Chapter Text
(October)
The Emperor had been the leader of the Magical and Non Magical world for longer than living memory.
For over one thousand years he had ruled.
And the earth had only known peace.
The individual countries were still that, individual. But the borders between them didn't exist anymore. The countries and leaders were united now. And those same leaders were simply Governor's. Seeing to the everyday but still answering to the Emperor.
The Emperor's Palace was in what was commonly called Scotland but it and the British isles were referred to as Avalon formally. The territories of the world still used their old names but had more formal ones given to them by the Emperor.
The Emperor was immortal, or rumored to be so.
You'd have to be, to live over a thousand years. And apparently he had decided he wanted a consort.
Or empress, but many speculated that the emperor wouldn't have his spouse crowned beside him.
The man had been fine with his concubines until then. So it was a common thought that he only wanted to marry to produce an heir. And lovely his concubines may be, but none of them were consort material.
So that was how Harry found himself seated on a black and gold cushion surrounded by other young eligible nobles from around the world vying for the emperor's attention.
Or as his full title stated Hadrian Sirius James, Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Black and Peverell, and Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter.
He didn't really want anything to do with any of this, but his sire Sirius Orion Black was a prominent member of the Emperor's Court and Council. So it would be seen as an insult by his father if he wasn't offered like a lamb for slaughter. It didn't help that he was his father’s only son and heir and if for some reason he was chosen his father would need to remarry and have more children.
His father had been in a three way bonding with his bearer James Charlus Potter-Black and his mother Lillian Rose Potter-Black née Evans. He may not be biologically kin to her but the sharing of family magics before he was born had gifted him with her eyes.
He too was a bearer like his father James, so he was eligible to be the Emperor's consort.
There had been much fuss about if he should be the heir amongst his sire’s family. But as the lord's only son, bearer status notwithstanding, he was the heir. Though that may not last long, if he was chosen of course.
Harry tried to focus on what was going on around him but it was very boring. Well as boring a the Palace of the Emperor could be, but not everyone had arrived yet.
And others were being told to leave because they didn't meet the set requirements. When the call had first gone out everybody had flocked to offer their name for consideration. Even those that didn't even qualify.
The qualifications were that someone had to be magical, have a good pedigree or be magically powerful enough for that to not matter and they must be between the ages of 17 and 30. Many had ignored those rules and had entered anyway not caring apparently that they didn't have a chance of being picked.
Harry had just turned seventeen himself, so his father had decided that instead of presenting Harry to the Court he would instead present him to the Emperor through this sham of a matchmaking service.
He also hadn't claimed the Potter Lordship yet. If he was chosen he wasn't sure if the Emperor would let him claim his Lordship, or order him to be Regent for whatever Heir came along.
Harry had known when his father had told him that he'd get at least this far. To the initial Meeting with the Emperor. But he truthfully didn't expect to go any further. He knew he was lovely but there were many others more beautiful than him. Not to mention there were actual princesses and princes in the crowd. Of their individual Governing families of course, none of them were part of the Royal family which consisted of just the Emperor.
Harry wasn't vain but he knew he could turn some heads. He was petite, like most bearers, with pale skin and curly, black hair that tickled his hips. He had his mother's emerald green eyes that he would admit were mesmerizing but he could see five other people around him who were lovelier than him.
He only knew one person personally, his best friend Lady Luna Lovegood. There were some others of his age group and others that he recognized from school.
Everyone was dressed in their house colors made of the best materials. Harry quite liked his robes. Well it was really a dress but bearers called them robes to save their dignities. Harry had never really cared, he'd always found them so comfortable and freeing.
His were black with green and gold accenting. He had a gold band of acromantula silk around his chest with a few layers of black silk falling from that in a very billowy shape around him. It didn't do much for his figure but looked very good. Another set of silk was around his shoulders that made his long sleeves that almost dragged the ground. The edges had green and gold thread making lovely flower designs. He was wearing a net-like hair piece made of gold and emeralds, and his necklace was a large collar dripping with gold and emeralds.
From his angle he could see that Luna's dress was a pale blue and silver with a matching pillow.
Her family's house colors he knew.
The style they were wearing was the favorite of the court at the moment.
His pillow was black with gold trim and behind him was another floating pillow that served as a back rest. He was kneeling primly with his hands in his lap and he was so thankful the pillow was enchanted so his legs didn't fall asleep.
The others were finally getting settled, so he looked around the room they were in. The room was very large and made with black marble and copious amounts of gold leaf. It was the throne room of the Emperor where most of the court sessions were held.
'A little too much gold leaf in my opinion.' But Harry had always thought their own manors and estates were to opulent.
Everyone was sat neatly in rows in front of the throne, waiting for the emperor to make an appearance. After the ones who didn't qualify had been culled from the hopefuls, only about 200 people qualified to be the Emperor's consort.
Harry didn't really know what would happen next but he couldn't help but giggle at some of the clothes he could see around the room. One young woman was dressed like the English queens of old, high collar and everything. He was pretty sure she was wearing a corset too. Some others were just as prudishly dressed or their clothes were so skimpy they'd be better off wearing nothing.
A trumpet sounded from the side door and everyone turned to look as the emperor and his entourage arrived. The Emperor was a tall man in rather plain black robes with only a silver crown on his head to mark his rank.
The emperor apparently wasn't fond of gold and preferred silver.
He's a very attractive man at least.
And he was, very tall with an aristocratic face. Pale blue eyes seared out of his face leaving those in the room feeling cold. Black, rather short hair was styled neatly on his head under his crown. But his looks didn't have anything on his magic.
'By the gods his magic.' It was addictive in its dark allure as it filled the room. Many were gasping and panting from the feeling. Harry had a bit more control than that and only a shiver gave away what he was feeling.
“Presenting his Majesty, the Emperor Marvolo Slytherin, Lord of Magic and High Ruler of the Earth.” Was announced by who Harry was sure was Lord Lucius Malfoy, the Emperor's right hand man.
All the kneeling hopefuls bowed from their pillows, bringing their hands before them and pressing their foreheads to their hands. All were expected to bow like this to the emperor even his own Court. Many of the foreign hopefuls had had to be trained on how to properly bow to the emperor. Quite a few had thrown a fit at having to kneel much to Harry's amusement.
“Good evening everyone,” The Emperor started while standing before his throne, “right now we will go through you all one by one to test your magical strength. Only those in the top twenty will stay to be considered for my Consort. Be aware that any attempt at cheating will be grounds for immediate expulsion.”
'Wow. He's got a nice voice.' Harry had to exert his occlumency shields to stop his shivering.
The next half an hour was rather boring as the emperor sorted through all the men and women there to win his hand. Harry was in the fifth row while Luna was behind him in the sixth. He knew it would take them some time to get through everyone.
To pass the time he focused on those around him to assuage his boredom. Some of the pillows displayed looked like thrones almost. While others looked like simple floor mats. One young women he noticed was wearing a mundane business suit.
'She honestly doesn't expect to snag the emperor while wearing a muggle suit?!' Harry thought derisively.
She wasn't very attractive either. Now that he thought about it he was pretty sure he recognized her as someone he went to school with. The angle was rather awkward but he was sure she was Hermione Granger. The rather outspoken Muggleborn who'd earned the scorn of all four houses. She'd been rather vocal about her own superiority, saying purebloods were obsolete and weak minded.
'She won't get far in this little competition. Because one of the main things the emperor supported was the purebloods. He wasn't about to have a wife who was against his own agenda.'
A commotion caught Harry's attention away from the know-it-all Muggleborn. It was the princess he had noticed earlier that needed to loosen her corset.
“Princess Rosalina, it is proper to kneel and bow to his Majesty, the Emperor. A curtsy isn't enough for him.” Lord Malfoy exclaimed in affront.
“I am just as royal as his Majesty the Emperor. I'm sure he's alright with me not kneeling on the floor.” Princess Rosalina, apparently, simpered rather unattractively to the emperor. He looked rather amused by everything before he made a motion to one of the guards in the room.
“Remove her.”
“What?!! I am a princess! I refuse to be treated this way! My father!...” Her voice trailed off as she was dragged from the room.
'Who doesn't kneel to their emperor, really?'
It isn't long before the emperor and his entourage arrive at Harry. He's quick to gracefully rise from his pillow to kneel and bow before the emperor for the correct amount of time before he stands again.
“This is Hadrian Sirius James, Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Black and Peverell, your Majesty. He is also the Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter.”
“Sirius’ son?” The Emperor asked Harry.
“Yes, your Majesty.” Harry answered quietly. He kept his gaze on the man's chest being sure not to look him in the eye without permission.
“Hmmm. Test his magic.” Lord Malfoy came forward at the order with his wand out and quickly casted the diagnostic spell that would reveal how strong someone's magic was.
A glowing ball quickly appeared, glowing a very bright, vibrant shade of green. Harry already knew what color would come up. The brighter the green came up the more powerful you were. Most witches and wizards were actually an orange color which would lighten to green the more powerful you were and darken to brown then red the weaker you were. It was a way to check what ones magic levels were, or if they were magically exhausted or not.
“Congratulations Heir Black, you are the most powerful hopeful yet.” The Emperor looked very pleased with this knowledge, looking Harry up and down before he moved on. Harry was sure he was blushing as he resumed his seat. He'd known he was powerful but it had never really sunk in how much until now
He was sure he could feel the glares of the others around him.
The testing went on for another hour before they finished. The emperor made his way back to the front and sat on his throne before gesturing for Lord Malfoy to speak.
“If I call your name please stay seated. If I don't call your name please make your way out of the throne room as you have not been chosen.” He then started to call out a list of twenty names that had been chosen.
Harry noticed some European princess was chosen as well as some Asian nobles. Then he heard a name he had not expected.
“Hermione Granger.”
There was immediately an outcry because she was the only Muggleborn chosen so far. The emperor's magic soaked the room again causing everyone to fall silent.
The names went on again before he heard two more names he knew.
“Luna Lovegood.”
“Draco Malfoy.”
'What, the ferret isn't a bearer? He must have gotten there because of his father.' He wouldn't last long because Harry was almost one hundred percent positive that he wasn't one.
Malfoy had bullied him and Luna relentlessly in school. All because Harry was the Black Heir over him and Luna was bullied by almost everyone for her oddness. Which Harry knew the reason for.
He wasn't surprised when, “Hadrian Peverell-Potter-Black.” was called out. He'd known the moment he'd captured the Emperor's attention that his name would be on the list.
“Ginerva Weasley.”
'Ugh what is that bitch doing here?' The Weaslette had been obsessed with him for years. She'd thrown the biggest tantrum in their third year when his bearer test came back positive and got out of the public. His father had been very sure that he'd be a bearer like his father James, because of his sleeker build and beauty.
Ginevra had the delusion that she was the next Lady Potter. Even though before that he'd made no effort to hide the fact that he liked men. And they still didn't know how the information had gotten out.
There also hadn't been a Lady Potter since his grandmother Lady Dorea Potter née Black, Lily hadn't been because it'd been a three way bonding. At least that's how it was explained to him.
“Ronald Weasley.”
Harry was sure he would have done a spit take right there.
'How many non bearers are they going to let in to this?' Because neither the ferret or Weasel have the look of a bearer to them. Both were too tall and broad and neither had the androgynous looks that was common to bearers.
The names finally ended and a lot of shuffling happened for a few minutes as the others left. A few had to be dragged out by that guards, screaming their heads off before someone silenced them. Before long only nineteen pillows and one mat was left. Their pillows slowly started to slide across the floor until they were again in neat rows closer to the emperor. It didn't escape Harry's notice that he was at the front, right in the middle.
He notice Granger was right behind him and looked to be fuming. He wondered if she knew why her mat was so thin and rather drab. The pillows once sat on took on the characteristics of the family magic of the one sitting on them. A Muggleborn didn't have family magic unless they married into an Olde Family. That's why some of the other royals pillows looked rather grand but weren't as high or as plump as Harry's pillow. It just showed that his family magics were more powerful than theirs. Or older.
The Emperor's throne was rather spectacular itself, made of huge intertwined basilisks. Other snakes made up the more delicate ornamentation. It was all carved out of obsidian glass and looked flawless.
'Well it would be flawless it was probably made with magic.'
“Now comes the next test, it will be for virginity,” there's a some surprised sounds from some of the others. “and the other will check for high fertility. If you don't pass both tests you will be asked to leave.”
'Did they really expect the emperor to want used goods? And of course he wants his spouse to have high fertility, he wants kids.' Harry thought derisively though his face showed none of his thoughts. The Emperor smirked down at him as if he'd heard his thought. Harry blushed rather hotly before tightening his shields.
He knew he would pass both tests so he wasn't worried. His father had immediately put numerous chastity protection spells on him when it had been found he was indeed a bearer. He'd been fine with it as he didn't have any plans on having sex until he was married. And he'd had his fertility tested when he was fifteen on his father's request so he knew his was quite high as well.
The spells were casted down the rows and Harry was quickly tested and passed before they moved on. Both Malfoy and the Weasel were dismissed for their non bearer status.
'Knew it!'
Luna passed with flying colors like he knew she would. It was when the Weaslette passed that he had to contain a scoff. She was one of the biggest sluts of the school. How she had tricked the test was anyone's guess, but she would have to be commended on it.
And the Weasleys were known for their fertility. Having seven kids kind of advertised it.
Twelve people were sent packing, leaving only eight left. Granger had passed as well though her fertility was only slightly above average.
'I'm sure that stuck in her craw.'
Of the eight left it was Harry, Luna, Granger, the Weaslette, and four others that Harry wasn't familiar with. He was sure one was some European Princess and another was an Asian one. Though he couldn't tell their nationalities off the top of his head. The last two were some rich North American purebloods.
They were all introduced to each other before they were escorted to dinner. The princesses were Anastasia Von Habsburg of Austria and China of China. And yes he did have a giggle at her name when she was introduced. Her full name was China Qing.
The other two bearers were Alexander Bell and Eric Tavius. Both were from rich American pureblood families. Though judging from their pillows not very old ones. Bell didn't look much like a bearer himself, he was short but he must have a short man's complex because he was way too buff for someone his size. He wasn't attractive at all.
Harry soon found himself seated to the emperors left with Luna across from him. The Austrian princess was next to him and he was pretty sure she was going to to stab him with her fork.
“Congratulations for making it this far. The next week will be spent having dates with each of you to gauge our compatibility. After dinner you will be escorted to your rooms.” The emperor left soon after that, having only eaten a few bites of food.
The hostility immediately escalated with his departure.
“None of you deserve to be in his presence let alone his bed.” China, the Chinese princess, he's going to keep giggling about that, said with a pinched expression on her face. She didn't look near as lovely with those wrinkles.
“You forget that our families have been members of his court and of the nobility since before the emperor became the Emperor. So really we deserve it more than you.” Harry retorted gesturing between himself and Luna. Luna was staring off into space while spooning pudding into her mouth.
“What? Some half-wit,” China makes a rude gesture towards Luna, “and some halfling bearer. Leave the child birthing to the women not you disgusting half breeds.”
Ah, she's one of those types. There were always some women who resented bearers. Especially among the non magicals, a pregnant bearer was stoned to death in a muggle community about thirty years ago. The emperor had had all the adults involved stoned themselves to atone for their crimes.
Suffice to say the laws protecting magicals from non magicals were upped after that.
Eric Tavius puffed up after that, and Harry tuned out of the resulting screaming match. He had no want to argue about who was more worthy, he just wanted to go to his rooms, bathe, then go to sleep. It had been a long day.
Dinner ends while they're still yelling and they have to be separated before they were each escorted to their rooms.
Harry is suitably impressed with his suite. It's in the guest wing of the palace which is absolutely huge. His bedroom is decorated in soothing greens and silvers and the furniture was all dark wood with intricate carvings. The sitting room outside was done in creams, as was his large bathroom.
He spends a good thirty minutes just soaking in the bath before he gets out and gets dressed. Their clothes and personal items had been put away by the house elves after the final tests were done. He dressed himself in a white silk chemise before cocooning himself in the thick duvets on his bed.
'I wonder what we'll be doing tomorrow.'
——————————————————————————————————
The next day while Anastasia was on her date with the emperor the others were given a tour of the palace and the gardens. The Gardens of the Emperor’s palace were a wonder of the world.
While they were enjoying themselves outside the Emperor Marvolo Slytherin was trying not to tear his hair out.
'Or Crucio this bitch.'
He didn't know how someone could be so self absorbed and he was a thousand years old. He'd seen some self absorbed princesses who thought they could seduce him into their beds.
He was starting to wonder why he'd set up this farce but then he remembered the boredom he'd felt the last time he'd visited his Pleasure Gardens.
It'd been over four months since then and two since he gotten it into his head to take a consort. He can't rightly remember how he'd gotten the thought. A month ago he'd opened the Concubines Quarters to those of his Court who wished to partake of their bodies, though he'd made sure to have rules put into place so they couldn't be forced.
It was women like this Anastasia that had caused his boredom. And young men like Hadrian that caused his excitement.
He was tired of having a different bed partner a night, he wanted someone lasting who would last the centuries with him.
“Are you listening your Majesty? I was just saying how barbaric it is to make lady's such as myself kneel like a common whore in the dirt. I mean really, you won't make your future empress kneel before you will you?” She simpers, her accent making it hard to understand her.
'Was this bitch serious?'
“No Princess Anastasia I will not make my spouse kneel before me,” 'At least not in public.' “but it's looking very unlikely it will be you.” He says before leaving.
He'd rather get some work done then waste his time with a money grubbing harlot.
——————
Alexander Bell was a bearer with a chip on his shoulder. He did not want to bear someone's children and he didn't have a maternal bone in his body.
From his background check he knew the man wasn't attracted to other men at all. And he was in a serious relationship with a woman he was still engaged too.
Their date together was spent in almost complete silence and Marvolo cut it shorter than Anastasia’s.
Princess China of China’s date was spent with Marvolo again trying not to Crucio his date. Or snort at her name.
“I really don't understand your allowance of having those half breed bearers into the palace. They're a disgust to Wizarding kind everywhere, you know my father took one as his lover. Myself and my mother had the pretty thing and it's bastard child assassinated, father was ever so sad. And mother comforted him and was soon pregnant with my younger brother.”
Marvolo had to stop himself from staring at her.
'Did she really just confess a murder to me?'
“Princess China some of the greatest people I have known were bearers and you have just confessed to murder to your Emperor.” He stands before he continues.
“I will be contacting your father and informing him of what I learned today.”
“But your Majesty! Please! Wait?” She had stood to run after him but he left quickly. He didn't want to stay and listen to her hysterics.
——————
The Muggleborn was at least mildly more interesting. But he again wanted to Crucio her.
'I should stick to men if this is the reaction I'll have to every one.'
“Really your Majesty, you must think this pureblood nonsense is simply to keep the poor poor and the rich rich.”
“No Miss Granger, I don't. If you had looked any further than the surface you would find a much richer culture than money. Didn't you notice the thinness of your seat in the throne room. The reason for that is because you are lacking Miss Granger.”
“Lacking?! In what way am I lacking your Majesty? I was the valedictorian of my class and I have been offered numerous job opportunities.”
“You lack, Miss Granger, in family magic. It may not seem significant to you but it means very much to Olde Families. When entering into a marriage Miss Granger you have nothing to offer your husband. Marriages between purebloods strengthen the family magics, while the introduction of muggleborns weakens it.”
He was amused by her flabbergasted expression. She really didn't have any chance of being his consort, he'd only allowed her in to appease the Muggleborn lovers on his Council.
“Take the Black Heir for instance. Hadrian was born to Lord Potter as the bearer and Lord Black as the sire. The Muggleborn Lilian Evans wasn't added to their marriage until after their bonding. It was done to protect the family magic and to protect the then unborn Hadrian from the weakening that would have happened should they have bonded all at once. And even then it was only a simple contract not the full magical marriages done between purebloods. If I remember, Sirius had said that she was only brought in as a chance surrogate as James fertility hadn't been that high. Why they didn't have a One Child Contract with her I don't know.”
Marvolo paused in his speech to take a drink and to enjoy her expression.
“So you see Miss Granger, there is a lot the families will do to protect their magic.”
“But then why am I in the top eight if you never had any intention of picking me…” She trailed off looking like she'd start crying.
'Ugh more hysterics.'
“Now that is the question isn't it? Miss Granger.” He took his leave after that. He couldn't wait to make his choice so he could get rid of the know-it-all and the others.
—————
He was so tired of these dates. He'd only done four and he was already ready to call it quits. Not much had happened with Lady Luna besides her skipping around him in the garden. And cryptically stating that he'd find his consort soon and to not give up hope. He'd been rather amazed by what at she had said after that.
“I'm a Seer you know.”
“What??” Never let it be said that an Emperor spluttered but he just got pretty close.
“Yes I am your Majesty. So I know I'm not the one for you. But I would like to stay on as the Court Seer if I could, Sir. Your consort will need my assistance while living here as well.”
He been in a daze after that little bombshell that he didn't even notice her leaving. He was rather looking forward to his next date.
——————
He was almost nervous the next day as he strolled through his gardens with the lovely Hadrian on his arm.
Hadrian had been the only one of the hopefuls to really catch his eye. The strength of his magic was exquisite, and he knew he could become addicted to the feel of it. Conversation had been flowing very well and he was pleased by how well read Hadian was.
“Yes I'm rather worried I won't be able to see my father for his birthday. He's planning the usual ball and I'm sure I'll be here when it happens.”
“Well why don't you invite him here to visit you. You could celebrate his birthday together before he has to host his ball?”
“Truly, your Majesty? Would that be alright?”
“I was the one to suggest it wasn't I?” Hadrian blushed rather prettily before he apologized and they lapsed into silence.
“How is Sirius? Since the death of his bonded he's never been the same.”
“I wouldn't know your Majesty. I don't have any memories of my other parents. Or how Father acted before. But there are days where he doesn't want to get out of bed or simply doesn't speak. And the fact that their murder remains unexplained still weighs heavily on his mind. He fears that whoever killed them will try to hurt me.” Hadrian says before he ducks his head in embarrassment.
'I can't believe I blurted all that out!'
“I'm sorry to hear it. Sirius is a dear friend and I hate that I can't ease his worries.”
“Thank you so much for thinking of us, your Majesty.”
'Yes he is the loveliest of the lot.'
———————
Dear Lord Sirius Orion,
Of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black,
(Alright enough with the dramatics, Hi Paddy!)
I'm writing to tell you that I made the top eight in the Hand of the Emperor Competition. All joking aside he's a very nice man and has been treating us all like gold.
You should have warned me about his Magic! It's addicting that stuff is.
I should probably get to the main point to this letter. I talked to the emperor and he agrees that you should come visit me here for your birthday. Since I don't think I'll be able to go to your birthday ball. Can't say I'm too sad about the ball but I am sad I can't see you on your birthday.
So I'd really like you to come visit me. Maybe Samhain? Whenever is fine just write back with a day okay. Love you!
With Love,
Heir Hadrian Sirius James,
Of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Black and Peverell,
Of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter.
——————
Sirius,
Come visit your son before your birthday.
His Majesty,
The Emperor Marvolo Slytherin,
Lord of Magic and High Ruler of the Earth.
——————
He doesn't really pay much attention to the last two. All he remembers is that Ginerva Weasley was a whore who somehow tricked the virginity test and that Eric Tavius was very outspoken about his beliefs.
Miss Weasley had tried to stick her tongue down his throat with less finesse than his least trained former concubines and he couldn't get a word in edgewise with Mr. Tavius.
He was relaxing with his inner circle after all the dates were done and he'd been nursing a glass of wine before one of them caught his attention.
“I know you have your eye on the Potter boy my Lord but I must ask you to reconsider. He is probably just as much of a bully as his parents were.” Lord Severus Snape-Prince, his potions master and left hand called out with contempt.
“We all know that isn't true Severus. The only reason you have anything against him is because you wanted James Potter for yourself. But you couldn't have him because he was betrothed to my cousin!” Bellatrix laughed wickedly.
“Be that as it may, you will remember that Lilian Potter-Black was accused of being a member of the Rebellion before her death.” Lucius interjected before a fight could break out between Bella and Severus. They were endlessly at each other's throats.
“But you forget that Hadrian isn't related to that woman. And whatever Severus’ complaints about his parents Hadrian is still my favorite.” Marvolo says assertively. He wouldn't have them speaking badly about his most likely future consort.