Trouble Finds Him

Chapter Two: Dreams at the Stark Expo

Howard stopped in front of a mirror and made sure his bow tie was properly in place. Satisfied with what he saw in the mirror he winked at his reflection before heading to the room where he knew his friend was hiding away at.

Harry James Potter.

That was the name of the man who changed Howard's whole world. That in itself was something very difficult to do. Normally it was Howard who changed the world for others. He was one of the top and leading minds of the world who was constantly changing the exceptions people had in science. Tonight for example, he was going to present some of his projects to the world. Well, the ones who had a higher success rate anyway.

Harry though, Harry was beyond science. He was magic. Since the day Howard found him, nearly a year ago, Harry continued to be an oddity to Howard. As an inventor, a scientist, an American, and a rich business man, how many men did he know who would gladly sell their soul to be as powerful as Harry?

Lots.

This past year was anything but uneventful. As Harry adapted to the new world and new time, many things occurred. Howard became his only link to the world for one. The billionaire tried to get all the help his new friend needed and wanted, but they also knew there was going to be limitations.

Howard instantly considered Harry a friend. Maybe at first it was more for his burning curiosity and personal gain but eventually he really wanted nothing more than Harry's personal respect and friendship.

Harry was a wonder.

As a businessman he has to deal with all the good and bad. Normally everything was simple enough, but every now and then there was a disgruntled buyer or owner or employee and things got messy. One of those disgruntled business partners found Howard alone in the parking lot with a knife. Howard honestly thought he was going to die when out of nowhere Harry appeared and disarmed the man. Then proceeded to knock him unconscious and erased his mind about the events and why he had even bothered with Howard in the first place.

Howard met many good men too. As soon as the war started, Howard began to act. He wasn't like other posh rich men who just sat back, gave away money, and took pictures for good press. He did all that and more! He made weapons and came up for strategies for the American boys in battle. He also funded and advised whenever he could. On his travels to deliver any of those things he ran into some seriously good and dedicated men. For some reason though, none of them were as good as Harry.

Harry was something to marvel at. He had the power to do a lot but was careful with what he did. He never abused it and if he could do something normally instead of with magic, then he did it normally(as boring as that was). He didn't like using his powers in front of Howard either. He blushed every time Howard praised him, like he wasn't used to it. Howard thought that in a world where everyone else he knew could do the same, being amazed by Harry's easiest and simplest trick was somewhat uncomfortable, but Howard couldn't help it.

Magic! Magic was real! Maybe not in his world, but somewhere. It was real somewhere and that was pretty damn amazing to the billionaire.

The one thing that struck Howard the most about Harry was that while he and other humans tried and wanted nothing more than to be something greater, something godly, Harry was perfectly content just being human.

And boy was he the most human thing Howard had ever seen. Though, many times the billionaire needed to remind his friend of that. How Harry could doubt that, Howard didn't know.

Never was there a time when Harry put himself before anyone. If he saw an old lady needing help crossing the street, he helped. If he saw a child crying he was immediately at their side finding out what was wrong. Heck! One time when some idiot tried to mug him, Harry gave him a pep talk after disarming him!(The creep was confused about his life and actions or something. He wanted to become a dentist but didn't think he could do it. He was really pathetic looking, which was why Howard thought Harry didn't turn him over to the cops. Harry bought him a cup of coffee and sent him on his way with a promise to be good. Normally Howard wouldn't believe such a promise to be kept, but in that case, he sort of did.)

The only problem was Harry's depression. Howard himself wasn't a stranger to that but Harry's seemed...worse. Maybe it was his imagination, or maybe it was that Harry was his first real friend. One who didn't want him for his money or used him for his genius and just enjoyed his company. Seeing someone else in pain when you care about them was far more painful.

Most of the time Harry was either researching away to find his way back to his world and the rest of the time he was exploring the world around him. Some days Howard would convince his friend to help him in the war effort.

It was a bit daunting watching his almost normal friend go from a somewhat common civilian to the obvious war soldier he was secretly inside. Harry thought like a soldier in the front lines, thought like the enemy they were shooting at, thought like the generals leading their men, and most importantly he thought like the families back home wanting their men to return safe and sound.

Tonight though was his expo where he was going to show off and be brilliant. What was the point of being a genius if there's no one around to be amazed? It took him a lot of effort but Harry and him are officially official friends so that meant the green eyed man had to be there for support and encouragement.

Howard didn't even bother to knock as he waltz right into the one of the rooms Harry was using for research.

There were piles beyond piles of books littered around. Diagrams, graphs, maps, scrolls, ancient texts, runes, symbols, and artifacts all over the room. Books from ancient Greece and Egypt. Some from Rome, others from China and Russia. There was also many Latin and Latin American texts. Any form of magical information the wizard and Howard could get their hands on. Harry was doing so much he had filled about three rooms now with research. Still, he doubted he was anywhere near finding his way home.

The wizard himself was sitting at his desk deeply engrossed into the current text he was reading.

Howard felt something in his chest at the realization that Harry trusted him completely that he was not bothered by his presence.

When they first met, Harry was so defensive. He used his magic to alert him of any other presences near him. No matter how hard Howard tried to surprise the wizard he never could. Weeks later Harry would still snap into attention when Howard or anyone else entered the same room as him. Even when Howard took him to his company. Harry would make himself aware of all the doors and where they led. All emergency exits and primary ones too. Every time someone would walk into the room Harry would stare their way and assess if they were a threat or not.

Harry said that his magic took notice of another person's presence. After enough time, someone's own energy got their own signature and would register as familiar to the magical person and that's how they could tell who's coming near before even laying eyes on the person.

So now that Harry and Howard are friends, and Harry's magic instantly recognized Howard, it told the wizard he has nothing to fear.

Howard smirked as he snatched the book away and slammed it shut.

"Hey!" Harry protest.

"Come on, you got ten minutes to get ready," Howard says with an idiotic smile.

"Ready? For what?" Even though Harry had been in America for nearly a year his accent hadn't weakened in the slightest.

Howard did a dramatic sigh, "You forgot all about my expo?"

Harry winced, "That's tonight?"

"Yes. And you promised to go," Howard said.

"Because you nagged me into it," Harry said as he reached for the book, "I'm sorry Howard, but I need to continue my research."

Howard stepped away from Harry's reach, "You promised Harry. You're a man without money, friends, family, or a proper home. The only thing you've got is your name which isn't known here. All you really have left is your word. It has to mean something."

Howard smirked when he saw any of Harry's protest die in his mouth. He would never tell his friend that personally. Having a best friend like Harry was so refreshing, Howard would never risk saying such things. However, those may not his words, they were Harry's. When he once asked the wizard how he could be so good, that's the answer the wizard gave the genius.

Harry sighed, "I have nothing to wear."

Howard's face lit up like if he were Father Christmas, "Now Harry, do you really think you'd be best friends with a Stark and not be taken care of? Your tux is waiting in your room. Do try to hurry up. And don't bother trying to tame that hair of yours. There will be plenty of dames at the expo who will love it just as wild and messy as it is. They'll think of you as a proper Casanova."

Harry shook his head and rose from his seat while stretching his unmoved muscles. "You're a menace with all that money and charisma of yours, you know that?"

"And yet you still like me," Howard said with what Harry called 'the Stark smile'. It was very much like that of a shark, but too charismatic, that when you do realized the true intent of that smile, it was too late.

"Do I really have to wear a tux?" Harry asked with pleading eyes.

"Put the puppy eyes away. It won't work here. You've been locked up in this room for nearly a week! You need to get out," under the playful banter was underlined worry. Howard, more than anyone, understood bad habits and addictions. Harry may not hit the bottle, but sometimes staring at his friend as he did nothing but research and research without end was like looking into a reflection. Howard sometimes convinced himself that it was worth it. That the science was more important and besides, who did he really have to care about him and his well being?

All that changed when you come to care for someone. Harry had become like a very dear brother to him, and thinking that Harry wasn't getting the food or sleep his body needs and inevitably killing his mind, it was unthinkable.

"It's not that bad," Harry said with an eye roll. "Plus, this is important."

"Yes it is. But you need to give your mind some space from your work. Trust me on this. I'm an expert," Howard said.

"Oh really?" Harry asked, unconvinced.

Howard merely rolled his eyes, "Yes. Focusing too much on the problem without having all the available data that you need you'll inevitably twist facts to suit your theories instead of theories into facts. Trust me, a little break is good. With your British natural charm and mesmerizing green eyes you'll be a fair competitor against me for best catch at this event. Now come on, enough stalling. To your room. Get changed and meet me at the car when you're done."

"Yes father," Harry replied and mimicked a child dragging their feet as he left the room. Howard just chuckled and shook his head.

No, things since he's met Harry had never been boring.

.:~*~:.

Howard let Harry wander around the expo while he went back stage and prepped for his presentation. Harry knew Howard was just being friendly and looking out for him and his health. He was thankful, he really was. Harry really thought he hit the jackpot when he found out who exactly Howard was. There was no one more powerful than him at this moment in this world it seemed. Even so, Harry couldn't help but feel some pity for his new friend.

He may have a genius mind and a lot of money, but as a Potter-Black he knew that it wasn't the money that made his life great. It was the people in his life. With his upbringing he was more thankful for the people that he came to know as friends and family.

Which was why he spent every waking moment possible looking for a way to get back. He would miss Howard a lot when the time came, but he didn't belong in this world.

Still, he was thankful for Howard and his interruption. He was right, of course. Too much time behind those books and his head would just end up hurting.

Though he yearned to find a way back to his world, he was grateful for this world as well. With no one knowing about magic, and being in America, Harry finally had the quiet life he always wanted. The only price he had to pay was that none of his friends were there with him.

Wandering around the expo Harry eventually wandered off to the army sign up center. Had he no family to return to, had Howard not befriended him, had he had papers, he would have thought to enlist as well. He may not have liked war, but he knew it. More so that he could almost not stomach, he was good at it.

Harry knew Howard worried about his mental health as well. Especially when he puts in far more than just two cents in about how to treat war when people asked Howard for advice about it.

He looks at those dressed in uniform and those signing up to join their brothers at arms.

Harry couldn't help but shake his head at the eager young smiling faces around him. They were barely being shipped out and had no idea of what to truly expect. Harry had seen the movies they made to glorify fighting for their country in this world. The wizard understood the patriotic duty these men had, but he still couldn't help but feel sorry for them. They may be physically ready, but they weren't emotionally or psychologically ready.

Killing someone in the name of good was all well and done in stories, but in real life it was not that easy. Seeing someone you know, or even just the stranger that is labeled your enemy, in the front lines when you stand at gun point, at either side of the gun, you wonder what you're really fighting for. What does it all really mean? You look into the face of your kill or killer, and in those final moments you feel this horrible cold numbness wash over you and you question your self worth. That moments you think will last s few seconds never really goes away. It imprints itself on you and becomes your nightmares that plague you everywhere you go.

Who are you to end a life? You wonder about your enemy. You wonder about the life they had. Did they have kids? Were they a brother? Or a husband? Or a father?

Or if it's you and the last face you see is either your killer or a brother in arms begging you to stay with him, you wonder how it all happened. How did it lead to this? Weren't you supposed to return home a hero?You wonder what happens next.

You just wonder.

And in neither of those scenarios do you get the answers, and maybe that is the real horror over everything else. The not knowing.

No, Harry decided, they weren't mentally prepared for what was to come. They didn't understand that the glory gained isn't for the hero, but for his home and family. The hero usually never made it back.

Harry wanted to yell it to some of these guys because really, some of them were just kids. He held back of course. It wasn't his battle. Though he led his world into war against the Hitler of their world, it had been very personal for him. Here, as a nameless ghost, Harry had no say whatsoever.

He was about to turn back when someone caught his eye. It was a very skinny kid standing in front of the soldier in uniform mirror. He and an actual soldier got into a bit of an argument. Harry could sympathize with the kid some.

How badly had he wanted to be allowed to just be trained and then just fight Voldemort? But he was thin, just like the kid, and wasn't trained properly. He knew it wasn't a right comparison, but it was close enough. With all the men heading off to war, to be told you couldn't, it was a bit insulting to say the least.

As the soldier left his friend after a hug the kid called out, "Don't win the war until I get there."

The soldier saluted his friend and then went after some girls.

Harry couldn't help but run up to the kid who was tripped by an older, taller, and stronger fellow.

"Oi! Watch where you're going you neanderthal," Harry called out. It was his hero complex kicking in, and maybe a lot more sympathy because he saw himself so much in this kid.

"What are ya gonna do about it, your majesty," the guy mocked Harry. A small group forming around them. Some were good noble soldiers ready to step in if things got bad, others were also jokers ready to help pick on the foreigner.

Harry poked the guy in the chest and added a glare as he said, "Watch your tone. You're disrespecting your uniform."

The guy glared and huffed, "That so?" Then he pulled his arm back, fist formed and was about to attack Harry when Harry's instincts took over. He easily stopped the punch by grabbing it in his fist, then gripping onto the wrist, twisted the guy's arm as he made his way behind the guy. Harry kneed the back of the guy's knees and he fell. Then he used his other hand to forced the guys head onto his chest. All this happened in little to no seconds.

When Harry let the guy go he fell on his face, got up, looked at Harry and scoffed and went away.

Harry looked at the crowd that had gathered and said, "Well? Nothing to see here. Off you go." and everyone scurried away.

"That was a amazing," the blonde kid said.

Harry shrugged, "Nothing too special. You okay?"

"I'm alright. How did you do that? No offense, but you aren't much bigger than me," the kid said.

The kid had a point. Harry was only about a half head taller than the kid, but even though Harry looked thin, years during and after the war helped his body become pretty well toned. Though Harry liked the element of surprise to be on his side so his clothes were usually somewhat baggy. Not too much like the clothes he had to wear as he grew up in his cousins hand-me-downs, but enough to make people underestimate him. Though he was wearing a nice fitting tux because of Howard, his friend gave it to him bit bigger because he also knew.

"I'm clever," Harry replied.

"How's being clever teach you that?" the kid asked.

Harry chuckled and replied, "Little piece of handy advice kid, you can have all the strength in the world but it'll mean nothing if you don't have the brains in how to use it."

The kid nodded, "Makes sense. But still..."

Harry smiled and replied, "Speed. So you're not strong. So what? Be smart and play to your strengths. Don't complain about your weakness and focus on what you got instead of what you don't. Maybe once you're comfortable with your own strengths you can focus on doing something about your weakness. Anyway, it was easy to see that he was going to try to punch me with his right arm since he was right handed."

"How'd you know that?"

"He was wearing a watch on his left wrist. People usually wear watches on the wrist opposite of their dominant hand. Meaning that his instincts would have him punch me with his right arm. I caught that and I gripped his wrist instead of the fist. That gives me a better grip. Acting on my reflexes I twisted his arm behind his back. The back of the knees are a weak point, made him fall to the ground and then forcing his head down gives him a disadvantage. All thought up, up here," Harry replied as he tapped his head.

"Wow...that's amazing." the kid said with a smile and looking at Harry the way many did. The looks he's gotten as The Boy Who Lived, as The Chosen One, and as The Defeater of Voldemort.

"Not really. So, you going to war?" Harry asked.

The kids face got serious and answered, "I'm trying."

Harry nodded and though he knew that he couldn't change this kid's want to try, he could offer some advice, "I'm sure you'll get there somehow. I know the look in your eyes. You'll sneak your way onto a ship if you have to. Mind if I offer you some advice?"

"Anything," the kid answered. His stare was even more awed than before. Harry understood that too. How many people had told this small thin child to just give up? And here was this man, this solider in his own right, telling him not only that he'll make it one day, but offering advice too? It reminded Harry very much on how Remus and Sirius believed in him and wanted others to see him as an adult and not a kid.

"Observe." was all Harry said.

"What?" the kid echoed.

"You want to succeed and live to tell your tales?" the kid nodded, "Then observe. Observe everything. What fits, what doesn't. What's supposed to be there but isn't. What's there but shouldn't be. Question everything and trust your gut. Your instincts are there to help you. Listen to them, and they might just save your life."

The kid nodded again. Then he swallowed and asked, "Anything else?"

Harry gave the kid a critical once over before he looked at the kid right in the eye and said, "War is a horrible thing. The glory a lot of you think you'll get is as imaginary as Hitler's fantasy about world domination. When you make it out there, don't fight for glory or power. But don't fight for the sake of fighting either. Find a purpose and make it a good one."

"Were you a soldier?" the kid asked skeptically.

"Yes." Harry answered without giving anything away.

"What did you fight for?" the kid asked.

Harry thought it over. "I didn't have much. And an evil man took everything I had until I almost had nothing. So that's what I fought for. I fought for them. My friends and family I had left. I fought for a world where they could live without fear or sadness. Is that a good answer?"

The kid nodded and then snapped his head up as if he'd just remembered something. Then he extended his hand, "I'm Steve."

"Harry." the wizard replied as he shook the blondes hand firmly.

They then silently looked at the solider in uniform mirror and Steve asked, "Do you really think I can do it?"

"I think when you get there, someone should warn Hitler," Harry replied.

Steve smirked, "Ya think?"

"Yes. You know the old saying about demons?" Harry asked.

"No," Steve said with confusion.

"It says that demons run when a good man goes to war. Right now Hitler is one hell of a demon on the world. With a good man like you as his opponent, he has something to fear."

"You barely know me. I might not even make it. This war could last...years," Steve said.

"Maybe years, but not forever. And Hitler won't win," Harry said.

"You sound very confident," Steve replied.

Harry shrugged, "A wise man once said that through out all of history there have been tyrants. And all through out history they've seemed invincible for a time, but they all fall. They always fall. And know why?"

"Because we won't let em win," Steve said with a bit more confidence after hearing Harry's speech.

"Exactly. Well Steve, it's been nice meeting you but I have to find my friend. When you get back...find me. We'll share stories over a drink or two," Harry said as he began to walk off. He had no idea why he said that. If the kid was accepted into war he might not make it back. And even if he did, Harry might not be here.

"What's your last name? So I can look you up when I get back," Steve called out.

"Potter. Harry Potter."

"It's a promise then Mr. Potter. When I get back you're buying me and my friend Bucky congratulatory drinks," Steve said with a smile.

"Yeah. When you get back. Promise," Harry said with a smile of his own and went off to find Howard. Steve walked further into the sign up center. Unknown to them, that they were heard by a certain doctor looking for a candidate for something special.

See? I haven't abandoned this story. I think it has a lot of potential.

As I watch the movies I try to really pay attention to the characters personalities. I may not have read the comics, but I'm trying to really nail their personalities down. I hope I'm doing an okay job.

Obviously we're going to spend some time in the Captain America Universe, but I'll try to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Lastly I have two pages on FB. One is dedicated to my fics here. Any updates, pictures, and videos that inspired me will be on that page. pages/Fan-Fictions-of-Lunabell-Marauder-Knyte/356667694408830?ref=hl if copy and paste doesn't work there is a link on my profile. the other page is an all fandoms page I've made. From Harry Potter, to Avengers, to Doctor Who and everything in between. pages/SuperWhoLockd-Earthlings/420500564663881?ref=hl

Anyway...I hope you like it, and please review