Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Disclaimer: Still the same.
And we’re skipping forward in time a bit!
Does anyone know if Requiem has an animal to call? By pairing Harry and Jason and having Requiem tied to Harry I have the ingredients for a triumvirate in the future. Don’t know if I’d do it or not but it is an option as long as Requiem isn’t stated as having some other animal to call.
Glad people like the Outcasts! Had fun coming up with them. The name site someone gave me to help with Surrey Trouble was a big help in coming up with Rita’s name!

‘Parsletongue’

Chapter 8 – Holiday Fun and Changes

“Merry Christmas!” Richard said loudly. Harry sat up, a hex ready on his lips and blinked at his cousin groggily.

“What?” he mumbled when he recognised Richard.

“Merry Christmas Harry!” Richard repeated and grinned at the still half asleep teen, even as he sat on the bed.

“Do you know how close you came to getting hexed?” Harry scowled at him.

“Oops?” Richard said unconcernedly, and shrugged.
“Brought you some cocoa.” He offered. Harry slipped his glasses on and sat up to accept the mug.

“Thanks. Merry Christmas Richard. So, what do we do today?” Harry asked as he sipped his cocoa.

“What do you usually do?” Richard asked him.

“I’ve only really ever had Christmas since starting Hogwarts and I always stayed at school for the holiday. Ro... my former friend used to wake me up in a similar way to what you just did and then we’d join Herm.. the other in the common room for presents.” Harry said softly. Richard felt bad for asking, because Harry’s voice still held pain when talking about his ex-friends, but it was getting better. The half names he'd just nearly said was the biggest slip he'd made. It made Richard hope that Harry would someday be able to talk about it with him. Ro and Herm. Idly he wondered if they were both boys or a mix.

“How about after we finish our cocoa we go open the presents from each other. Jason and some of the others are coming over later for a Christmas lunch and presents. And then you can pick what we do tonight.” Richard suggested, trying to draw his cousin from whatever he was thinking about that hurt him so much Richard could smell it.

“I thought Jamil said there was some sort of get together tonight you are supposed to go to?” Harry asked him after a brief pause as he shook himself out. The scent of pain and sorrow immediately faded away. Sometimes Richard had to wonder if that was normal, or even healthy for Harry to do.

“It’s at the Circus Harry, and I’m not leaving you our first Christmas together. Besides, Jean-Claude’s organising it.” Richard said in distaste. Harry laughed, because he’d heard a lot about the various events the vampire had put on.

“You should go Richard, don’t cut yourself off from them because of me. You know Anita will show up to drag you there anyway.” Harry teased him. They grinned at each other, remembering Harry’s second and much more interesting meeting with the Necromancer. Harry seemed to like Anita now. He still wasn’t comfortable alone with her but he hadn’t had another reaction like the first one. He'd been around to see her and Nathaniel a few more times. Mostly, Harry went for Nathaniel, but he liked Anita well enough, and he was interested in all the were-leopards. Anita went out of her way to seem as unthreatening as she could when around Harry, although unthreatening for her was still pretty scary for most people. But Richard had eventually explained about the bizarre love triangle between Richard, Anita and Jean-Claude, which Harry hadn't quite understood. He'd accepted it, but his decision was mostly based on the fact that Richard loved Anita and wanted to be with her. Richard had also told him about Micah. He'd said that even though Jean-Claude, Anita and Richard were bound together, Anita was still the Nimir-Ra of the Blood-drinkers clan, and she had a magical connection which sort of made Micah, the Nimir-Raj, her boyfriend. That had confused him even more, so Richard hadn't explained anything about the incubus in Anita. It was enough that Harry accepted her because Richard loved her. Although after coming back from her house one day he'd given Richard a funny look when Jean-Claude was mentioned.

“I’ll think about it. Come on, present time.” Richard said as cheerfully as possible as he did his best to hide his nervousness. There were a few gifts that he wasn’t sure about Harry's reaction to.

“Can I get dressed first?” Harry asked with a smile.

“No, it’s tradition, we don’t get dressed till after.” Richard insisted a he scooped Harry up out of bed. Harry laughed and told Richard to put him down. Richard did so, hiding his concern that Harry, who had put on a lot of weight since he came to Richard, was still so small and light. He'd grown a bit, but not nearly as much as Richard would have thought. And it was very hard to get him to put on weight. He didn't eat as much as a growing boy should, and he often forgot meals. The two went into the living room and sat in front of the tree. Richard felt tears welling as his mind went back to last Christmas and all the ones before it. He jumped slightly as arms wrapped around him in an effort to comfort him.

“It’s okay Richard, I miss Sirius.” Harry said softly. He turned and hugged his cousin as the tears flowed, both remembering their missing family.

“Thanks, I guess I needed that.” Richard admitted after they both stopped crying.

“Me too.” Harry said, and in one of his dizzying mood changes bounced off the couch and grabbed a parcel.
“Come on! Open it!” He demanded. Richard laughed which had been Harry’s motive for the bouncing. He took the parcel and carefully began to remove the paper. “Richard!” Harry complained. Richard laughed and tore into the paper, smiling at the green woollen jumper it contained.
“All the way from England, so its real English wool.” Harry said.

“As opposed to American fake wool?” Richard drawled as he raised an eyebrow and they laughed.
“I love it thanks.” He said more seriously, and Harry smiled; suddenly shy.
“Your turn.” Richard said as he handed him a package. Harry opened it and grinned at the books inside, they were the last few of the series he was reading.

“Thanks!” He said in delight. They continued taking turns opening gifts until Harry came to one of the last. He frowned at the slender strip of leather with a buckle on it. “Huh?” he said in confusion.

“It’s only part of the present. Stay here and keep your eyes shut.” Richard said excitedly. Harry obediently kept his eyes closed, listening as Richard left the room for a minute.
“Keep them closed and put out your arms.” Richard told him, and Harry gasped at the sudden warm weight.
“Okay, you can open them now.” He said, and smiled at the look on his cousin's face. Harry stared in shock at the furry bundle in his arms as warm brown eyes stared back.

“Richard?” Harry asked hesitantly.

“He’s yours, hence the dog collar. It wasn’t a hint to start dressing like Jason.” Richard said, pleased when Harry laughed, still holding the puppy gently.

“What's wrong with the way Jason dresses?" Harry teased.
"What is he anyway?” he continued.

“A puppy.” Richard told him with a straight face. Harry glared at him and Richard relented.
“A Labrador, he’ll grow big enough that a normal person will think twice about tangling with him to get to you and they make great companions. You said you’d wanted a dog for years so…. Do you like him?” Richard looked at Harry hesitantly, wondering if he'd overstepped.

“I love him!! But, won’t there be a problem with…?” Harry hastened to reassure Richard before trailing off.

“He’s young enough that he’ll get used to me. Besides dogs are pack animals too.” Richard said comfortably.

“As long as he doesn’t think he’s dominant to you?” Harry teased and grinned when Richard groaned. Why did Anita have to tell Harry that story?
“You know, we’re kind of ending up with a zoo here.” Harry remarked.

“An owl and a dog hardly equal a zoo Harry.” Richard told him with a smile.
“Um, close your eyes and hold out your arm. Oh, and no sniffing.” Harry said as he scrambled to his feet and headed outside. He was back a few minutes later and a heavy weight settled on Richards arm.
“Go ahead.” Harry said, and the werewolf opened his eyes and blinked at the bird sitting on his arm and staring unblinkingly at him.
“He’s a barn owl, and they're really smart. Jason and Joshua helped me pick him for you. This way you have a way to contact people in the Wizarding World if Hedwig’s busy or when I go back to England. So see, zoo. I got everything you need for him too.” Harry rattled off nervously, chewing his lip pensively.

“He’s great Harry, thanks. Just keep him and Hedwig apart. I am not ready to be raising baby owls. What are you going to call him?” Richard asked, indicating the puppy once more in Harry's lap.

“Padfoot.” Harry said softly.

“A great name, I’m sure he’ll grow into it. Mind helping me name the feather duster?” Richard offered. The owl in question gave an indignant hoot and flew off to sit on the windowsill, causing Harry to laugh.

“Hmm… How about Sergius, it’s Latin for attendant, and you are a king so you need attendants.” Harry said cheekily.

“Very funny.” Richard frowned at Harry but he couldn’t keep the smile from his eyes. He’d been a little worried about Harry’s reaction to the puppy since it was black but his cousin seemed genuinely happy. Although sometimes it was hard to tell.

“I thought so. Are we done here?” Harry asked contentedly.

“No, there are two other things for you.” Richard said, and went into the room he used as an office and came out with two holiday themed envelopes.
“This one first.” He said handing one of the envelopes to Harry, who opened it and pulled out a slender blue book with the American symbol on the front. He glanced up at his cousin, confused.
“It’s an American passport. Open it.” Richard explained. Harry did and stared at the muggle photo of himself and his information listing the house as his home.

“Richard?” He asked hesitantly.

“It was something I’ve been thinking about for a while but after talking with Mrs. Smythe I decided it needed to be done. It’s proof of your citizenship Harry.” Richard said gently.

“I’m an American citizen? How?” Harry asked in amazement.

“I’m your guardian so all I had to do was fill out the paperwork.” Richard said with a shrug.

“So I belong to two countries?” Harry asked.

“Sort of. Your passport says America and British. But Mrs. Smythe explained what the British Wizarding Ministry could and probably would do to you if you went back there and were still a citizen, so the British part is only muggle. Apparently the British have muggle and magical passports. As an American/British muggle citizen only they can’t touch you just because technically you’re a dark Wizard. As far as they're concerned, Muggle British doesn't count as British with them so long as you have a Wizarding passport somewhere else, so you're registered as an American Wizard with them. I… is it okay?” Richard asked. His answer came in the form of a dark haired seeker wrapped around him. Richard sighed with relief.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.” he said as he hugged Harry.

“Thank you.” Harry whispered, head buried in his cousins chest. He’d grown a bit since they’d first met and now stood a bit taller. He was not tall by any means but no longer abnormally short either. Just a little short, but definitely taller than Anita and Jason now, though not by a whole lot. Richard eventually pulled away and extended the second envelope to him, clearing his throat nervously.
"Speaking of safety, you actually have two passports," he explained.
"One of them has your full name on it, and the duel citizenship, and the other is simply an American one, and has the name James Black. Your headmistress helped me to arrange it all." Richard explained, this time prepared for Harry's next hug. The duel citizenship was complicated. Harry was the Heir and Lord of House Black, which was based in England. British Wizarding law stated that unless you were born in England, and a citizen, you couldn't be Lord of a House, Family or Line. Harry had been a citizen of England when he first inherited, and because he was still technically a British citizen, if not a magical one, he could safely keep his titles in Britain. There were no laws stating that one had to be magical to be Head of anything in the magical world because it was assumed that if the Heir were not magical they would be disinherited before they could inherit. Mrs. Smythe had helped Richard find those clauses in the laws, and it had been she who had helped him hide the magical registration in England by calling in a few favours she had there. While it was going through someone might have been able contest the decision to allow Harry what was his by right, but once it had been completed and registered with the magical books that kept the records of Britain, there was nothing anyone could do.
“This one isn’t official yet and it won’t be if you don’t want it to be. No one suggested it either. No pressure to say yes Harry, okay?” Richard tried to reassure Harry, after he gave him the other envelope. Harry nodded and opened it, reading the papers inside. He frowned slightly.

“I don’t understand… what is this?” Harry asked. Richard grinned at him.

“They’re adoption papers. For me to officially adopt you. I know I’m your guardian but this is a lot more official. If my being a werewolf ever comes out it will be a lot harder to overturn this than just our parents wills. But only if you want to. I’m not trying to replace your parents or Sirius, I wouldn’t want to try.” Richard told him.

“Adopt… that would make me your child. Why? Why do you want this?” Harry said, feeling more confused than he’d been in a long time and Richard felt his heart break at the emotions crossing his cousins’ face; disbelief, fear, uncertainty and finally hope. He pulled Harry back into his arms and refused to let go, wondering once again why his cousin was so broken inside.

“I love you Harry, I won’t leave you.” Richard told the boy in his arms.

“I…” Harry began, but it was choked and muffled, as he was trying not to cry, but it was happening anyway.

“Shh… You don’t have to decide now, just think about it. Either way it won’t change how I feel about you, okay?” Richard told him, and felt it as Harry nodded against his chest. Richard relaxed slightly, content to just stand and hold the teen until he wanted him to let go, relieved the boy was finally letting out more of his emotions. Finally the tears stopped and Harry sniffed.

“I’m a mess. We should probably clean up a little or else we won’t get it done before the others get here.” Harry said as he looked down and saw Padfoot sitting against his leg and looking up at him mournfully. He hadn’t even felt the puppy before.
“Hey Padfoot, I’m okay.” He crooned, as he picked the dog up and cuddled him. “I’m going to get dressed.” Harry announced without looking him in the eye, and Richard smiled as Harry left the room, clutching the puppy to his chest. Getting a dog had been a great idea. A hoot turned his attention to the windowsill where his new owl was perched.

“Come on Sergius, we better get you settled somewhere.” He said coaxingly as he approached the owl and it flew to his shoulder, nipping his ear slightly like he'd seen Hedwig do to Harry.

-----------
“Merry Christmas!” Harry heard, and he grinned at the phone despite knowing the other person couldn't see him.

“Merry Christmas Joshua. How’s your day going?” Harry said.

“James, how many times have I told you? It's Josh. You weird British people and your full names thing." Joshua grumbled. Harry laughed at him. He called all of them by their full names, and the first time he'd called Tim Timothy where they could all here him, the rest of the group had fallen into hysterics. The fact remained that Harry still called everyone by their full first name.
"My day's been great! I got your owl, and thanks for the kit. Don’t think my parents like it though.” Joshua said.

“Promise them you won’t use it at home and they’ll be happier.” Harry advised. The Weasley twins products had been a sure hit with Josh, he was too much a prankster for them not to be. Harry sighed, missing the twins. They'd always been great to talk to, and they had really good ideas.

“Good point. Got your stuff from me or the others yet?” Joshua chatted away happily.

“Nah, Archimedes must be slowing down in his old age.” Harry said teasingly.

“Hah hah. He’ll be there soon. Just be careful with mine, there’s a stasis spell on it.” Joshua warned Harry.

“Joshua…what did you get me?” Harry asked with a groan.

“And spoil the surprise, no way! What did Richard get you?” Joshua said in a fairly obvious attempt to change the topic.

“Books, CD’s, movies, clothes, a puppy, a passport and adoption papers.” Harry rattled off. There was dead silence on the line for three seconds.

“WHAT???????” Joshua exploded.

“Hey! Tone it down! You heard me.” Harry complained, rubbing his ear.

“Passport… that means you’re an American now. You okay with that?” Joshua asked excitedly.

“Yeah, this place is more like home than England ever was plus it's an added safety for me. They can’t throw me in jail for being a Dark Wizard if I ever go back.” Harry said with a laugh.

“Good point. What about the other papers?” Joshua questioned, even as he wondered why his friend was so obsessed with safety. He was like that at school too. Always alert, always ready. James was pretty intense, Josh thought.

“Not sure, it’s a lot to take in, you know?” Harry said.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s your cousin so of course he’d look after you till you do the whole coming of age thing but adoption? That’s a lot more permanent and binding. Would you be a Zeeman now?” he asked, and Harry groaned.

“Hadn’t thought about that part,” he admitted.

“You were more focused on the whole ‘does he really want to do this or does he feel obligated to do it’ part weren’t you?” Joshua asked in exasperation. Harry’s silence was answer enough.
“Don’t make me hex you over the phone James Black. I’ve seen you two together, and he really loves you. Really think about it James, and not whether he wants it but if you do.” Joshua ordered Harry.

“Thanks Joshua.” Harry said sincerely.

“Hey, what are friends for?” Josh asked. Harry managed to squash his guilt at that, even as he thought of how many secrets he was keeping from the other Outcasts. Although he got the feeling sometimes that Nicole knew anyway. Not much got past her. Although he didn't know how she'd guessed.
“So, what did you name the pup? What kind and gender?” Joshua questioned, eager to know everything about his friend's Christmas present.

“Padfoot, Labrador and male. He’s really cute. I’ll have to bring him one morning when someone other than Richard gives me a lift, because he can’t exactly take him to work.” Harry said as he smiled down at the puppy sleeping in his lap who suddenly woke as the doorbell rang. He was off Harry's lap and down the hall in a shot, barking like mad even as Joshua cracked up.
“I better go, see you later?” Harry sighed as he told Joshua.

“Sure, but I'll give you the heads up now, we’re trying to all get together for New Years, and you have to be there.” Joshua told him. Harry thanked him and then hung up and headed for the living room even as Padfoot kept barking. He laughed as he saw the puppy jumping all over Shang-Da and Jamil, occasionally growling at the two men.
“Padfoot down! Come on boy, leave them alone.” He ordered, and Richard joined Harry in laughing as the puppy decided to mark his territory, right on Shag-Da’s shoe.

“Guess he showed you.” Richard said as he scooped the dog up and gave him to his owner.
“I think you better work on training him though Harry.” He advised.

“Okay. Think I can train him to do that to Mr. Hargrove?” Harry asked, and smiles were exchanged; it was a well-known fact that Harry didn’t get along with his fencing instructor. Although even Harry admitted the man was very good at what he did.

“Not if you want to pass.” Richard said mock sternly, and Harry mock pouted in return before tightening his grip on the suddenly squirming bundle of black fur in his arms as the doorbell rang again.
“Anita, Jason.” Richard greeted the two as Anita handed over presents for Richard and Harry, explaining some were from the Pard, and one each from her, and another one especially for Harry from Nathaniel, as well as Jason's gifts.
“Hi Richard. Hello Harry” said Anita, giving Richard a quick kiss before smiling at Harry.

“Hey Harry, who’s the furball?” Jason greeted, giving Harry his best smile and full attention after a quick acknowledgement to Richard as his Ulfric.

“His name’s Padfoot, Richard gave him to me.” Harry explained as he held the puppy out to the werewolf who ended up getting his face licked.

“Cute puppy Harry. A nice choice Richard.” Anita complimented.

“Thanks Anita. Why don’t we move into the kitchen? Sylvie and Gwen will be here soon.” Richard replied as he awkwardly held the gifts Anita had given him, as Harry was too busy laughing at Jason's complaints of puppy drool on his face to do anything to help him, not that Richard minded.

“So, are you coming tonight Richard?” Anita asked, and blushed as Harry snickered with Jason, earning himself a playful swat from his cousin, even as Anita smiled at their antics. She thought Jason was really funny, he knew, and she seemed to like Harry too. It was obvious the two had been betting on how long it would take her to start hounding Richard over Jean-Claude’s party.

“I don’t want to leave Harry on our first Christmas.” Richard was explaining to Anita.

“So bring him. Jamil and Shang-Da can protect him if you think he’s at risk. He’s a minor and all the vampires know the law.” Anita said with a shrug of irritation. Honestly, she was a bit exasperated. Hadn't she proved she wouldn't hurt Harry on purpose? Didn't Richard know Jean-Claude or she wouldn't let any of his vampires break the rules protecting minors?

“No.” Richard said firmly.

“Richard, it’s okay. Joshua’s parents invited us to dinner so I can go there if you need to go.” Harry said and shrugged. He was used to Richard having to go to these things by now, and it didn't bother him really.

“Let him come.” Jamil said. Richard turned on his bodyguard.

“What?” He growled and Harry actually rolled his eyes, much to the amusement of Anita and Jason. Padfoot growled at Richard and they lost it, earning a glare from the werewolf king over their snickers.

“He can look after himself and we will stay with him for extra protection. You can’t hide him from our world forever.” Shang-Da said. Richard knew Shang-Da and Jamil were right intellectually, but emotionally he felt differently. Harry was a powerful Wizard from what he’d been told and his enforcers had been giving extra lessons in fighting hand to hand on top of what he got at school as well but Richard still worried. The hand-to-hand lessons Harry had soaked up like a sponge. When they stayed at human speed and strength Harry had a good chance of winning and could actually hold his own long enough for help to arrive even against their enhanced speed and strength. Richard really didn't have room to complain and he knew it.

“All right.” he admitted. Every one stared at him in shock. Just because he shouldn't, didn't usually mean Richard didn't.
“But stay as far away from Jean-Claude as you can.” He said to Harry.

“Yes sir!” Harry mock saluted, breaking the tension.

---------
“I’m going to kill him!” Richard heard and looked up at Harry's yell. All the presents had been exchanged during lunch, and the others, except for Jamil and Anita, had left half an hour ago for the Circus. Anita had left early because she was going with her were-leopards, and had to organise them. Jamil, Richard and Harry would have left too, but Harry’s presents from his friends had arrived so they’d stayed for him to open them. Jamil was waiting for Harry and Richard at the car, presents for Nathaniel and others in Anita's Pard they'd organised gifts for with him. With much coaxing from various people, Richard had even chosen presents for Jean-Claude, and Asher, although he refused to by presents for any other vampires, although Harry had snuck one in for Requiem. Richard watched as Harry stormed into the room, opened package in hand.
“Who are you planning to kill?” he asked mildly.

“Joshua Noel!” Harry all but snarled. He actually did a really good imitation of a growl, which Richard supposed must have come from hanging around so many werewolves. Although come to think of it, the were-leopards had pretty good growls too.

“What for?” he enquired curiously.

“This.” Harry growled again as he handed the box over and Richard stared at the apparently dead snake.

“A dead snake?” Richard asked in surprise as he put the box down on the table.

“He found out I’m a Parselmouth a month or so ago.” Harry said. It had been during one of their study periods. The two had been lounging outside not far from the fourth year CoMC class when the day’s subject, a fairly deadly snake, got away. Harry hadn’t even thought before approaching it and coaxing it to go back into its enclosure. He’d then waited for the stares of distrust and fear of the other students, but they’d never come. Apparently being able to speak to an animal, any animal was considered cool at Salem.

“So…” Richard questioned. He really didn't see where Harry was going with this.

“So he obviously decided I need another pet.” Harry snapped out.

“But it's dead.” Richard said.

“No, it's a stasis spell, and it's very much alive. Although I don’t suppose you recognise the species?” he asked hopefully. Richard studied the snake. It was not even a foot long, and had black and had dark green stripes.

“No, why?” He said with an apologetic shrug.

“Because maybe I want to know if I’ll be dealing with a pissed off snake capable of killing me?” Harry said as flicked his wrist and his wand fell smoothly into his hand. Harry had been practising, and he could draw his wand as fast as was humanly possible. Richard had tried, and he couldn't even get it out of the holster faster than Harry. Harry told him it was because he needed more practise. Harry waved his wand over the snake and muttered the counter spell before Richard could answer. They watched as slowly the snake began to move and then suddenly was not in the box. “Wow! Okay, its extremely fast snake.” Harry said in surprise.

“Harry? Start talking.” Richard warned as he warily eyed the snake that was getting a little too close to his cousin for comfort. Richard might have super-speed, but he didn't know if it would be enough to reach his cousin in time, and he really didn't want to test to find out. He winced as Harry began to speak to the snake. It was a language that he felt no human should be able to use, and it just sounded wrong to his sensitive ears.

‘We ssee each other.’ Harry hissed to the snake. What he actually meant was, hello, but that didn't translate so well.

‘~Tongue Sspeaker~, why do you hunt me? Why did you take me from my nesst?” The snake replied.

‘I didn’t, a ~nesstling~ did. ~My male nesstling~ thought we could be nesstlingsss.’ Harry tried to explain that his friend Joshua had been the one to think the snake would be a good pet for Harry.

‘He doess not sspeak?’ the snake asked agitatedly.

‘No, my ~nesstlingss~ don't speak.' Harry said in surprise wondering why the snake had asked.

'Not the ~hunter nesstling~ the ~wolf first~. Why doess he not sspeak like uss?’ The snake questioned.
'He tastes of fear.’ The snake added contemptuously. Harry frowned at him. Ok, he could accept the label for Joshua, and he supposed the snake meant wolf king, or wolf leader or something like that, which was accurate for Richard, but why would he think Richard would speak in the snake tongue? Harry didn't know, so he decided to ignore it.

‘My ~nest hatcher~ fears that you will attack me.' He explained, stung that Richard's courage was being questioned.

'He is your ~nest hatcher~?' the snake asked in surprise. His tongue flickered out, tasting the air again.
'He does not taste like your ~nest bound~. He remarked. Harry blinked in surprise. In snake talk, he'd said Richard was his father, or guardian.

'Do not harm any wolvess in my ~nessting place~. Harry warned in alarm. He meant his home, but that was the closest he could come up with to represent the house they were in.

‘Who will ssstop me?’ the snake questioned arrogantly.

‘I will.’ Harry hissed angrily.

‘Agreed then, you protect the nesst, and I will protect you. We will ~join together~.’ The snake said, with a distinct air of triumph.

“Harry?” His concentration broken, Harry looked up at Richard but still kept the snake in sight.

“We’re negotiating.” He snapped, not dealing very well with this unexpected turn of plans.

“Oh.” Richard said in confusion.
"Negotiating what?' he asked, but Harry's concentration was already back on the snake.

‘~Join together~?’ Harry questioned. He registered that if he'd been speaking human the snake would have said bond.

‘You are a ~ssspellcasster~, we will ~join together~.’ The snake explained. Right, spellcaster obviously meant Wizard.

‘You are a ~ssspellcassterss~ ssserpent?’ Harry asked in amazement. He was stunned that a Familiar wanted to join with him. Didn't the snake know he already had a bond to Hedwig, or did that not matter to him?

‘Yesss.’ The snake said contentedly. Harry didn't know what to do. The snake wanted to bond, and if Harry refused, might get angry and attack them. And truthfully, Harry really didn't mind having another Familiar, especially not one he could talk to, and who could talk back in a language he understood.

‘~This happens~.’ Harry said, agreeing to the bond. The smallish serpent darted forward and Richard cried out as it buried its fangs in Harry wrist.

“Harry!” He shouted.

“Richard don’t! Its okay, he’s magical. We’re, um, bonding. Whoa!” Harry said in a rush before he began to feel dizzy.

“What?” Richard exclaimed.

“Dizzy.” Harry said as he swayed and Richard lunged and caught him before he could collapse. The snake removed its fangs and moved to curl around Harry's wrist.

‘The joining issss ssstarted Massster. My venom can not give you death now.’ Harry heard the snake say as he stared into the snakes’ black eyes even as it stared at him, unable to look away.
‘You are a SSSSerpent Lord asss of ~before~. We obey you Massster.’ The snake continued, and Harry felt something moving in his mind, something cold but comforting and he fought it, reminded of Snape and Voldemort and even Dumbledore probing in his mind before he recognised it as the snake, trying to form a bond in his mind. He struggled a little more before he gave into it, realising he'd promised to let this happen, even though he hadn't known what he was agreeing too. He let the snake know everything he did even as he felt strange knowledge entering him. The world around him faded until all he was aware of was the cool presence of the snake.

“Harry? Harry! Answer me!” Richard's frantic voice called to Harry and he blinked, startled as he became aware of the world around him again.

“Huh?” He slurred, still not completely alert, and feeling a little sick from the fledgling familiar bond.
“Richard?” He got out.

“It’s okay Harry, hang on. I’ll get you to the hospital.” Richard said. Harry forced his eyes to focus on a panicking Richard who was cradling him against his chest. It took a few seconds to realise they were in a car and that Jamil was driving.

“Stop car.” He managed to say.

“What?” Richard looked at him incredulously.

“Stop.” Harry insisted.

“Pull over.” Richard said reluctantly to Jamil. Harry fumbled with the door handle before Richard opened it for him. He tumbled out onto the grass and threw up.

“Easy Harry, it’s going to be alright. Come on kid, we have to get you help.” Richard said, soothingly stroking Harry.

“No, I’m fine Richard.” Harry pushed himself to his feet and was surprised when he didn’t sway. The world around him seemed different somehow, clearer and more alive.

“Harry you were bitten by a snake, collapsed and went into convulsions! That is not fine!” Richard exclaimed.

“I did? Huh, wonder if that was meant to happen?” Harry wondered aloud. He checked his wrist but Kek was gone. Where was he? Then he paused, wondering how had he known the snake was named Kek? Why did he also know his name was that of an Egyptian god of darkness, and why wasn't he worried about that? He shrugged it off and turned to his cousin. He needed to focus.
“Where is Kek?” he asked.

“Who?” Richard said in confusion.

“Kek, the snake.” Harry said. He felt strangely calm and distant as he talked, almost like being under the Imperious but not.

“The box in the glove box. We had a fun time trying to get it off you.” Richard said.

“You should have left him.” Harry told him as he went back to the car and removed the box.

“You were unconscious!” Richard protested.

“Did the convulsions start before or after you removed him?” Harry said pointedly as he opened the box and stuck his hand in as both werewolves stopped to think. Kek hissed happily and wound himself around Harry’s wrist.

“After…” Richard said slowly.

“That’s why they happened, you interrupted the magic.” Harry said as he gently stroked the small snake, comforting him. The two men exchanged glances; Harry was behaving oddly, not like Harry at all. He was almost detached, as if nothing really mattered. He seemed to care more about the snake then the fact that he could have died and he hadn’t really looked at either of them since regaining consciousness. He'd been totally focused on the snake.

“Harry? Are you sure you’re alright?” Richard asked tentatively. Harry looked up at Richard and his cousin gasped, stepping back in shock.

“Richard? What’s wrong?” Harry asked. He sounded vaguely curious but that was it, no concern at all. About anything really.

“You…” Richard said.

“Your eyes Harry.” Jamil explained, holding himself tensely, ready to jump between the cousins if something had gone wrong with Harry. The teen turned and looked in the car’s side mirror.

“Richard?” He said in a quavering voice. The werewolf didn’t hesitate as he heard the fear in his cousins’ voice. Finally, that was his Harry talking. He scooped the boy up into his arms and held him close; ignoring the possible danger the snake posed to himself, even though he knew Jamil would speak to him later about that.

“It’s okay Harry, we’ll work it out.” Richard said. He wasn’t sure how but he would do whatever it took. Having eyes that were slitted like a snake would be hard to hide, especially since it made the normal emerald of the rest of his eyes seem to glow with power. A bit like the three of them and the star gaze that happened occasionally when Richard, Anita and Jean-Claude used their powers together.

“What’s happening to me?” Harry asked. He was starting to panic, the detached feeling completely gone.

‘You are Ssssserpent Lord now.’ Harry heard Kek hiss, and he looked down at the snake.

‘Kek? How did you ~shed my skin~?’ Harry asked what Kek had done to change him. Even his hissing had an almost hysterical tone to it.

‘~Be still~ Massster.’ Kek said, and Harry felt himself start to calm slightly and realised it was Kek’s doing.
‘We are ~joined together~. Are your sssenssess not better?’ The snake questioned, and Harry stopped and thought about it. That was why everything seemed different he realised. He felt Richard squeeze his shoulder slightly and looked at him.

“Harry?” Richard asked in concern.

“Everything’s different.” Harry said softly.

“Different how?” Richard asked as he sat in the car, holding Harry on his lap.

“Clearer, more alive somehow. I’m not wearing my glasses am I?” Harry asked.

“No.” Jamil said, and the two men once again looked at each other. Harry almost sounded like a new shifter, unused to their enhanced senses.

“It’s the bond with Kek, it’s affecting my senses, making them better.” Harry explained.

“What else is it doing?” Richard asked. He was worried; he should never have let the snake near Harry, not until they could identify what species it was. Harry turned back to the snake and started to hiss again.

‘My eyesss have ~shed their skin~, can I ~slither back into the old skin~ them ~to before~?’ Harry asked Kek if he could change his eyes back, struggling a little to communicate the words he wanted in parseltounge.

‘Yessss, you are Ssserpent now, think Human and it will be sso.’ Kek said. Harry frowned in concentration and then blinked up at Richard.

“Better?” He asked, although Richards relieved smile was answer enough.

“Everything still weird?” Richard asked him.

“Yeah it is. I guess the sight stays no matter what my eyes are like. Kek says I can change them at will.” Harry explained.

‘Anything elssse ~skin shed~?’ He asked the snake on his wrist if there were any more changes.

‘You are Sssserpent Lord.’ Kek said simply.

‘But what doesss that mean?’ Harry demanded. Kek stayed silent.
“Bloody stubborn snake!” He muttered.

“Language Harry.” Richard said reproachfully, although he was relived Harry had stopped talking in the snake's language. It was really very disturbing and felt unnatural to him.

“Apparently I’m a Serpent Lord now but he’s refusing to explain it further!” Harry exclaimed as he glared at the snake. They all jumped as a cell phone rang. Jamil answered and then looked at Richard.

“It's Anita, they felt you panicking and want to know what’s going on. You’re blocking them.” He said as Harry frowned, remembering his own link to Requiem. He focused on it and could feel the vampire’s concern. He sent as much reassurance as he could before letting the link slip away to the back of his mind. He was getting better, but it still took him a bit of effort. Requiem had told him that over time it would get easier, until it was natural to him, but Harry wasn't there yet.

“Tell her we’re on our way.” Richard said, and Jamil looked at him.
“As much as I dislike her Melanie may know something.” Richard explained to Jamil.

“Who’s Melanie?” Harry asked as he looked up at Richard.

“A lamia at the Circus.” Richard said shortly.

“Lamia?” Harry questioned.

“She’s a snake, kind of. She might know what’s happening to you.” Richard said.

“Oh. Okay.” Harry accepted his explanation as he snuggled into Richards’ chest and promptly fell asleep to Jamil’s’ amusement. He hung up and got back in the driver seat even as Richard got comfortable. He only hoped Melanie could help. Or, knowing what he did of the snake woman Anita disliked so much, perhaps that should more accurately be would she help.

TBC…
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

New Family