The Meaning of Love

A Harry Potter and Queer As Folk Crossover Story

Chapter One

Author Note/Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Harry Potter; the creative and awesome writer J.K. Rowling created the novels. CowLip, Showtimes and Paramount own Queer As Folk. There also may be slight crossovers with other television series further in the story.

In 1971, Brian Fallon Kinney is born into the world to Joan and Jack Kinney. He has seven older siblings, Torin Jackson Kinney (14 years older, he was born in 1957), Aliana Sarai O'Connell nee Kinney (13 years older, she was born 1959), Keagan Eames Kinney (11 years older, he was born 1961), Connor Uilliam Kinney & Murphy Doran Kinney (9 yrs older, the twins were born in 1963), Lily Jana Potter nee Evans-Kinney (6 years older, she was born in 1965) and Clarity Roisin Kinney (4 years older, she was born in 1967).

Brian often spent most of his childhood being abused and neglected by his parents. This lead to him doing after school activities or sports, as well as hanging out with his best friends or other friends, to get away from his parents.

Harry Potter was born July 31st, 1983. The Harry Potter series takes place 1994 to 2001. Lily Jana Potter nee Evans (Kinney) was born 1965; she would be eighteen when she had Harry. And would have died when she was nineteen. Everyone else was born a few years later than in the original timeline. Any other questions will be answered if you send a message to me.

Summary: After the death of his big sister, Brian Kinney continues to fight for custody of his nephew Harry Potter, but is always turned down. Years later Harry searches for his Uncle and finds him. He learns that family doesn't always have to be about blood.

Pairings (Many of these pairings will be mentioned and/or appear in the story at some point): Brian Kinney/Justin Taylor, Melanie Marcus/Lindsay Peterson, Melanie Marcus/Leda Selwyn, Michael Novotny/David Cameron, Michael Novotny/Ben Buckner, Debbie Novotny/Carl Horvath, Ted Schmidt/Blaze Wyzecki, Emmett Honeycutt/Ted Schmidt, Emmett Honeycutt/Drew Boyd, Emmett Honeycutt/Calvin Colpepper, Vic Grassi/Rodney, Hunter Montgomery/Callie Leeson, Craig Taylor/Jennifer Taylor, Tucker Macmillan/Jennifer Taylor, Blaise Zabini/Daphne Chanders, Justin Taylor/Ethan Gold, Brian Kinney/Original Male Characters, Brian Kinney/Regulus Black, Brian Kinney/Charlie Weasley, Brian Kinney/Lorcan D'Eath, Brian Kinney/Oliver Wood, Brian Kinney/Cassius Warrington, Brian Kinney/Will Graham, Brian Kinney/Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter, Brian Kinney/Kevin Walker, Brian Kinney/Neal Caffrey, etc.

Sirius Black/Cynthia Fawley, Harry Potter/Daphne Chanders, TJ Hammond/Harry Potter, Harry Potter/Daphne Greengrass, Harry Potter/Parvati Patil, Marcus Flint/Harry Potter, Cedric Diggory/Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom/Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom/Hannah Abbott, Rolf Scamander/Luna Lovegood, Ron Weasley/Hermione Granger, Viktor Krum/Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley/Padma Patil, Ron Weasley/Lavender Brown, Susan Bones/Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones/Romilda Vane, Theodore Nott/Tracy Davis, Cedric Diggory/Cho Chang, Fred Weasley/Alicia Spinnet, George Weasley/Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan/Katie Bell, Percy Weasley/Audrey Sayre, Percy Weasley/Penelope Clearwater, Bill Weasley/Fleur Delacour, Charlie Weasley/Aidan Lynch, Michael Corner/Ginny Weasley, Draco Malfoy/Ginny Weasley, Draco Malfoy/Astoria Greengrass, Blaise Zabini/Draco Malfoy, Dean Thomas/Seamus Finnegan, Remus Lupin/Nymphadora Tonks, Terence Higgs/Pansy Parkinson, etc.

Setting(s): Harry Potter books take place during the 3rd to 7th book and Queer As Folk is from all seasons.

Rating: NC-17 or M at times

Song: Bother by Stone Sour

Warnings (Including but not limited to): Violence, Strong Language, Adult Situations, Graphic Sex, Alcohol Use, Mention/Show of Martial Abuse, Mention/Show of Child Abuse, Drug Use, Mention of Drug Use, Overdosing on Drugs, Mention/Show of Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts, Mention/Show of Rape, Nudity, Fights, Homophobia, Bisexual Characters, Heterosexual Characters, Homosexual Characters, Bisexual Relationships, Heterosexual Relationships, Homosexual Relationships, Attempted Murder, Murderous Intentions, Supernatural Creatures, Criminals, etc.

31st October 1989

The figure stood silently upon the edge of the towering building. Hazel eyes looked out across the flickering lights of Pittsburgh. A burning cigarette hung between his pointer and middle finger. A chain white mist of smoke floated in a wave like pattern with the cold breeze of air and then disappeared into the starless sky. A silent sigh escaped pink lips as eyelids fluttered close and the head of the young eighteen-year-old faced the sky as the wind fluttered past, ruffling his clothes.

Brian Kinney noiselessly adjusted his weight on his feet. Raising the burning cigarette to his lips he took another drag and slowly released the smoke through his nose as he lowered his head and looked out across the busy city. The hand holding his cigarette swayed with the wind at his side as he silently lost himself in thoughts of memories long since forced to be forgotten. "I thought I'd fine you up here." Michael Novotny stepped through the bland metal doorway of the large buildings stairway. Many of Brian's friends and their families used it for holiday parties, this one just happened to be a Halloween party. Brian glanced over his shoulder, quirked an eyebrow and let a small smirk grace his luscious lips.

"Aren't I always up here around this time?" He retorted dryly. Every year since he was thirteen he spent his days up on the roof of some type of building, staring out over the city of Pittsburgh. It was the day of his older sister's and her husband's death and the day his godson and nephew was taken from him. Little Harry had not been able to be placed in his other godfathers care, as he was the traitorous bastard that led to Brian's sister's death. The bastard had also destroyed Harry's chance at a normal childhood. It also didn't help that Brian had been too young, only thirteen at the time, when his sister was murdered. Even now, at eighteen-years-old the old bastard and their stupid government still weren't letting him acquire guardianship of his nephew and godson. He could feel his anger bubbling in his blood, just barely hidden beneath the surface at the thought of them again.

"You should just let it go for now Bri." Michael stated while he walked across the building's rooftop and stood beside his best friend on the ledge of the building. Who he was coincidentally in love with, had been for years. Not that he would ever tell Brian that. "I mean, enjoy your youth while you can." He continued, ""Concentrate on college and getting a career that will let you have a big enough income to raise a child." He corrected himself with a sigh. "Until you can find a way to get guardianship of your nephew." He added.

"For now, get your college degree and experience your chance at sleeping sound, going to parties, and learning what you need to attain guardianship." The other man stated. He wasn't oblivious to his friends bubbling anger at his words. While he did hate seeing his best friend upset and angry, he couldn't help but try and be helpful. He knew how much Brian yearned to be able to take care of his nephew and godson. He hated the people that had caused his friend so much pain in his short life. He had been there through it all and he always would be.

Trying for levity he added, "And of course you can fuck your way through most of the student body while you're at it." He smiled in amusement, his dark brown eyes twinkling with laughter as he teased his friend. "It has been your goal, after all. As you have continuously reminded me." Michael was aware of his friends simmering and bubbling fury at his words and the memories that haunted him over Lily and James' deaths and betrayal. He knew all about the Wizarding World, he was the only one out of their mismatched family that did know everything. He also knew about the old things that Brian kept experiencing, the dreams and visions. Along with his odd affinity toward the more sexual and promiscuous relationships he's had. He had seen how others reacted to Brian and how Brian seemed to get strength and healing from it. The two young men are best friends after all, they didn't keep secrets from each other for very long, if they could help it that is.

A dark look flashed over Brian's handsome visage at his best friends first statement. Did he really think that's what he should do? "No, Mikey. I can't just enjoy my college years while figuring out what I need to do to get Harry." Brian snapped in irritation. "I promised Lily I'd take care of her son if something happened to her and I'm breaking that promise, because I don't have him with me." He spoke firmly as his hazel eyes took a glance at his best friend. A look of amusement graced his face as his best friend tried to cheer him up. A husky chuckle released at Michael's words of fucking his way through the school. His friend more often than not, knew how to bring him out of his head and make him laugh when he got lost in his thoughts. Mikey was one of the few people that could succeed in doing so. "I'll be the Stud of Liberty Ave. and I'll be the King of the school before long." He replied in amusement. Michael smiled in reply at the levity that had come over the tense atmosphere. He was glad he had been able to pull Brian from his thoughts, if only for a few moments.

Raising his hand he took another drag from his cigarette before releasing the gray smoke from his lungs, causing a swirl of smoke to disappear with the wind. The soothing feeling of smoke and nicotine encasing his lungs was a relaxation he had acquired at twelve. It had been an annoyance for his older sister who, unsuccessfully, had tried to break him of his "horrible habit" as Lily called it.

"There's not much you can do right now." Michael repeated again, calmly and logically. As much as he would like to help his friend acquire guardianship of his nephew and godson, he had no income that would let him care for a toddler, let alone an apartment big enough for two people, let alone one. "You just need to be patient Brian." He said with a frown of concern as his friend mask began to rise again, hiding away what he was truly feeling. His hands tapped on his leg as he looked away from Brian's cold eyes. He wasn't use to that expression being set upon him. It unnerved him to see his best friends eyes turn so cold in just a matter of a few seconds.

"If you say so." Brian spoke in a sardonic voice. He turned his gaze back up to starless night sky with a thoughtful countenance. "Don't you have better things to do Mikey?" His voice broke the silence between the two friends. The noise of Pittsburgh nightlife was clear to the two young adults standing in silence. One of them was enjoying the cold fall air while the other fought the urge to shiver at the ice biting wind.

"No, not when I'm worrying about you." The simple, but meaningful reply caused a grimace, unseen by Michael, to cross Brian's face. It always made the slightly younger male uncomfortable about his friend's caring attitude for him. He didn't know if he would ever get comfortable with people caring for him. He knew his best friend was in love with him and that was what had him so discomforted. He didn't want to hurt Mikey by not being able to return those feelings. He was his best friend, even if he didn't show it very well. "Everyone is worried about you." He added. Their family had grown since the pair started college, adding in Emmett, Ted, Melanie and Lindsay to their formerly small group. And though they showed it in their own way, they cared. They love each other as only good friends and chosen family could.

"No need. I'm fine." He immediately responded. He was always fine and he was always going to be fine. Even when in truth he wasn't. But he wasn't one to whine and bitch about his problems. If he wanted someone to know about his 'issues' he'd tell them. Until that time his friends usually knew not to bug him about what he was feeling. Well, almost all of them did. Michael knew when he needed to be a persistent little shit, asking and pestering Brian until he finally snapped and emitted how he felt. Michael knew that was sometimes the only way to get him to talk about his feelings. "Mikey," He began, cutting his friend off before he could speak again. "Why don't you go back inside and enjoy the celebrations. Rather then freezing yourself and worrying over me." Brian said with a smirk. "I'll come in when I'm ready." Michael knew a dismissal when he heard one. With a sigh the older male nodded his head and gave Brian's shoulder a squeeze before pulling away and disappearing back into the stairway of the building.

Brian sighed in relief at the sound of the rooftops getting further away as the door slammed shut behind Michael. While he did care, love his friend in his own way, he couldn't deal with having another person around. He just needed some peace and quiet away from his too loud friends. "I'm sorry Lily. I tried. I really did. I'll keep going on like I have been, but I doubt I'll be able to get very far." Brian murmured to himself. His cigarette was nearly depleted as he took one last drag before tossing it over the edge of the building. Hazel eyes watched silently while the bud of the cigarette fluttered through the air before disappearing from sight.

It would be years before he ever saw his nephew and godson again.

9th August 1995

Dear Lily,

I hope this letter finds you and my nephew well. It's been a couple of weeks since I was able to find the time to write you. As you know how I'm not much into all of that sentimental bullshit you seem so fond of, so I'll just get to the point of this letter. As you requested, this is another update on how I've been doing these last few months since you left back for England with little Harry.

When I started writing this letter I couldn't been but remember when we met for the first time. Do you remember? I was only nine and you were fifteen. I remember when I first saw you, I thought how odd it was that you looked a lot like Ali and Kea, with your red hair and green eyes. Good genes from the Barnes side of the family I suppose. Grand-père Nigel always did remark that while Maimeó Bedelia may be a bitch, she has good genes from the Irish side of our family.

Anyways, I couldn't but but think of the reaction our siblings and parents had to seeing you. You had traveled all the way to Pittsburgh from England to meet us. You never did get to meet Joan and Jack, not with their reaction to you. But T.J., Ali, Kea, Con and Murph had been happy, thrilled really, to see you. It still angers me that they never mentioned you to me or Claire.

My relationship with them and Claire still isn't how it used to be. Not like it was any good in the first place. With how they are, I can say that I'm honestly fucking glad that they're not much of a part in my life anymore. Good fucking riddance is all I can say. I know, I know, "don't curse Bri, you're too young". Blah, blah, blah. I can curse whenever I want. We all don't have great role models like yours to follow after. I know what you're thinking Lils, you want me to make an effort to be on friendly terms with them, but I can't after what they did.

You know, even after you discovered that you were put up for adoption, you still tried to give them another chance. Why? I never understood that. Why would you be willing to still give them a second and third chance? Especially after what they did to you. I don't get it. Sure, they're family but they gave you away like a toy they didn't want anymore but kept T.J, Aliana, Keagan, Connor, Murphy, Claire and myself. So why can you forgive them? How are you so forgiving? I mean, you never forgave your friend Snape, and yet you're willing to forgive the assholes that gave you up?

I guess I'm glad and thankful that you're willing to be so forgiving. I got to meet you after all Lils. You're the only sibling I can actually stand and be willing to accept as my family. I could and can never regret disobeying Jack and Joan and what the punishment for doing so entailed, and no Lily, I won't tell you what happened.

Nonna Stephanie and Bunicut Bucky wanted me to tell you that they look forward to seeing you again when you get the chance to come and see them. They look forward to seeing their great-great grandson. They also told me to tell you to tell James that he better me treating you right, or he would be dealing with two angry and over protective дедушка и бабушка.

I feel like I should inform you about something that I had come to realize a few days ago. I finally noticed what that look in her eyes. She's in love with me Lily...and...and I don't know what to do. How do you tell someone that you can never love them in that way? I can never love her as she wants me too Lils. I'd only break her heart telling her that. She's been my best friend since I was a kid. She's like a sister that I could always depend on. Should I tell her the truth? Or should I just ignore it? I'm leaning towards ignoring it. If I don't acknowledge it, I can't hurt her...right? I feel like no matter what I do, I'll only break her heart. Is it wrong to be terrified that she'll leave me, abandon me like everyone else has in my life?

You may hate hearing me saying this, but I'm glad you never got to live in this Hell that I've been forced to call my "home". You were lucky Lils, you grew up knowing you are loved by your adoptive parents. I can't say the same. It seems everyone in this house is allergic to the mere thought of showing love or compassion to one another. I'm glad you found the one you were meant for. If anyone deserves it, it's you. James is a great guy, kinda hot too. You picked a good one Lils. Don't let him go. You guys made one good looking kid. Harry is adorable and looks a lot like you and James. He has a bit of the Kinney genes in him too, from what I saw of him last time the three of you visited. He seemed to take a liking to me too, but everyone does, who wouldn't?

I hope you haven't gotten crazy yet, with all of the pranks that have been going on. From what you told me in your last letter, you and Remus had a prank war against James and Sirius. I have to admit that James and his friends are pretty amusing with their pranks. Especially the last time they backfired on them. I always knew you were conniving and sly when you put your mind to it. It was well worth the chaos to see them scream like girls. I think Jamie and Siri had the highest pitch between them. I still have it on video too. I have all of our time spent together during these last few summers on video. I'll keep it for safekeeping until I can figure a way to use it against the pair from the last prank they did. Have any suggestions Lils?

I look forward to your reply.

Later,

Brian

21st July 1984

Dear Lily,

I've been having this horrible feeling in my gut lately and I can't figure out what or why that is. I feel like something bad might happen to you. There's this foreboding sense of dread that keeps hanging over me, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode as it slowly counts down. Whatever this feeling is, it isn't good. I hope you're keeping as safe as you can with that the war of yours that is transpiring. From what you told me, it's getting heated by the day. The idea of something happening to you makes me sick to my stomach. I can only hope that nothing does and you keep safe for the sake of your son and husband. If a God he should know how much you're needed here.

You mean so much to me and I don't want to lose you, as difficult as that is to admit. You, James and little Harry are all I have. You're the optimist between us, the mere idea that something could happen to you...I don't like the thought. Especially since you and Jamie are the only

I was told recently by the old crone that I was a shameful, worthless piece of shit and maybe I am one of these horrible things.

I suppose I am, with the way we have to live in this sort of world.

Anyways, I wrote to tell you about these nightmarish visions I've been having lately. I can't stand these dreams and the flashes I've seen. I see a fight between James and a cloaked man. James is yelling to you and he's telling you to run and take little Harry. The next flash you're running upstairs and into the nursery of your son's room. Protecting him, defending him, against a man that's rather handsome. The two of you are arguing, you're pleading to him to spare Harrison. The man says something to you that I can't quite catch before there's a flash of green light and you fall with a scream in front of Harry's crib. The next flash is the cloaked man standing over your still body and holding a wand to your son. He talks to baby Harry but I can't hear him over the ringing in my ears. The next thing I see is a green flash of light and it...rebounds back off of Harry and then there's a sudden scream of pain from the cloaked man.

I always awaken with sweat dripping down my face, my breathing rapid and tears falling from my eyes. I've had this dream for the last few months Lils and I'm worried. That horrible scream still rings in my ears hours afterwards and that dream haunts me the rest of the day. I've taken to new extremes to make myself forget this hellish nightmare. You wouldn't be happy with me if you ever found out what extremes I've taken.

It's rather odd now that I think on it Lily. I've always had strange dreams like this nightmare, ever since I was a child. They're usually horrible and tragic, though I have had a few happy ones and I can never figure out why.

Do you remember when you asked me if I would ever find happiness? Can you remember what I said Lily? I can still. I remember telling you that I'll always find happiness with you every summer we see each other. I still recall the promise we made to each other and it still remains true. I will always be there for you Lily, no matter what it is. Whether it is to protect you or your family or raising little Harry should anything happen to you and James. I'll do anything I can.

Later,

Brian

31st August 1985

Dear Lily,

I can still vividly remember when I was nine and you were fifteen, you asked me if I would ever find happiness. I told you I had, but never for what reason. It was always you that brought me happiness Lily. You were the only one that has not abandoned me, not purposely. You never left me to the ones I have to call 'parents' because you wanted to but because you had to. You are the big sister, the older sibling I should have had, one that should have been willing to watch over me, protect me from the people I'm forced to call my parents.

We promised each other that day before you left to head home, that we would always watch out for each other and those we cared for and tat still remains true for me. I will do whatever I can to protect you and yours, no matter the cost. You're my big sister. You're the only one in my fucked up life that I actually give a damn about. You're the one person that's kept me going when things get too hard. You'll my best friend Lily and I couldn't have asked for a better one.

I want you to promise me something Lily Marie Potter, that you will watch yourself. The nightmare continues to persist and I can't stop this sinking feeling in my stomach that says horrible is going to happen. I have this feeling in my guts that tells me I should to take you, James and Harry and run. I should hide you and your family as far away from England as possible.

Promise me you'll be careful.

You're all I have left.

I can't lose you. I don't know what will happen if I do.

Later,

Brian

19th September 1985

Dear Lily,

I did as you asked and tried for a 'relationship' from the last time we talked over the phone. I can't really say that it ended well. My only relationship at only thirteen and it will never happen again. Love is not worth the heartbreak. Who would have figured that I would know what 'heartbreak' is? Never again will I try and give it another shot. It's not worth the headaches.

You know, I actually thought he would be worth the time and energy. Wasn't that a punch in the face when I discovered, at a dance, the guy I was with showed how much he actually cared for me? Which wasn't much, but I had always hoped he had been the one for me. That maybe he actually truly cared for me. I should have suspected something. I always had that nagging voice whisper in the back of my mind that he wasn't what I thought he was.

Fucking asshole. Figured he couldn't keep his dick in his pants.

I should have trusted my judgment and my friends. I wanted to give it a try for you Lily. Now don't go thinking I'm trying to make you feel guilty. I'm rather over the whole shit. It was a one time thing and rather mundane. Who knew relationships were boring?

It was a whole fucking waste of time. After that I went through that whole, 'I hate the world and everyone else' stage. I may have felt a little bad for being such an asshole to you, but it happens. I think I made those six months the worst months of everyone elses lives here. It made me highly amused and happy, even if it pissed off Jack more than anything. It was rather worth all the pain and suffering I went through.

That relationship did show me one thing, trying to get love from someone is just as unreliable as my parents. I don't even know what love from s parent even is. The only true love I've ever known is a sibling love from you and a bond of friendship.

In the conventional sense, the relationship type, is something I won't touch with a ten-foot pole again. Love is a hard thing to trust now a day's. Just like 'Sorry' is. Sorry is as overrated as 'Love' is, everyone says 'Oh, I'm so sorry' or 'Sorry, forgive me?'. Or they say 'I love you' or 'I love you too'. Fuck them and fuck love. Sorry is bullshit. Sorry's aren't worth anything, just like love isn't. Everyone says Sorry or I Love You. It's a word constantly used.

I've been in this angry mood lately. The nightmares are persistent as ever; even with my new extremes of ignoring these nightmares, they still find some way to get through.

Be safe Lily. This feeling has been getting worse.

Later,

Brian

25th October 1985

Dear Lily,

You're probably wondering why I'm writing this to you a few days before Halloween. Well, I figured one last letter before I have to leave Pittsburgh for some 'family' thing the parents want to deal with and are dragging me with them. I just wanted to tell you and remind you how much I love you. You're my best friend, my big sister and at one time or another, you had wanted to kidnap me and take me back to England with you.

I sometimes wish you did. Here it seems someone always blames me for some bullshit or another that happens between Mikey and I. Whenever he gets hurt unintentionally or intentionally, I'm automatically blamed. Go figure. I got over if years ago, after the day my bitch of a grandmother died. Michael had gotten hurt a day after by falling out of a tree house his Uncle had built him.

I suppose I should tell you about the day my grandmother died, you've always asked, but I never told. I didn't feel the need, and still don't. As my final 'later', I figured you deserve to know the truth.

It was around the time I was seven, my parents, older siblings and I had to go to the hospital. My grandmother was sick with a severe case of pneumonia and was dying. It was a sad and depressing time for everyone to deal with, except for me. She had been a mean old hag, that adored my older siblings except me. I know the whole "don't speak ill of the dead" thing but she had been a cruel and sadistic bitch that enjoyed dishing abuse on me.

Anyways, I knew something was wrong with her from everyone's reactions. I never really asked, as I honestly wasn't that curious, about what was wrong with my grandmother. I also didn't want to make them start crying or anything if I asked. Even then I wasn't very comfortable with expressing or dealing with other people's emotional turmorials.

I remember sitting silently on the hospital chair out in the hall, waiting until my grandmother finally joined my grandfather, wondering when it would end. Months before my grandfather died from lung cancer and it caused my grandmother's health to deteriorate. As much as my grandmother was a bitch, my grandfather was actually a sweet, kind old man that I enjoyed spending time with when we had family gatherings.

After grandmother's death, the parental's became even crueler and greedier, after the inheritance money that they received from grandmother. I was told by grandfather, before he died, that he left all the money he had in his name to me. That no one in our family could touch the money he left me. I'm able to take control of the money left to me after my twenty first birthday.

Most of my siblings got rather jealous and angry when they found out this news. Sure they got some money from my grandmother but not as much as I'm assuming I did. Most of them moved out after high school to head to college and left me to deal with such loving parents. They're all fucking assholes anyways.

I just hope they never find out I'm gay. If they were pissed about the money I can just imagine how furious and disgusted they'll be with me being gay. Do you know what my old man Jack would do to me, or what that old bitch Joan would do? She already spouts off this bullshit about God and my burning in hell for being a good for nothing hooligan. Her tangents would only get worse.

The only reason we have a house is because they paid it off with their rich inheritance money my mother received from my grandmother and used the rest for bills when it comes time to. My father's inheritance money he received from his family is used to "encourage their unfavorable addictions", as your parents call it.

Your parents and you are the ones that have been there for me since we first met. You're the only ones that took the time to get to know me and give a damn and I want to thank you for that Lily. You've always made the time for me and I'm glad I got to know the sister I hadn't known I was missing until a couple of years ago.

I'll be sure to send you more letters when I can.

With the worry you, James and Harry are causing me I'll go gray before I'm eighteen. I'm afraid one day I'll wake up and find out something happened to you.

Until next time, I'll be awaiting your letter reply.

Later,

Brian

2nd June 1995

Eleven-year-old Harry Potter silently set the booklet filled with his mothers letter from her younger brother upon the uneven bed. He sat upon the cot he was sharing with Ron Weasley, one of his best friends. A soft whoosh escaped his lips at this shocking news. He could feel anger at the thought of the Ministry and Albus Dumbledore keeping his Uncle from getting custody of him. If he had, Harry knew he would have been given a better life than what he had. From what he read of these letters over the years, that his Uncle and Mother sent to each other, his Uncle had a far worst childhood then he himself had. His stomach turned as his hands traced the neat cursive writing his Uncle had. For a twelve year old, he had amazing writing. Then again, from what Harry had learned in these letters, his Uncle had never really been a child, not like Harry had. Which, he admitted, wasn't much better.

"What are you doing Harry?" The sudden voice of Hermione Granger caused the young eleven-year-old to give a startled jump and quickly turn to the doorway where his other best friend stood. Harry would admit he and Hermione got along better than he and Ron did. Harry had always been more interested in learning about this strange new world that he had been thrust into so suddenly a year ago.

"I was reading some letters from my mum and my Uncle." Harry stated. He waited for the confusion to set in for his brilliant friend.

"Why would your mum be writing to your Uncle Vernon?" Maybe not then. Harry sighed to himself and looked to his friend with a shake of his head.

"My mum was adopted, 'Mione. Lily Evans was actually born as Lily Kinney until she was given up and put up for adoption. So technically that so called 'protection' with the Dursley's doesn't even exist. It also seems I have more than just one Uncle. My Uncle Brian, the one I mentioned that was talking to my mum, he kept mentioning older siblings that "Got out of the house while they could", as my Uncle stated in one of his letters." The raven-haired teenager wiped his hands nervously on his torn jean pants. "I want to find him 'Mione. He promised my mum he'd take me in, no matter what. I want to know why he suddenly gave up." Seeing the determination in her friends bright green eyes Hermione knew she would find no way out of it.

"So, let's begin and see if we come up with anything." Hermione said. Grabbing her friend's hand they quickly ran out of the room and downstairs. They'd ask Ron's brothers, Bill and Charlie, and see if they would be willing to help them go to Diagon Alley's Library.

They would soon realize that it would take them longer than just the summer to find Harry Potter's Uncle and get the paperwork filled out.

It would take them a whole year.

2nd June 1996

Young Harry James Potter stood looking up at the dark and towering apartment building in Pittsburgh. It was surprisingly dark considering it was morning. His stomach turned and twisted at the notion that this was the first time he would be finally able to meet his Uncle and Godfather. His hands shook with nerves and his heart fluttered with anticipation. With sweaty hands, Harry slowly stepped up to the small box and pressed the small red button for a moment as he waited for the voice of his Uncle to speak. "Yeah?" The voice was husky and hoarse, as if he had just woken up.

"Uh - um - my name is Harry Potter." Harry replied nervously as he pressed the button on the intercom. "I'm your nephew and godson." Silence met his statement and for a moment Harry feared his Uncle was going to ignore him.

Brian couldn't believe it. Harry his nephew, Lily's only son, and also his godson, was outside. He didn't know how that happened or why he was here, but the anticipation of seeing Harry as… god, he must be twelve-years-old. Jesus! Brian suddenly felt old; well, older than he already felt.

"Come on up, Harry." The reply made Harry breathe out easier and the sound of the door buzzing made Harry bounce on his feet with excitement. His Uncle's voice sounded softer than it had previously. There was something in his voice that Harry wanted to trust and he didn't feel that very often.

His hands gripped his satchel tightly as he pulled the metal-glassed door open and stepped into the hallway. The flickering yellow lights of the hallway made Harry's stomach tighten. He was finally meeting his Uncle. Biting his lip Harry slowly walked down the hallway towards the elevator. Pushing the arrow that showed upward, the twelve-year-old gnawed on the bottom of his lip as he tried to calm his suddenly sick stomach. With a small 'ding' the doors to the elevator opened and Harry silently slid inside.

Pressing the fourth level that had his Uncle's apartment, he leaned against the elevator wall and fought his impatience. The door gave another 'ding' and Harry stepped out into the hallway. He passed a rather happy looking male, that had a rather goofy expression on his face. Harry felt his curiosity rise at the man's expression. Harry walked past the brown haired male, who looked to be in his early to late twenties. Harry quickly made his way to the metal sliding door of his Uncle's apartment and gave the bell a small ring. It felt like hours to Harry as he waited for the door to open, and when it did, he felt surprised at the handsome male standing on the other side. "Harry Potter." Brian Kinney stated. It wasn't a question, but was definitely a statement. He still couldn't believe Harry was here. Years ago he would have greeted him with open arms and a loving hug. However, that wasn't who he was any more. He wanted to be, for Harry, but he just couldn't yet.

"Uh, hi… Uncle Brian." Harry replied nervously.

"Hi, come on in Harry." Brian stated. Uncle Brian, Brian thought, that would take some getting used to… or not; he had no interest in titles and societal norms. "And its just Brian, no need with formalities, never been one to follow them anyway." Stepping aside he allowed his nephew access to his apartment. He slid the metal door shut with a dull 'thunk' as he locked the door. He watched in slight amusement at the awed look on his godson and nephew's face as he gazed around his large loft.

"Wow." The twelve-year-old muttered with amazement.

"Nice isn't it?" Brian rhetorically questioned. Harry nodded anyways as he looked around the loft. Brian's bare feet slapped against the dark wood flooring as he walked further into the room.

Harry knew enough not to mention how much money people made, but his Uncle must be rich. It was very impressive. Harry knew how much gold he had in Gringott's, but that didn't mean much out in the Muggle world. He would have given it all just have even a little of that wealth available when he was living with the Dursleys.

Brian stepped into the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water. Walking back into the living room/family room he plopped down lazily on his leather couch. He set the bottle of water down for Harry on the table, indicating with a wave of his hand that Harry should have a seat. Leaning back into the couch he looked at his nephew. "So, this is definitely a surprise. What are you doing here?" He inquired.

"I came looking for you, after reading your letters and my mums." Harry said softly as he walked silently over to the couch and took a hesitant seat.

"And you decided to look for me after that? How come?" Brian's hazel eyes glinted with curiosity as he watched his nephew's expressive eyes as he considered the boys answers.

"I wanted to find you, needed to find you. I… well, when I'm with my friend's family, I feel… what I mean is…" Harry couldn't quite voice what he wanted to say.

"You feel like that's what you want, but you're an intruder, that you don't belong, but you want to feel like you belong." Brian helped out; he knew that feeling, all too well.

Harry couldn't believe it, that's exactly what he felt. He nodded quickly. "Yeah, that's… that's what I feel. The way you wrote, those letters to my… mom" he kind of choked out, it was difficult to talk about his parents, "I was hoping you could take me in, like you were suppose to after my parents died." Harry replied. He played with the strings on the worn end of his t-shirt as he looked down at his lap.

This kid had guts, coming all the way from England to look for an Uncle in the hopes that he would be accepted. Talk about a risk, a risk that Brian didn't think he could do if their situations were reversed. "You know, I did try to take you in after your parents were murdered. Even after that, until I was about twenty-years-old." Brian mused aloud.

Harry's head snapped up at his Uncle's words. "What?" He gasped out in surprise.

"Yep." Brian said, popping the 'p' in the word. "I tried to take you in but that old bastard and his lap dogs in the Ministry wouldn't let me. I tried for years, but they kept saying I was unfit, I wasn't magical enough, I wasn't old enough or I didn't have the things to take care of you." He gave a scoff. "Yeah, right. That old bastard just kept saying something about protection, but I'm your flesh and blood. Not that stupid bitch Dursley."

Brian may not have been a full-blooded magical being like his older sister had been, but he did have some kind of abilities. After all, his "dreams" couldn't have just been his imagination, especially with how his sister died only a few weeks after he had them. He also couldn't forget his sexual prowess and skill, which had to be defined magically, somehow. He wasn't a wizard or witch like Harry or Lily, and he certainly wasn't a squib; but he had to be something to be able to do some of the things he did. Brian wasn't about to say he was some "psychic". He didn't believe in that bullshit, but his strange dreams over the years and his sexual prowess and skills had to have come from somewhere.

Harry couldn't honestly say anything as he looked at his Uncle. For years his Uncle had tried to take custody of him, but the ministry and Dumbledore of all people wouldn't let him? "Tha - why?" Harry gasped out with hurt and sadness at this news.

"I have a few theories, but nothing you need to worry about. At least not since you're here anyway. And you certainly don't need any more worries after the bullshit you've had to deal with already."

"I - I have some papers. They'd allow you custody of me if you signed them." Harry murmured out shyly. He hadn't a clue how to reply to what his Uncle had just said. His pale cheeks flushed at the look on his Uncle and godfather's face.

"Let me see them and I'll get my lawyer...friend to look them over." Brian remarked as he leaned forward and held out a hand. Harry quickly opened his satchel and pulled out the documents. He handed them to his Uncle and waited as he read them over before pulling out his cellphone and dialing a number.

"Hey Lindsay, look, I need a favor from the Bitch." Brian stated into the phone. "Yeah, yeah, I know, don't call her that." He rolled his eyes. "Anyways, I need her expertise on some law shit. My nephew appeared -" A sigh escaped from his lips. "Yes, Lindsay, I know. But I promised Lily I would and I'm going to keep that promise, no matter how late it may be." His head tilted as he listened to his friend continue to speak. "Look - just get her to come to the office tomorrow or to my loft after she gets off." An annoyed look flashed across his face. "No, Lindsay, I'm not fucking kidding. Just do it. At my loft is fine. Or even in the morning tomorrow at the office. Yeah, Later." Brian hung up the phone and shook his head with exasperation.

"Some fucking people." He muttered under his breath. Shaking his head he looked over at Harry. "So, with any luck, we'll get this paperwork straightened out tomorrow. But in the meantime, how are you doing? You hungry, tired?" Brian questioned.

That was fast, thought Harry. He had come all the way to America to find his Uncle in hopes that he would find a family. And just like that he was going to have a place to live, with his real Uncle, someone that loved his mother and knew his mother. Before he could respond Harry's face flushed as his stomach grumbled to life.

Brian chuckled. "Right. Well, I guess that answers my question. Let me get my shoes and shirt on and then I'll take you wherever you want to go." Brian stated as he pushed himself up from the couch. He walked across the room and up the three steps that led into his bedroom. He swiftly put his socks and shoes of. He then grabbed his shirt that had been flung over a chair. Of his way out of the room he grabbed his leather jacket. It was something that he always wore when he dressed casually. He double-checked the buttons and zipper of his pants were done up and that his silk black shirt was buttoned up enough to be comfortable.

Brian came down to see Harry still sitting on the couch in his obviously second hand, ratty clothing. "You know, I'm going to have to give you a serious make over. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing the clothes you have on." He stated with a critical eye. "Unless of course, you'd rather stay wearing something a dog wouldn't sleep on."

Harry couldn't believe the insults his Uncle was giving him, well his clothes, not him. They weren't his choice, there was no way he could buy himself anything.

The forlorn look on his godsons face gave Brian pause. Brian relaxed his face to look kind and not judgmental. "No kid should be seen in shit like that, Harry. I know what it's like, when you don't have a choice, taken what's given without any fucking say in the matter… Oh yeah, been there, done that." He stated in an uncaring manner. Harry could almost hear a little sadness in his voice though.

"You - you have?" Harry inquired with curiosity.

"Mhm." Brian made the small noise in the back of his throat as he opened his loft door. Harry walked up to the door just as Brian was about to step out. He could see the questions in Harry's eyes and decided to nip that in the bud right now. "I might tell you someday, just… no questions right now, okay?"

Harry paused for a moment, thinking about that. He wanted to know, but it kind of made sense, if someone were to ask him about living with the Dursleys he would have no interest in explaining anything. Harry looked up to his Uncle Brian and smiled and nodded. "Yeah, no questions… Does that mean I don't have to answer the same questions?"

Brian chuckled, smart kid. "I might expect a few answers that you might not want to answer, but I won't ever force you share anything you're not willing to share, okay? You should never have to do anything or say anything you don't want, ever." Brian stated this with such passion and conviction that Harry believed him, and somehow, even though they'd just met, trusted him.

Brian put his arm around Harry's shoulders in a kind of hug that didn't necessarily have to be seen as a hug. Brian was never much for hugs, but Harry looked like he could use a little support. And if Brian was honest with himself, he didn't mind a little hug or comfort after all the time he had wanted to take care of Harry, and now he was finally here, and Harry found a way to him on his own.

"So Harry… ever have Chinese?" He asked his nephew with a raised eyebrow.

"No." Harry replied with a frown.

"Pizza?" Brian tried again. All he got in reply was a shake of his head. "You're definitely missing out. I really do need you to get up to speed. I usually get a salad from the Pizza Palace, but I'm willing to kill myself by getting a bite of pizza for you." He stated with a sly smirk as the two walked down the hallway and towards the elevator.

Reviews would be awesome.

Once again I edited a bit of this chapter. I changed Michael's responses in this chapter and will do so in the next chapter. Michael is Brian's best friend, they put up with each others shit because they love and care about each other. Michael will support Brian in most anything, unless he feels Brian is putting himself in unnecessary harm or thinks he's going to wind up getting hurt. Michael is protective of his best friend and loves him.

Just as Brian loves Michael and their friends, no matter how much he won't admit to it. He would do anything for them, to keep them happy.

TheWeepingRaven