20.

The reporters are getting impatient, that much Tony knew. Their attempts at trying to find out who Harry was were getting more and more daring as the week wore on - some even trying to infiltrate Stark Tower for their scoop. Something needed to be done as soon as possible and putting off Harry's introduction to the rest of New York was no longer an option. Except, Harry wasn't all that keen on the idea.

"No," said Harry, arms crossed.

They were sitting in one of Stark Tower's numerous living rooms, drinking tea when Tony had finally brought up the subject of reporters. The rest of the team was out and Loki (whom Tony still didn't exactly think of as a teammate) had gone to see his father along with Thor. It was just him and Harry in the Tower and using that along time to bring up the topic was perfect.

Despite having told Pepper that he didn't think Harry would have a problem with being introduced to the world as Tony's son, he hadn't been all that confident. He had expected a little resistance to the idea, but hadn't taken in to consideration that a little in theory could actually be a lot in practice.

"I can't. I don't want to be in the limelight."

His tone was uncharacteristically cold, making Tony wonder if Harry was speaking more from experience then from a personal desire to avoid having to deal with reporters.

"But-"

"I can go home," Harry continued and Tony felt his heart stop at the words. "But I just arrived and that would suck."

"Yes," Tony agreed, trying to stay calm. He didn't want Harry to go home before he could understand the boy better. Stranger or not, Harry was still his blood and a part of Tony still wanted to experience what it was like being a father. "We barely got to know each other."

"We should spend more time getting to know each other," Harry said as if he hadn't been the one to clam up whenever anything personal was brought up. Tony, being the bigger man in the situation, wisely chose not to bring it up.

"You do spend a lot of time with Loki," Tony commented, mind going to the god in question. He didn't trust Loki nor did he trust Thor's extremely biased opinion when it came to his brother. Although Loki was now "re-educated" and considered an official Avenger, it was still hard to forget that he had tried to kill them just a few month ago, mind-controlling specter or not. Loki was one of the most strong willed people Tony knew and the billionaire just couldn't accept the explanation that Loki had never wanted to destroy the Earth or take over the world and had done all this because he had been controlled by a superior entity. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"And why is that?" Harry asked, face going red.

Tony sighed, knowing that whatever word of caution he would issue would be ignored.

"Never mind," he mumbled, "Let's just get back to our initial topic."

Harry relaxed and even offered up a small smile in thanks.

"I wouldn't mind disguising myself as someone else in public," Harry suggested and Tony gaped at the simplicity of it all.

"That's wonderful," he said, clapping his hands together like an over-excited child. "I'll get Pepper to work on your new identity right away."

"Will that really work?" Harry asked, looking surprised at Tony's easy acceptance.

"After Pepper has gone through with you? It will work."


21.

And thus, Hadrian Stark was born.

Hadrian Stark, 16, was the son of Tony Stark and a woman he had met on vacation. Harry had categorically refused letting his mother's name be divulged to the public so Pepper had ended up glossing over that part of the story. Tony didn't mind as he really couldn't remember a thing about Harry's mother. If the DNA results hadn't come back positive, he would have thought Harry had made this entire thing up.

"Now Harry," Pepper said, looking over her social calendar. She looked a little harried; her make-up not quite covering up the dark circles under her eyes. "I have arranged for your introduction to be during a press conference in 2 days time. Will you be OK with that?"

"I will be," Harry said calmly.

Pepper smiled.

"Good. Unfortunately, we do not have time to teach you the proper ways to deal with reporters so you will just have to stay quiet and let Tony handle it. He's used to the attention so he shouldn't mess it up too badly."

"Hey," Tony protested weakly but immediately shut up at Pepper's glare.

"We will also have a ball the night of the conference. The guest list will be limited but there will be a great number of influential people their. Will you be OK?"

"I'll be fine," Harry replied and Tony was impressed at his self-confidence. The boy probably had no idea what he was getting himself into. If they had more then 2 days, Tony would have liked to start him off with something small instead of throwing him in the lion's den on the get-go.

Tony sighed.

Life really wasn't fair.


22.

"Potter speaking."

"Harry. Thank God you answered."

"Hermione. Is something wrong?"

"That is one way to put it. Someone found out - and I don't know how - that you are in the US. We got a call from the American Minister of Magic as well as the US President wanting an audience with you. Our ministry is trying to keep a lid on things but it's not going so well. I know it's only been a week but I really need you to come back as soon as possible."

"I understand, but dealing with muggle press here is a headache as well. I know that my absence will be missed sooner or later, but I have not anticipated for it to happen so soon."

"This is what happens when you make yourself so irreplaceable. People start depending on you and freak out when you are no longer there to take the fall."

"Don't make it sound so sordid."

"I am merely stating the truth. Don't take too long coming back Harry. I'll try to think up an excuse for now but that won't last forever."

"Yes, thank you. Your service has been and still continues to be invaluable to me and to our country."

Sigh.

"You know that I will always support you no matter how crazy thing's get."

"Hermione…"

"Don't fret it. It's my pleasure…General."

TBC.

Next chapter. The conference and the Ball. Also Loki's return. More details about Harry's role in Britain to come. Voldemort is still at large.

Look forward to the next installment. Thank you for reading.