| INTIMACY | - HPxTMR

Chapter 6 [Declaration]

I quite like how this chapter turned out :) I finished it a few days ago, but decided to do one last edit today, and managed to add 500 words to it. Although, I do think that the ending scene could have been drawn out a little longer. 4k is really good for me, though! I hope you enjoy it, and please comment any scenes you wish to see.
[Chapter 7 is nearly complete as well, but I'll hold that update off for the time being.]

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24th July 1997- Thursday- [Afternoon]

Over the next few days, Harry met up with Cedric twice more for tea and the Attendants for the other days, one of which was today. So far, the chatter had been light, the tea and snacks served, and their gathering was going perfectly, overlooking any snide remarks from Greengrass or overly deferential actions from Clearwater.

Therefore, when a Eunuch approached the table, they weren't expecting anything of much note. Especially not the information he came to relay.

" His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor, wishes to spend this evening with Primary First-Class Attendant Malfoy. The Lady is expected to greet His Majesty at 5 pm sharp within the Emperor's dining hall. His Majesty asks his concubine to dress appropriately to attend dinner alongside his royal advisor. A Eunuch will be waiting for Lady Malfoy to escort her there."

The group fell into stony silence, turning to face the Eunuch properly. Harry felt the polite smile on his face drop at the sight of burgundy robes, which was the colour his Majesty's personal servants wore to separate themselves from the rest. And they had barely taken any notice of his approach. He could feel the stare of Greengrass burning into the side of his head, eagerly waiting for his reaction.

All Harry could do was stare at the Eunuch in growing alarm. " Congratulations, Sister." He felt slightly ill yet still managed to throw a convincing half-smile on his face before she could spot his grimace.

Dahlia, who had yet to stop staring at the Eunuch in open disbelief and astonishment, snapped her head towards him and smiled tearfully. " Thank you, Brother." She turned back to the man waiting patiently, still bowed. "I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with his Majesty. Please convey my sincerest gratitude."

" Yes, my Lady." With one final bow to their group, the man hurried off.

Dahlia stood up quickly after he was out of sight, still smiling happily, ignorant or perhaps simply not caring about the repercussions this meeting could have, about what sort of statement it was sending and how this would affect how the other concubines saw him. " I'm sorry, Sisters and Brothers, but I must be off. There are only a few hours until his Majesty expects me, and I need to go and prepare. Thank you for the lovely time, Brother Harry." With a brief peck on his cheek, she linked arms with her maid.

" Ah, I will come with you, Sister." Greengrass stood, Nott following with his own excuses, and Clearwater mumbled something unintelligible before she was scampering off to follow as well. Harry and Luna were left alone at the table unexpectedly, each with a maid still by their sides. He brought his cup of tea up to his lips, frowning softly at the sight of his hand slightly shaking.

He couldn't believe he was still so weak-hearted. Of course, the Emperor would want to meet with Dahlia, his close advisors' daughter, society's newest flower, and to top it off, a Pureblood whose family had always been allied with the dark. It didn't matter that he had a higher rank, she was the one who held more power.

" Harry." He turned his head to his friend, startled by the soft smile on her lips. " Don't dread that you weren't chosen. The Emperor's interest in you is growing by the day, and soon, that will be you." She downed the rest of her tea, standing up with a jingle. " I must be leaving now. I'm sure the Nargles have been busy whilst I've been gone; my jewellery has been going missing more often these days."