| INTIMACY | - HPxTMR

Chapter 38: [The World Tour]

This chapter is nearly 7.0k long ^-^ And, I hope you like it! Next chapter won't be quite as long, but I do have a lot to pack into the next few chapters as we approach Harry's ascension to new heights of power :)

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27th January 2000- Thursday

Already, Harry had fended off three invitations to tea, lunch or a walk in the hour and a half he had been out of his Palace. The first had come from an energetic Erin, who had clung to his arm with pleading eyes and promises that she'd had 'premium mint sourced just for her Brother'. Then, whilst the meeting had yet to start, Jasmine had sidled up to him with an invite to lunch, with many Attendants- Dahlia, Daphne and Theo included- on the guest list. He had declined simply because he wanted a drama-free morning, and it would be a hassle to interact with his classmates who had been an annoying thorn in Harry's side since he'd joined. The third had unexpectedly come from Felix, who was also meeting with Patricia, Alecto and Lukas for a walk. For the same reasons, Harry had refused.

"Harry," The voice of Regulus rang clearly from the steps of the meeting hall, and Harry turned to watch as the man approached. He waited in place with folded hands, slightly anxious. "Have you any plans for this afternoon?" The man questioned when he was close enough.

"No, I do not."

"Then, I would like to extend an invitation to join me and the other Consorts in our weekly meeting."

"Your... weekly meeting?"

The man smiled, seemingly slightly abashed. "Yes, we meet every week on a Thursday. I apologise that it has taken us so long to inform you of this, Bellatrix was against your admittance for a while."

Ah.

"I would be delighted. Are you meeting presently?"

"Yes, we are gathering within the Pavilion of Light to discuss the meeting and the week's events in depth. Sisters Isla and Penny, and Cousin Bella should be on their way there already."

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"Brother Harry," Penny stood, clasping her hands together. "I am so glad to finally welcome you to our company."

"I am surprised, I hadn't heard of anything such existing."

The woman chuckled. "Yes, well, we can't be having the lower concubines listening in on our private conversations. I apologise it has taken such a time to invite you into our fold, the months have just seemed to fly by since your promotion, and you were so obviously busy caring for your newborn daughter. Please, have a seat."

Harry sat on the seat next to Regulus and the remaining empty seat, Penny, Isla and Bellatrix on the other side of the round table.

"How is the Sixteenth Princess?" Isla questioned him as he settled, her expression curious.

"She is growing well, His Majesty and I are very proud."

"Ah, yes, I had heard of His Majesty's pride in his daughter, especially since it appears the Princess is capable of Parseltongue. How proud you must feel, Brother! Only a few other children have shown themselves capable of such talent."

"Such as my Delphina," Bellatrix announced proudly, puffing her chest out. "Her speech has been growing stronger now that she's older, His Majesty is most pleased."

Penny smiled briefly. "It is my hope that my children will also display an aptitude one day. They are still younger than Princess Evana was when she displayed her talent."

Isla hummed. "It is such a rare talent." She spoke pointedly, staring at Harry. "I believe I understand now why the Slytherins, and then the Gaunts, interbred."