Chapter Text
As far as the day goes, Harry thought it was going better than expected. The tea was still fragrant despite the time and the sun was slowly going down to allow the air to cool slightly. He looked up towards the main wing of the mansion. The curtains were slightly parted to reveal moving shadows, and Harry narrowed his eyes at them. He felt a headache preparing to strike. He downed the last of his tea as the chatter around him began to filter back to him. He turned his attention back to his family sitting near him. His brothers and sister were all dressed as was befitting of their station, proper and expensive. Dignified.
"Next two weeks is the grand entrance, I presume that you are sufficiently prepared?" Harry eyed his mother and nodded. of course, he would be going. It was a command, not a request. His readiness is another matter entirely.
"Should we be expecting Omega Potter to make conversation at the entrance, or should I liberate one of Papa's books to accompany you?" Harry's sister Eugenia snidely commented. Harry spared a brief look in her direction. Although irked that she continuously aggravated him, he knew better than to return her aggression in front of the family. "As sister wishes. I did hear that Sir Isaac was a better conversationalist but perhaps, not." He wiped his mouth with dainty fingers. His sister's eyes widened, and her cheeks reddened.
Harry looked up calmly at his elder sister, she should learn to take it if she wanted to give it. "Mother, I am feeling unwell, may I please be excused?" His mother nodded with a knowing look and Harry walked back to his room sedately.
Sir Isaac was the unfortunate object of Eugenia's affections who had to suffer through at least one conversation with her on every occasion that they meet. It was quite apparent that he was just humoring her. He was also Harry's escort to the Palace as he was part of the emperor's army. He was a sore spot for her, one that Harry didn't hesitate to exploit when she tried to provoke him.
Once he reached the door to his room, Harry sighed and hurried to his bed to sit. He lifted his pillow and gently picked up the letter underneath. He's read it countless times, but he never got tired of reading it. He touched the expensive paper for the nth time, rereading the stern yet comforting words of his grandmother once more.
This year was not going the way he wanted it to go. Emperor Dumbledore had passed peacefully in his sleep five years ago. His heir apparent crowned prince Thomas had ascended to the throne along with his empress. Empress Rebecca, nee Black, unfortunately, has been unable to conceive. Consequently, a rare but often anticipated event called the selection was put into action to find a "companion" or "consort" for his majesty with the hope of a possible heir heavily implied.
The worst thing about the entire event was the compulsory nature. All men and women past the age of fifteen, irrespective of their second gender were obliged to input their names for the selection. Of course, the chance of being selected was minuscule. There were only thirty or so maximum spots available, and the emperor could fill as many or little as he pleased.
All of Harry's siblings had presented their names, excluding his eldest brother Felix who was already married to lady Fiona nee Longbottom. Harry himself made the requirement by the hair on his head. He had turned fifteen two days before the date. At the time, he was unconcerned, knowing statistically that the chances of being chosen were slim to none. By some miracle or fluke, he made it.
After five long months of deliberation, he was one of one hundred chosen to come to the imperial palace to be a companion to the Emperor should he make the final examination by his majesty himself. He didn't know who was more shocked, himself or his family. Always a silent child, he was often overlooked in most of the daily activities in favor of his more outstanding siblings. At the time, Grandmother was visiting, and she had given him a strong hug that held his anxious thoughts and feelings together. And after she left, she wrote him a very informative and wise letter that had some of the most insightful thoughts about duty and love that Harry had ever read.
Like his grandmother's personality, the letter was straightforward, stern, and very grounding. His entrance date to the Palace was in two weeks, and despite all the tutors sent to him to teach him proper palace etiquette and rules, Harry still felt as though he was dreaming. His parents were very supportive, proud that their son was selected among such fierce competition.
Harry, however, was more cautious. As unassuming as he seemed, he was a person who’d lived once before. His previous life was eventful and tragic, and he’d hoped to have a more leisurely life this time around. However, fate is a trickster who bends people’s destinies to its will. The events of his previous life did not repeat themselves exactly, some were altered, and he floundered in weathering the changes. He knew from reading that the palace was far from the beautiful city it was affectionately called.
The intrigue and schemes that occurred were more than Harry could endure. But after being selected, there was no withdrawal. He knew that the fate of previous consorts and companions often ended in tragedy. Most died due to their jealousy or schemes to gain the emperor's favor. Carefully hidden from the public eye in records not readily available are the horrendous fates of those men and women. Harry had no intention to end up like them. The emperor's favor was important however stability and safety were better. When a deer feeds, it should be cautious of the hunter. Harry was entering somebody's house; another's domain, and he needed to be ready. He folded the letter back up and returned it to its place under the pillow.
One more step to decide. Just one more. He hopes he fails.
Two weeks Later
Harry stood in line with varied emotions coursing through his body. He thought back to himself half a year ago, when he'd prayed to all that would hear to hide his name from notice to escape entering the harem. His prayer was sincere and came from his own mother's horrid experience. Harry's mother was the second wife of his father. She'd been lower ranked than him and had garnered considerable ridicule from both her husband's family as well as society itself. Harry had seen the toll it took on her until her fragile heart finally gave up on his ninth birthday. He was still nursing the wound left by her absence. He wanted to marry a man of similar rank who would adore and respect him and him alone.
Obviously, that wish was not granted, seeing as he was on his way to see the emperor for the last part of the selection process. The palace maids were bustling about, organizing everyone in neat lines to greet the emperor. Harry had been dressed by his first mother whom he's been calling mother since his own died.
Traditionally it was the servant's job, but his mother had dismissed them, knowing Harry's disposition well. She ordered the ostentatious robes elsewhere and brought him simpler cuts and patterns more fitting to him. Harry had a slow beauty to him. Often people commented that time seemed to stop in his presence. He had smiled at her gratefully and changed into the pale green robe with brocade without much fanfare. His hair was coerced around a small wood piece and adorned with a fresh flower. His cream handkerchief completed his outfit. His mother nodded and smiled. Harry smiled back.
Now that he was here, the nerves were starting to emerge once more. He'd managed to compose himself very well. After entering, he noticed that many of the candidates were a great deal older than he was. He was one of the youngest. Not only were they older, but very beautiful as well. All their robes were a complicated pattern of some sort, and the headpieces were interesting, to say the least.
There were fewer beta men and alpha men than the other second genders, but their clothing was also eye-catching. Without the headdresses and feminine-style robes, they stood out in the crowd. As an omega male, he had many choices in clothing, but as he felt no compunction with dress robes, he opted for that. It was flattering on his wider hips than anything else.
His thoughts were interrupted by a polite clearing of somebody's throat. “You have passed numerous auditions the last few months to be here today for the final examination by his majesty the Emperor and Her Highness the Empress dowager." Harry turned his attention to the middle-aged palace maid. She had a stern mouth but kind eyes. "Do not be nervous or anxious. It is an honor to serve his majesty in any capacity, you will just be doing a more conspicuous service than others."
Harry agreed, but that did not necessarily mean he wanted that honor. "If you follow the etiquette and rules taught to you by the palace tutors, you will be fine. From here onwards, fortune and fate are your judges. May lucks follow you all." Harry curtsied respectively, "Thank you Palace Maiden Lee." The whole group parroted. Two in a row, they made five groups of ten. And each group went inside for perhaps ten to twenty minutes before the next. Harry was in the last group, and thus prepared for the agonizing wait.
"Harry!" Harry turned to the voice and smiled immediately at the sight of his brother-in-law Neville. He clasped the taller boy's hands together and greeted him with two kisses on his plump cheeks. "Brother, I had heard you made it, but was unaware that today was your entrance day as well." Neville enthused. Harry smiled, always happy at the sight of his friend. He leaned closer to him and whispered in his ear, "That is because I had hopes of being rejected." Neville looked at Harry unbelievably, well acquainted with Harry's odd quirks. “But enough about me, you must be exhausted to make the trip to the capital. How are you faring?"
The Longbottoms lived more than two cities away from the capital, and it always took them more than two days to reach the Potter estate when visiting. "Grandmother is wise, she urged me to come well in advance, and so I have had time to recover from the arduous journey. Your brother is well now." Harry beamed. This was the best thing to occur out of this awful situation. "Oh," Neville commented. "Brother is attired so plainly, yet your beauty is hard to conceal. Not even straw robes could achieve this." Harry chuckled behind his handkerchief, "what a flatterer. Look who is talking. Look how elegant and beautiful you look."
Neville was wearing a formal men's dress robe in a deep crimson color. The robe had patterns of small flowers carefully embroidered in alternating patterns. He looked dashing. Harry looked around and whispered more quietly, "Once the emperor looks upon your beauty, everyone here will be as scarecrows." Neville gasped, scandalized. "Harry!" He whispered urgently. "Everyone here is fantastic in their own way. Unwanted gossip may arise if one should overhear you." Harry hummed, unbothered. Neville could be so shy sometimes. He took his brother's hand and led him to his line to wait. He knew Neville was going to be selected. He was a gentle and beautiful beta. He may not be able to conceive, but he could be a worthy companion to the emperor.
The first and second groups went to see the emperor and the empress dowager. Only two had perfume satchels of acceptance. The rest all had flowers of rejection. Neville removed himself from Harry's line with a promise to see him soon and joined the next group to go. Harry smiled at him calmly and watched them enter the crimson door to the Hall of Health where the selection was taking place.
"Oh, so you made it too?" Harry sighed inwardly. He knew that voice anywhere. "Greetings Sir Draco, I hope you have been well"
The blonde aristocrat sneered at Harry, not acknowledging his greetings. "You had enough money to come to the selection? The obvious stitch marks on your robes date them very well. It must have been made in a hurry." He circled Harry wolfishly, touching the fabric to see its quality.
“This silk has been out of fashion for quite some time, and yet here you are, parading it in front of the emperor. Have you no shame?" He taunted with an arrogant flick of Harry's robes. Harry breathed through his nose and smiled at the Beta male. "Sir Draco is generous and benevolent in his advice. However, it is only a dress, and hardly a matter to be so concerned about." The blonde turned sharply to Harry, “You dare to mock me?"
"I would not dare. I am only concerned on your behalf. If Sir Draco continues, you might exhaust yourself. This will make you less than presentable to the emperor, and the emperor deserves the absolute best. Would you not agree?" Harry returned softly but firmly. Draco looked around the compound, seeing the other candidates looking at them with no subtlety. He huffed, "I'll remember this!"
"Your beauty is so indescribably moving that you will be remembered by all who have glimpsed your face today," Harry replied.
The blonde stared at Harry, willing him to submit. But Harry held his gaze, smiling softly. Draco stormed away with a sneer. "Wow, that was amazing," an omega girl with bright blue eyes and a matching pair of robes whispered to Harry. "You incurred his wrath, surely this spells disaster for you non?" Harry turned towards her slowly, slightly surprised by the French accent to her tone.
"Think nothing of it." He looked at her with kind eyes, "People will scrutinize the attire before the attired. It is an unfortunate fact regardless of where you go. My attire does lack slight adornments. Unsurprisingly, some may find it slighting." The girl seemed in awe of him, and Harry wanted to laugh, she was adorable.
He continued, "Of course that is their own personal problem now is it not?" "Omega Harrison James Potter pleased to make your acquaintance." He offered his hand. "Leica Moreau," She smiled. "Omega," she added hurriedly, realizing she had forgotten. Harry took her hand and shook it. At least he made a new friend. See Grandmother, he could so be friendly when he wanted. “The last group, line up accordingly please!" The Lead Palace Maid requested.
Harry smiled briefly at the older omega, "good luck Miss Moreau." She stuttered a response before moving quickly to join the line. Harry moved at a more sedate pace to join the group, observing that he was somehow in front of Leica. They moved forward with dainty steps from some and powerful strides from others, truly a mix of dynamics.
Harry was oddly charmed with his group makeup. Fortunately, they arrived promptly before his mind could wander even further. They staggered as they approached the monarch and his mother. Harry was in the back row, and as short as he was (5'3, not 5'2 and 10 centimeters like Eugenia said), he couldn't see very well, so he made do with waiting.
After the first row was finished and departed, it was their turn. Harry's breath had slowly calmed after steadily breathing in and out while the first row was examined. He now found himself very relaxed. "Harrison James Potter, son of Deputy General of Police James Potter, fifteen!" The eunuch bellowed out.
Harry stood slightly forward as he'd seen the others do and awaited the verdict. The emperor was in resplendent golden robes with dragons roaming and flying all over. The details were even noticeable from the distance Harry was. But as attractive as the robe was, Harry was not foolish enough to risk looking at the emperor. So, he knelt one knee at a time. He spread his robes on the floor, brought both his hands to his stomach, and held his gaze to the emperor’s feet as he saluted them.
"I, Harrison James Potter, pay respect to your majesty the Emperor and Empress Dowager her highness. I wish your majesty countless blessings to accompany an infinite life, and her highness serene peace and precious health." Thank all that is holy that he did not bite his tongue.
The emperor studied Harry for a while and shook his head. The eunuch nodded and declared, "dropped, bestow a flower!" Harry closed his eyes in concealed victory. His prayer had been answered. Never one to forget his manners, he pushed his happiness to the back of his mind and saluted them once more.
"I, Harrison James Potter, appreciate your time. I wish your majesty and Empress Dowager her highness a healthy, peaceful and joyful life." He then slowly rose from the ground to accept the flower in the eunuch's hand. But before he could claim the flower, a voice stopped him. "Others who were rejected allowed their displeasure and dissatisfaction to show on their faces." It was the dowager empress. "But you have surprisingly remembered propriety."
Harry answered truthfully, "It is an indescribable honor for me to come to the Forbidden City and see the faces of the emperor and the empress dowager her highness." It was true. He was very happy to have come here, in his last life, his status had been in the lowest ranks in society and he couldn’t even hope to meet the village magistrate, much less royalty.
He was glad to have at least seen the famous Forbidden City, he just did not want to stay.
He looked up slightly with determination in his eyes, "I have been blessed with fortune; indeed, it has reached my entire household." Her highness smiled faintly. Harry waited with bated breath and motioned towards the eunuch to receive his flower so he could be on his way.
"The flower in your hair is a nice touch," the emperor addressed him in silky smooth tones. Harry shivered. The dark gaze of the monarch moved to his mother, "Mother, he already wears a flower, what use would he have for another?" Harry panicked inwardly. Her highness smiled, relieved. "Harrison James Potter, name board kept, Bestow the satchel!" The eunuch announced.
As the eunuch approached, the dowager's cat who was in the arms of her highness' lead servant leaped unexpectedly for the floor, shrieking loudly. Harry stayed still, still in shock with the sudden change of fate. He wanted to scream too!
As if hearing him, the girl next to him shrieked. She took a few steps back in surprise. Harry moved his eyes to the side to see that it was Moreau. Poor girl, hopefully, she wasn't too frightened.
She quickly straightened her robes to regain her composure, but the moment was lost.
"Also, a sense of dignity," her highness commented belatedly to Harry at his own show of composure.
Well, that was hardly fair, he was just in shock. Not that her highness knew that. “Who is that girl next to him?" The emperor inquired in his heavy silken voice. The eunuch was prompt in his answer, “Sister of Jacque Moreau of Moreau Armory, Leica Moreau. Sixteen." The emperor didn't spare her a glance, “Leica Moreau has failed to adhere to and observe the proper Imperial Court etiquette. Take her away, she is never to be allowed to enter the imperial auditions ever again.”
Moreau became teary, "Your majesty please have mercy!" She continued to cry out to him as the eunuchs dragged her away. “Harrison James Potter; kept, bestow a satchel!" The eunuch repeated himself. Harry was handed his satchel. Together with the remaining group, they turned and marched out of the presence of the monarch. A few minutes later as he walked back to his carriage, Harry whispered to himself. "I made it. Mother, Father, I made it. I got selected. I didn't let you down. I sealed my own fate. What should I do now?"
He was happy for his family because of the recognition that would come with this selection, but he was also mourning himself, his freedom.
"Harry, wait!" Neville called to him. Harry stopped and waited for his brother-in-law. He was out of breath from running a short distance, but his cheeks were red with pleasure as he grabbed Harry's hands in celebration. "I heard you were selected!"
Harry nodded noncommittedly. "Those who wish to stay have been sent away, and those who have no wish to stay may never leave again." He whispered, holding back tears by sheer will. Neville's brows furrowed. "Do you know of the magnitude of people who wishes to live in the palace? Come now, don't sigh." He urged Harry along as they moved slowly outside. "Besides, we'll be going together, we can look out for one another. By this time, the Eunuchs will have arrived to deliver his majesty's decree. Uncle James will surely be pleased.”
Harry looked at Neville dejectedly, "brother, it was really not my intention to be chosen." Neville chuckled, "I know you had no intention of being chosen, but Heaven did. They couldn't bear to see such a glittering jewel be buried in a life of anonymity. “Harry grabbed Neville to stop them momentarily.
"But his majesty,” He paused, “Leica was only easily scared, hardly a serious flaw." Neville hummed, steering Harry along slowly once more, "The son of Heaven deserves the highest reverence, she lost her composure too easily."
Harry nodded; he could see the reason. But he didn't have to like it. "Please wait for me, my lady and lord." Harry and Neville turned around to see a middle-aged Palace Maid rushing towards them. This was the second time Harry has ever been referred to as 'lady'. It was such an archaic and rare term for an omega male, but in the palace, it was commonplace. He had no opinion of it, either way, it was just unusual in that he was not accustomed to it. Once she reached them, she addressed them so, "your servant have orders to escort you both safely outside the palace young miss and mister. My sincere congratulations for your successes in the audition." She bowed. She led them all the way to the gate before bowing and taking her to leave.
Neville and Harry walked hand to hand as they reached the mouth of the gate, their servants waiting anxiously for them. "Take care, big brother," Harry whispered to Neville. "You as well, little brother." They parted ways as Neville's servants crowded him excitedly and ushered him to his carriage.
Harry's own servants Heidi and Karen hurried towards him, draping a coat on his shoulder, As the two servant girls fussed over him, Harry looked back at the entrance to see the back of the palace Maid who had escorted them out.
He stared for a moment before averting his eyes.
"why them?"