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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
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Disclaimer: Still no change. I don’t suddenly own either of these series, pity.
Thanks again to my beta, Mercy Rose for all her help. This rewrite wouldn’t be possible without all your greatly appreciated help.

Chapter 3 – Meetings

Harry stared up at the building in front of him, fighting down the urge to bolt. He’d been in America for fifteen days now and had found he liked the country. He’d gotten the shock of his life when he’d seen a newspaper article on vampire rights the morning after arriving. Apparently certain types of magic and magical beings were common knowledge over here, and it was a pity the American Ministry welcoming committee had forgotten to mention it when they removed the British monitoring charms from his wand when Harry had arrived. He'd been very impressed with how professional and helpful they'd been. It was refreshing to him that these people hadn't made any kind of fuss about his name. They'd simply blinked and then done their job. They’d helpfully told him that Salem students were allowed to use magic during the holidays so he wasn’t too worried about needing to defend himself. Harry had spent the first three days shopping for clothes and things he’d never been allowed to have before. He’d even bought some books on the various types of ‘known’ magic, figuring it would be a good idea to see if he had any aptitude for them. So far he’d managed a ritual circle but that was it. He wasn’t too worried though, the fact he could do that at all was encouraging and he needed every advantage he could get. Harry came out of his thought as he followed a group of three guys towards the office. The middle one, a guy maybe ten years his senior left his two companions and headed inside confidently. He wasn't sure why, but they were an odd-looking group to him, and they made him feel uneasy. He studied them, but he couldn't pick anything else up. Sighing to himself, Harry plucked up his courage and also went in.

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Jamil kept an eye on the dark haired kid standing to the side of their destination. They'd passed him a moment ago, and he was now hovering outside the building. He wasn’t doing anything threatening or even vaguely suspicious but something about him had the enforcer watching his every move, not that the kid was doing much. He’d guess the boy was aged between 12 and 15, so where were his parents? In black slacks and a green dress shirt he looked much too well dressed to be a runaway or anything like that, although his hair could use a little work. Shang-Da moved smoothly, and Richard was protected, standing between them, as he went back to scanning their surroundings. He silently indicated the teen to his fellow enforcer.

“You two better wait out here.” Richard ordered, and with that he headed inside, leaving behind two unhappy bodyguards. Shang-Da tensed as Jamil did, sensing as he had the unusualness of the teen that followed their Ulfric inside. They knew Richard wouldn’t consider him a threat until it was too late because of his age. It was small comfort that unless the boy was magical they'd be able to get there fast enough to help their Ulfric, but there was nothing they could do unless the boy attacked, and by then it might be too late. So, they would obey their Ulfric. They would stay outside, until he had gone in. Then they would follow. After all, what use in being a bodyguard if you are not there to protect your charge?

Richard held the elevator for the approaching teen who flashed him a small grin.

“Thanks.” The boy spoke softly.

“You're welcome.” Richard said as he studied the kid. The small teen fidgeted uncomfortably as they waited.
“British?”

“Let me guess, the accent gave me away?" The boy gave a half-hearted lop-sided grin before chuckled ruefully even as the humour melted from his face.
"I’m in the process of moving here actually,” he explained politely.

“Welcome to St. Louis. I'm Richard Zeeman.” Richard extended his hand but the kid just stared in shock.

“What are the odds?" he said. The he flushed
"Oh, I'm sorry. I’m Harry Potter-Black.” They shook hands. Then the boy spoke again.
“Related to Charlotte Zeeman by any chance?” Richard looked at him in surprise.

“My mother, why?” he said slowly. He was sure he didn't recognise this boy. How did he know his mother?

“Wasn’t expecting to meet you until the actual reading.” The boy grinned lop-sidedly at him again.

“You’re here for my family reading?” Richard felt more confused then ever. Who was this boy?

“Yeah. I know I didn’t know your family even though I should have and that’s a really long story but I’m sorry about what happened. I know what it’s like.” The boy blurted most of that out without stopping for air. Richard noticed his cheeks flush slightly, and despite the small blush the scent of his embarrassment was heavy on the air.

“You do?” Richard tried hard not sound doubtful, but he really didn't believe the boy did.

“My parents died when I was one and my godfather died a few months ago so yeah.” The boy shrugged his shoulders, and the scent of his sorrow filled Richard's nose. Okay, he reassessed in his mind, so maybe the boy did know.

“I’m sorry.” He offered his own condolences. He felt awkward trying to talk to this young boy, and was relieved when they arrived on their floor, the boy, Harry, following him out into the offices.

“Mr. Zeeman, I’m so sorry for your loss." The solicitor the Zeeman’s had used for years came forward with his had extended.

“Thank you Mr. Tate.” Richard said as he shook his hand.

“And you are?” Tate murmured, only just having spotted Harry who had come in directly behind Richard.

“Harry Potter-Black sir. You sent a letter addressed to my father, James.” The boy said quietly.

“Ah yes, will your father be attending?” Mr Tate looked the young boy, wondering why he was there.

“No sir, he died a long time ago.” Again, it was quietly said, but Richard got another large wave of the scent of the kid's sorrow and grief.

“Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Potter-Black, I wasn’t aware of that. Also, if I may ask, why the name Black?” Mr Tate asked.

“My godfather just died and he named me his heir. As part of that I had to take his name.” the boy explained.

“Well then, let’s get started.” Mr Tate said as they followed him into his office, where he gestured for them to be seated before turning to Richard. “How much do you know about your mothers extended family Richard?” he asked gently.

“That they live in England.” Richard replied, shrugging apologetically as he looked at Harry who nodded.

“Correct. Mr. Potter here is your cousin, or more exactly, your second cousin. Your grandfathers were brothers. And I believe James and Charlotte, who were cousins, corresponded up until the early eighties.” Mr Tate said.

“That was when my parents died. According to their will I should have been sent to Charlotte if my godfather was unable to care for me but the will was never read so I ended up with my mother's sister.” Harry spoke up. Both older men noticed the barley suppressed wince, but they didn't call the boy on it.

“Part of Charlottes will deals with that as well. To save us all time I’ll give you a summary and then give you copies of the wills, if that's okay with you Richard. Mr. Potter you will receive a copy of Charlotte's as that is the one relevant to you. Basically Richard, you inherit everything from all your family members. There are a few small personal belongings to be given to various friends of course and in place of his father Mr. Potter receives a reasonable sum and some of Charlottes’ things, mainly photos and letters. However many of these did not survive the incident, although you may be able to claim insurance on some items. Then we come to the part that now deals directly with the two of you. How old are you Mr. Potter-Black?” Mr Tate swung his gaze to Harry.

“Just sixteen, and its Harry sir.” Mr Tate smiled at him.

“Very well Harry. Then this is relevant. Charlotte was obviously aware of your parents decision regarding any children should something happen to them and made provisions for that. According to her will any child of the Potter family left in her care is to have guardianship transferred to either her husband if he outlived her, or one of her children, in order of age. Therefore, technically Richard should be your guardian. Do you have a copy of their will with you Harry?” The teen handed over a folded piece of paper from inside his pocket. “All right, according to these Harry is your responsibility Richard, however there is obviously paperwork stating he is the Dursley’s ward.” Mr Tate said after he studied the papers.

“Mr. Tate? Mr. Merewether, my solicitor I mean, he had the Dursley’s sign two sets of papers, one to transfer custody and one to emancipate me. The odds of the second set going through are pretty slim, as my godfather tried before in his will.” Harry explained quietly. "All Mr Zeeman has to do is sign them and I'm his." he said, and flushed again as they looked at him.

“You don’t want to live with your Aunt anymore?” Richard asked out of curiosity. Most kids he knew would rather stay with the familiar when it came to family. It made him curious about his cousin's former home life. So far he had the feeling he could get to like his cousin. The boy was polite, well spoken and Richard had a bad feeling about the earlier wince and Harry’s willingness to live with a complete stranger over his Aunt’s family. He could think of several reasons why, and none of them were good ones. With a start he realised he was already thinking as if it was already decided Harry was going to live with him.

“I…” Harry swallowed. “The Dursley’s… we don’t exactly get along. But I’m away at school most of the year since I turned eleven. It’s a boarding school in Scotland.” He said, as Tate frowned in thought before a look of surprise crossed his face.

“The school wouldn’t happen to be Hogwarts would it?” Mr Tate asked, and Richard watched as Harry paled and froze. “I thought so,” he said in satisfaction. Tate’s eyes flicked briefly to the teens forehead and he smiled. “Welcome to America Mr. Potter.” Richard frowned at the way Mr. Tate stressed Harry’s name and Harry paled even further.
“Relax Harry. Nicholas and I were good friends, and he told me a lot about England and I’ve kept up with the news since. I’m rather annoyed at myself for not making the connection earlier actually.” Mr Tate still looked quite pleased with himself for having made it now.

“Please don’t tell anyone sir! The Dursley’s know I’m on vacation somewhere and Alex, Mr Merewether I mean, knows exactly where I am. But that's all. It’s safer that way.” The teen was obviously very upset, and nearly pleading. Richard had to wonder why his guardians wouldn't know where he was, and why he wanted to keep it that way.

“You have good reason to get away for a while Harry, I'm sure. I give you my word that I won’t tell. Besides, why would anyone ask me? Anyway I doubt you’re the only Harry Potter in the world.” Mr Tate looked awkward now, trying to comfort and reassure the distressed boy that he wouldn't do anything to endanger him.

“Ok, what are you two talking about?” Richard demanded. He was quite upset. It was obvious he hadn't intended to, but Mr Tate had upset his new cousin quite badly.

“Let’s just say your cousin is rather well known in certain circles in Europe and would prefer to remain anonymous while here. I assure you it’s nothing bad." Mr Tate hastened to reassure Richard. "The US Ministry...?” he trailed off, looking at Harry questioningly.

“Knows I’m here and promised to stay quiet. I’m actually enrolled at Salem’s for the remainder of my schooling, no matter what happens with the custody.” Harry said. It was quite obvious that he'd just pulled himself together, as his face was still rather pale, and he looked a bit weak, slumped in his chair. But he wasn't panicking any more. Richard had to wonder where such a young boy had learned that kind of emotional control. It wasn't a normal thing for teenagers to have.

“From what I hear it’s a good school. Harry could you wait outside for a while? I need to speak to Richard.” Mr Tate looked steadily at Harry. At Harry’s worried look he smiled. “I won’t tell him anything, that’s your job,” he said. Harry nodded soberly.

“All right.” Harry agreed, and then he got up and slipped out the door.

“I don’t have a clue what’s going on.” Richard burst out as he looked at Mr Tate, hoping that the other man would help him.

“I’m not surprised. The only reason I have any idea is because your grandfather told me years ago and I’ve made sure to keep an eye on things since. For some reason though I never made the connection between that Halloween and your mothers side. Charlotte should have told you years ago but she obviously had her reasons. My advice to you Richard is to sign the custody transfer. He’s a good kid, and it looks like he’s had a hard life but he’s a regular hero." Mr Tate smiled briefly as a private joke before becoming serious again. "Events have forced him to grow up far too quickly. It’s only a year until he's of age anyway if you find you don’t get along, although I doubt that will happen. He’ll be at school for a lot of that anyway although my advice is to not let him board at the Academy. Spend the time until school starts with him Richard, get to know each other. You can trust him with your secret.” Mr Tate looked at him steadily as he dumped that information on Richard.

“My secret Mr. Tate?” Richard tried very hard not to panic. How had he guessed? How much did he know?

“I’m old Richard, not senile. I can put clues together. It doesn't matter to me, and I think it won’t matter to Harry from what Charlotte said once about one of James’ friends. Give the young man a chance.” Mr Tate smiled warmly at him, apparently as at ease as he claimed Richard's cousin Harry would be. Richard doubted that. He'd only just learned to accept his own beast. How could a stranger do it as easily as Mr Tate was claiming? How could Mr Tate? Richard thought it was obvious he didn't really understand, but he was grateful for the support. Mr Tate didn't think he was a monster. Despite all the other secrets he was hiding about his cousin, Richard felt a burst of affection for the lawyer who had been with his family for so long. However, it appeared that he only knew Richard was a werewolf, not that he was Ulfric of the pack, which was a relief.

“I’ll consider everything you’ve said sir.” Richard replied, still reeling from having his secret found out by his lawyer, who apparently not only not minded, but who wanted him to take care of a child!

“That’s all I can ask. Come on, Harry’s probably getting worried.” Mr Tate smiled once more at him, and then the two men went out to the outer office to find Harry apparently studying the paintings. He looked up as they entered. “Here’s your copy of the will Harry. It was nice to meet you.” Mr Tate extended an envelope and his hand with another warm smile for Harry.

“Likewise sir.” Harry shook his hand and smiled hesitantly back, even as his eyes flicked uneasily between the two men as he stuffed the envelope back in his pocket.

“Well, we’re all done. I’ll draw up copies of custody papers for you here; let me know when you decide. I'll also contact you with the information you'll need for dealing with the insurance companies. Have fun boys.” Mr Tate said briskly as he quickly ushered them to the office lobby, eager to get started.

“Well, that was odd.” Harry leaned back against the wall as he spoke, simply to break to heavy silence that had come up.

“At least you know what was being discussed. I have no idea what Tate was going on about, except that he would like me to take custody of you.” Richard grumbled. He didn't like not knowing, although he was just as eager to break the silence.

“I'm sorry. Don’t let him push you into it. I’ve already had one set of guardians who had me forced on them.” The boy spoke stiffly and quietly, and seemed to press himself back into the wall just a little more. Faintly, Richard smelled deep nervousness, almost approaching fear, from the boy. It hung in the air like smoke after a fire.

“How about we have a late lunch at my place, talk for a while? I can show you some pictures if you want. Then we go from there.” He offered awkwardly. This boy was his cousin, and Richard had scared him! He tried to make it up to the boy. Ulfric or not, and even having learned to withstand Anita's intimidating gaze, his cousin Harry’s measuring stare made him want to squirm. Emerald eyes to old for the body they were in seemed to see right through him for a few seconds, assessing his intentions and judging his soul in a way not even Anita had. Then the boy looked away and the sensation vanished.

“Okay.” Harry replied. They walked towards the doors to the elevator, only to find the other two men waiting patiently.

“Jamil, Shang-Da, this is my cousin, Harry Potter-Black. Harry these are friends of mine.” Richard said with a sigh. He was annoyed that they hadn't waited outside, but not enough to get angry, and maybe scare his cousin again. He knew as well as they did that they took their job seriously, and that they couldn't protect him from threats inside the building when they were outside it. Richard needed to let them do their job, as they let him do his.

“Pleasure to meet you.” Harry greeted them. The two men simply nodded. “Talkative chaps.” he commented a bit awkwardly. Richard smiled.

“Can’t get them to shut up.” he replied teasingly. The two enforcers exchanged glances; something had put Richard in a better mood then he had been before coming. “We’re going to go home and grab a late lunch. Would you like to come?" Richard asked, ignorant of the silent communication of his bodyguards. The boy stared intently at him again, but this time Richard was prepared for that soul-touching, too-deep gaze. Slowly the boy nodded his assent, as did the two enforcers. "How did you get here Harry?” he continued, making conversation to try to help his cousin relax.

“Walked from the hotel.” the reply was cautious and short.

“Which one?” Richard ignored the fact that the boy obviously didn't really trust him and pressed a bit more. It was much more forward and rude than he normally was, but this was his cousin. Richard felt he had the right to know.

“The Hilton.” The reply this time was even shorter, and more clipped then before.

“Nice. How long have you been here?” Richard tried to sooth his cousin as he opened the door and Harry climbed into the back of the car with Richard's bodyguard Jamil.

“Fifteen days and four hours.” The boy said seriously. Richard laughed and gave him an easy smile.

“You’re keeping count?” he asked. Harry shrugged.

“I was nervous,” he said. Richard smiled at him again and closed the door before swiftly moving to the front and getting in.

“You like it here so far?” he asked, once they were all in the car and moving.

“I love it! It’s not to different from England in a lot of ways but in others it’s completely foreign.” Harry spoke up enthusiastically. Apparently he had decided to make nice. It made him look more his age, Richard thought.

“So it’s your first time here?” he asked, enjoying watching the play of emotions on his cousin's face in the rear-view mirror.

“Yeah. The Dursley’s aren’t big on holidays,” his cousin said. Hearing the hesitancy and seeing his face fall slightly, Richard changed the topic. He aimed for something safe.

“What’s England like?” he asked.

“All right I guess. Very wet and cold a lot of the time but we’ve had some pretty hot summers the last few years. Surrey, the area I grew up in, is pretty boring; all the houses are the same and all. Few times I’ve been to London it’s been pretty hectic though, but that could be because I’m usually running late for the train to school.” Harry fell silent after that, but Richard was encouraged. It was the most he'd gotten out of the boy for a single question so far. Even if that wasn't very much information for having lived a lifetime there. He had time to ask for more. After all, soon his cousin would be living with him.

“So what’s your school like?” he threw the question out, hoping to keep the boy talking. How could Richard learn anything about him if he didn't talk?

“Like most I guess. Teachers are, were, I mean, okay. Binns, the history teacher, has the entire class asleep within three minutes. The, um, chemistry teacher went to school with Dad and they hated each other so… Let’s just say its not my favourite class. Astronomy’s okay except for getting up at midnight for class.” Harry offered. There were pauses in what he said as he thought about what to say, but nobody interrupted him.

“Do you know what subjects you’ll be taking this year?” Richard asked.

“Not yet. I have a meeting on September 1st to choose my classes and finish enrolling. They want to see my last exam marks to get an idea of how I’m going. What do you do?” Harry spoke quietly for the most part, but the question at the end was a clear indicator to Richard that he didn't want to talk about school. It was also a fairly obvious change of topic. Apparently the boy was as subtle as Anita. Quickly Richard pushed thoughts of his some-times girlfriend aside.

“I teach high school science. Hence all the questions about school.” Richard teased gently, even as he wondered about the comparisons he kept making about Anita and his cousin. Why was he comparing them? They were nothing alike.

“Really? What’s it like?” Harry asked the question excitedly, and the three werewolves could even smell his eagerness to know. Richard was a bit surprised. Most kids wouldn't have wanted to know.

“A lot of work but it’s rewarding.” He said slowly. What else could he say to his cousin?

“Last year we had a really pathetic teacher, and she didn’t really teach us anything. So some of us started a study group and I got... elected to lead it." If the others noticed his pause, then they didn't question it. "Everyone said I did really well, but I wouldn’t want to do it for a living.” Harry offered, trying to do his own part to keep the conversation going. He really didn't want an awkward silence.

“What do you want to do?” Richard asked. He was curious to know.

“No idea, I’ve got plenty of options though. It’s just a matter of deciding. Mr Merewether said I don’t have to worry about working but I think I need to do something.” his cousin replied firmly. Just like Anita, Richard thought absently. Can't sit still. Then he had to rack his brains to remember who Mr Merewether was. Ah, his cousin's solicitor.

“Well off?” He asked.

“Apparently the Potters are an old family, so yes, you could say that. Plus Siri... my godfather that is, made me his heir, which was what the whole adding Black to my name thing was about. Before that I was just a regular Potter.” his cousin explained awkwardly. Richard and his bodyguards politely pretended not to notice as the boy swiped at his eyes hurriedly.

“Oh. Well, here we are.” Richard said, pleased that they had arrived home in a timely manner. It would have been very awkward to sit in silence.

TBC…
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New Family