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New Family	By : kirallie Category: Anita Blake > Crossovers > AB/Harry Potter Views: 18587 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series nor Harry Potter. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Disclaimer: No change.
Don’t worry about the Serpent Lord thing, this will not be a Harry is all-powerful fic although he is pretty powerful.

‘Parseltongue’

Chapter 10 – Secrets Shared and Truths Learned

Harry paced the length of his bedroom for what must have been the thousandth time. Tonight would be the first time he’d seen his friends since his ‘change’ and he was more than a little nervous. What if they didn’t accept him now? Okay so their group already had a half-Veela so obviously they were pretty accepting but this was a little different to being able to charm guys into following you around like puppies.

“Harry, Joshua is here!” Richard called. After the first day when Shang-Da had called him Harry, Joshua had asked him about it. Harry had told the Outcasts that Harry was his middle name, and that his cousin called him that as a nick-name, and that all his cousin's friends did the same because they didn't know any better at first, and then once it had been explained it was too late, and they already thought of him as Harry. He grabbed his bag at Richards yell, although he found it alarming that he’d heard and smelt Joshua before his cousin had called.

“Coming!” He called back. He picked Padfoot up and headed to the living room. Kek was content to remain on his wrist, accepting the puppy’s enthusiastic licks without comment. He’d been surprised at how well all the animals got along, because he’d been sure one of the owls would try to eat Kek but they had simply accepted the small snake into their weird family.
“Hey Joshua.” Harry greeted as he smiled at his friend who shifted nervously.

“So, you liked the gift?” Joshua asked. He’d seen the snake and was hoping James wasn’t too mad.

“I need to talk to everyone about him.” Harry said and shrugged. He’d realised a few days ago that there was no point getting mad at Joshua, because he couldn’t have known what would happen. He handed Padfoot to Richard and grinned as the puppy licked the werewolf’s face happily.

“Sure. Well, you ready? We’re Flooing from my place.” Joshua said.

“Yeah, see you later Richard.” Harry called over his shoulder to Richard as they left the house.

“Have fun and try to stay out of trouble. No drinking! New Years or not.” Richard ordered as he appeared and gave them a playful push out the door. The two teens laughed as they scrambled into Josh’s car, waving as the drove off.

“Still can’t drive?” Josh asked as he stopped at a light, turning to look at his friend. There was something different about James but he couldn’t figure out what.

“No, but Richard’s been trying to teach me, and I'm taking lessons at school next term. I’m not very good at it yet.” Harry said as he grinned sheepishly.

“Don’t worry about it, you’ll get the hang of it soon.” Josh said, before he turned and concentrated on the road as the light changed.
“So, what do you need to talk to us about?” he asked curiously.

“Can you wait, please? I’d rather only tell it once.” Harry said as he fidgeted slightly in the seat, nervousness rushing back.

“Sure, we’ll be at my place in a few minutes.” Joshua said, and they spent the rest of the drive in silence.

------------
“Well, we’re all here. What’s the news James?” Josh grinned at Harry while the others gave him curious looks. They were all comfortably ensconced in Lan’s basement where they would be sleeping for the night. It was the only room large enough to hold them all and his parents were quite happy for them to make noise in it since they were two floors up.

“Is this place warded?” Harry asked. Lan blinked at the serious question.

“Only the basic wards on the rest of the house.” He said tentatively.

“Think your parents would mind if we threw up some temps?” Harry asked.

“As long as they’re down by morning. James what’s going on?” Lan questioned. He wasn’t the only one wondering from the looks on the others faces.

“Please?” Harry asked. Lan nodded and they went to work. It took an hour but when they finished the resulting wards were strong enough that it would take a team of Aurors at least a day to crack their wards.
“Okay, did Joshua mention what he was getting me for Christmas?” Harry asked the group.

“Only that it was a great surprise, why?” Rita said. She was worried, what had the group’s jokester gotten the newest Outcast? What could he possibly have gotten that required this much secrecy?

“He gave me a snake, this snake.” Harry said. He hissed at his sleeve for a second and suddenly there was a small snake on the ground in the middle of their circle.
“His name is Kek.” Harry said.

“Egyptian god of darkness?” Star asked, curious as to why Harry had chosen that name.

“Yes, but don’t look at me, he came with the name. Where Joshua managed to get his hands on a magical snake that happens to be extremely lethal and blindingly fast I have no clue.” Harry said heatedly.

“What! I got the thing from the pet store, the muggle one! I swear it, there was no way I could have known.” Josh looked panicked; he could get in a lot of trouble if Harry decided to tell a teacher or the Ministry.

“Which is why I gave up being angry at you, relax. Once Kek realised I was a Wizard he offered to bond, and I figured he meant a normal familiar bond so I agreed. Next thing I knew his fangs were in my wrist, Richard was yelling and I was getting very dizzy. Kek called me a Serpent Lord and then it got weird, I could feel this presence in my mind, cold but comforting and I suddenly knew things that I couldn’t about snakes. I blacked out at that point. When I came to I was in a car with Richard and Jamil on the way to the hospital. They’d removed Kek and I’d gone into convulsions. I threw up and then got Kek from the box Richard had put him in. I felt really weird, and it was almost like being under the Imperious but not. That lasted till I saw my eyes, and then I freaked out. Kek won’t answer any questions about what a Serpent Lord is but my senses are incredible now; I don’t need my glasses and I knew Josh was at the door before he rang the doorbell.” Harry stopped, watching his friends’ reactions closely.

“What about your eyes made you freak, they look normal now.” Nicole pointed out.

“Don’t scream or anything, okay?” Harry said. He waited till they’d all agreed before changing his eyes.

“Wow! Shit, James I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” Joshua couldn’t take his eyes of his friend, guilt overwhelming him. How could he have been so stupid?

“That’s not all, is it?” Nicole asked. She could tell James was still holding back. He nodded and opened his mouth wide. Two glistening, curved fangs appeared. They were like snakes' but a bit smaller than they should have been considering the size of his mouth, and they didn’t look like they’d cause too many problems if he were talking. Rita moved a little closer, studying them and his eyes.

“Incredible, are you venomous?” She asked.

“No clue, and I’m not exactly going to bite someone just to find out.” Harry pointed out as he shrugged.

“Bite a rat or something.” Tim suggested.

“Ewww! Tim, that’s disgusting!” Shelley pulled a face and everyone laughed, tension gone. Harry let his fangs retract and his eyes change back.

“So, are you guys are okay with this?” Harry asked. He played with his shirt cuff, refusing to look at them, so he missed seeing the looks that passed among the group of fond exasperation.

“YES!” They all yelled together, causing him to jump and look up.

“James, you have to be very careful who you tell, and be careful around muggles. They might think you’re a were-snake or something and panic.” Tim pointed out even as he was searching his bag for his book.

“I know. There’s something else I want to tell you. But I need magical oaths from all of you that you won’t tell a soul about it or the Serpent Lord thing.” Harry said seriously. The group instantly gave their oaths. They’d only known him for four months but the trusted him.
“I haven’t been completely honest with you since first day." Harry began nervously.
"My name isn’t James Black, its Harry James Potter-Black. I’m hiding from the British Wizarding World so that’s why I’ve been using James Black. I’m sorry I lied but I didn’t know you at first and I’ve felt really bad about hiding this. Can you forgive me?” He finished miserably.

“I figured it out ages ago.” Nicole shrugged, unconcerned.

“Harry Potter? Cool. But you don’t have…oh.” Tim had trailed off because Harry had raised his bangs and wiped the makeup off a lightning bolt-shaped scar.

“James Black or Harry Potter, you’re still our friend.” Lan stated, getting nods of agreement from the others.

“I know why you wanted oaths though, because if the Death Eaters found out you’re here, and living with a muggle…” Lan trailed off. They might not live in Britain, but they got the picture.

“Yeah.” Harry agreed. He couldn’t help it, but he was grinning like an idiot. His friends knew and it didn’t change anything. Harry didn't feel worried in the least about concealing Richard's secrets from them, after all, they were not his to share, and there was no reason for his friends to need to know anyway.

“So, who’s up for research when we get back to school?” Tim said, and grinned at their groans but Nicole nodded.

“Tim’s right, we need to find any and all information there is on Serpent Lords. James, Harry I mean, needs to be prepared and every bit will help.” She said firmly.
"Goodness," she looked startled; "it'll be hard to start thinking of you as Harry now."
Harry smiled at her.

"Actually," he said, I'd rather you all just called me James." The other smiled and nodded at him.

“Fine, and Tim and Nic are right. I will see what the Veela have.” Star stated earning a thankful smile.

“Now that that’s sorted let's head outside. James has never seen a New Orleans New Years celebration before.” Joshua said as he stood, helping Rita up. The group headed upstairs; laughing and fooling around like a typical group of teenagers.

-----
“How’d it go?” Richard asked, passing Harry a glass of juice.

“It was great!” Harry said as he sat opposite his cousin.
“They’ve decided we need to research when we get back to school and they don’t care what my name is. Joshua was babbling for a while until I reassured him I wasn’t mad about the bond though. They found the fangs kinda cool actually.” Harry said clearly unable to believe it. He shrugged, and drank his juice.

“Planning to tell any of your teachers?” Richard asked. He was a little worried about that, what would they do?

“I’m going to tell Amanda, because she’s been helping me out of class with my shielding and stuff so she’d probably pick up on it even if I didn’t. Mrs. Smythe should be told I guess and the nurse, just in case.” Harry said.
"And she'll probably tell Ethan, like she told him about me being Harry Potter." he said. When Ethan had first told him he knew Harry had been very shocked, but Ethan had explained it was a security measure so that some one besides Mrs. Smythe knew who he was. He could accept that.

“Make sure you do the oath thing, just in case they panic.” Richard reminded him.

“I know Richard.” Harry sighed in exasperation as his cousin fretted.

--------------
Harry and Tim jumped as the heavy tome hit the desk sending dust flying and causing them to cough.

“I found something.” Nicole said, smiling as she opened the book, turning it so they could all see. “I figured since Kek is an Egyptian name to start with Egyptian myths and history,” she said.

“And you obviously found something in it.” Tim commented, trying to remove the dust from his glasses.

“Here.” They looked where she was pointing.
“During the Sixteenth Dynasty there was a Pharaoh who could apparently speak with serpents. It is said that he even took on some of their features when in emotional extremes.” She read aloud.

“This could be a normal Parseltongue or a were Nic.” Tim pointed out.

“Except for this.” She said as she turned the page and pointed the picture.
“Look familiar?”

“That’s Kek.” Harry said in shock as he blinked at the page; it was definitely his bonded, or at least a member of the same species. As he stared the squiggles on the page changed, becoming understandable to him.

“I don’t know what’s up with those squiggles, they’re not hieroglyphs or any writing I recognise, although Star might know, because she's doing Egyptian Hieroglyphs.” Nicole commented.

“Parseltongue, they’re written in Parseltongue.” Harry said. They looked at Harry in surprise but it did make sense when they thought about it.

“Can you read it?" Tim asked.

‘I am Ssserpent Lord and Great Pharaoh Asssim, King over all. To my Heir-nessstling I leave a gift. May Kek protect you ass He hass my nessst-group and me for all Eternity. You are my Heir, asss only one of my line can read thisss. Kek is yourss by blood, asss iss our title. You are the next Ssserpent Lord, and I bid to to usse your power well my Heir.’ Harry read out.

“Um, could you repeat that, in English this time?” Tim said. He was looking at him strangely while Nic was studying the picture.

“What? Oh, okay. Basically the Pharaoh’s name was Asim and he was a Serpent Lord. And yes, that is Kek in the picture. Apparently the Pharaoh left a gift for the next Lord, although he doesn’t say what it is.” Harry stopped translating; surely the rest was a mistake?

“And? Come on James, you can tell us. I put up silencing spells so no one else will hear you.” Nicole said, giving him a look that said tell or else and he didn’t want to find out what the or else was.

“He calls the reader his Heir and says that they are of his bloodline since only one of his line could read it.” Harry admitted and shrugged.
“It can’t mean me though, I get my Parselmouth ability from Voldemort.” He said with certainty.

“Do you really? I mean no one really knows if you did since no one’s ever survived the Killing Curse before. What if it just activated some latent talents in your family, and not necessarily the Potter side? It could come form your mom, because after all Asim lived in Ancient Egypt. Although really there’s no way to know.” Nicole pointed out.

“What about a family tree spell? It would take a lot to go back that far but at least you would know.” Tim suggested as he finally gave up on cleaning his glasses, which were still slightly smudged but were as good as they were going to get while inside the older part of the school library.

“Maybe, I’ll talk to Amanda, I mean professor Belrose.” Harry said.

“Has James got a crush on a teacher?” Tim cooed. Harry blushed at Tim’s teasing.

“No Tim, she insisted I use her first name when we’re alone since a lot of my spare time is spent training with her. That’s all. I better get to class, because I don’t want to be late for Professor Hawkes again.” Harry said as he hurried off.

“See you later!” Tim told him with a grin.

---------------
“You really like being different, don’t you Harry?” Amanda said. She grinned as she watched him fidget.

“Not really Amanda. Can we please get on with it?” Harry asked.

“Spoil sport.” Amanda teased.

“Amanda.” Harry said as he frowned at the Dark Arts teacher.

“Okay. By the way, Alex said he thinks you can transfer up to my class this term.” She relented and told him the good news.

“Really?” Harry asked in delight.

“Yeah, apparently you seem gifted in the Dark Arts.” Amanda said. She grinned at him, because if she’d said that to him a few months back he would have panicked, but now he just accepted it. “Well, today we’re going to see if you can keep me out of your mind while performing a ritual.” She laughed as he groaned and then they got to work.

------------
“What do you want Jean-Claude?” Richard glared at the vampire lounging in the Circus’ ‘living room’.

“Your cousin.” Jean-Claude said softly.

“Leave Harry alone.” Richard growled.

“Ah, but I can not do that Mon ami. He is a mystery and I do so enjoy a good mystery. Your protectiveness of the young one is surprising, and Anita's unexpected.” Jean-Claude admitted.

“Why? He’s my family.” Richard said.

“But he is one of the Monsters, and you hate monsters. Even yourself.” Jean-Claude said as he sat up straight and stared at Richard.

“Harry is not a monster! He is human! It doesn't matter that he can use magic. I may be a werewolf but that does not make me a monster either.” Richard’s glare went up a notch.

“Mon dieu! Finally you accept what you are. Who has helped you to see this Mon loupe?” Jean-Claude said in honest delight.

“Harry. I said I was a monster and my cousin blew his top.” Richard admitted. Jean-Claude stared at Richard for a while before smiling slightly.

“The child is good for you. In a few short months he has made you see what others have been telling you for years. Harry has my protection for as long as he remains in my territory. None of my vampires will harm him.” Jean-Claude announced. The statement was worth it just to see the look of shock on Richard’s face but he meant it, the boy was good for their Ulfric.

“I… thank you Jean-Claude.” Richard said sincerely before he turned to go.

“Will you not stay? Ma petite will be here soon.” Jean-Claude offered.

“And that’s why I’m leaving.” Richard explained.

“Why must you fight so?” Jean-Claude said. He had moved without Richard hearing and was now resting a hand on his shoulder. Richard tried to ignore the spark of something it caused.

“Ask Anita. I’ll see you later.” Richard said as he forced himself to leave the room and not look back.

-------
Richard stared as Jamil rushed Harry, grabbing the teen in a tackle. He could do nothing but stare in shock as Harry twisted in his Enforcers arms, breaking his hold and quickly moving out of reach. The two circled each other slowly, looking for an opening.

“Hey Richard.” Jason tossed him a soda as he emerged from the house, taking a seat on the porch.

“What’s going on?” Richard said as he automatically took a sip from the can but didn’t sit.

“Relax, they’re just sparing.” Jason shrugged.

“Jamil could kill him at that level!” Richard cried.

“He won’t, he’s your bodyguard, heck he’s practically Harry’s bodyguard these days. He knows how to watch his strength. Besides, he has yet to land a hit. For a human Harry’s pretty fast and agile.” Jason said.

“How long have they been doing this?” Richard asked suspiciously. He turned back to the fight.

“Since about a week after Christmas, Harry had to beg Jamil to up their fights this much. Except for one or two bruises nothing’s happened to Harry, Jamil is very careful. Harry needed the extra practice away from class to control his new abilities.” Jason admitted. Richard finally sat next to Jason.

“He’s good.” Richard admitted after a while.

“He’s improved a lot since Christmas.” Jason replied. The two exchanged looks.
“He’s gotten faster and more flexible plus now he can sense Jamil’s moves before he really starts them. If he had the extra strength it would be like two shifters fighting.”

“He’s not that fast.” Richard said with a frown.

“No, but its close. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.” Jason insisted.

“I haven’t seen him in a situation where he’s needed it.” Richard pointed out.

“Point.” Jason acknowledged, then turned and watched the fight and began cheering Harry on. The teen flicked a glance their way and grinned cheekily at them before turning his attention back to his opponent.

“I talked to Jean-Claude last night.” Richard said. Jason looked back at his Ulfric, nodding. “He’s given Harry his protection.” The younger wolf grinned.

“That’s good, right?” Jason said in delight.

“Yeah. But he never does something for nothing.” Richard said, as he shrugged slightly.

“Maybe he’s scared of Kek? That’s one creepy snake!” Jason offered. Richard laughed at the face Jason pulled.

“Maybe.” He said with a smile.

“Or maybe he’s hoping you two can stop fighting all the time?” Jason suggested more seriously.

“Has he said something?” Richard asked. Jason stared at the fight, not answering.
“Jason?” Richard tried again.

“He was arguing with Anita last night after you left. It was about you but I couldn’t hear everything. I did hear him tell her to stop antagonising you all the time.” Jason shrugged.
“You guys are stuck with each other for as long as you live, he probably doesn’t want to spend it fighting.” He continued.

“Maybe. Good shot Harry!” Richard called out as he waved a greeting. Jamil glared at Richard, nursing his ribs.

“That’s enough for the day kid.” He ordered.

“Sure, you okay Jamil?” Harry looked worried and a bit sheepish.

“Fine, go say hi to Richard.” Jamil said. Harry scrambled away and up the porch leaving behind a grinning Jamil. As Harry left his smile faded. He’d actually felt that hit, not as much as from another lycanthrope but still stronger than someone of Harry’s build should have been able to manage. Unhappily, he wondered how Richard would react when he told him.

-------------
“Hi Mr. Zeeman, I’m Star.” Star Llewellyn held out her hand and was confused when the guy laughed.

“Sorry, I’m Jason, Richard’s in the kitchen, so follow me.” He said as he led her into the house. “So, you’re one of Harry’s school friends.” He said.

“Yeah, I'm a friend of James. You’re a friend of Mr. Zeeman’s?” She guessed.

“And Harry. Here we go, you’re the last to arrive.” Star smiled at the blond and joined the other Outcasts in the kitchen.

“Hey Star.” Harry smiled and gave her a hug.
“Richard this is Star. Star, my cousin Richard,” he introduced.

“Pleased to meet you sir.” She said as she extended her hand and he took it.

“Richard’s fine. You sure you’ll be fine Harry?” Richard fussed.

“We’ll be fine Richard. Now get going before you’re late!” Harry ordered. Richard laughed and hugged his cousin.

“Fine, we’re not wanted here Jason. See you later, it was nice meeting you all.” He said. The teens chatted about school until they were sure they were gone.

“You sure about this Harry?” Joshua asked, more than a little nervous.

“Positive, come on. We need to do this out the back, we’ll need the room and we won’t have to worry about getting blood out of the carpet.” Harry said with certainty.

“You’re going to lose a lot of blood to go back that far.” Lan warned.

“I know, but you brought supplies didn't you Lan?” Harry asked.

“Of course, but if I think this is going too far though I will put a stop to it.” The young Healer pointed out.
"I already tested your blood type to find out what type you are so we’re all set if you need a transfusion or anything." He said.

“Deal. Let’s get started.” Harry said hastily. He really didn't want Lan to start asking questions in that direction. He was very glad that Richard’s house backed onto the woods as well, because there were no nosey neighbours to watch a bunch of teens casting spells and using blood magic.

Harry stood in the centre of the circle, knife in hand. He’d stripped down to his boxers and was shivering in the cold night air. The ritual they were doing had been banned in the UK and was only borderline in the US, which was why they’d wanted no chance of being disturbed. He waited until Nicole had finished her part of the chant he and felt the spine tingling rush of magic as the circle closed, leaving him alone inside it. He took the knife and carefully slit his wrist, letting the blood fall into the cauldron to mix with the previously prepared potion. It didn’t take long for him to start getting dizzy and he grabbed the cauldron to stay upright. He looked up as Shelley screamed, watching as Requiem dropped from the sky.

“Harry! What is going on?” The vampire said, looking very worried. He could feel Harry weakening.

“I’m okay, look out for the circle. It’s okay guys, he won’t hurt you, he’s family. Nicole, explain it to him.” Harry ordered before he turned back to the ritual, beginning the spell after using a quick charm to lightly seal the wound; Lan could do a better job later on this one. He watched as Kek raised himself above the cauldron and let some of his venom seep into the potion.

‘It iss ready, you may drink young Lord.’ Kek said. Harry grabbed the cup he’d put there for that purpose and filled it to the brim before looking at the others. If they’d done one thing wrong this could and probably would kill him. He smiled at them and downed the potion in one go, having learnt from years at Pomfrey’s mercy that all potions tasted foul and were better if swallowed all at once.

Requiem watched along with the teens as Harry drained the cup. He did not like that his Lord was performing such a risky ritual for such little gain. Surely some other spell would have sufficed? He watched as Harry staggered a few steps before his eyes rolled up and he collapsed to the hard ground even as the girl screamed again. One of the young men stepped closer to the circle, obviously planning to break it but was stopped by Nicole.

“No Lan, he’s meant to pass out.” She said unhappily. The young man, Lan, backed down unhappily.
“Tim, now.” She ordered sharply.

“Gotcha.” Tim dropped the contents of the vial he’d been holding onto the parchment spread on the ground and watched as lines and writing began to appear.
“It’s working! Wow! Guys look at this.” They gathered around the paper, making room for the vampire to join them, which was something he appreciated.

“Look, there’s the Evans’ line, Tim follow it back. Shelley follow the Potter one. Nicole, you’ve got the Blacks.” Joshua told them, still keeping an eye on his friend who to all appearances was asleep inside the circle.

“Lily wasn’t muggle-born! Look at this! I don’t believe it!” Tim was all but bouncing.

“What? Merlin! How did they miss this?” Josh stared at it in shock. How had they missed that the Evans’ were descended from Rowena Ravenclaw herself? Then again they’d lost the Slytherin line until Voldemort had shown up so it shouldn’t be that surprising.

“Is there anyone the Black’s aren’t related too? There’s the Malfoys', yuk! The Flints. The Potters, guess Harry’s his own cousin. Hey Star, you’re related to Harry! Even that idiot Fudge! Oh they’re also very distantly related to the Slytherin line, guess that makes Harry and Voldemort very distant cousins, creepy.”

“Potter’s are the same, except for Slytherin and Fudge, thankfully. Actually, the Potters go back to Gryffindor. The Brit’s are really an inbred lot aren’t they? Very vague relationship to Godric Gryffindor, through a fifth cousin of Godric’s, oh wait, and then a daughter or something. Anyone back far enough yet?” Shelley was avidly following her line.

“Nope, haven’t reached BC yet.” Tim answered walking around the parchment to keep his in sight.

“Same here.” Nicole agreed.

“Um, guys? Is that meant to happen?” They all spun to see Lan pointing at a glowing Harry Potter-Black.

“Can’t say that it is.” Nicole said faintly and gulped; nothing in her research had indicated this could happen.
“Get ready to break the circle if we have to.” She ordered, and moved back to her spot, the others following. Kek reared up, hissing angrily causing Nicole to step back. As she did the snake settled again.
“Okay, Kek obviously doesn’t want us to interfere.” She said. They waited since it was all they could do.

“I found it!” Josh yelled.
“Asim, Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt, Sixteenth Dynasty. Died at age twenty-seven, and he left four kids behind. Harry’s descended from the second eldest, Badru." Josh said.

"His name means born during the full moon. Neat." commented Star.

"So after Asim his direct family never held the throne, since it went to the older son.” Josh said.

“Talk about distinguished bloodlines, he’s practically royalty. Many generations removed but still! Add to that the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin connections and wow!” Tim said. He was grinning. A grin that vanished as Harry screamed.

All they could do was stare in shock as the glow focused on several spots on Harry’s body, his lower back, the back of both hands, his upper left arm, and his forehead. Slowly the glow faded and he stopped screaming but showed no signs of waking.

“Are you all right?” Lan spoke. The others turned to see Lan kneeling next to Requiem.

“I’ll be fine.” Requiem said. The teen helped the vampire to his feet. Harry’s pain had flooded their bond before Requiem could even attempt to protect himself from it.

“What happened?” Josh asked, looking from Harry to Requiem.

“He is heir to the House of Black.” Requiem said. The vampire shakily touched his own name on the Black Family tree.

“You’re Orion Black?” Tim stared at him in shock when he figured it out.

“I was, yes.” Requiem admitted. A low groan from the circle had them forgetting about Requiem’s family connections.

“Harry? Are you all right?” Josh called.

“Any one see that herd of hippogriffs?” Harry groaned. They watched as Harry tried to get up only to collapse again.

“Don’t try to move. We’ll break the circle. Lan grab your gear.” Josh started throwing orders around and Requiem stepped back to watch.

Twenty minutes later Harry was safely tucked into bed and there was no sign of the ritual left in Richard’s back yard.

“I wasn’t the only one seeing them, was I?” Lan asked as he collapsed on the couch tired from healing Harry.

“Protection runes.” Requiem stated flatly.

“But that wasn’t part of what we did, was it?” Shelley asked, confused.

“No, it would have made the ritual ten times more complicated and dangerous.” Nicole told them. “I’ll need to double check the marks but they look like Family Runes. Harry will need to hide them with glamour so Josh, since you’re the only one staying the night, don’t forget to tell him before anyone else sees him. I’ll call when I’ve worked them out. I better get home before my parents start to worry.” She said reluctantly and unhappily. The others murmured their own agreement before the group split up, Nic, Star and Lan apparating home since they were already seventeen. The others used portkeys.

“You staying?” Josh asked Requiem as he got his sleeping bag out and set it up in Harry’s room.

“No, I need to return to the Circus before I am missed.” Requiem said as he turned to leave.

“Don’t suppose I need to tell you not to tell anyone?” Josh asked.

“My Lord’s secrets are safe with me.” Requiem said quietly. The vampire inclined his head and was gone. Josh crawled into the bag and fell into an exhausted sleep, the Family Tree securely tucked under his pillow, still filling itself out, unknown to him.

TBC…
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