Prince Consort

Chapter 54

"Hey, Ginger," Harry said, perking up in delight as the owl swooped into the room. Hooting, just as saucy as his owner, honestly. Shaking his head, Harry grinned, moving towards him, he took the letter affixed to the owl, before moving over to his desk, he flung a treat mid-air, and the owl swooped down and snatched it before it could get anywhere near the ground. "Good boy!" he exclaimed. Moving towards the perch he had, he used his wand to remove and then pour new fresh water into the bowl. "There you are, head off when you're ready." Scratching the owls head as he passed. Only him and Theo were allowed to do that, anyone else tried ended up with a gnawed-on finger and a visit to the hospital wing – or healer – depending on where they were.

"The guard are ready when you are," Alfred explained, as he entered without as much as a knock or word of warning. It was impetuous for him to have done so, but they had plans, so it wasn't as if Harry would be doing something different. Not when he was aware of his plans anyway.

"Brilliant, I'll be at the front doors in five minutes," Harry declared, regretfully setting his letter aside, he'd read it when he returned. Once he had everything situated, he lowered the wood, and spelled it so that nobody could get into his correspondence. He really liked the desk; he would have to find a way to thank his husband for his thoughtfulness. Even better that it was close to the fireplace, which he really, really liked.

"Very well, My Lord," Alfred stated, inclining his head just so.

Harry didn't need to turn around, "Breaking in a new member of the clan, are we?"

"I have Erin following me around today to learn the ropes," Alfred explained.

Harry made a noise, surprised he'd actually came in then without knocking. Although, truthfully, the wards weren't up thus he had heard him approaching. Erin had ambled up perhaps twenty seconds afterward but remained at the end of the corridor without permission to come closer. Which wasn't freely given, - permission that was – they liked their privacy, so most remained at the end of the corridor. "Just how new is she?"

"She's been here two days, a vampire for six months, a nomad, we're helping her get experience." Alfred explained, watching Harry putter about for a few more minutes, before grabbing his cloak and making sure his coin bag was still affixed from his previous outing.

Harry nodded, "Good luck to her," and he meant that sincerely, at least until he figured out what kind of person she was. He knew not everyone was kind or welcoming, or hell, sociable. He was on the fence most days, how could he not given his upbringing? Thankfully though, through Remus, his dad, he got better, but he was never going to be the epitome of outgoing. He liked to think he did well though.

"I shall inform her you gave her your best," Alfred replied, glancing at the time, even for vampires it went by too swiftly.

"I'm sure you will," Harry commented, "Is Maria back yet?" he'd never been more aware that parents didn't just sit at home when you were at school. Maria Zabini had a lot of friends and did a whole load of socialising with them. Also went on many holidays and brought back the most fascinating of items.

"Her portkey is set for this evening, 4 AM." Alfred answered, "Shall I ask if she'd be happy to spend breakfast with you upon her return?"

"I'll write the note," Harry told Alfred as he approached him, Alfred stepped out the room and Harry closed it tightly behind him. He didn't want her to feel like she was being summoned or 'made' to come. Not that anything could make Maria do anything. She was stubborn and she'd instilled that stubbornness in her son, Blaise. He liked to think she'd instilled that same stubbornness in him too. Just the thought of it nearly had him in peals of laughter.

"Of course," Alfred agreed, and within a few seconds they were at the doors of the castle, vampires were speedy creatures when they wanted to be. There was nothing quite like actually running at full speed, honestly. Harry often wondered why vampires didn't do it more often. It was like…constantly clenching your fist to stop yourself from punching someone. It was honestly the only way Harry could think to explain it.

The first two Corin and Anne – who actually usually worked on the food rotation – were quick to Apparate, to be the advanced team. Checking out everywhere to ensure their Lords Consort wasn't walking into an ambush. However unlikely it was, they did what they needed to do to continue to safeguard their Lord's consort, especially in his delicate state.

"What are you waiting for?" Erin asked, watching from behind Alfred, more curious than disrespectful. However, she was very quick to clam up and stare at the floor after one angry look from Alfred. She knew well enough he was the decision factor, the make or break for her being in the Prince Clan.

"Apparation coordinates or someone to side-long apparate me," Harry said dryly, giving Alfred a look that spoke volumes. He hated the necessity of tradition, of the bowing and scraping and things like that. However, it must be observed, some of it at any rate. The way she was going…it definitely wasn't the right fit for her. Severus wouldn't have been impressed if he heard, of that he was certain. "I've never been to Celestial Alley."

"What would you prefer?" Storm asked Harry, it was safe to Apparate or in this situation side-long apparate someone when they were pregnant. In fact, it was safer than them apparating, you never know when the magic would act up and potentially interfere.

"Side-long, hurry though, we won't have long," Harry said, gesturing impatiently for Storm to get on with it. He was rather looking forward to seeing as much as he could in the time he had.

Storm wasted no time in moving towards Harry, and once secure, she wrapped them in her magic and apparated both to Celestial Alley.

"Holy crap," Harry uttered, blinking owlishly at the sight before him. markets and stalls as far as the eye could see. He could hear English and French being spoken, as people had conversations, haggled, laughed and made merry. Hags, wizards, witches, Naga's, those with mixed ancestry, goblins, it was honestly, the most amazing sight he'd ever seen in his life. "I…I think I'm going to love it here." He confessed, eyes roaming over everything, just wanting to see all there was to see. To think this was just the market part of Celestial Alley…what would the rest of it be like? And the smell…was divine.

"France is most advanced when it comes to creature rights," Storm said, watching everything with a critical eye. Ensuring her Lord's Consorts safety and of course, just watching to see what had changed since she was here last.

"Most of the people here can't be termed creatures!" Harry protested most vehemently, insulted and offended on their behalf. He could smell other vampires, nomads, werewolves, lots of wizards and witches and everything in-between.

"In Britain you'd be surprised, the only acceptable thing there are wizards and witches, no exceptions." Corin added, pleasantly surprised by his surge of defensive anger on their behalf. Shouldn't have been, after all, Harry had been raised since the age of eleven, by a werewolf.

"That's just stupid, we've all likely got some form of creature blood in us, even if it's far down the line." Harry scoffed unimpressed, lips pursing in distaste at the very prejudicial world he lived in.

"And most people will hide it, deny it," Storm answered serenely, which was very true. "Anything to prevent it getting out, like it's something shameful." A disgusted curl of her lips the only show she felt anything regarding those who did hide away.

Harry huffed, shaking off his morse thoughts, determined that it wouldn't ruin his afternoon. It was likely Blaise and Theo likely already knew about this, and definitely Marie. She loved shopping, he wished they'd thought to mention it, this place just felt…alive.

"I can't believe nobody has mentioned this place before," Harry commented, he was very envious of everyone who had gotten to experience this long before him. "I wonder why Remus hasn't said anything!" he'd definitely be giving his dad a what for when he saw him next.

"The food is utterly divine, they sell the most delicious cuts of meat," Anne exclaimed quietly, but enthusiastically. "Freshly cut for the day, and for the quality it's extremely well priced. It was affordable for those that couldn't get work, especially in the magical world. It was so backwards in Britain."

"Makes me wonder why anyone stays," Harry scowled petulantly, as he begun to move, quicker than he should, but he didn't care in his excitement. "They'd be quick enough to beg us to come back if we all left together." The smell of meat was strong, it looked like there were rows upon rows of food stuffs.

Storm laughed a little, "Other countries would shut that shit down, right away, do you know how many creatures there are in Britain?"

Harry grumbled under his breathe, "I know, thousands of hundreds," grimacing, he knew it wasn't really something anyone could logically do. It took money, means, opportunities, and the authorities letting you into the country. Unlike the muggle world, you couldn't get away with remaining in their country passed your visit status, second you did magic – even just a little – you're caught and deported. Believe it or not, people couldn't just stop using magic, it just wasn't done. "An inner dimensional trunk would be exactly what you need…can you imagine the space in those things? All you need to do is have one person become a French magical citizen and boom, stay in the truck for the rest of time, nobody would know otherwise."

"I'm sure that would go over well with everyone," Storm snorted, "Just how are they meant to survive without money? Food? Medical bills?"

"We take healers, enough food and money with us to last us," Harry teased her, knowing it was impossible but, well, if horses were wishes then beggars would ride. He'd be amongst them wishing to make life for his people – and the rest of the creature/beast population's lives worth living.

"If only," came a wry reply.

"What is all this?" Harry asked one particular vendor, who was surrounded by meat.

The sales person begun to inform him what were his most popular meats, while pointing towards the names, which were clearly emblazoned on the front of the trays of the aforementioned meat. Underneath the scent of meats, he could smell subtle scents of snake, Naga perhaps? Either that or they had a snake on them, but the smoke was confounding his senses, which it did do to everything that used their sense of smell, like vampires and werewolves and the like.

"I'd love four of everything," Harry explained, "It is safe for witches – especially pregnant witches – to consume, right?" he wouldn't want anything to happen to his siblings after all. He didn't want to think on the complicated relationship Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, Sirius and Remus would share now their lives were co-mingled due to the looming birth of Remus' twins. He knew next to nothing on what was and wasn't safe for pregnant people to eat. He should, considering he himself was pregnant but just being pregnant didn't make you an expert.

He was reassured that everything was safe for consumption regardless of gender or race. That they had standards in which they had to meet, in order to sell their food on the market. They showed off their awards and ribbons – bit like the muggle world then – only these were magical and likely not as easily gotten. That the black market was a mar on all decent folk.

Taking the package, once it was wrapped in brown paper, he handed over the money and a generous tip. He refused to hear of getting any change, glaring at Storm when she attempted to take it for him. "Keep it." His tone firm but kind, giving the vendor a smile, he begun to meander towards the next stall, having every intention of looking at each and every stall that caught his attention.

"Are your two Aurors struggling to make ends meet?" Storm asked Harry, sounding more like a vampire seeking gossip than a guard that she was. Make no mistake, however, for Storm was vigilant in her protection of Harry. Whether this was a last-minute thing (if you counted making it yesterday) mattered not.

"Uh, no why do you ask?" Harry asked, befuddled by Storm's question giving her an odd look as he browsed vegetables, handing over random items, which were promptly placed in a paper bag with handles for him after he handed over the sickles.

"You're buying them food," Storm pointed out the obvious.

"Ohhh, uh, no, well, not really," Harry commented, "Aurors don't make as much money as you think they do. Tonks less so since she wasn't getting any overtime, stuck behind a desk all day now, she's legally not allowed in the field. Properties in London as a lot of money, assuming she rents of course…and she's buying lots for the baby, its eaten up her savings. Dad would love to help more, but he would never take my money, even if he should get it. So, food, making sure they're okay that way will help."

"Doesn't Black have a veritable fortune?" Anne queried, it had been that way for…Merlin, since the dark ages for goodness sake. They were one well known family, and to think they were down to one last male heir. A family that had lasted that long in the main line…it was shameful to see it die out. Regretfully all families and names die out, it was the way of the world.

"I suppose so," Harry commented, shrugging indifferently, "I wouldn't know though."

Corin nudged Anne, who saw them shake their heads vehemently, warning her against speaking about Black too much. Most of the vampires knew of Harry's general distaste for Sirius Black. As ill-placed as it was, it was regretfully bone deep now, and while it had faded a little. Harry would never care for his godfather the way he should. He did tolerate him though, but for his dad, Remus, more than anything. Mates were too precious for Harry to dare mess it up for his dad.

"Doesn't she intend to have a baby shower?" Corin was quick – but subtle – to change the subject.

"With them having possible creature inheritance? I highly doubt it." Harry said sourly, "Tonks has been trying to keep things as low key, only her co-workers, parents and well, us, know about the father of the children." He understood why though, if people knew…it would be used against them, even if they didn't turn out to be werewolves. Remus didn't even mind either! In fact, he was quite relieved that the twins would be 'safe' Harry was gravely offended on his dad's behalf. He didn't blame anyone in particular, he knew they were making the best of the situation. Didn't mean Harry couldn't be annoyed about it, or seething furious, such was life regretfully.

"It's better for them that way," came the sorrowful murmur from Anne. No child deserved to be derided, to be hated, to be treated like a leaper. It was no life for a child, no, best for them to be with their own kind if it was known. At least that way they'd have a normal childhood. Regretfully though, that 'normal' childhood came at the expense of coming to hate creatures too.

Its why most vampires gravitated towards vampires, and, hags to hags, werewolves remaining with werewolves etc… it shouldn't have been that way. Magic was magic, and it should be celebrated, regardless of species, but welcome to the human race, intolerant to anyone or anything different.

"Agreed," Harry commented, causing Anne to startle, had she said that out loud? She certainly hadn't meant to…shaking off her maudlin thoughts for when she'd been human, she turned back to her focus. Buying up food, vegetables and such as well to fill the kitchens with produce again. As she primarily worked there, she knew exactly what was liked, and what was needed.

"Thinking of your own sprog?" Storm teased, she could scarcely believe that how quickly her Lord and Lord Consort had expected their first child. Glenn and Rose had gone decades before she'd given birth – and to a lot of people shamefully a girl – their feelings reinforced when she disappeared and failed to do her duty.

Harry laughed, "When am I not?" and it was true, the anxiety he felt was almost constant. They'd be well loved, treasured, they'd want for nothing…but the trade-off wasn't always worth it. It was a lot to put on a seventeen-year-old's shoulders. He should know, he'd really rather they had a chance to live before they were thrust onto a throne and declared king of the world.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Storm ceased her teasing, staring at Harry seriously, she'd be anything he needed, guard, therapist, friend, anything.

"Most of it you already know," Harry commented, as he ventured into another stall, "I don't…no, I won't have any child I have treated different if they're a girl. It's why I'm trying to change things up without getting rid of all the traditions. I know a lot of people probably hate me for it, you know, for doing something different, but I can't let how they're running things continue." Not afraid to say what he meant, even Severus was standing behind him, agreeing with him, and he meant it. That support meant more than he could express.

"Hate you for it? No, absolutely not, you're giving a lot of people hope. Don't get us wrong, it's alright, better than the past, but we'd love to flourish. You're changing things for a lot of people who are grateful for it. Don't let a few people make you doubt yourself." Corin explained, Storm nodded firmly in full agreement.

"Tell that to the lack of anyone coming forward to be Elders," Harry grumbled, "I was hoping to get at least fifty, we're nowhere near that. In fact, there's a few that just aren't right for what I want to do. They're all for the revenge angle, sort of, not so much as revenge but…"

"To gloat?" Storm summarized what Harry was struggling to think of an appropriate word to explain the situation.

"Eh, that's as close as I can get to the word I'd like to use," Harry grumbled, but it wasn't quite what he was looking for. "I need to get a thesaurus." He groused, moving on again.

Storm and Corin laughed, finding amusement in Harry's predicament.

"Haughty?"

"Conceited?"

"Superior?"

"All the above," Harry commented, handing over dozens of spices, he'd cooked for Remus a few times and knew his tastes so he knew he'd like every single one of them. Although, whether they would go with the meat he'd chosen remained to be seen. Handing over the money, "Keep the change," he told the vendor, adding it to his lot.

"Thank you, kind, Sir," came the answer, Harry smiled and waved the thanks off.

Skipping a few tables, having no interest in them, they turned around and begun to make their way down the second row of the market. There were like twenty rows, and if Harry wanted to, he could be done in a few minutes. However, he took his time, just enjoying being out, doing something different. Tomorrow was going to be rather laborious, he believed.

"Now this is more like it," Harry proclaimed, noticing one of the stalls was positively groaning with the weight of the chocolate and sweets atop of it. Grinning happily, rubbing his hands gleefully, where to start? Where to start? He ultimately bought a dozen of everything, the vendor had rolled his eyes, thinking he was exaggerating, then he gaped when it became clear he was serious before he was quick to magic those dozen items into a box clear as day.

The price caused Storm to whistle, that was quite a haul, once paid the vendor happily handed over the box of items.

"Growing up I never had anything like this, oh it was eaten in front of me though, and I was so jealous. When I could finally have it…I went too far, dad had to put a stop to my binge eating of sweets. It would have gotten very unhealthy; it didn't help that I was sickly from malnutrition." Harry explained, seeing their looks. "It wasn't easy, but we got through it together." It helped that he didn't have much money to begin with, his father being stupid to give it away without any end date. No, it really wasn't just his father though, to be fair, it had been Dumbledore that ensured it. His parents had just trusted the wrong person.

"Malnutrition, I assume he was scared you might get refeeding syndrome?" Corin asked, a frown developing over what they'd all just heard.

"Yeah, I was making myself sick eating everything just wanting to taste it all, to find out if it was as good as I thought it would be." Harry replied, just thinking of Dudley had helped, he hadn't wanted to turn out like the walrus at all. They were related, which meant he could end up like him.

"Does our Lord know?" Anne asked, they'd need to be cautious if that was the case, so as not to cause any fallback.

"Unless Remus said anything, no, it's never came up," Harry shrugged, it was only a few months before he put a stop to it. It's not like he was in danger of repeating it, not after six years passing after his gluttonous need to taste everything.

"Does your family have a penchant for addictive personalities?" Anne questioned softly, barely breathing the words in sheer worry she'd offend him.

"Addictive personalities?" was echoed by Harry, giving her a look of utter bafflement, as they moved through the tables, he had no need for kitchen items or bedding, so it was quick shooting through three rows of the market with ease.

"It's hypothesised words to describe people with addictions, whether it be in regards to being addicted to food, alcohol, drugs, potions, herbs, smoking even vampires can become addicted to blood, with continuous drinking even when one isn't thirsty." Anne explained, "They say it's a black and white way of discussing something that's highly complex."

"Oh, then no, not really, not that I know of," Harry replied, "Just the side that married into the family." Grimacing at the words coming out of his mouth, he didn't consider them family, even if that's what they technically were. The Dursley family definitely had what she called 'addictive personalities' with both food and alcohol. Well, the older Dursley's, the parents, Vernon and Marge, Dudley, well, he'd been too young, but he was likely just exactly like his father. Was addictive personalities actually a thing or was it something that had been coined recently? He certainly hadn't heard it before; he made a mental note to do some research though.

As predicted it didn't take Harry long to make his way through the market, especially when there were stalls that just didn't hold his attention. Jewellery, both real and fake. Arts and crafts. Vintage goods, pet foods of all kinds, pet treats too, leads, and an assortment of items. Stalls filled with flowers and plants. Coffee and breads, soaps and toys.

The Crocheting and knitting definitely gleaned his attention, but just before he moved towards the stall, something caught his attention.

"Oh my gosh! That's just adorable!" Harry said, picking up the beautiful faux wolf pelt, he could smell it wasn't the genuine thing thank goodness. Although, he wasn't sure Remus would like the idea, but it was so soft and lovely, it would be like lying on a cloud.

Storm coughed out a laugh, "Okay, you have to let me be there when you give him that."

"What makes you think it's for Remus?" Harry asked wryly, shaking his head. "Nope, I was thinking of getting it for the little ones…not sure Tonks would appreciate it…but I reckon Remus would get a laugh out of it." Stroking it with his fingers, humming thoughtfully, perhaps he'd keep it for himself.

Severus would definitely not be amused.

"The synthetic scent isn't a pleasant one," Harry realized, wrinkling his nose. "Perhaps not this one then."

"I'm sure we can get a real one for you," Storm teased him.

Harry rolled his eyes, "One day I'll have the creatures all reunited in a cause, and the hatred between all of us will be focused where it should be." He promised, as he left the stall and moved towards the crocheting and knitting, which he did end up buying a few items, the wolf buttons had absolutely nothing to do with it, not at all.

Nobody thought much of it, but unbeknown to them, Harry would indeed live up to that statement.

Time to head home, read the letters, talk to Remus, before having some alone time with Severus. The best part of his day, hands down.

A/n – yay! Finally another update of this for you and good news there's another following directly behind it ;) that will be fun since we finally get to the meeting with the elders ;) with the first of the females joining in ahh to write their faces and reactions is going to be so much fun! R&R please