Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist not even The Avengers, just this piece of creative writing. Possible spoilers, you are hereby informed.

Writer's Note:

About the mess up timelines : My apologies I do realize that I was not clear about that, I will explain the Thule Society issue in this chapter.

And speaking about that, we all know that some religions, cults, occult, (no names mention, I'm trying to keep out of these very touchy topics) do not die with the passing of time; as much as we love them to die already.

Weak Edward Elric : I know in the manga and anime, Edward kick ass at a tender age of 12, however he was not that ass-kicking at 9, he would be training with and getting his ass kicked by Izumi, besides learning more about Alchemy with her. Reason number 2, Edward does not have all his memory, especially about being able to fight; not until the last chapter. So, I can be forgiven for not making Edward his usual kick ass self. Yes? I promise that Edward and Harry will be that ass-kicking teens, (bad-mouthing teen for Edward) we all know and love, with a proper villain to fight (Parents will be supporting roles).

This chapter has NOT been beta yet, please excuse the bad grammar and spelling you happened onto; or better yet please highlight to me. With all said and done, I do thank you for pointing out the blunders which I would never have realized without your insight.

Glossary:

"Blah blah." Spoken words.

~Blah blah.~ Thoughts.

*Blah blah.* Spoken words in other language.

CHAPTER X – To Be A Stark

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After both boys were reasonably assured that neither of their fathers was going to be in any danger of getting hurt, they were finally able to sit down. Edward snuggling in against Tony's side mirror opposite of Harry cuddling to Luka's side. Starting with an apology Edward explained why he was reacting in such a bad way. And what he could remember of his past, his alchemic ability and fighting Homunculi.

Tony could not get his head around the fact that his son had been in such dangerous situations. He had to be sure that he was hearing right; when Edward confirmed it. Tony exploded in a fit of rage – parental protective rage. Never mind that it was very belated. Never mind that it did not make sense for Tony to get so upset now since Edward fought before they met.

The very thought that his son had to fight to live made Tony see red.

"Who in their right minds would let my son fight monsters?! You better start remembering Edward Elric-Stark, I want their names so I can sue them to kingdom come! Then I'll sue them some more for letting these Homunculi run loose! Are you sure there are no lasting injuries? No, let be sure, tomorrow. –No, wait what time is it now? What 5A.M already? Okay, later we will go to the hospital for a complete check-up, if I find so much as a -… … Edward, what is wrong? Why are you so pale-are you hurt? Jarvis call the hospital NOW!"

Tony was about to scoop his son into his arms and make a dash for the hospital when Edward's choked up voice asked softly:

"I'm still your son?"

Tony stared at the little blond before bending down to him and gave Edward a rap of his knuckle sandwich to the side of his head, just hard enough to sting.

"Ouch! What's that for?"

"What kind of stupid question is that? I know my son is as much a genius as I am. Maybe I really ought to get you a full check-up, something is definitely wrong with your brain, Ed. Of course you are my son, I can't ask for a better boy to be my son; remember not everyone can be a Stark." Tony knelt down before his boy rested his hands on Edward's small shoulders and shook the boy gently and froze as a thought hit him.

"U-unless –" The billionaire choked as he tried to voice the painful thought. "-you don't want to be my boy. …W-well I can understand; you do have a brother that means you have a family somewhere. It is only right that you want to go back to them. L-look, I'll help you in any way I can, stay with me until –Ack!"

Tony squawked when the little blond threw his spear aside and then himself onto Tony toppling both of them onto the floor.

"Edward?" Tony asked, looking down in puzzlement at the little blond limpet clinging to his chest.

"I can't go back. Truth sent me away because I did something wrong." Edward said into Tony's chest, his voice slightly muffled.

"Are you sure, Edward; I mean I prefer that you stay as my son but-" In spite of his words, Tony hugged Edward tighter and received a hug just as tight from the little blond.

"I think it's clear that the Keeper rather stays with you." Luka smiled as she hugged Harry around his shoulder.

Tony found himself getting choked up again but with happier emotions.

At the sound of her voice, Edward looked over, his golden eyes narrowing with wariness.

"If you are not a Homunculus, then what are you?" His boy rolled off him, unconsciously moved to stand between Tony and Loki aka Luka and his boy.

Tony felt his heart swell with joy and pride, his little boy was being protective of him –his dad.

"My real name is Loki, I am a citizen of Asgard; we are an ancient god race like the Quetzalcoatl. While the feathered serpents are usually solitary, we of Asgard are more social-able and stay together. Like the Quetzalcoatl, we are drawn to you humans and have often visited in the past. -Just for the record, for any ancestral property damages; please sue Thor. … Currently, I am staying on here in England, although given the current happenings, I am having second thoughts. In this form I take the name Lady Luka Ladifaerie; however, for most of the time I am Lord Locke Nomansson."

Luka moved back to the couch, it seems that the man-woman-deity(?) –Tony sighed, unable to decide- noticed Edward's protective actions too.

"And Harry? Is he –ah- like you?" Edward was inching toward his spear as he eyed the raven headed boy uneasily, who looked away.

"Harry? –" Luka chuckle a soft laugh before turning a loving gaze on Harry. "Alas, nay; Harry-dear is totally human but like you he has his own special ability."

"Special ability? What kind of special ability?" Tony asked his curiosity woke up then.

"Tut' tut… No more of this interrogation game. Since we are going to be seeing more of each other, I do have to keep some secrets for next time.-" Luka batted her lashes coyly at the billionaire. "-As for now, I am taking my son to bed."

With that Luka gathered Harry into her arms and turned for Edward's bedroom, the boy was losing his battle with sleep not long after he was sure his dad will not be hurt. Just before entering the room, Luka looked back with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You know; come to think of it, those Homunculi do sound a lot like Asgardians - long lived, very hard to kill and have abilities that can be seen as god-like powers."

With that she did a very alluring rolling hip twist and bump closed the bedroom door, leaving two Starks staring uneasily.

"Dang, there goes any desire for sleep." Tony sighed and had to pinch himself when he heard Edward's reply.

"Ms. Ladifaerie is not a Homunculus, dad. Don't worry –what?" Edward asked warily when he noticed Tony staring at him with unreadable expression.

"Y-you are finally calling me 'Dad'." Tony felt tears stinging his eyes even as he grinned like a lunatic.

"Yeah, well- I should give you due respect if you want to put up with me, I remember being called 'an immature, stubborn, arrogant and strong-willed person'." The blond blushed, looked away and whispered.

"Hmm… you know… that description sounds …like … ME! If I can love me, how can I not love you, Edo."

Tony laughed, this time ready for the tackle-hug and Edward did not disappoint him.

"Aw, dad." Tony 'mhp-ed' as Edward's small body hit him, there will be a bruise from Edward's boney shoulder but one Tony will treasure.

"You know after all that had happened, could you sleep with your old man so he won't have nightmares?" Tony stood with Edward in his arms.

Edward giggled. "That is hard to believe."

"Don't ya know? I'm no hero. I'm first and foremost a genius inventor, and consummate playboy but most of all … your dad."

"Yeah, my dad." Edward agreed and snuggles against Tony resting his head on his shoulder, Tony in turn hugged his small gold headed angel tightly as he closed the door of the master suite.

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He settled his son gently into bed and tucked the covers around the boy. His son promptly snuggled up against him when he slides in under the quilts on the other side of the bed. Heaven and hell could freeze over and he would never realize it, engulfed in that cozy warm feeling only a child can give.

"That was mean of you, dad." Harry's soft voice whispered from within the protective circle of his arms.

Luka chuckled. "I'm sorry, but they are so good to tease; I can't stop myself. But aren't you asleep."

"I woke up when you moved. Dad?" Harry cuddled closer.

"Hmm?" Luka murmured contently.

"I like them. Mr. Stark is not afraid of the strange and different, not like my uncle. And Edward is kindda cool; I hope we can be friends."

"Me too, Harry-dear; me too. Now hush, and sleep."

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Tony woke after four hours of sound sleep; he turned to smile at the sleeping little blond cuddling tightly against his side with one arm thrown over his chest. As if Edward wanted to hold onto him even in his sleep, Tony felt the same that was why he gave that silly reason to have Edward sleep with him. Tony could happily stay in bed cocooned in that warm contentment if his stomach had not decided that it wants breakfast.

When Tony came out of the bedroom to order breakfast, it was only to find Director Nick Fury sitting comfortably in his hotel room lounge. Maybe it was the stress, or the strain of emotions, or the combination of both; or maybe that was how good they were. No one heard anything.

"What do I owe for the honor of your presence, Director Fury?" Tony took note of the other agents stationed strategically around the penthouse suite.

"Mr. Stark, when I ask you to lead the Avengers, it was not that you can call on them like you do the pizza boy." The director of S.H.I.E.L.D growled.

"Yeah apparently this was a good chance for some light training. Breakfast? I'm ordering." Tony walked over to the phone.

"Light training? Is that the excuse you want to give? Do you know how much-"

"Did you even read Captain Roger's report? I'm sure he'd give a detailed one, especially with that photographic memory of his. –Ah, yes; Tony Stark here … I want one of everything on Breakfast menu, please. Thank you."

Director Fury sighed. "Yes. He mentioned about you being rushing ahead to confront the kidnappers with a non-combatant."

Tony shrugged, he had expected as much, Steve would not remember what the wizards wanted kept secret.

"This is the last straw, Mr. Stark; the Committee Board has had enough. You are too volatile, self obsessed; don't play well with a team. As of today you are being removed from the 'Avengers-."

"Morning- Eek!" The shock shriek cut the African American off, agents moved for cover and their guns.

Tony was in the perfect spot to see everything. Guns aimed at a tousled head beauty dressed only in a shirt that was only partly buttoned and showing plenty of cleavages and a lot of long legs. She seemed to realize this and with another shriek she ducked back into the room while Tony wandered where did the shirt come from?

"Explain." Director Fury's growl was deeper than ever now.

"Dad? Dad, I heard Ms. Ladifaerie's scream, what- Oh, Director Fury, why are you here?" Edward stepped out of the room.

Tony all but blanched with dread. Even though he could fool, outsmart, or pay people to look the other way; if Director Fury ever learn of Edward's ability, his boy will taken away faster than Tony can said 'SHIELD'. His precious gold headed darling boy will be subject to a nightmare of questions, taken apart by probing needles, and eventually made to disappear by those who were trying to run the government by the iron fist.

Then again, Tony Stark did not get to where he was by riding on his father's coat tails.

"Luka was startled by our unexpected visitors; please put away your flashing toy, Ed." Tony said, giving Edward the 'look', hoping that the boy got the hint and keep that little Quetzalcoatl out of sight.

"And this? You still haven't explained anything, Mr. Stark." Director Fury held up the spear from last night.

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"That? That's my son's; it was his birthday just over twenty-four hours ago, remember? Of course not, or you'd bring my boy a gift. Nick Fury the Director of SHIELD has no time for such trivial events. No sir-ree." Tony scoffed with a snarky tone, thinking really fast and laying out seven steps to move Director Fury's attention from his son.

"Stop nagging and explain, Stark." The super spy growled of all the people he worked with only Stark could get on his nerves, especially when the billionaire was right. He had forgotten about the little blond brat's birthday.

"Explain about what?" Tony asked innocently.

"Stark, don't play coy. Being coy is not your style." Fury sighed, feeling the start of a headache.

"I am just clarifying the subject of your enquiry so as to provide you with accurate answers." The billionaire gestured with his hands in a sign of not-guilty. "What is there to explain? The procedure was to wait for the kidnappers to call with their ransom demand. Since when US give in to this kind of demand? –By the way, do you know that firearms are not mandatory for the police here, those kidnappers had automatic guns. So I took matters into my own hands and have Jarvis trace the Arc reactor energy from Edward's braces, once I got the location I went to get my son. End of report."

"And you didn't think to inform the law enforcer here?" Fury pinned the billionaire with a hard glare. To no effect.

"The inspector would not accept any offer of help; in fact he threatened to arrest me if I tried. Good thing I trust my instincts; the kidnappers didn't want ransom, they wanted to use my son as a human sacrifice for their cult. –By the way, what do you know about this 'Thule Society'?"

"How did you know that name-"

"I had Jarvis do a facial scan of the kidnappers and match with SHIELD data base when I moved them here before your poster boy Rogers came and crashed the party. What or who is the Thule Society?" Tony folded his arms.

Director Fury was about to say something but swallowed it when Edward stepped out of the room with a curious neck scarf looped about his neck and shoulders. It was long and slightly thinner than a woman's wrist and seemed to flicker different colours under the light. To Fury's quick overall glance, the boy looked fine save for the ugly bruise and cut above his right brow, some bruises and rope burns along his arms most likely gotten when the boy put up a fight with his kidnappers.

"Hello, Edward; good to see that you are alright. By the way, happy belated birthday, kid. Stark we will talk later about this."

"I do not hide from my son, Fury; after yesterday, I think the more informed he is the better. I hope to start him on some self-defence class your guys are taking." Tony planted one hand on his hip and the other on Edward's shoulders, carefully avoiding the scarf.

The African American almost jumped out of the couch. "Do you have any idea-"

"Yes. If I had delayed just thirty minutes, Edward would have died from being sacrificed with his throat cut from ear to ear. Now, what or who is the Thule Society? Please don't make me repeat, Fury. " The billionaire's voice took on a chilling quality that shut Fury up instantly.

"I would like to know as well, I do intent to take these hoodlums to court; every one of them. I do like that idea, Mr. Stark; I like to have my son in the same self-defence class Edward takes, they will motivate each other."

The raven beauty from earlier stepped out of the other bedroom with another boy in hand, now properly dressed but still very alluring.

"Where are my manners? –" Tony cried out in mock dismay. "-Lady Luka Ladifaerie, may I introduce Director Nick Fury. Lady Luka is as much a blueblood as the Queen if not more so. This is Harry."

"Oh, you flatterer; you do know how to start a lady's day well. Director Fury, it would please me very much to know that you are here to press charges on those kidnappers. And please, call me Luka; Tony already does." Luka held her hand out the subtle command and hint was very clear - Tony Stark was in her protection.

The most powerful man in SHIELD could only stand from his seat and bow over her hand.

"M'dm, may I ask what your relationship with Harry is? I was given the impression that Harry has only one parent, a certain Mr. Locke Nomansson." His single eye was unreadable.

Even as Tony winced, Luka replied smoothly. "Lord Locke Nomansson is my cousin; we both take turns caring for Harry-dear. Now about this disagreeable Thule Society? "

"I can't tell you Lady Ladifaerie … …" Fury paused as his eye took on a slightly dazed look. "…But I can tell you this much we found record of its existence as early as World War 2, it was working with a Nazi officer called Johann Schmidt and Dr. Arnim Zola. Nazi officer Johann Schmidt better known as Red Skull disappeared near the end of the war. From the documents we found when Captain America infiltrated the fortress that was Schmidt's HYDRA organization, we learnt later that the Thule Society was working with HYDRA and is working to bring Red Skull back.

"The ranking system for the Thule Society is very much like a religious cult, the cult member starts as a Novice, then up a Deacon, above that the cult member becomes a Arch deacon, the highest two ranks are Priest or Priestess, Arch Priest or Priestess and at the top High Priest or Priestess. Every High Priest and Priestess takes on the founder's names Noah and Karl Haushofer. Accession to the highest rank is by assassination, so far there had been three Noah and seven Karl Haushofer; this is one hell of a cult. Please excuse the word."

Director Fury grouched, before blinking as if to wake up; Tony noticed how the other agents were either blinking or shaking their heads too.

"Dad…" Edward voiced softly noticing that as well, but stopped when he felt the billionaire's hand tighten slightly on his shoulder.

"And where is Lord Nomansson? –" Tony barely hid his flinch; Fury was like a dog chewing on its favourite bone. "-I'll need his statement, since besides Mr. Stark your cousin was the only other person who had played an active role in the rescue of these boys." Fury eyed the twitchy billionaire suspiciously; something was off, Mr. Stark knew something about Ladifaerie and Nomansson.

"Well … about that, do we really need his statement-" Tony started to object, just then the doorbell rang and a muffled voice call "Room Service."

"About time!" The billionaire all but leapt for the door and the godsend distraction, he was not sure what Loki was going to do; but surely not even a god can be in two places at once.

Tony opened the suite door and his jaw drop, there stood a couple of hotel staffs pushing two large trolleys loaded down with breakfast; with them was Loki or Locke. Apparently, Tony was wrong; this certain god can be in two places at once.

"You ordered breakfast, Tony? Wonderful, all that running around yesterday has me a tad sharp set in the middle, is Luka awake yet?" The god of mischief walked in with the hotel staffs and trolleys, but not without a quick wink and grin at the stun billionaire.

Fury blinked and mentally shrugs; maybe the billionaire was twitchy because he is hungry, but now he got a statement to get and not to mention the paperwork this incident has generated. He politely waited as the two noble-blooded cousins greeted each other with that stiff and proper gesture of hug and kiss to the cheek for those who did not want to wrinkle their clothes.

"Lord Nomansson, if you would allow me a moment; I need your statement." Director Fury gestured for Lord Nomansson to have a seat even as Tony genteelly lead Lady Ladifaerie to breakfast.

Fury shook his head as Lady Ladifaerie giggled at something Stark whispered into her ear.

"Of course, good sir." Lord Nomansson bowed his head just so, stiff and proper; and Fury was starting to wish himself elsewhere.

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Tony and Edward wanted to visit Pepper in the hospital but as there was still an ongoing investigation on the kidnapping, the police had strongly requested that the victims and their family members stay together in one place. That included Luka and Harry. As such Tony graciously opened the penthouse to Luka and Harry, there were more than enough bedrooms.

Given what they had experienced together and made to stay in one place, it was only normal that Edward and Harry quickly became friends. The boys learnt that Edward's Quetzalcoatl could speak but chose to speak mostly to Edward mentally. As the day turned to noon, Edward sat with Harry out in the balcony teaching him how to played chess, they did make a pretty good picture together; the mild English sunlight shone upon the boys glittering over their hair like onyx and gold, like the chess pieces they were concentrating on.

It was then that there was another invasion to the penthouse suite and this time the invaders were not as subtle or well-mannered.

Tony had stopped at the doorway to the balcony and smiled at the picture the boys made, Yusen was right –children were a blessing. For all the challenges Edward presents the billionaire did find his life a lot richer. He was about to go join the boys when he heard a series of popping noise, reflectively he crouched down to make himself a smaller target. His instincts and reflexes probably saved his life as several steams of colored lights hit the wall above his head.

From the reflections from floor to ceiling windows, Tony saw the wide waist Minister Fudge and a man with platinum blond hair.

"By the Code of Magic, under the law 'Welfare of the Wizard Child' I, Governor Lucius Malfoy, and current Lord of Malfoy House hereby exercise the right to remove the wizard children by the names Edward Elric and Harry James Potter from the unwholesome influence." The man with platinum blond hair announced.

Tony rolled his eyes in annoyance. Why was everyone so keen of taking his son away? First, it was SHIELD; Fury has always been suspicious of Edward's existence. Only after some fancy hacking and carefully planted the orphan story and birth record into an orphanage' data file finally made the Director of SHIELD back off, for the time being. Then it was the Thule Society event; Tony still has a bone to pick with that cult and when he is done that cult will buried six feet deep in financial difficulty, because of that darn cult brought Edward to that overgrown flying snake's attention. Even Loki mentioned that he was interested in Edward.

Tony was starting to wander just what kind of pheromones was his boy giving out, but if he has to fight to keep Edward as his son, then may heaven have mercy on the other party, person or entity. Tony was about the express his decision when he heard.

"Dad!"

Edward rushed in from the balcony with Harry close on his heels. "Leave my dad alone!"

"NO! Stay back, Ed!" Tony shouted, jerking up from behind the sofa where he had taken shelter.

Lucius Malfoy raised his arm and wand and said. "Confringo(1)!"

The spell blast the sofa into fiery bits and the blast threw Tony out into the open.

"Confringo!" Lucius Malfoy waved his arm and wand again.

Tony was dazed from landing hard on his back which had effectively knocking the air out of his lungs, he had nowhere to shelter and no time or strength to dodge.

"Dad!" The billionaire jerked his head up to see Edward leaping over a couch and land in front of him, right in the way of that steam of fiery light.

Tony threw out his hand to snatch his boy out from the line of fire. His heart lurched and froze – his boy was just inches out of his reach!

Edward turned and threw up his arm as if to protect his face.

The steam of fiery light hit Edward's right hand and Tony's eyes popped at what happened next.

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Reference & Foot note:

(1) - Confringo (Blasting Curse) for more info wiki/Spells_in_Harry_Potter

So, ladies and gents, what do you think?

Silence is a story-teller's worst critic. Please, please do post your thoughts of this story in the Reviews; your questions, opinions and reviews are my creativity Gatorade.

Sincerely

SinoPrisca