Names were dangerous things to just hand out. But at the same time, when meeting someone new, it was custom to exchange names. Knowing how a person said his or her own name could be used in dangerous and very precise magic. Harry was careful then, to pronounce his name awkwardly upon meeting someone for the first time, not because he suspected they might use his name against him, but because he was naturally suspicious, an overly cautious about such things.
"Harry," he answered with a little smile. "After Houdini," he added with a nod. Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden had been named after several up and coming magicians of the time, because of his father's keen interest in the field. He'd been something of a magician himself, though his career had been cut unnaturally short. The irony of the job Harry had been assigned wasn't lost on him, even though he'd been named after Houdini before Houdini made a name for himself. Harry couldn't help but think his dad would be proud of him, and that at least gave him a little comfort.
"Well named, I am. I'm to be the new escape artist." Harry rolled his eyes a little. Maybe that was Malcolm Dresden's ultimate dream, but it wasn't Harry's. Harry had other ambitions, but for now he seemed to be stuck in this new role.