The Rise of the God-Emperor

CH 52: A New Title

It had been only a few days since the successful missions to the three Muggle facilities, and Hogwarts was buzzing with activity. The 2,000 rescued parents and children had settled into the mansion, the captured scientists and soldiers were securely locked in the prison, and the documents and strange devices were being carefully studied in the science wing. Life in Hogwarts was changing, and the shift wasn't just in the physical sense. There was a deeper change taking place—a shift in how people viewed Harry Potter.

The feeling of something new and significant in the air became even more apparent when Harry entered the Great Hall one morning, the sound of chatter filling the long room. Students were seated at their house tables, talking about the latest developments, but as soon as they saw him, the room went quiet.

As Harry walked past, he noticed something different in their eyes. It wasn't just respect. It wasn't even just admiration. It was something more.

Seamus Finnigan, sitting with a group of Gryffindors, stood up as Harry passed, his voice strong and formal. "Your Highness."

Harry paused mid-step, turning slightly to look at Seamus. "What did you call me?"

Seamus blushed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Er... I mean, Harry. Sorry. It's just—well, everyone's been talking, you know? You've done so much, taken control, kept us safe, built... well, this whole new world. It's just... some of us think you've earned the title."

A ripple of agreement passed through the students. A few of the Slytherins nodded approvingly, and even some of the Ravenclaws murmured in support. Harry was taken aback. He had expected to be looked to as a leader, maybe even as a protector, but Your Highness? That felt foreign, too formal, too much like something out of a fantasy.

He glanced over at Luna, who sat at the Ravenclaw table with her usual serene expression. She caught his eye and smiled softly, as if she had seen this coming all along.

A Growing Respect

Later, as Harry walked the halls of Hogwarts, the shift became more noticeable. Students and even some of the professors started greeting him with a newfound formality. Professor Flitwick, passing Harry in the corridor, gave a respectful bow of his head. "Good morning, Your Highness."

Harry stopped. "Professor," he said, blinking in surprise. "You don't have to call me that."

Flitwick smiled kindly. "Perhaps not, but I think you've more than earned it, Harry. You've shown leadership far beyond what anyone expected. It's natural for people to see you as something more."

Harry sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I'm not royalty. I'm just trying to keep everyone safe."

"True," Flitwick agreed, "but royalty isn't about birthright alone. It's about what you've done for your people, and in their eyes, you've built something far greater than anyone imagined. You've become a symbol, and symbols often carry titles."

Harry wasn't sure how to feel about it, but Flitwick's words stuck with him. He had never sought power or glory, but somehow, it had found him.

The Faculty's View

That afternoon, Harry met with Professor McGonagall and a few other faculty members in the staff room. They had gathered to discuss the new subdivision Harry was building near Hogsmeade, as well as the security measures they were implementing now that the prison was under their control.