Fan Fiction / Crossover Fan Fiction ❯ New Family ❯ Homecoming ( Chapter 22 )

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

 

Chapter 22 - Homecoming

 

Richard frowned as he woke to the smell of sizzling bacon. Had Anita come by to cook him breakfast? That seemed unlikely. A quick glance at the clock showed him it was closer to lunch, not an unusual happening the day after the full moon. He staggered out of bed and down the hall only to freeze in the entrance to the kitchen. It was definitely not Anita cooking, though the hair was a similar enough colour this person was definitely male. Richard inhaled their scent and his eyes went wide. It had changed a bit but still...

 

“Harry?” he called hesitantly and the man spun to reveal that it was his cousin. The wizard gave him a shaky smile and Richard was moving. He pulled the smaller man into his arms and held on tightly.

 

“Air is good Richard.” Harry told his cousin/father and the werewolf loosened his grip.

 

“It's good to have you home. You are home to stay right?” Richard asked and Harry laughed.

 

“Yes I'm home to stay. Probably been exiled or whatever from England already knowing the Ministry.” Richard smiled at that and then stepped back, looking Harry over critically. Harry in turn sighed but allowed the inspection.

 

“You grew again, still too thin though. When did you get back?”

 

“Well I have been in a war you know. Didn't exactly always have time for three meals a day. But I'm fine Richard, a few new scars but nothing drastic. We got back into the country last night and then spent most of it at the Ministry reporting on what happened. I'm glad to get out of there! I never want to see another report form again! I was dead on my feet by the time I got in and I knew you weren't here because of the moon so I went straight to bed.” Harry explained and then nearly tripped as Padfoot nudged him. The dog had barely left his side since he'd gotten home after nearly attacking him thinking he was an intruder.

 

“Good.” Richard was relieved to hear that Harry had come out of the war pretty much unscathed.

 

“Oh, and I learned to do this.” One second Harry was standing there and the next there was a cheetah sitting on the kitchen floor looking rather smug.

 

“HARRY!” Richard staggered back in shock and Harry reappeared laughing like mad and clutching the counter.

 

“The look on your face!”

 

“What....how?” Was all Richard could get out and Harry forced himself to stop laughing.

 

“I'm an animagus now. Neat huh? I was hoping for a canine or something but a cheetah's pretty useful. Fastest land animal and all that, really comes in handy when running from a group of annoyed Death Eaters.”

 

“So you're not...no one bit you?” Richard nearly sagged in relief. While he was now happy with what he was he didn't want the life of a were for Harry.

 

“No, it's an ability like Parseltongue. I just needed to learn how, took six months to master it. Did you like it?” Harry smiled up at him and Richard had to smile back.

 

“Other than nearly being the first werewolf to die of a heart attack. Can I see again?”

 

“Sure, outside?” Harry actually bounced slightly and it was so good to see Harry so happy.

 

“Want to show off?” That earnt Richard an embarrassed blush.

 

Jamil, Shang-Da and Jason followed the sound of Richard laughing around to the backyard only to all freeze in shock. Their Ulfric was being chased and licked to death by a cheetah! The cat sniffed and then turned to face them, intelligent green eyes looking them over before the big cat ran and tackled Jason to the ground, licking him enthusiastically. Richard fell down he was laughing so hard.

 

Jason stared up at the feline crouched over him and then his jaw dropped. Hidden in the fur was a barely recognisable scar.

 

“Harry?” His shocked whisper got the attention of the two shocked enforcers. The cheetah licked him once more and then suddenly the weight pinning him lessoned and very human hands were holding his shoulders down.

 

“Hey Jason.” Was the soft answer. And then Harry was pulling Jason's head up and claiming his lips in a bruising kiss. They parted, both panting for air but smiling. Harry reached out and pushed Jason's shirt aside to reveal a scar.

“So it wasn't a dream?” Jason laughed and then rolled out from Harry, offering the younger man a hand up which was accepted.

 

“Nope. I had a hard time explaining your idea of a hickey though.” Harry went beet red at that and stammered out an apology.

“Hey, I'm not complaining, especially since I think that's what let me help you?”

 

“Yeah, thanks for that.” Harry shrugged almost shyly and the two took the time to study the changes in each other. Jason hadn't changed much, his hair was a bit shorter than it had been and he was older than he had been but other than that he was the same. Harry on the other hand had shot up another three inches in height, making him taller than Jason but not as tall as Richard. He'd filled out a bit with maturity though he was a bit on the thin side. Once messy dark hair was straighter now that it had some length to it and Jason could see some new scars, though most had been there in their little shared dream or whatever it had been.

 

The sound of someone clearing their throat made them both jump and look over at the other three sheepishly.

 

“Is there something you boys want to tell me?” Richard asked mildly and Jason gulped. Harry just shrugged.

 

“Jason and I shagged in a dream before the final battle.” The wizard admitted airily and Jason whimpered.

“Oh, and I bit him, think that may have done something.” And then Harry spun to Jason.

“You were okay after that? You weren't sick or anything?” He demanded and Jason shook his head. Harry relaxed.

“Found out I am poisonous, didn't think of that when I bit you. Then again looking back I don't think either of us was thinking all that much.”

 

“Okay, enough information!” Richard ordered and Harry shot him an innocent look.

 

“But Dad, you wanted to know.” Richard growled at him and Harry laughed. Jason couldn't help grinning at seeing Harry so playful. He'd never seen him act so free and it was a wonderful change.

 

“So what was with the giant cat routine?” Jamil asked curiously after moving over to give Harry a one armed hug of welcome.

 

“I'm an animagus now. A cheetah in case you couldn't guess. Came in handy for spying and I got to keep Remus company on the full moon.” All three lycanthropes stared at him in horror at that.

“As long as I'm in cat form I'm immune and I could easily outrun him if Moony got violent. But he sees me as his packs cub even if the two of us are all that's left of said pack. Its loads of fun, the two of us would play games all night and I kept him from going anywhere near civilisation.” Harry explained.

 

“I'd still prefer you not be around any of us during the full moon.” Richard stated and Harry rolled his eyes.

 

“Richard I'm a twenty year old wizard and war veteran, I can take care of myself. But if it makes you feel better I promise, for now.” Harry finally agreed and led the way inside. They all settled in the living room.

 

“So does anyone else know you're back?” Jason asked and Harry shook his head.

 

“Just the Ministry and the others parents by now. I only got back late last night.”

 

“We should go to the Circus later, everyone will be there tonight.” Jason told him, curling up beside Harry on the couch. Harry started slightly in surprise and then leant into him. Richard couldn't help a small smile at the sight of the two of them together. He wasn't all that sure about Jason being with Harry but if he made Harry happy then he wouldn't interfere.

 

“Sounds good to me.” Harry answered.

 

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Anita smiled as Richard arrived, his bodyguards loyally at his side and Jason trailing them with....

 

“Harry!” She yelled, getting everyone's attention. All eyes focused on the young man at Jason's side and then at their entwined fingers.

 

“Hey Anita.” Harry called in greeting, shocking her with a brief hug.

 

“HARRY!” Nathaniel yelled, nearly tackling the wizard who laughed and let Jason catch him as he stumbled back under Nathaniel's weight. With that the crowd surged forward to welcome the young man home.

 

“Welcome home little serpent.” Jean-Claude whispered and Harry turned to him.

 

“Thanks, it's good to be back.” Jean-Claude shook his hand and then moved to stand with Anita and Richard as Harry was lost in the crowd.

 

“Is he okay?” Anita asked from Richard's arms and the Ulfric nodded.

 

“A few new scars of course but...he's happy Anita. I don't think I've ever seen him this carefree before. You should ask him to show you his new trick latter. I think you'll like it.” Richard told her with a secretive smile.

 

TBC...