| INTIMACY | - HPxTMR

Chapter 32: [The Last Stretch]

This chapter is so long because I had a lot to put in before baby Potter is born, who arrives *checks notes*... next chapter!

Ch.33 is at 1.2k currently, and since this chapter was so long, I might give myself an extra little time to work on that one, just to make sure its as best as it can be :))

==============================

13th April 1999- Tuesday

The man was lounging in his chair, looking as if he didn't have a care in the world, as he listened halfheartedly during the morning meeting. A book was hanging limply in his hands, and he was drumming his fingers repetitively on the armrest. From her new position off of the dias, Bellatrix could see and hear this better, now that she was on the same level as the rest of the harem.

Her attention having been lost long ago, she stared at the way Potter cradled his stomach, practically flaunting it to the jealous stares sent his way. Bellatrix frowned at the disrespect he was showing, the way the man was brandishing his bump, robes no longer loose and overflowing as he had worn before. Potter was mocking them, she knew it, the brat was so proud of himself for carrying the Emperor's child; as if many of them hadn't done the same thing before.

Ever since the announcement of his pregnancy the month before, it all seemed to be going wrong for Bella. The most personally irritating was that Patricia was also pregnant, that bitch who taunted her throughout the years about her many losses. Bellatrix had mourned with her when the previous Second Princess Daniella had passed as a baby, but the one she had thought of as a friend soon turned on her, mocking her as she lost one pregnancy after another. It had filled Bellatrix with sick glee when she had first shown off little Delphina to the woman, when her baby had passed milestone after milestone, steadily approaching her second birthday now. However, if the woman was to be believed, she was carrying a son, a baby who would surely overshadow Bellatrix's little Princess. That Jasmine had confirmed carrying a son, and that Potter was steadily nearing his due date made her fume and fear further.

The second, and most daunting development, was that she no longer held the highest position in the harem, all because she had been rightfully incensed to learn the Potter brat was hiding his pregnancy. Didn't he realise how such a thing could damage the reputation of the Emperor? If his concubines suddenly started popping out children left and right with no forewarning, who was to say what sort of rumours would spread? Bastardy. That was what they would whisper. A child, not the Emperor's, as there was no notice of the Emperor acknowledging his concubine's pregnancy. It had happened before, and Bellatrix would not allow it to happen again. She had used her position to implement guidance that would allow them to avert such misunderstandings, and the man had come close to causing one.

Penny- that wretch who stole her rightful position- was droning on about some sort of legislation the Emperor had passed recently. By now, Bellatrix would have dismissed the meeting, as there wasn't anything of importance to announce. However, her usurper seemed to wish to fill the entirety of the hour, wasting their time.

She could be with the Emperor- although he wasn't accepting her invitations these days- or with her daughter. She could be hosting tea with her allies, those who stood against Penny's ascension and the recent injustices she'd recently been dealt. Bellatrix wanted to be anywhere but here, subjected to mocking and pitying stares.

"What is your opinion on the matter, Sister?" Bellatrix continued to be immersed in her thoughts before a sharp clearing of a throat gained her attention. "Sister Bellatrix," Penny, her soft features contorted, was glaring down at her. The woman dressed more vibrantly as of late, yellow robes seeming to have brightened, headpieces more embellished, citrine jewellery much more prominent than previously. "Please pay attention."