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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.
Harry will eventually go back, no matter what he won’t let Tom win.
I have no idea how old everyone in AB is meant to be so I’m putting Richard at 26, Anita at 24, Jason 20, Nathaniel 19, basically everyone but the vamps in their 20’s except people like Merle who I know are older.

Chapter 4 – Getting to Know You

Harry got out of the car and stared at his cousins house.

“It's not much but it’s home.” Richard said quietly, even as Harry turned to him and grinned that lop-sided grin that was quickly becoming familiar to Richard.

“It’s great,” the boy said quietly in his polite British accent. "Not at all like England." Richard smiled at him in response.

“Thanks. Come on in.” Richard said as he led the way up the drive. “Feel like anything in particular for lunch?” he asked

“Anything’s fine with me.” Harry claimed as he followed the man into the kitchen. “Can I help?” he offered. He felt out of place in a kitchen and not doing anything.

“I’ve got it. There should be some juice and milk in the fridge, so help yourself. I don’t have any soda though, I'm sorry.” Richard said with his head inside the pantry. He straightened up and winked at Harry. "But thanks for the offer."

“That’s fine I’m not used… I mean, I don’t like... soda.” he announced the last word carefully. That was how the Americans said it, he was sure of that, even as he mentally kicked himself for his slip, so busy lecturing himself inside his head that he didn’t notice the looks the other three exchanged.

“So, just sixteen. Got a girlfriend waiting for you back in England?” Richard asked as casually as he could, even as he sliced lettuce for sandwiches.

“No, not really interested.” Harry said, briefly pulling a face as he remembered Cho Chang and that disaster.

“Boyfriend?” Richard offered tentatively. He'd been around Anita and the vampires long enough not to be squeamish about the choices others made in that regard, although the fact that Jean-Claude wanted him still made his stomach curl. Plus he'd seen the wince when he asked about a girlfriend. Harry started to choke on the juice he'd just sipped.

“I’ll take that as a no.” Richard said in amusement, finding the look on his cousin's proper British face very funny.

“There was a girl, Cho, but it didn’t work out. I liked her in fourth year but she was dating Ced... this boy and then he died and I tried but… I don’t know.” Harry shrugged, staring at his glass. He didn't understand why, but he felt compelled to tell this man a little about himself. Maybe it was because he was family. Family who was actually interested in Harry. “What about you?” he asked, both to distract himself and change the topic to something that wasn't about him. He was uncomfortable with all this scrutiny about him. Back home either nobody cared, or they assumed they knew everything about him thanks to the bloody papers and that stupid Rita Skeeter!

“No one at the moment.” Harry looked up from his inner contemplation, because Richard’s voice was strained, and the smile he gave was a little forced. “I had a fiancé but it didn’t work and now she’s dating someone else.”

“Ouch. Um, no offence meant and you don’t have to answer or anything, but how old are you?” Richard grinned.

“Twenty six.” he said easily. Harry nodded and smiled shyly at him; his guess had been pretty much right on and Richard wasn't offended, or thought that Harry was unbearably rude.

“They don’t talk much, do they?” Harry said, motioning to Jamil and Shang-Da to indicate whom he was talking about.

“Not around strangers, but they’ll warm up eventually. Come on let’s eat, you two as well.” Richard said, bringing plates to the table. The four sat down and dug in. “So, other than your trip to Salem do you have any plans for the rest of your holidays?” Richard asked Harry. If his cousin was to stay with him, then it was something he needed to know.

“I don’t know. I guess more sightseeing. Plus any catch up work I need to do, because there’s probably a difference between our school systems.” Harry said. He didn't know why Richard was asking him this. Why would he care about what Harry was planning on doing? Either he'd ignore him, or tell him to do something no matter what he'd had planned right?

“Want a native guide? It’d give us a chance to figure out if this’ll work.” Richard offered. Harry’s head shot up in surprise from where he'd been looking down at his food.
“I won’t make an impulsive decision Harry, either way. From what I’ve seen and heard so far you’re a good kid but there’s a lot we don’t know about each other and a few secrets would have to be shared for this to work. I’d like to have decided before school starts so you can get settled either here or on campus. Do you start on the twentieth?” Richard asked seriously.

“Yes, your holidays are longer than ours.” Harry said slowly. Inside he could hardly believe it. His cousin wanted to spend time with Harry, and do things his way!

“That gives us twenty-six days then. What do you say?” Richard said, careful to give Harry a choice. He knew it was important that his cousin not feel that Richard was dictating to him, otherwise the boy wouldn't trust him. Harry studied him for a bit.

“Sounds good." he finally offered.

---------------
“So, what do you think?” Richard asked. It was later that day, after Harry had left.

“He doesn't seem like a bad kid, but he’s hiding something.” Shang-Da said slowly.

“I know. When Tate guessed the name of his school he froze, and he looked terrified until Tate promised not to tell anyone Harry is here. Apparently Harry is well known in certain circles in Europe. Although why he'd be famous I don't know. I’d like to know what circles as well, but I think it needs to come from Harry.” Richard said, even as he sighed deeply.

“Are you serious about him living here?” Jamil asked. If the Ulfric was planning on that, then they needed to know.

“Yes.” Richard looked at them defiantly.
"He's family." He offered as an explanation. Richard couldn't leave his cousin by himself.

“He’s been abused.” Shang-Da said quietly. Richard sighed.

“I thought so, some of his reactions were off, and of course there was a lot that you noticed simply because of what he didn’t say.” Richard admitted. It disturbed him that not only was his cousin abused, but that a stranger like Richard could pick up on it so obviously. Why hadn't anyone in England noticed?

“He won’t trust easily, even if it seems like he does. He will take a lot of work.” Shang-Da said. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Even as he offered his Ulfric an out, Shang-Da new what his answer would be.

“He’s family Shang-Da.” Richard said simply. And that was enough. But Shang-Da had to try.

“Don’t let that blind you. If he stays he’ll need to be told.” Even as he said it, Shang-Da knew how Richard would react. The other man winced and huddled in on himself, as if protecting himself from a blow, although the movement was slight enough that a human wouldn’t have noticed it.

“I know. Tate all but said he knows and that I should tell Harry, that he’d accept it. Sounds like Harry’s dad may have been friends with a werewolf. I’ll call someone; have them meet us for lunch tomorrow. Gradually introduce Harry to some of the pack. Hopefully that will help him accept us.” Richard said.
"Who will you choose?" Jamil asked. Richard sighed again.
"I don't know. Who in the pack won't scare him?" he wondered out loud.
"Jason." Shang-Da said at once. Richard stared hard at him, but Shang-Da knew it was true, and knew Richard knew it too. Richard had far to great a blind spot when it came to Jean-Claude, and it affected Jason. That was the only reason why Richard would ignore the werewolf in the first place. Shang-Da knew Anita would take care of Jason, she was after all Lupa and Bolverk, but Richard was Ulfric, and he needed to be responsible for everyone, not everyone except those who fed the vampires.
"Fine." Richard gave in reluctantly. "Call him. Tell him to meet us at the Lunatic Cafe tomorrow."

---------
Harry opened his door and smiled up at his cousin.

“Sorry, slept in.” he apologised as he let his cousin and one of his strange friends, Shang-Da, he thought it was, in.

“That’s fine.” Richard followed Harry into the suite. From the look of things Harry hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d said he’d never have to work. “Did you have anything specific you want to do?” He questioned as they waited for Harry as he sat on a chair to put his shoes on. The suite was really nice, done in pale blues and with at least three rooms. Through an open door he could just see a bed, still unmade. A large suite made sense though, considering how long he’d been staying in it.

“Nothing in particular.” Harry replied.

“Well, I thought we could have lunch at the Lunatic Café, it’s near the University so there will be some young people there. A friend of mine said he could meet us there. I think you’d like Jason.” Richard offered.

“Sounds good, I wouldn’t mind stopping at a bookstore at some point. I’ve run out of stuff to read.” Harry said. Richard glanced around, noticing quite a few books scattered around. It seemed his cousin had been busy while he was here. Was that a book on ritual magic? He moved closer for a better look.

“Magic books?” he asked, gaze moving around, seeing other titles he recognised. Some because Anita had them.

“Yes. I picked them up because it’s so different here. I can’t get books like that back home. Besides, it’ll make a good gift for Remus, he’ll get a kick out of it.” Harry said unconcernedly.

“Remus?” Richard questioned. Who was he?

“My unofficial godfather. I’m ready.” Harry tossed over his shoulder as he grabbed his wallet and room key and they left.

---------
Harry followed Richard into the café. It was crowded but not so badly that they wouldn’t be able to find a table.

“Richard!” They turned to see a blond haired man waving them over.

“Jason?” Harry questioned, falling into step behind his taller cousin and his friend, because why fight your way through a crowd when there’s someone bigger around to clear a path?

“Yeah, Jason. Ignore half of what he says, because he’ll flirt with anything that moves and loves to tease.” Richard said to Harry with a smile. Harry grinned uncertainly back for a moment, unsure of whether Richard was teasing him.

“Joy.” Richard chuckled at Harry’s dry response.

“Jason this is my cousin, Harry. Harry this is Jason.” Richard made the introductions. They sat after shaking hands.

“Pleased to meet you.” Harry said.

“Oh, you're British. Great to meet you.” Jason said in delight.

“Is everyone going to comment on that?” Harry asked exasperatedly.

“Probably, after all Richard never mentioned any English family. How do you like it here?” Jason said with a laugh.

“It’s very nice! I haven’t seen the school yet but I’m glad I changed.” Harry answered back.

“Poor you, stuck in high school. At least you can ask Richard for help with your homework.” Jason teased his new friend.

“Mmmm." Harry said noncommittally. "So what do you do?” Harry changed the subject, even as he absently smiled politely at the waitress as she gave them all a glass of water. Gratefully he took a sip of his.

“I’m a stripper.” And spat it straight back out, coughing.

“A what?” He managed to splutter as the other two laughed and even the bodyguards smiled.

“A stripper, you know someone who takes off their clothes for money.” Jason teased. Richard patted Harry on the back till he stopped coughing, although his face was now a bright red colour that didn't look likely to fade soon.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Harry glared at the other man who was still smiling at him.

“Did what?” Jason gave him an innocent look.

“Waited till I’d taken a sip and you might as well give up, I’ve seen better innocent acts.” Harry said sternly, even as he began to smile back himself.

“You’ve got to admit it was funny, even better than last night.” Richard commented, smiling at the memory of Harry’s reaction to his question about a boyfriend. Harry turned away, acting offended and setting all of them off laughing, unaware of the looks they were getting.

“Fine, it was funny." Harry reluctantly admitted. "So you’re serious? You’re really a stripper?” he asked, wanting to know that the other man wasn't just playing a trick.

“Yeah. Is that going to be awkward?” Jason asked with a smirk. Harry was in that instant strongly reminded of M... Draco.

“No. It's just that I never met a... a stripper before. Do you like it?” Harry explained awkwardly, even as his blush surged.

“Oh yeah! You should bring him by the club Richard.” Jason said, charmed by his Ulfric's polite, blushing, British schoolboy cousin. He couldn't wait for Anita and Jean-Claude to meet him.

“And get caught smuggling a minor in? No thank you, I like my job.” Richard said sternly.

“Sorry Harry, you’ll have to wait another two years.” Jason told Harry seriously, then spoiled it by laughing again.

“The suspense is killing me! However do you have any suggestions on what to order?” Harry asked with his own smile, trying to casually move the conversation to something that wouldn't leave him blushing for the next ten minutes. It seemed impossible for him to do anything but smile with Jason. Even though he had only just met the other, he felt more comfortable with him than he had with anyone else he'd met here so far, including his cousin. Even the teasing he received from Jason didn't make him feel uneasy. Jason reminded him a lot of the Weasley twins, and he'd always enjoyed their company. Conversation turned to lunch and Richard smiled, glad that Harry and Jason were getting along. At this rate he’d be willing to sign in a week, tops.

-------
Harry collapsed back onto his bed, exhausted but happy. He’d had a great time with Richard and Jason just wandering from shop to shop. With their help he’d picked out half a dozen more books, some on muggle school subjects, some on magic and some science fiction novels that Jason swore all teens love. So far Harry found himself genuinely liking his cousin and his friends, not that Jamil and Shang-Da were all that talkative. But Shang-Da had offered him advice on a book; even though Harry had nearly jumped the first time he’d heard either of them speak.

Sitting up he opened the letter that had been left at reception for him. Inside the envelope post marked London was another envelope, this time from Japan. Grinning he tore it open.

Dear Cub

You’ll be happy to hear that we haven’t managed to kill each other yet. In fact, away from everyone back home ferret is actually pleasant company, quite talkative and charming. He’s settling in well at school and although he has no real friends yet it’s a little soon for that.

My job is satisfying. The people are all very kind and understanding. They don’t care about my condition; in fact I get three days a month off – paid! Very different from what I’m used to.

Hope you are well and having fun. The ‘Ferret’ says hello as well. Don’t study too hard; remember whose son and godson you are. Do not let the backstabbers steal your ability to trust, there are good people out there. Write back soon.

Moony.

Harry smiled, pleased that they seemed to be getting along. He wished he could be with them but it was dangerous enough with just the two of them together. Harry went to his desk and grabbed the paper he’d bought for letters. He’d almost used the hotel stationary the first time he’d written to Mr. Merewether but luckily he’d noticed the company letterhead, which included the address before he’d sent it. There was no point in making it easier for the Death Eaters or Dumbledore find him.

Dear Moony and Ferret,

Glad to hear you’re getting along. Guess it means I don’t have to send a Howler or come yell at you myself. I’m having a great time! I have made some friends, all older than me. There aren’t many people my age around; I will have to wait till school for that. One’s a stripper! He had a great laugh when he told me, he waited till I’d taken a drink and enjoyed watching me nearly choke to death. Don’t let his profession get to you; he’s a wonderful guy! He loves to tease and flirt though, which takes a little getting used too. There are two other guys and if it wasn’t for the fact they’re completely different nationalities I’d say they were twins because of the way they act. Always so silent and still. If you want to be scared out of your wits they are very useful, very good at not being noticed. My main new friend is a Muggle high school teacher. He’s a really nice guy, easy to talk to, and really tall too! I really wish I’d hurry up and grow; only the stripper is shorter than me!!

School hasn’t started yet; I go there in a few days to chat about my classes. I’ve no clue what to take. I’ve been doing a lot of sightseeing and shopping. It’s great having a group of native guides. You’ll be so proud, I actually have an entire new wardrobe that fits! Word of advice though, never go clothes shopping with a stripper unless feeling adventurous. I’m sending a book I thought you might like. The hotel’s great, I get room service every night for dinner and most mornings and they call me sir! Miss you a lot! Hope we can see each other soon.

Cub.

He folded the letter and put it in an envelope before shrinking the book and slipping it in. He’d take it down to the desk tomorrow before Richard picked him up for a day at his place.

TBC…
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New Family