, I have to get ready for the party now, but I just wanted to write what I remembered while it was fresh and before they could get me under compulsions again.

Harry stopped reading as the third entry ended. He blinked at the page. A prophecy? About him and Thomas? And their child? They were destined? Suddenly he recalled the letter Severus had sent with this journal. The love of a powerful man it had said.

He knew he was focusing on the wrong things. He should be focusing on the fact that his mother and godfather had been tricked and spelled and put in danger against their will. But there was nothing he could do now. He put the journal aside, intending to read more when he had more time. And perhaps share it with the Emperor…eventually.

--

Harry thought the morning meeting two weeks later would be the same as they always were, or had been for the last two weeks at least. He had become comfortable in the seat of the First Noble. It was funny, he and Adrian had switched seats. He had not meant to displace anyone. He had thought Adrian and Marcus might be upset by his and Cedric’s promotions, but they had not appeared to be. Apparently the Nobles positions shifted regularly.

Cedric’s pregnancy was still a hot topic at the morning meetings. That was until Marcus stood up after Bellatrix’s announcements and announced his own pregnancy. Alecto was once again quick to ask how far along he was.

“Fourteen weeks.” He had replied smugly. Harry took note of that. It seemed to be an unspoken rule to announce at fourteen weeks. Technically they had another week, but it seemed no one wanted to get to close to the deadline.

Harry wondered if once again the Nobles’ ranks would shift. Both Cedric and Marcus were pregnant now. If he was not pregnant himself soon, would Thomas promote them past him? He didn’t know. He hadn’t promoted Cedric past him, despite knowing of his pregnancy before the rankings were announced. But who could say the same of Marcus?

Did Thomas intend for Harry to be pregnant soon? Probably. If his…vigorous attentions were anything to judge by. Harry had been called to share the Emperor’s bed quite regularly since his birthday. And with Harry’s fertility score, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he himself was announcing his pregnancy. Harry found himself a mix of excited and anxious, especially since reading his mother’s journal.

So Harry found himself congratulating Marcus and leaving the meeting swiftly when it was done. He debated reading another few entries but decided against it. He knew things would only get worse from there.

Chapter Text

Harry felt like the last weeks of September passed in a blur. He was busy with teas with the other concubines and nights and days spent with the Emperor. He hadn’t had a moment to read more entries in his mother’s journal.

When the morning meeting of October first arrived, Harry doubted he would be promoted again, but had a feeling Marcus would be. Cedric had had the advantage of informing the Emperor of his pregnancy just before the first of a month, so his promotion had come before the concubines even knew he was pregnant, but Marcus’ announcement had come in the middle of a month.

Bellatrix entered with her usual fanfare as the concubines fell quiet, waiting to know how Marcus’ standing would increase.

“The Emperor thanks Noble Marcus Flint for pleasing him and has decided to promote him to Third Noble.” She announced. Whispers went through the group. Only Third Noble? Harry was secretly pleased that he meant more to the Emperor than even the two pregnant Nobles. This time, Adrian did look upset. This put him at Fourth Noble. But then Bellatrix continued, “And he wishes to once again thank Noble Luna Lovegood for her abilities and has promoted her to Fourth Noble.”

This time it was not whispers, but shouts of confusion. Now Adrian was Fifth Noble.

Both Marcus and Luna struggled to be heard in thanking the Emperor.

“Enough!” Bellatrix shouted eventually, over the noise. “The Emperor has made his decision and we do not question it!” She snapped. Though she herself seemed confused.

Harry sat in stunned silence. He remained First Noble, despite two pregnancies, Adrian’s seniority and Luna’s unprecedented rise.

--

“My lord, I must call a Healer.” Lucy was saying as she held his hair back and he vomited the meager contents of his stomach into the toilet. He hadn’t been able to keep anything down since the morning meeting of October first. Harry just nodded. He probably had the flu, but part of him hoped for another option. He vaguely heard Lucy order Abigail to fetch a Healer.

Lucy helped Harry back to his bed. The Healer arrived promptly. It was the Healer from the Selection, he had learned after a routine checkup last month that Thomas had made her his personal Healer. She smiled at him in greeting and waved her wand over him as Lucy stood stoically to the side.

“Any symptoms besides nausea and vomiting, dear?” She asked him.

“I’ve been quite tired as well, Healer Simmons. Headaches off and on, too.” He replied honestly. She nodded. She waved her wand another time and Harry’s abdomen glowed green.

“Does that mean…?” Lucy began, but trailed off. Healer Simmons beamed.

“Congratulations, my lord!” She gushed. “You are pregnant! About five weeks along.” She added. “Just so you’re aware, I am not obligated to inform anyone of your pregnancy until you hit fifteen weeks. It is recommended you inform the Emperor and the Harem before then, but if you do not, I will be forced to tell the Emperor. However, I will need potions for you, and the Emperor has insisted Master Snape be the only one to brew for you, and he will ask. Do I have your permission to inform him? He is not allowed to tell anyone either.” Healer Simmons explained. Harry just nodded, hands immediately going to his abdomen. He didn’t speak. “Excellent. I will speak to him immediately. I will meet with you again at ten weeks. We can do a scan of the baby at that point, but the Emperor forbids finding out the sex before birth…it has led to issues.” She went on.

“I understand.” Harry finally spoke. “I’d rather be surprised, anyway.”

“I will leave your maids a list of foods you cannot eat and please try not to stress yourself. With your fertility, a miscarriage is unlikely, but always possible. Magical bearers can often have complications within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, due to the need to grow a uterus. I would recommend increasing your meals for the duration of your pregnancy. I will have Master Snape send along your potions. I hope he has some in stock because you will need to start taking a few immediately.” Healer Simmons instructed him. “Do you have any questions, before I go?” She added. Harry shook his head, still a bit overwhelmed. But happy, so very happy.

Healer Simmons nodded and handed a note to Lucy, before bowing and taking her leave.

Harry stroked his abdomen. Now he only had to worry about keeping this a secret for nine weeks or so. The hardest kind of secret to keep, a joyous one.

--

It was later that same day that a knock sounded at the door to Harry’s rooms. Lucy answered the door and ushered Severus Snape into the bedroom where Harry was resting.

“Harrison.” Severus greeted, handing large bag of potions to Lucy. “This should be enough for several weeks. I am brewing more for you.” He explained. Then he seemed to hesitate.

“Thank you, Uncle Sev.” Harry said, sincerely. Then he opened the drawer in his bedside table and pulled out the journal.

“Did you read it?” Severus asked. Harry grimaced slightly.

“A few entries. Not all of it. I…need to share it with the Emperor before anyone else but…I want to read more first.” He replied. Severus nodded.

“I…would like to know why Lily was so scared…but I can wait.” He admitted. Harry sighed.

“I can tell you a bit. At least I can try to answer that.” He offered. Severus looked at him for a moment, then nodded.

“Did you know she wanted to name me after you? I was going to be Harrison Severus, not Harrison James.” Harry began. Severus gaped at him. “She considered you her brother in all but blood. She didn’t want to part from you, but she was forced.” Harry went on.

“As did I consider her my sister.” Severus admitted. “She changed, at Hogwarts. I always wondered what had happened.”

“Compulsions and a mild love potion.” Harry told him solemnly. Severus looked shocked. “I don’t know the full story yet, but it sounds like she and my godfather, Sirius Black, were coerced. They wanted no part in Dumbledore’s failed rebellion.”

“No wonder she was so frightened when she brought me that journal.” The older man said, running his hand through his hair.  Then he straightened. “I will not ask more until you have informed the Emperor.” He added. Harry nodded.

“There are details he needs to know but…I want more context first.” Harry told him. He nodded.

“I have brought you additional potions, designed specifically to protect your growing uterus. I would not normally provide such strong ones, but the Emperor has a theory about the scar on your back and he wants to be safe. He had me start brewing them around your birthday.” Severus said with a raised eyebrow. Harry blushed at that.

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will personally be delivering your potions every few weeks to ensure no tampering. The Emperor would expect nothing less for his favourite.” Severus told him. Harry blushed again.

“There are other pregnant concubines, I doubt I’m his favourite.” Harry said, looking down.

“Harrison, I brew specifically for four people total. The Emperor himself, of course. And I have been brewing for Bellatrix as long as she has been Primary Consort. I started brewing for Regulus before the birth of the Seventh Princess. And now you. Before he even knew you were pregnant. He had me start brewing for you the moment you passed the Selection. I do not brew for any other concubines. The Emperor has plenty of potions masters for that. He only requests me when he truly cares or there is an issue. With Bellatrix, it is her position as Primary Consort that affords her such an honor. And with Regulus, there were some issues in his pregnancy with the Seventh Princess, and His Majesty asked me to brew his potions after the man nearly miscarried at twenty weeks, something nearly unheard of.” Severus listed off those he brewed for and the reasons, trying to impress on Harry just how special the young man was to the Emperor. Harry blinked at him.

“Really? You only brew for four people?” He asked, stunned.

“I assure you, it’s a full time job. Bellatrix needs potions all the time. And the Emperor, well, I cannot say.” Severus said dryly.

“Well, I hope I did not add to your workload too much.” Harry fretted. Severus actually smiled.

“Harrison, you could never be a burden. And I enjoy brewing. I always have.” He assured the boy. Harry smiled.

“Good, because I only want the best for this baby.” He said.

“As do I.” Severus said, eyes soft.

--

Harry had not had occasion to visit the Palace of Noble Beauty, which up until recently had only housed Adelaide Mayer. Now he met Luna for tea in her private courtyard.

“They will be adored.” Luna spoke suddenly after a few moments of silence after pleasantries had been exchanged. Harry looked at her, shocked.

“Who?” He asked, though he had a feeling Luna meant the child growing inside him. He had only found out a few days ago, but they had never been far from his mind. He itched to tell others but knew he could not. Luna merely smiled at him.

“I told him it would be soon. That he did not need to worry.” She told him, in her dreamy way.

“You told the Emperor?” Harry asked, nervously. Luna shook her head.

“Not specifically. Only to assure him that it would happen. He worries, you know.” She told him calmly.

“He worries?” Harry asked, confused. Luna nodded serenely.

“Oh yes. The Wrakspurts infest him when he worries too much. I only ease them away, to keep him free of infestation.” She explained, though it didn’t mean much to Harry. He knew she was something of a Seer, and clearly sharing her visions with the Emperor was something he wanted, since he had promoted her twice.

“Well, I suppose he’ll be happy when I tell him then.” Harry said, instead of asking Luna to clarify. Luna beamed at him.

“Ecstatic.” She said.

--

Harry was half asleep, lying in Thomas’ arms, head pillowed on the Emperor’s strong chest. Thomas was carding his hand gently through Harry’s hair.

They often lay like this now. Harry had less energy to engage in sexual acts, but Thomas didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he took the lead more than ever, pampering Harry in every way possible. And often, Harry fell asleep halfway through, though Thomas never complained.

“Sleep well, my Darling.” Thomas whispered, kissing the younger man’s hair. Harry just snuggled closer.

Thomas suspected Harry was pregnant, but he had vowed a long time ago not to push any concubine to reveal a pregnancy early. He allowed them to tell him in their own time. Of course, this freedom had led to concubines hiding pregnancies, so he’d come up with a happy medium. They could hide it until fifteen weeks. That was it. It seemed as if most concubines since the rule had come into place, announced their pregnancies around fourteen weeks.

He did not know how far along Harry was. He could be as much as twelve weeks, if he’d gotten pregnant that first night, but it was unlikely. The younger man had only started declining in energy as a of a few weeks ago, so he probably wasn’t far along at all. Soon, he would know exactly when their child had been conceived. He could wait.

His hand stroked down Harry’s spine to his scar. The lack of reaction confirmed his lovely concubine was asleep. He ran his fingers over the slightly raised lines of the scar. He worried. If they were right about the ritual, was there any damage done? Was he putting his new favourite at risk? But he reminded himself that Harry wanted this too. It wasn’t like with his other concubines.

With Harry there was passion, unlike with any other before him. Sure, there had been pleasure. With Diana, with Bella, even with Regulus.

He knew where potential answers to his questions lay. The journal. He could admit he was insanely curious as to what Harry’s mother had written. Harry had admitted to reading only a few entries, but that what he had read had frightened him. He would not force his concubine to continue, nor would he force him to share what he had learned, that would only hurt the young man.

And that was something he would never do. This feeling was foreign to Thomas. Severus had said it was called love. Thomas had never loved anyone but his children. But that love was different. He hadn’t understood the feeling at that point either. It had been Diana who had explained it to him then, as he held their twins for the first time.

It’s love you feel, Thomas. Like every bit of you is suddenly somewhere else. Like they are the only thing tethering you to this world. Don’t fight it. It ain’t weakness. It’s strength.

He had felt that feeling grow each time he held a new child. And he certainly cared for those who had given him those children, but he had never loved a concubine. Not until now.

As he looked down at Harry, sleeping against him, he knew. He loved Harry with his body and soul. And he always would.

--

Harry sat at his desk, writing a letter to Fourth Princess Dahlia for her thirteenth birthday. She was in her Second Year at Hogwarts now, and last year, when he’d been in his Seventh, she had followed him around like a little duckling, sticking close to Rigel. There was a quite a gap between Dahlia and Rigel and their older siblings. The twins, Lyra and Gaia, and Atticus and Amelia, were several years above Dahlia and Rigel, leading to distance between them. But she had taken Atticus’ lead in befriending Harry. Lyra and Gaia were mostly indifferent to their siblings and Harry in general. They were Hufflepuffs and thus separate from the Slytherin children.

Harry was sending a gift to her as well. It was a small bracelet, with runes of protection etched into it. Thomas himself had approved the gift.

Once the letter was done, he sealed it and attached it and the gift to Hedwig, the owl he used for personal correspondence. As he returned to his desk, his mind wandered to the journal again, so he pulled it out. Just an entry or two, he told himself.

Date: 20 August 1981

Sorry I haven’t written in a while, Harrison. I think they got me back under the compulsions again. It wasn’t fair of me to dump the prophecy on you then not write for 8 months. I think it was your accidental magic that broke them again. You had a terrible tantrum. I don’t blame you. Molly had a girl. Dumbledore is going through with the plan to remove your ability to carry children. He insists he’s found a ritual that will leave your ability to sire children intact. It will take a few months to prepare. I need to get this to Severus soon. But I need to record the outcome, for you. There are other plans in place. After the ritual, they plan on attacking the capital. Dumbledore thinks they have the strength and the element of surprise.

The handwriting changed to what Harry now knew was Sirius’.

Tell the truth, Lils, he’s gonna try to slaughter them in their beds! It’s barbaric. He got a spy who’s told him enough of the guard schedules that he thinks he can succeed. He’s an idiot! He just wants to permanently maim you first. I want to stop him so bad, but I don’t think we can. I want to kill him! I just keep imagining if my parents tried to do this to Reggie!

Then the writing switched back.

Sorry, Harrison, Sirius is very upset, understandably. We will do what we can and write again when we have more information.

Date: 28 October 1981

It didn’t work! Pup, it didn’t work! You are so strong already. Your mum is still recovering from the backlash of magic. We bloodlocked the journal after the last entry, just in case Dumbledore got suspicious. He hasn’t so far, but you never know. Only me, your mum or you can open it.

They made us take part in the ritual. We were compelled again. But the backlash broke it. Your magic was ANGRY.  So angry. You were screaming. Lily was crying. It was awful.

The attack is happening on Samhain. Dumbledore is an idiot.

You’ve got a scar now. Badass scar. Dumbledore is pissed because it didn’t work but he is hopeful they can try again after the attack. We won’t let him. I’ll have Lily write a note in the cover once she’s awake and I’ll write one as well, then we can take it to Snape. Yeah…tell him I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have treated him the way I did. Compulsions are only so much of an excuse.

If this is my last entry, take care, Pup.

The handwriting changed once more and instead of an entry; it was a detailed schematic of the ritual. Harry gasped as he looked it over, deciphering the runes and spells used. His hand went unconsciously to his still flat stomach. They had tried to take this from him. Albus Dumbledore, James Potter and Molly Weasley.

“Lucy!” Harry called out. She entered the study immediately.

“My lord, is something wrong?” She asked, then she saw the still open journal on the desk.

“I need to see the Emperor as soon as possible. It’s important.” Harry said, standing. Lucy nodded and called for Katrina, who she dispatched immediately to the Emperor’s Palace.

Ten minutes later Katrina returned with a Eunuch in tow.

“The Emperor will see you.” The Eunuch said and led him out to a waiting car.

--

“Harrison, is something wrong?” Thomas asked as he met Harry on the steps of his Palace and ushered the younger man inside. Harry just nodded and shoved the journal at him, open to the ritual page.

“It’s the ritual, the cause of my scar.” He said. Thomas’ eyes widened as he snatched the journal and led Harry to a study, guiding him to a seat before sitting himself and examining the pages.

“Jeremiah!” He called out. The Head Eunuch entered with a bow to both Harry and Thomas. The Emperor motioned him over to look at the pages. The man could not contain a gasp.

“May I?” He asked, looking at Harry then Thomas. Harry looked at Thomas who looked back at him, so Harry nodded, which prompted Thomas to nod to Jeremiah. The Eunuch turned the book and leaned over, eyes carefully tracing each rune, each line.

“My suspicions were correct. Dumbledore is predictable. How did you get this?” He asked. Harry looked at Thomas, who nodded.

“My mother left it to me, through Severus Snape.” He explained.

“Do the other entries explain why?” Jeremiah asked. Harry nodded. “May I read them?” The Eunuch asked. Harry started. He had been so anxious to get the ritual pages to the Emperor, he hadn’t stopped to think about the rest of the journal, and all it contained.

“I…” Harry started and trailed off, looking down at his lap. Suddenly Thomas was at his side.

“You don’t need to share this, but context will help.” He whispered soothingly in the younger man’s ear. Slowly, Harry nodded.

“I was going to share it with you anyway, your Majesty.” He said eventually.

“Do you know how to key others into the bloodlock?” Thomas asked gently. Harry nodded.

“I’ll need an athame. I left mine in my rooms.” He said. Thomas stood from where he had been crouched next to Harry and walked around his desk to open a drawer. He pulled out the most beautiful ritual knife Harry had ever seen. Harry took it from him and carefully sliced his fingertip. He closed the journal and used the bleeding digit to draw a rune on the cover. It glowed for a moment then sank into the leather cover. “Now you’ll need to draw the same rune in blood. It’s the lock rune.” Harry instructed. Thomas hesitated.

“Do you mind if I key myself in, or just Jeremiah?” He asked. His Eunuch looked a bit strange at that. The Emperor never asked for permission, and yet he had already done it twice in the span of five minutes.

“You can both do it.” Harry confirmed. Thomas nodded and took the athame from Harry and quickly followed suit. Once finished he handed the knife to Jeremiah, who did the same.

“Do you mind if we hold on to this?” Thomas asked now. “You should return to your Palace to rest.” He added, gently taking Harry’s still bleeding hand and healing the finger wordless and wandlessly. Harry nodded. Thomas helped him up from the chair and gave him a kiss on the lips. Harry smiled and left the room, meeting Lucy outside.

Chapter Text

After the precedent set by the last two morning meetings on the first of a month, the harem fully expected there to be another rank shift on the first of November. Confused looks were exchanged when Bellatrix announced there would be no rank changes that month. No announcements from the Emperor at all. There was an announcement to be made, however. Regulus stood, smiling.

“I’m pregnant!” He announced happily. Congratulations were given, but there were whispers. Regulus would be the second concubine ever to provide the Emperor with three children, and the first to provide them from three separate pregnancies. As if on cue, Alecto asked her usual question.

“Fourteen weeks.” Regulus confirmed. Alecto looked disappointed that once again she could not catch out a concubine.

“Congratulations, Brother Regulus.” Harry told the man, smiling and clapping a hand on his shoulder as the meeting came to a close.

“Thank you, Brother Harrison.” Regulus said, smiling as well. “Come for tea?” He asked. Harry nodded.

--

Harry returned to his rooms to ready himself for tea. He noticed that some of his clothes were becoming a bit tight, which was unusual this early in a pregnancy, especially for a magical bearer. He pulled open his robes in front of his mirror to find a very very small bump on his otherwise flat abdomen. He blinked. Usually, it took the first ten weeks just to grow the uterus in a first pregnancy for a magical bearer. And he was only eight weeks along.

Harry closed his robes and pushed it from his mind. It would only be harder to keep from Thomas now, but he should be able to keep it from everyone else still.

--

It turned out tea was just him and Regulus. Harry used the time to ask the other man questions only he could really answer.

“In your first pregnancy, when did you start to show?” He asked. Regulus gave him a look, but did not comment on the specific nature of the question.

“Not until around sixteen weeks.” He said. “But Brother Barty started to show around fourteen weeks and Brother Caradoc not until twenty weeks or so. It’s different for everyone. And with Thea, I didn’t show until eighteen weeks because she was so small. With this one I’m already starting to show, which is early that any of my previous pregnancies.” He explained. Harry nodded.

“I heard you had…complications…with Princess Amalthea…” Harry trailed off, not wanting to say it had been Severus who had told him. Regulus nodded.

“Yes, I was very sick and nearly lost her a few times. If it wasn’t for Severus’ potions, I likely would have. He invented a potion to protect a magical bearer’s womb.” Regulus explained. Harry blinked.

“He invented that potion?” He asked, startled. Regulus nodded.

“The Emperor has asked him to do a lot of research into magical bearers. He’s invented or altered a lot of potions for magical bearers specifically. Though, as far as I’m aware, the only magical bearers he specifically brews for are me…and you.” Regulus said, once again giving him a look. It took all of Harry’s strength not to stroke his abdomen at that.

“Oh, he’s Draco’s godfather, I’m sure the Emperor thought I’d be more comfortable with someone I knew brewing for me.” Harry tried to justify.

“That must be it.” Regulus said, obviously having no intention of outing him. “Although, I would say you are likely his majesty’s current favourite. To my knowledge, he has only called you and Bellatrix to spend the night with him recently. I have not been called since we conceived this little one.” He added, stroking his almost invisible bump. Harry frowned.

“Really? But at least two concubines birthday’s have passed. Did they not request to spend the night with him?” Harry asked. Regulus nodded.

“Oh both Adelaide and Caradoc did, but they were both denied. Not unusual for them, but the fact is, he has not seen any concubines but you and Bella in weeks. And even Bella has only be called once or twice in the last two months.” Regulus explained further. Harry frowned, not sure what to do with that information.

--

Harry returned to Regulus’ Palace the next day for Princess Amalthea’s fifth birthday. This was a special birthday, as it would mean she would move to the children’s Palace. Both Bellatrix and Harry had been attempting to distract Regulus for the last few days. It wasn’t the first time Regulus had seen a child of his off to the Children’s Palace, but Amalthea was different. She was smaller and sicklier than Rigel had been. She had cried when Regulus had told her she needed to go live with her siblings. He promised to visit her, and reminded her that her brother lived there too when he wasn’t at Hogwarts.

Much like Rigel’s birthday a few months earlier, Harry stuck with Regulus. He conversed lightly with Barty and Caradoc and Luna. Once again, Penny turned her nose up at Harry getting an invite, but even more so at Luna getting one.

“She’s just a Noble! I understand that Brother Potter-Black is family, but she is not! Why is she here?”  She snapped.

“I happen to enjoy Sister Luna’s company and she is very good with my daughter, whose birthday it is. Which is more than I can say for you, Sister Penny.” Regulus had snapped back.

--

Flying had all but ceased in the Palace of Noble Virtue. With both Marcus and Cedric openly pregnant, and Harry pregnant as well, though not openly, it left only Adrian, who had no desire to invite those who had been promoted past him to fly. While everything had seemed fine before Marcus was promoted, it was now decidedly not.

The dinners were different too. While Harry, Cedric and Marcus still often dined together, Adrian had started refusing to come. Adrian had started to isolate himself more and more from the other three residents of the Palace.

--

Adrian Pucey knew that among the Nobles, he was clearly the odd one out. He had been favoured enough to acquire the position of First Noble for a while.

Adrian had a very specific mindset when it came to children with the Emperor. He wanted a boy. Boys should be favoured over girls (though the Emperor had shown no such signs of favourtism). He knew other concubines thought the same.

It had been Penny who had taught him the spells. One to find out the sex of a child, around ten weeks, and the other to…remove it.

He’d only used them once. The Emperor had called on him plenty of times, he thought he would get pregnant again easily. But he never did. He’d only been pregnant once. It had been a girl, so he’d removed her.

Adrian was frustrated. Why had he never gotten pregnant again? Penny said the spell had no long term consequences. She had used it herself, before deciding to carry a daughter to term so she could have at least one child with the Emperor. But he knew she had removed several daughters before that.

Adrian was at his wits end so he decided to do something that could have dire consequences if it were to be discovered. There was a reason he had never done this. Adrian had not exactly been faithful to the Emperor. There had been several trysts with servants, and even other harem members (though those were to never be spoken of). The spell he was going to preform would reveal all. A spell to list his sexual encounters, and whether contraceptives were used, and if they had resulted in a pregnancy, whether he had lost that pregnancy or not.

He sighed and pulled out his wand, waving it over his lower body and chanting the incantation. A parchment appeared in front of him, which he immediately snatched.

Listed in front of him were dates, names and a small note if contraceptives were used, or if pregnancy had resulted. He grew angrier as he read the list.

Every single time, bar two, the Emperor had used contraceptives. His first night with the Emperor, which had not resulted in pregnancy, and the one that had resulted in the girl he’d removed. No wonder he hadn’t gotten pregnant again. Did the Emperor not want a child with him? Had he not been the favoured of the Nobles for a while? Clearly not, as every male Noble had been promoted past him in the last few months. Even Potter-Black, who wasn’t even pregnant yet.

He needed to talk to Penny. This would not stand.

--

Harry noticed that Aurora had still not entered the Gathering Hall for the morning meeting yet. Nor had Bellatrix, but Aurora tended to be early. Finally Aurora strode in, holding the scroll from the Emperor that Bellatrix normally brought.

“Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters. Sister Bellatrix is ill this morning and the Emperor has asked me to take her place in leading the meeting.” Aurora explained, her French accent barely detectable. She was normally quiet during morning meetings and Harry could count the number of times he had heard her speak on one hand. She had never invited him to tea, nor had she been present at any of the teas he’d been invited to. She normally kept to herself, or spent time with Adelaide.

The meeting seemed a bit calmer than usual, without Bellatrix riling everyone up. It seemed to be the hushed consensus that she had miscarried again, despite not having been visibly pregnant, nor having told anyone. No one wanted to voice this too loudly, but it seemed to be generally agreed upon. Apparently this happened a few times a year.

She was not present for the next four meetings and when she finally was, no one spoke of her absence and things carried on as normal.

--

Harry lay on his bed as Healer Simmons preformed checks on him. He was now ten weeks pregnant. Suddenly the Healer frowned.

“I’ve detected multiple heartbeats.” She said. Harry blinked at her.

“Twins?” He asked, knowing the Emperor had two sets of twins already and it was quite possible he was carrying twins as well. The Healer’s frown deepened briefly then turned to a smile as she flourished her wand and an image appeared above his stomach.

“Triplets.” She said, indicating each separate child. Harry gaped at her and the image.

“Triplets?” He echoed, as if he might have heard wrong. Healer Simmons beamed at him and nodded.

“Yes, all perfectly healthy. And your uterus is growing well. The potions are doing their job splendidly.” She confirmed. Harry smiled slowly.

“No wonder I’ve started to show.” He said, stroking the small but ever growing bump. Healer Simmons laughed.

“Yes, it is quite early, especially for a first pregnancy and a magical bearer at that, but not unheard of with multiples.” She explained. “You shouldn’t have trouble hiding it for a few more weeks though. It isn’t noticeable under your robes yet.” She added. Harry nodded. He had switched to slightly looser clothes, but no one had noticed anything. Though he had caught Thomas stroking his abdomen on occasion, but he never asked. Harry would tell him in a few weeks.

For now, Harry basked in the knowledge that he would be the first harem member to give the Emperor triplets.

Chapter Text

Everyone suspected that the morning meeting of December First would lead to a type of promotion that had not happened in a long time. Bellatrix seemed genuinely happy when she strutted in with her scroll.

“The Emperor is extremely pleased to announce the promotion of First Concubine Regulus Black-Slytherin to Fourth Consort.” Bellatrix announced, giving her cousin a smile. Regulus nodded.

“I thank his Majesty for his most generous promotion.” He said, smiling. He was given congratulations and the rest of the meeting was spent speculating which consort Palace he would be given. There were only three currently occupied, so that left three available. There was also speculation if after Marcus and Cedric had their babies, they would be ranked up to Concubine and get their own Palace, as no Noble had remained so long after giving birth. But the Harem was also larger than it had ever been, so it was possible promotions for giving birth wouldn’t be guaranteed. They would have to wait and see what the Emperor decided.

--

Harry once again lay in Thomas’ arms.

“I’m pregnant.” Harry said, leaning to look up at Thomas’ face. The Emperor beamed at him.

“I’m so glad.” He said, his hand going down to stroke Harry’s slightly distended abdomen. “How far along are you?” He asked, curiously, unused to seeing his pregnant concubines so large at such an early stage.

“Fourteen weeks.” Harry confirmed, then he smiled. “Healer Simmons says I’m so showing so quickly because its triplets.” He added. He was going to only tell Thomas and his family about the triplets, the harem could be surprised. Thomas blinked at him, pulling away slightly. Harry thought he was upset and shrunk in on himself. Immediately Thomas realized his mistake and pulled Harry close once more.

“Oh Harry, you are amazing. Triplets!” He exclaimed, holding the younger man close, eyes shining with happiness, once the surprise wore off. Harry relaxed into his hold.

“Did you read the journal?” Harry asked then, recalling the prophecy. Thomas nodded.

“Yes. And I do believe it is right. You will be my True Consort. I would promote you right now if I could.” He admitted.

“Don’t.” Harry said. Thomas gave him an odd look. “Not immediately. You can promote me just as you would any other, otherwise you’ll make me a target.” He went on. Thomas nodded.

“That I can do. But I will be promoting you to concubine soon.” Thomas told him, leaning down to kiss him.

“I look forward to it.” Harry assured him, returning his kiss.

--

Harry barely heard any of the announcements the next morning. He waited with bated breath for Bellatrix to open the floor for the rest of the harem. Finally, she did and Harry stood, shaking slightly.

“I’m pregnant.” He said. He was still wearing looser clothes to hide just how big he’d already gotten. Bellatrix actually squealed and congratulated him profusely, others following her lead.

“How far along?” Alecto asked her customary question with a sneer. Harry smiled.

“Fourteen weeks.” He confirmed, and watched her face fall with disappointment.

The rest of the meeting devolved into more speculation about what would happen on January first, an auspicious meeting following the Emperor’s birthday and with so many concubines pregnant, it could mean a big shake up in the rankings.

--

Harry sat down to write letters to his family and Hermione. He wanted them to be the only other ones who knew about the triplets until their birth. He wrote long letters to each of them. He was also sending their Yule gifts a bit early. He’d owl ordered most things but had added his own touches. He was particularly interested in runes of protection right now. He had asked Janine to sew three baby blankets that he intended to add protective runes too as well. He had added such runes to the gifts of clothing and jewelry for his family as well as the special bag he had acquired for Hermione. That one already had charms on it: featherlight, undetectable extension, and sorting charms to name a few. He had to make sure his protection (and focus, for Hermione) runes did not adversely affect any of the existing charms. It was good practice and he enjoyed it. He would need to ask the Emperor about studying for his masteries soon. Maybe after the triplets were born.

When he was finished the letters and the last touches on the gifts he carefully attached the packages to all three of his owls. They always saw more use around Yule. Now his thoughts turned to the upcoming parties.

There would be one of Yule itself, to celebrate to season. Then of course there would be the Emperor’s birthday and New Years. Many Lords and Ladies would be in attendance and it would be Harry’s first time seeing his family in months. All concubines in good standing were required to attend the festivities.

Only one thing disappointed Harry. He would not be able to spend Thomas’ birthday with him. That night was reserved for the head of the harem, his current Primary Consort, Bellatrix. But Thomas had asked him to spend the night before with him. So, there was that. Bellatrix was a duty; Harry was his choice. That made Harry feel warm inside. Harry had known for a long time that he was in love with the idea of Thomas. But now Harry felt he could say he was in love with the man behind the Emperor. Yes, he loved Thomas. Heart and soul.

--

Harry was relieved that his pregnancy was out in the open. In the days leading up to Yule, he had tea with Regulus many times. After the man had moved to his new Palace. The Palace of Harmonious Sound was beautiful. Situated closest to Bellatrix’s Palace of all the Consort Palaces, and nearly as grand. Regulus told Harry he’d been informed that he could make any changes he liked to the Palace, including major renovations. He’d been allowed to decorate his Concubine Palace, but nothing beyond that. And it had been much smaller.

Harry showered him with pregnancy questions, now that he could ask directly, instead of in a vague, roundabout way. To his credit, Regulus took them all in stride, answering each question patiently and helpfully.

“Did it hurt when the birth canal formed?” Was the latest in Harry’s string of questions. Regulus grimaced slightly.

“Oh yes. Mine formed just before I gave birth to Rigel, of course. It’s the first sign of true labour. You’ll get some practice contractions on and off for anywhere from a few days to a month before you give birth. Then the day you start labour, you’ll feel an immense pressure and needle-like pain as the uterus connects to the anus. It was awful. My contractions started immediately after that and I was in labour with Rigel for about twenty hours. It was awful.” Regulus explained. Harry’s face must have betrayed his fear, so the older man continued, “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get the best and safest pain potions for your labour. Severus is the very best.”

“Wow, that sounds intense.” Harry said. Regulus nodded.

“I’m pretty sure I reduced all my maids to tears.” He admitted.

“I can’t imagine anything I say during labour making Lucy cry. She’s the strongest woman I know.” Harry said, smiling over at his head maid, who gave him a small smile while she helped Regulus’ maids clean up their tea. Regulus laughed.

“I’m glad you have someone like that.” He told the younger man genuinely. “You’ll need that here.”

--

Harry had attended plenty of Yuletide Rituals in his life. The Malfoys hosted one every year, after all. He and Draco came home for every holiday to participate in the rites. And those that did not fall on a school holiday had been preformed at school. It was something the Emperor had insisted on.

He had participated in the rites for Lammas, Mabon and Samhain with the Harem, but they had been small. Yule would be much the same. Rites within the harem were celebrated much the same as they had been at Hogwarts.

What Harry had not expected was for Thomas to lead the Yuletide Rite. Bellatrix had led the others for the harem. Since they were organized by rank, Harry was not near the Emperor, but had a good view of him. Bellatrix and Aurora flanked him, with Alecto and Regulus at their sides. The rest of the harem spread in a semi-circle around them.

Harry was intoxicated by the power coming from the Emperor as he chanted. Harry must have imagined that the man’s eyes found his and did not look away for the whole ritual. He wondered if others noticed.

After the rite, they gathered for a meal. They were seated around several small round tables by rank. Harry spoke quietly with Luna, Cedric and Marcus, occasionally glancing at a pouting Adrian and silent Adelaide.

--

On the morning of December 25^th, Harry received a pile of gifts taller and wider than he was. Muggles would call it Christmas. To Harry it was Yule, but the exchanging of presents had drifted from the Winter Equinox to the 25^th. The Emperor had decided this was a good compromise, those who celebrated Yule would do the rites on the Equinox but exchange gifts on 25^th, like those who celebrated Christmas.

Like his birthday, his maids gathered to help him open and keep track of his presents. He received the usual clothing and expensive gifts from his family. This year though, his mother had sent along a few things to help with his pregnancy, as he had told them a week or two ago. She sent him the recipe for a potion to sooth the stretching skin on his stomach (which she had instructed he give to Severus to start brewing for him immediately) and a pillow that would shape to his back and stomach to help him sleep comfortably. She also sent along advice to prevent back pain and swelling in his legs and feet to an extent and a book that had helped her when she was pregnant with Draco.

His father had written that the Emperor had gushed about Harry’s pregnancy and only his pregnancy during the latest council meeting. Lucius said he’d never seen the Emperor so openly happy. Usually, he did not report on pregnancies within the harem, only births, but he seemed too excited to contain himself. Though he had made no mention of triplets, which Harry read with a sigh of relief. Lucius said he would not be surprised if Harry was promoted very quickly and wrote that he was so proud of Harry and loved him very much.

Draco had written that he was planning on proposing to Pansy in the new year. Harry was very happy for him and glad he and Pansy had worked past their issues.  

Harry received a stack of pregnancy books from Hermione, with a few focusing on magical bearer pregnancies specifically and a few more general ones. He was not surprised. Hermione never passed up the opportunity to send someone a book.

From the members of the harem he was close to, such as Luna, Cedric, Marcus, Regulus and Bellatrix, he received a handful of gifts. Some related to his pregnancy (Bellatrix had specifically written him a very long list of instructions to avoid miscarriage and sent him many balms and creams (brewed by Severus) to help him along) and others just general gifts of clothes, quidditch accessories or jewelry (he’d received a rather unassuming pendant from Luna, which apparently would check his food for poisons, heating up if his hand or utensil touched something that could hurt him, along with a note saying it might come in handy as his pregnancy becomes more obviously multiples).

Other concubines sent him trifles, similar to his birthday, though they seemed to be a bit better thought out, especially from those who might want his favour as he rose.

The Emperor himself had sent a lavish gift. It was a whole selection of cloth to be made into new clothes as his pregnancy progressed. Janine was practically salivating as she took in the quality of the fine cloth. Harry smiled indulgently. He had become quite close to his Palace assigned maids in the last few months.

“You can work with the Palace seamstresses to get the cloth tailored, according to the note.” Harry told her. Janine nodded.

“It will be done. Please let me know if there is any specific style you desire, otherwise the seamstresses and I will chose based on your current wardrobe and what will look best on you.” She said, gathering up the cloth.

“I trust your judgement, Janine.” Harry assured her. “Just make sure there is a lot of give. The Healer has told me I will likely become quite large.” He added. Janine nodded.

“Of course, my lord. We will coordinate with Healer Simmons as well.” Janine assured him.

“Oh, do you think you could have at least one outfit ready the day before New Years Eve? And another for New Years Eve itself?” Harry asked, wanting to wear something with the new cloth to see the Emperor, who wished to see him the day before his birthday. Janine nodded, giving a knowing smile.

“It will be done, my lord. You can count on us.” She said.

--

Harry nervously smoothed out his new robes as he ascended the steps to the Imperial Palace. It was December 30^th, the day before Thomas’ birthday.

He knew his way into the east wing by heart now, to the private dining room adjacent to the Emperor’s bedroom where they often took private meals. Usually the Emperor arrived before him, but today only servants were in the room when he entered. One ushered him to a chair and served him a drink quickly.

It was only a few minutes before Thomas strode in.

“I apologize for my lateness, Darling. I was held up.” He said, stopping to kiss Harry on the lips and dropping a hand to stroke his now obviously pregnant belly. He looked Harry up and down as he took his seat. “Ah, I see the seamstresses did not disappoint with my gift.” He added. Harry smiled.

“No they did not. One of my maids, Janine, is excellent at directing them and has quite the eye for what looks good on me. Thank you for the cloth, Janine and my other maids said the quality was finer than they’d ever seen.” Harry gushed. The Emperor smiled.

“Only the best for you, my love.” He said. Harry blushed at the praise.

--

Harry was not supposed to draw attention at this party. At least, that is was Alecto nastily told all the concubines at this morning’s meeting. But it could hardly be helped if all eyes turned to him as he entered, right? Shining in silvery blue robes of the highest quality, his blue topaz from his Selection set in a platinum circlet given to him by the Emperor the night before.

“Lord Potter-Black.” Some greeted.

“Lord Potter.” Others, with bowed heads.

“Noble Potter-Black.” Yet others, with reverence.

“Harrison, love.” Was the one he’d been waiting for. He looked up to see his mother smiling at him, his father and brother standing proudly next to her.

“Mother.” He greeted happily, taking her hands in his own in greeting. “Father, Draco.” He added, with nods to them. They both inclined their heads, also smiling.

“Oh Harrison, it so lovely to see you. I’m so glad you were able to come tonight. Has the pregnancy been troubling you at all?” His mother asked, placing his hand on her arm and heading towards the refreshment table.

“Not since Uncle Sev gave me the necessary potions, everything has been great.” He said, allowing her to guide him.

“I’m so glad.” She said.

“Uncle Sev is brewing for you? I thought he only brewed for the Emperor and top level concubines.” Draco asked. Lucius placed a hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Severus has been assigned to brew for Harrison since the Selection. We do not question the Emperor’s decisions.” He said, a bit sharply. Draco simply nodded.

“Ah Lucius, I’m glad you were able to see your son today. My Noble was ever so excited to see his family today.” A voice sounded behind them. Draco nearly squeaked as all three Malfoys rushed to bow as the Emperor approached.

“Yes, your majesty. My wife especially has missed our son terribly.” Lucius replied, the first to recover, dealing with the Emperor often at council meetings. Thomas gave a small smile.

“I’m not surprised. I find myself missing him even when we have just been together.” He admitted. Harry blushed and Draco spit out the drink he had just sipped.

“Decorum, Draco!” His mother hissed.

“I apologize, your Majesty.” Draco said, his voice squeaking. The Emperor glanced at him but then back to Harry.

“I shall leave you to your family now, my Noble. I will miss you greatly tonight.” He said, taking and kissing Harry’s hand before disappearing back into the crowds. Harry thought his face might burst from the heat in his cheeks.

He spent the rest of the night mingling with other guests. This was what he had been trained for after all. He fell into an easy rhythm. Occasionally he would sit off to the side with Draco, or one of the other pregnant concubines, or sometimes his mother. By the time the clock struck midnight and they toasted the new year and the Emperor’s birthday, Harry was exhausted. As a pregnant concubine, he could theoretically have left early, but he chose to remain, as did Cedric and Marcus, though Regulus had retired some time ago.

Harry watched as Thomas lifted his glass and toasted, looking straight at Harry, despite Bellatrix standing at his side. When Bellatrix saw where the Emperor was looking, she gave Harry a nod and small shrug, as if to say she knew that Thomas would rather be with him, but duty bound him to her. Harry had a feeling that if he was anyone else, the woman would be glaring daggers at him.

Once the Emperor and Bellatrix had left, the other guests began to filter out. Harry bade goodnight and goodbye to his family and made his way to the waiting car that would take him back to the Palace.