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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
- 11
- 12
- 13
Disclaimer: Still don’t own them.
Wasn’t planning on this chapter coming out for a while because of classes but it seems they’re being nice first week back. Sorry about the wait. Only three more chapters of the rewrite to go.

Chapter 12: To Say Yes or No?

Anita stared blankly at the teenager sitting opposite her. She replayed what he had said several times in her head before coming to the conclusion that yes, she had heard right the first time.

“Why did you come to me with this Harry? Why not one of the wolves?” She asked carefully, still confused and panicking a bit inside. After all they barley knew each other, and well, it wasn't as if they'd mixed well the first time she'd used her magic around him. The only time. Oh god, Anita chanted over and over again in her mind. How could she get out of this mess? Harry stared down, seemingly fascinated with the tabletop.

“Because you know and care about Richard. I need an as unbiased opinion as I can get and everyone says you are brutally honest no matter what. I already asked some school friends for their opinions so now I’m asking yours.” Harry finally looked up at her as he finished speaking.
“Why does Richard want to do this? Does he really want to or does he feel obligated because we’re related?” Harry’s voice revealed his nervousness and desperation, and for all Anita still tried to hide her abilities, she could smell what he couldn't hide. He really didn’t understand why Richard was offering to do this. Anita tried to breath, and not panic. Not panicking was good. Why had he picked her? She really wasn't good with relationships. Trying to think, Anita took her time to go through everything she knew of the situation and the cousins’ relationship.

“I’d say he’s doing this because he loves you and wants to give you a home that can’t be taken away. He’s changed since meeting you Harry, and it’s a change for the better. You’ve brought joy back into his life and everyone is grateful to you for that. You’ve done something I couldn’t, even when we were engaged. You’ve accepted him for who and what he is. For a long time he was consumed by self-hatred because of his beast and I’ll admit that part of that was my fault.” Anita said slowly and paused to gauge his reaction; she didn’t want to have to have this discussion more than once. Really.
“If he didn’t really want to adopt you he wouldn’t have offered, he’s still your guardian regardless. The question is, do you want this?” Anita questioned him, sitting back in her chair but keeping eye contact with Harry.

“I’ve never had a real family before. The Dursley’s never wanted me, but I was forced on them. The Weasley’s, well, they didn't want me, even when I thought they did. Sirius was the first person to ever want me who knew me before my parents died, but then he died too. Remus couldn't have me, 'cause of stuff. After that I gave up hoping but then I met Richard. He’s done a lot for me, things no one else ever has. About a month after school started I came home with some bruises because of some bullies and he was mad, but not at me. He was angry that they had hurt me and wanted them punished. Took me ages to convince him that Lan had already shown them not to do it again. I’ve never had that before and it feels…indescribable.” Harry was blushing as he fell silent after struggling to describe what he'd felt. He wasn't any good at speaking of his emotions, and he hadn’t meant to reveal that much either.

“You won’t lose that if you say no to the adoption. To Richard you’re Pack, family and nothing will ever change that. This would just make it formal so the whole world would know how much he cares.” Anita said firmly while gently placing a hand over his clenched ones. She didn’t like that he still flinched but at least he hadn’t pulled away.
“You have to do what you think is best for both of you but mainly for yourself. Richard can take care of himself.” She continued. That earnt Anita a smile. It was only a small quirk of his lips that quickly faded, but still, it was something.

“My friends said pretty much the same thing. Thanks Anita.” Harry said quietly.

“No problem. Do you want to stay for a while or head home?” Anita asked, inwardly sighing with relief that she hadn't screwed up, and knowing that Nathaniel liked having Harry around.

“I’ll stay.” Harry answered, still smiling.

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Richard watched, grinning as Harry played fetch with Padfoot in the yard. It had been a week since his talk with Requiem and everything seemed back to normal. He was looking forward to seeing Harry’s first Quidditch match tomorrow and it was all his cousin had talked about for days. The other three teams had all already played at least one match this season and finally Harry’s team had drawn one. The matches were called randomly and all four teams played multiple games. His bodyguards and Jason would also be attending to cheer the young Seeker on. Richard was a little nervous after hearing a few horror stories from Josh and Harry but he was confident that Harry knew what he was doing. After all he’d been playing for six years and was still alive and in one piece. He tossed Harry a water bottle as the teen collapsed next to him.

“Looking forward to tomorrow?” He asked as Padfoot joined them on the deck, tongue lolling. Harry had done a good job of exhausting the puppy and himself.

“Definitely. I barley got to play last year because the Toad banned me.” Harry said, pouring his remaining water into his hand for Padfoot to drink.

“Why did she ban you? You’ve never said.” Richard asked, genuinely curious. Harry had told a few stories about ‘the Toad’, the horrible Umbridge lady that had been his teacher the previous year.

“I may have gotten in a fist fight with Draco.” Harry shrugged as he answered nonchalantly.

“As in the Draco you write too at least once a week?” Richard asked, surprised at hearing that.

“We weren’t friends then, more like rivals. He was always trying to get me into trouble and he succeeded that day. He really sucked up to her, drove everyone mad.” Harry admitted as he smiled at the memories. They didn’t hurt as much anymore, Draco was a friend and family now and he had Richard as well.

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“GO JAMES!!!!” Richard winced as Jason all but screamed in his ear. Not that he blamed him. Harry had become quite graceful on the ground since beginning to train and bonding with Kek but he was pure poetry to watch once in the air. It was weird hearing people cheering for James since his cousin used Harry at home but he would put up with any name his cousin chose to see him so in his element. Richard’s heart leapt into his throat, as Harry plummeted towards the ground only to pull up at the last second, the opposing Seeker not as lucky. The game paused as people rushed onto the field but the girl was back in the air a few minutes later, shaken but still able to fly. Harry had been able to fly circles around her before, now there was no comparison between them, the snitch was as good as his unless she got incredibly lucky. Richard smiled as he saw the rest of the Outcasts in the next stand, holding up a large sign to show who they were cheering for, not that they needed to with how loudly they were screaming. Even the usually quiet Rita and Nic were getting into it.

“He’s incredible.” Jamil commented proudly. Harry had really taken to the usually silent man, treating him almost like a favoured uncle/big brother. Jamil didn’t mind and in fact seemed to reciprocate those feelings. Shang-Da simply nodded in response to his fellow enforcers comment. He wasn’t as close to Harry but he did like the kid, unless he was the victim of one Harry’s more interesting pranks and Jason’s laughter.

Jason kept his eyes locked on Harry as the teen pulled of acrobatic stunts as easily as if he was taking a stroll down the road. Harry was born to fly and he loved seeing it. His feelings towards the teen were confusing and he’d been mortified when Richard had pulled him aside to have a quiet talk. Looking back he was glad it had happened when it had, because if they had left it much later Harry would have been able to notice. Half of the time it was like having a little brother but the other half was weird. Until recently he’d had a crush on Anita after all. Then again, there were some physical similarities between the two, both short and dark haired. Personality wise they weren’t really anything alike, except, sometimes, Harry would say something, and the look in his eyes was like hers when facing an enemy, empty. Or even worse, how she was after, haunted eyes, and an expression so jaded it made you want to weep. He found himself wanting to protect Harry but he also admired his strength, for living through everything he had and still being so strong. The fact that Harry was four years his junior just helped make things worse. If he was older at least Jason could say something but he really didn’t want Richard to eviscerate him any time soon. Resolutely he pushed these thoughts aside. Now was not the time. He grinned and stood as Harry went into another dive, his werewolf sight allowing him to pick out the small ball just out of the teens reach. The screaming reached fever pitch as Harry suddenly let go of his broom, going into freefall. He watched as Harry’s hand closed around the golden ball even as he tucked up for his landing, rolling to absorb the shock. Harry continued the roll back to his feet, raising his hand above his head to display the snitch and end the game as his broom fell to the ground a few feet away.

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Harry was bouncing as they returned home, still flushed with victory. He yelped and then laughed as Jason scooped him up and carried him on his shoulders in a victory loop of the front yard, earning laughter from the others.

“Make way for the world’s best Seeker!” Jason called as they headed back to the others who were still waiting at the door. They obligingly parted and Harry ducked his head as Jason walked through the door.

“Anyone for pizza to celebrate?” Richard asked, still laughing at the two.

“Yeah!” Harry and Jason exchanged grins as they answered at the same time. Jason dropped Harry down off his shoulders, catching him easily before he could hit the ground. Impulsively Harry grabbed him in a brief hug before ducking into his room to put his broom away.

“Great game kid.” Richard said as Harry walked back in.
“Although, do you think you could hold back on the nosedives? I think you gave me a few grey hairs.” He teased gently, but there was a serious question in his eyes. Harry missed it completely.

“Thanks Richard.” Harry said absently as he collapsed on the couch beside his cousin, his eyes watching Jason as he searched for a good celebratory movie.

They were half way through Indiana Jones when the doorbell rang. As the only one no longer stuffing himself with food Harry answered it. He stared at the unfamiliar woman questioningly, his back straightening as he tensed while she stared down at him in disdain.

“Can I help you?” He asked, remaining polite.

“Where’s Richard?” She snapped.

“Richard, there’s a rude lady for you!” Harry yelled recklessly, still high on victory and sugar. He wasn’t going to let anything ruin his night, even some impolite stranger.

“What are you doing here Christine?” Richard asked, walking up behind Harry and placing a protective hand on his shoulder.

“Does the school know you live with an underage boy Richard?” She baited Richard, angrily lashing out.

“What my cousin does is none of your business lady.” Harry snapped, not liking the way she attacked Richard.

“It’s okay Harry, why don’t you go rejoin the others?” Richard said calmly, gently pushing Harry in the right direction and getting a small nod in return.

The three shifters and Wizard waited impatiently for Richard to come back. It had been half an hour already and he was still outside.

“So who is she exactly?” Harry asked, wanting to break the silence.

“Christine is a weretiger, not the nicest of people either. She’s part of the shifter coalition as well.” Jason answered him.

“Well I don’t like her.” Harry sulked earning amused grins from the others.

“You’re not the only one.” Jamil told him, straining to hear what was being said outside. They looked to the front of the house as Richard slammed the door behind him, the bodyguards tensing.

“Jason, can you stay with Harry?” Richard asked as he searched for his keys.

“Sure thing.” Jason answered, glad to spend time with his friend and possible crush.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked in concern while watching Richard.

“It’s nothing Harry, just some coalition business. Jamil, Shang-Da.” The two man stood as Richard called them.
“We’ll be back in a while. Sorry to spoil the night.” Richard gave Harry an apologetic smile as he prepared to go.

“It’s okay, just be careful.” Harry said. Richard nodded and flashed him a smile, and the three left.

---------------
Richard smiled tiredly at the sight of Harry and Jason fast asleep on the couch. Good thing it was the weekend, because Harry had obviously wanted to wait up for him. He gently gathered Harry up, trying not to disturb him but managing to wake Jason.

“Everything okay?” The younger wolf asked sleepily.

“Fine, I’m just going to put him to bed.” Richard answered softly, careful not to wake his cousin.

“Sorry, he wanted to wait for you. Said he had something to tell you.” Jason sat up and stretched, yawning.

“Its fine, why don’t you take the spare bed for a while.” Richard suggested.

“Thanks.” Jason said, staggering to his feet and down the hall. Richard headed for Harry’s room; smiling at how different it looked now that a teenager was living in it. A metal-framed double bed had replaced the heavy oak one that used to be there and was covered in a blue and silver quilt. All the furniture was now light weight and modern. The top of the line laptop that now sat proudly on Harry’s desk had been a late Christmas gift from Draco and Remus; the rest of the desk was covered in schoolbooks and papers. Various posters covered the now light blue/green walls, most of them gifts from various Pack and Pard members although a few were from Josh. Richard smiled at the photos that held pride of place beside the bed. There was one of the two of them from Christmas as well as ones of Harry with various friends and a single photo of the Potters and Sirius. Richard managed to pull back the covers with one hand and gently lay Harry on the bed, getting a sleepy whimper from his cousin. He gently brushed Harry’s hair from his face and the teen’s eyes fluttered open sleepily.

“Rich?” Harry slurred sleepily.

“Shh, go back to sleep kid.” He whispered, pulling the covers back up to tuck Harry in.

“You’re home?” Richard chuckled; Harry asked silly questions when still mostly asleep.

“Yeah, I’m home now.” He answered.

“Good. Answers yes.” Harry mumbled before drifting fully back to sleep. Richard frowned. What was Harry saying yes too? He slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him and then froze. Could Harry have meant what he’d just thought? But it was the only unanswered question between them that he could think of. He really hoped that was the case. Now smiling Richard turned towards his room. Harry James Potter-Black-Zeeman, now that was a mouthful!

TBC…
Sorry it’s shorter than usual but that’s where it wanted to end. Plus its pretty much all I had time to write.
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- 13
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New Family