To the surprise of everyone, they were back on the droid ship and heading back to Naboo within the day. The Neimoidians that had been on the ship were left on the planet.
The only other organic they kept was the Sith. He had been stripped and tied up and then stuffed, unconscious into a cargo container until they got him back to Coruscant and the Jedi.
Once they reached orbit, they used The Ghost to land on the planet. They were met by Governor Sio Bibble. He was not entirely pleased.
"Your Majesty, whilst the people are celebrating your success, we have been approached by representatives of the Gungan. They are claiming we murdered one of their own in cold blood."
Harry felt a chill down his back as he looked to Qui-Gon.
"Do they have proof?" The Queen asked calmly. Padme was back in the makeup now.
"They claim they have an eyewitness and visual recording. They are close to becoming physically aggressive."
"Tell them to provide you with a copy of the recording. Our priorities lie with our people who have suffered these past weeks. Seeing as they were not inclined to aid us in our time of need, they can wait until we can afford to waste ours on them."
Bibble just nodded and made a note on his little computer.
"What is the current state of affairs? How many were killed?" She asked, clearly reluctant to hear the answer.
"Over two thousand killed in the concentration camps. There is a lot of fear still due to the droid army patrolling."
"If you've got your policemen ready to take over, then I can send the droids back to the ships." Harry offered.
"What? What do you mean? Are you responsible-"
"Governor!" Amidala snapped. "You met Harry Potter when he and the Jedi saved us and helped us escape the planet. He controls the droid army because he single-handedly boarded their ship and defeated them. He saved Naboo and myself."
"I had R2 as well." Harry mumbled. The little droid just beeped and nudged him.
"You both did amazing things, but you are the one who risked his life."
R2-D2 just beeped more firmly.
"R2-D2 agrees with Her Majesty." C-3PO translated. "He also would like to remind everyone that Master Harry defeated a Sith. With no aid."
"Ah, you're a Jedi." Bibble said understandingly.
"He is not." Amidala had a slight smile. "He is just a man who found himself in a precarious position."
"Do you want the droids to head off planet?" Harry asked, desperate to change the topic.
"Could you have them reposition to guard vulnerable and vital areas. Like the palace, hospitals, power plants?" Panaka asked.
"I'll tell Lee to move them to where you suggest. For defence only." He added firmly.
Panaka just nodded in understanding.
"Governor, I will be leaving as soon as possible for Coruscant." The Queen informed Bibble. "I will need to address the Senate and withdraw our complaint."
"Withdr- Your Majesty, whilst we might now be free, it came at a great cost. We must seek punishment and justice!" Bibble said passionately.
"And we will. But not through the Republic." She promised. "Emperor Potter has agreed to extradite the responsible individuals to Naboo for trial and judgement."
"Emperor Potter?"
Harry gave an unhappy wave.
"In order to defeat the Trade Federation, Harry Potter and R2-D2 risked everything to wrest control of the Droid Control Ship away from the Neimoidians and then reprogram the droids to accept him as their leader."
Harry really didn't like the way Padme made him sound like Lockhart. Unfortunately, he couldn't think of a different way to phrase it.
"Then we are truly indebted to you." Bibble gave Harry a slight but genuine bow. "Your Majesty, do you have any idea of how long you will be able to stay? The people deserve a celebration and your presence is practically mandatory."
The Queen gave a small smile. "We will stay until the conclusion of the celebration. See to the people, Governor. I will deal with the Gungans and the Republic if necessary."
Padme and her handmaidens led Harry to the throne room where she sat surrounded by her handmaidens.
"Your Majesty, we need to talk." Harry said as soon as it was just them and the Jedi. "I might be the one who killed the Gungan."
"We are aware." She assured him.
"He's a murderer!"
Right, Anakin was also there.
"Master Qui-Gon, this is really not a forum for children." She addressed the Jedi sternly.
Harry had to turn his face to hide his snort. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were the only real adults in the room.
"I'm not a child!"
Harry turned to the Jedi Master. "Qui-Gon, I'd really appreciate some privacy about this personal matter."
The Jedi just nodded. "Obi-Wan, could you and Anakin see if you can find some suitable accommodation for us?"
"Yes Master." Obi-Wan clearly found the interactions between the child and the… older children amusing. He quickly ushered a protesting Anakin out of the room.
"Do not trouble yourself over this, Harry." Qui-Gon stepped forward. "I was witness to the event. There was no murder. It was a tragic accident and you were a victim as well.
"I will stand for you."
"As will the Naboo." Padme promised, her façade dropping in privacy. "You haven't hurt anyone on purpose. Lee said you even repaired the droids that the Sith damaged."
"I will say that I would prefer to know what you did to the Troydarian on Tatooine." The girls scowled at the Jedi, but he remained adamant.
"Watto? I fixed most of his junk." Harry shrugged. "I also threatened to kill him if he decided to try and sell me out to the mob."
"Mob?"
"The Hutts. Organised crime."
"Whilst I don't agree with the threatening-"
"You have no moral or legal place to object, Qui-Gon Jinn." Padme said angrily as she stood from her throne. "You admitted yourself that you attempted to use your powers to affect the shopkeepe's mind."
Qui-Gon had the grace to look chastised. "I apologise. It is not the 'persuasion' that the Jedi Council would object to, it is the aggression and violence, implied or otherwise. Even in combat, we hold our emotions in check.
"Harry Potter is no Jedi, and I will emphasise that should the need arise."
"You're going to put me on trial?" Harry's eyes widened.
Qui-Gon frowned, slightly confused. "The Jedi do not put people on trial. We do hold tribunals should a Jedi commit a crime or infraction, but we hold no power over civilians.
"I was saying that I would vouch for your innocence with the Gungans." He explained carefully.
"Oh… thanks." Harry was very relieved.
"Eirtae, please send for C-3PO and R2-D2." Padme instructed her handmaiden. "Harry, you are officially a visiting diplomat and a guest of the people of Naboo. No one will get to put you on trial unless they wish to start a war with the Trade Federation, which you now control.
"I believe that both the Republic and the Gungans have proven they are too spineless to start violence."
Padme had insisted that Harry not be present at the meeting with the Gungan representative. Sabe had donned the makeup and Padme had sent Yane with Harry to make sure he didn't get lost or could get what he needed.
Yane had set Harry up in the rooms reserved for the Royal family. They were currently unused as Padme had no family beyond her sister who was married. They were luxuriously decorated with all the facilities en suite.
They also sat at the top of the palace with a large balcony complete with tables and chairs.
Harry, Yane and Qui-Gon were standing at the edge, leaning on the wall and looking out at the wide road. It was a sunny day and the people were busy preparing for the celebration.
Inside, Obi-Wan was desperately trying to prevent a full-on war between R2 and Anakin. C-3PO was working with the Queen as a liaison to the Droid Control Ship.
"Why do you insist on dragging the boy everywhere you go, Master Jinn?" Yane asked with distaste.
Qui-Gon gave a weary sigh. He'd answered that question several times. Usually for Obi-Wan. "Anakin has a very high connection to the Force. He needs training."
"So why isn't he with all the other kids?" Harry asked, referring to the children back at the Jedi Temple.
"Because he is too old."
Harry glanced back into the room. "For what? Nappies?"
"Jedi are found when they are babies. They are taken into the Jedi Order and raised as toddlers. The Jedi Code is very strict and demanding. Those who are older find it harder to adhere to the Code."
"What the devil is in the Code? It sounds like brainwashing to me!" What he was hearing was definitely at odds with what he experienced from Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Yoda.
Qui-Gon moved to sit at the patio table and gestured for Harry and Yane to join him. "The Jedi Code is a state of mind. It is the opposite of the Sith Code.
"There is no emotion, there is peace.
"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
"There is no passion, there is serenity.
"There is no chaos, there is harmony.
"There is no death, there is the Force."
They sat there silently for a few moments as the younger two contemplated Qui-Gon's recitation.
"You are not allowed to be happy?" Yane was clearly having as much trouble as Harry understanding.
Qui-Gon gave her a soft smile. "Do not think of the Code as something to govern our every waking moment. It is a tool, a guide for when we must perform our duties.
"We take pleasure and joy in seeing our Padawans grow and surpass us, but when we are on a mission, we do not make jokes, we remain calm.
"We mourn the loss of our fellow Jedi, but should one of us fall in battle, we remain focused on our mission."
"What if someone doesn't want to be a Jedi?" Harry asked curiously.
A look of true sadness drifted across Qui-Gon's face. "It happens. There have been twenty-one recorded. If they wish to leave, they may.
"It is rarely talked about as it is a very painful event for the Jedi as a whole."
"Is it true that Jedi are not allowed to marry?" Yane asked.
"Personal and emotional attachments are one of the few things that are strictly enforced." Qui-Gon nodded. "We own nothing but our lightsabers. Our clothes are given to us by the Order along with all other necessary equipment."
"What about your parents?" Harry asked.
"We are taken very young. Long before we can create true attachments. It is one of the reasons that the Council will not approve of Anakin's training."
"I'd hate to see him with the same abilities as you and Obi-Wan." Harry grimaced.
"And yet, without the proper training, he will eventually be seduced by the dark side of the Force." Qui-Gon said pointedly. "At present, I am seriously considering leaving the Order myself to train him." He was clearly unhappy about the idea.
"What about Obi-Wan?" Yane said a little heatedly. He wasn't much older than the Queen and her handmaidens and he had seemed like a nice person. They didn't want to see him abandoned.
Qui-Gon had a slightly proud smile. "He is ready for his trials. This will see him become a full Jedi. He will not need a Master."
"That boy would be a terrible Jedi." Yane said firmly.
Qui-Gon had an amused look. "Oh?"
"The boy should be dead. He was a slave who stole from his owner. Even if this 'Watto' knew his potential, he would have punished Shmi to teach the boy a lesson.
"The boy is possessive."
"What do you think, Harry?"
"He reminds me of two people I knew back home. Both were my age. One was my cousin, I grew up with him. The other was in the same school as me.
"They were both spoiled, arrogant and bullies. Despite coming from relative wealth, they both stole for fun."
"You think Anakin stole 'for fun'?" Qui-Gon frowned.
"He didn't steal for food." Yane scoffed. "C-3PO would never have provided food for him or his mother, but the power costs would have been beyond any money they did have."
"He- I think he needs his mother. Probably a father too." Harry's eyes were dull and emotionless. "He needs someone… someone who can control his life. He needs to learn limitations. The difference between stealing to survive and stealing to entertain yourself."
"You aren't really suggesting we return him to slavery?" Qui-Gon asked curiously.
"Anakin was never a slave. A prisoner, sure. But… I know slavery and slaves."
Neither Qui-Gon or Yane were going to press Harry for more, but every time Yane remembered that conversation a chill would run through her heart.
That evening Yane accompanied Harry to the private royal dining room where he sat with Padme and the handmaidens. He was sat at one end of the long table opposite Padme at the other end.
It made Harry very uncomfortable as it made him the centre of attention.
"We should be ready to leave for Coruscant in three days." Padme informed him. "The Phantom is fully repaired and so is The Ghost. My own ship is currently being retrofitted with stealth capabilities and weaponry.
"If the work is not completed on time, would you object to ferrying us on The Ghost?"
"Erm… sure?"
"Thank you." Padme smiled at him. She was aware that he didn't know how to handle being gifted something like a ship. He clearly still didn't consider it his. Based on their private conversations, she knew he probably expected it to be taken away or confiscated at some point.
"Harry, tomorrow the tailors and dressmakers will be coming to prepare our clothes for the celebration."
A slight blush. "I promise to stay out of the palace. I can learn some more spells from Sirius."
"Harry, they will need to fit you for clothes as well."
Harry looked down at himself and grimaced. He was wearing the same clothes he had fallen through the archway with. He used liberal cleaning charms, but Padme probably thought he would still smell.
"Harry, we know you didn't arrive on Naboo with anything." Sabe spoke up from Padme's left. "You saved our people with nothing but your wand."
"I had R2 and The Phantom."
"Harry, why do you always try to pass the credit to others?" The soft spoken Rabe asked.
"I don't!" Harry said a little defensively. "R2 was there."
"R2 was thousands of miles away hidden safely on The Ghost." Yane smiled.
"That's enough." Padme said firmly, the handmaidens bowed their heads in chastisement. "We know why Harry does it. We know he fears being blamed for any little thing that goes wrong.
"It is why he will be at our side during the celebrations, but will be wearing a disguise, like mine as queen."
"I will?" Harry was surprised.
Padme gave him a reassuring smile. "The disguise I use and the decoy system were developed by Captain Panaka. But, as you have seen, I also use it to move freely in public without needing a large security detail.
"We are going to help you develop a disguise for your persona as 'The Emperor'. You can use it when you represent the Trade Federation in the Senate."
"I don't know anything about politics!"
"But you clearly know about helping people and keeping them safe. That is all you need to do."
"What about the rules and laws they tried to use against you?"
"Just as we had advisors when we addressed the Senate, you can have them too. C-3PO is being fitted with the latest databases regarding various inter-galactic laws. We were very fortunate to find him. Apparently he was the translator for a well respected negotiator, he is highly experienced."
Harry couldn't help but relax a little the more excited Padme became. She actually seemed to enjoy this sort of thing. He managed to focus on his meal as the girls devolved into discussing colour schemes and styles.
The following day was spent standing on a stool in various states of undress as the royal seamstress and tailor prodded, poked and argued over Harry.
Apparently they were an old married couple whose family had served the throne for generations. As such, they were privy to certain royal secrets like the decoy system and the Queen's true identity.
"Padme only serves for a few years, woman! Harry will be emperor until he dies or relinquishes his throne! Lookalikes and makeup will not suffice!" Arlen Pardot, the tailor argued with Belan, his seamstress wife.
"And your fancy holograms still flicker and fail." Belan sneered.
"If Padme agrees, we can have my prototypes handed over to the scientists to be examined properly."
"Couldn't I just wear a mask?" Harry interrupted carefully. He didn't really want to draw attention to himself, but he was getting hungry.
The old couple looked at him and frowned.
"Sorry."
"Relax, Dear." Belan assured him. "It isn't a bad suggestion, but it is… tricky. Hiding one's face is often associated with unsavoury people. Like the Sith. Arlen's holograms, whilst still unstable, would allow us to project a new face over yours. No one would know the difference."
"Gold and silver." Arlen said snapping his fingers. "If we make a mask, simple in design but clearly masculine, and create a set of robes like a Jedi's, then it will work if we use colours such as gold and silver, they are diametrically opposite to the Sith who use black and red."
The argument then continued.
And Harry stood there patiently.
It wasn't just a disguise or outfit. It was practically a suit of armour.
Arlen and Belan had gotten a bit carried away and decided that the mask would be a part of a helmet. Then they had created a breastplate and then grieves.
The only thing stopping them from giving him gloves was that he needed to be able to touch his wand. Instead there was a guard over the back of his hands.
The armour was a matte silver, over it he wore a gold cloak with a hood that Belan had told him he should leave up.
Arlen had gone a step further and added light blue glowing accents at the various seams of the armour.
The mask was not just a mask.
It had a head's up display as used by space pilots that relayed information from R2, 3PO and Lee. It also contained air filters to prevent him being poisoned by gas.
"If you aren't liberating planets and saving pretty girls, you're freeing slaves and standing toe-to-toe with Sith bastards! You need all the help you can get." Arlen had wagged a finger in his face.
And so, here he was, standing on the steps of the palace next to Padme who was dressed all in white with her Amidala makeup in place. R2 was next to him whilst 3PO stood with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and a glaring Anakin.
Qui-Gon had been given permission to train Anakin as a Jedi and the boy was dressed as a Jedi youngling, complete with the traditional braid.
Obi-Wan was to face his trials when they returned to Coruscant so he could become a full Jedi.
Amongst those standing on the steps behind the Queen were her handmaidens, Governor Bibble and various important people who Harry had been introduced to but immediately forgotten their names.
Senator Palpatine was also there. Whilst he was smiling with everyone else, he couldn't look at Harry with anything but a sneer. Even when he was in the armour. According to Padme, he wasn't in on the secret behind the Emperor.
Out on the wide street in front of them, the people of Naboo were dancing and parading in celebration. There was loud music, lights, confetti and food. They had been going since daybreak and the Queen had only arrived at noon.
An hour after the Queen had arrived, chairs were set up for the Queen and her party. They then sat and watched as various groups of citizens performed various acts of entertainment.
By late afternoon, Governor Bibble stood and addressed the people. He weaved a story that saw Amidala lead a daring escape off the planet and away from the invaders, brave the treacherous border world of Tatooine, argue fiercely with the Senate, and finally, when all had failed, she had led a heroic mission to board the flagship of the Trade Federation fleet and captured the Viceroy, ending the invasion.
Harry took a perverse sense of pleasure as he watched Padme try not to squirm in embarrassment under her makeup. Especially when Governor Bibble declared her 'Amidala, Warrior Queen'.
The crowd lapped it up.
When the Queen finally retired for the day as the sun began to set, she returned to the palace.
"Governor Bibble, Emperor, a word please." She said tightly as she headed for her throne room. The handmaidens followed dutifully.
Harry followed obediently but with a firm and decisive stride that Arlen had drilled into him.
The Queen frowned as she took her throne. "Senator Palpatine, this is a private meeting."
"Your Majesty-"
"Senator, do you really intend to make us repeat ourselves?" She asked archly.
Palpatine swallowed hard, turned and left.
As the doors closed she sighed before she turned and glared at the Governor. "Please explain why we just had to sit through a litany of lies, Governor."
Bibble looked very guilty. "Please, Your Majesty, I know I may have left a few key points from the official story, but they were done with nothing but the best of intentions."
"Explain." She ordered.
Sio Bibble took a deep and thoughtful breath. "I was approached yesterday by the droid, Sirius Black. And yes, he did explain to me the nature of his being and that he is neither a droid nor a holocron.
"He suggested referring to him as a droid.
"Regardless, he told me that Harry would value his privacy and shuns fame and fortune. The droid itself and Master Jinn confirmed this when I questioned them about Harry's character. This was merely a means to reward him. At least partially."
"He is the sole reason Naboo is free." Padme scowled. "He should be the Hero of Naboo. That parade should have been in his honour."
"I really don't like the attention, Your Majesty." Harry grimaced behind his mask. "I was famous when I was one. I just didn't know it. I was eleven when I discovered my fame and I hated all the people coming up to me."
"We could have easily referred to Harry Potter as 'The Emperor', this would have meant we could have publicly rewarded him without exposing Harry to the public!" Padme was very annoyed. "We certainly wouldn't have been lying to them."
Sio Bibble had been unapologetic with regards to what he had done. When Padme had first been elected as queen, he had opposed it as he felt she was too young. But the young girl had proven herself and earned his trust and respect. She had also managed to mellow the stubborn grouch a tad.
When he had heard the story of the boy, who was barely a few months older than Padme, who had risked everything to save the planet, the Queen and quite frankly, galactic peace, he had jumped at the chance to reward the lad as best as the people of Naboo could.
Unfortunately, he never got to tell Harry or Padme about the large estate that had been gifted to Harry for services to Naboo as Padme had grabbed what and who she needed and then manhandled Harry onto The Ghost to head for Coruscant. Sio had to settle for sending a message to Sirius as he knew Harry still couldn't read or use the communication systems.
"Harry, why are we boarding one of the Droid Ships?" Padme asked as the displaced wizard piloted The Ghost into the hanger.
"Just seems like something the Emperor should do. Travel on one of his ships." Harry shrugged. "If the Emperor walked off this ship but Harry Potter didn't, it might get some questions asked."
"That is quite sound tactical thinking." Qui-Gon said approvingly.
"Plus I won't have to worry about Anakin trying to sneak around R2 and 3PO." Harry added under his breath.
"Harry, this is not the Droid Control ship." Sabe frowned.
"I had them send it somewhere safe. I didn't want someone to try and repeat what I did. Oh, and don't go anywhere without a droid escort. All ships have vented the atmosphere and it will only be restored by the droids as necessary."
"You are beginning to sound paranoid, Pup." Sirius joked from his projection on top of R2.
"Do you need me to give you a run down of what happened to me at Hogwarts? I know it's been a few centuries for you." Harry asked calmly.
"It was that bad? I never really got the whole story."
"Bad enough." Padme scowled. "And we know very little."
Harry blocked them out as he shut down the ship.
The trip to Coruscant took three days. On the second day they received an irate communication from Senator Palpatine who accused Harry and the Emperor of leaving him behind.
Padme and Harry didn't discover this until after the fact as Sirius had dealt with it himself. Harry was now very apprehensive of ever meeting the senator again.
Harry spent most of the trip in his new 'Emperor's Outfit' at Padme's insistence. She said it took her weeks to get used to 'acting as Amidala'. Fortunately Qui-Gon had taken Obi-Wan and Anakin to a spare storage room to use as quarters so he could begin actively training his new Padawan.
Harry and the girls were free to relax without having to set a guard.
There was a lot of discussion about how they should arrive on Coruscant. Sirius had helped Padme explain to Harry the need for pomp and pageantry.
This was why they landed at the embassy of the Trade Federation in one of the droid ship's frigates. A squad of twelve droids disembarked and secured the area before standing in two lines either side of the gangway. Queen Amidala of Naboo gracefully walked down the gangway and onto the landing pad on the arm of the silver and gold clad Emperor. Behind them the handmaidens followed with their dogs.
The Queen was once again dressed in black, but the handmaidens were now wearing grey robes that seemed to compliment both the Queen and the Emperor. They were met by jittery Neimoidians who did a lot of bowing.
"Lead us straight to the office of the former Viceroy." Harry ordered, his voice disguised by a vocal modulator.
The droids made a sharp turn so they faced towards the entrance to the Trade Federation embassy. The Neimoidians jumped in fright and scurried on.
The entire building was opulently appointed. Neimoidians were the type who enjoyed riches and luxury. It was why they built the droid army, so they wouldn't have to do any real work.
When they arrived Harry curtly ordered them to leave. The handmaidens immediately pulled out scanners and searched for listening and recording devices.
"The room is secure." Rabe announced.
"Does that mean I can take my mask off?"
"Better that you don't." Sabe recommended as she looked out the window that showed the massive and seemingly endless city. "At least, not until we can ensure that these windows are one-way only.
Harry didn't know what that meant, but he did know he was stuck as the Emperor for longer. The next two hours were spent finalising the plan for addressing the Senate.