Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Child of Silence
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 12 "Always Buy Stilettos"
Pepper and Sharon
Thanksgiving had been wonderful and well needed holiday for all. Clint got to see his family that he hadn't seen in a while and Queen Frigga came down to enjoy the Midgard Holiday with her boys. Sharon came to dinner happy to be away from Fury unfortunately for Tony, she was followed by Coulson who needed a debriefing for the director. Harry was just happy to have his family home and together.
"Are you ready Harry?"
"Yes Aunt Pepper." Harry's digital voice rang out.
"Pep, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean he'll be bored out of his mind! I'm bored just thinking about it!" Tony whined.
"Tony, stop whining like a child. Harry and I have been going into the office since you decided to bounce around the realms. His observations and insights on projects are amazing and are probably better than yours."
"My Mini Merlin has surpassed my genius?!" Tony gasped grabbing at his arc reactor as if having a heart attack; falling back upon the couch throwing his unused arm over his eyes. "The horror, I've become obsolete!"
"Tony don't be so dramatic you big ham. As your current will states, Haraldr James Lokison Potter is your heir to Stark Industries and there is nothing wrong with him taking an interest of his future inheritance." Pepper rolled her eyes and Harry was wheezing his laugh at his silly uncle.
"Speaking of inheritances we have a meeting with Jareth later this morning. He Owled months ago but we were in the Dark realm. We must address our accounts with the Goblins. Haraldr and Lady Pepper have finished their own accounting of the fortune and we must go over the findings with Jareth." Loki said as he entered the common area with travel Thermos for Harry, then giving his son a hug. "Here, Haraldr, your grandmother left a large supply of her special cider, just for you. I enchanted the canister to keep it warm. It will be snowing today so be careful when you are out with your Aunt Pepper and Agent Carter."
"Wait Sharon is going with you today?" Tony was on his feet. "Nobody told me she was going shopping with you today."
"You got it Stark." A voice called from the direction of the elevator.
"Sherry-Berry! You're going to watch my little Hare-bear today?"
"Shut up Stark, it's Agent Carter. I volunteer to be their assigned detail when they go out or if they just stay in the offices." Sharon glared at her adopted brother.
"Oh? I thought Agent was the only one who tried to haunt my tower." Tony asked crossing his arms over his chest.
"In order to get out of Fury's dog house I offered up myself as a bodyguard for Harry, because Jarvis won't lock me out and he gives me an all access pass to the tower. You know, cause we're family." The blond smirked, holding up her wrist showing off her Red Buddy-Band.
"Traitor!" Tony shouted pointing at his sister.
"Anthony quit behaving like a child you are setting a bad example for Haraldr. Good to see you again Lady Sharon, thank you for going with them today." Loki ignored his lover and greeted the agent. "I know you all will be busy today but please have lunch on Anthony, he gave Haraldr a plastic money card."
"It's called a credit card Reindeer Games!"
"Please enjoy yourselves today and we'll see you for dinner." The god paid the genius no mind as he said goodbye to the three leaving by elevator.
"Bye guys see you tonight." Pepper and Harry waved as the door closed.
"You made Haraldr your Heir?" Loki asked turning to Tony confused about the actions of his lover.
"I did that shortly after we brought Harry home." The genius smiled walking up to the god and taking those elegant pale hands into his. He loved seeing Loki is casual earth clothes as the accented his long lean figure. The Green cashmere v-neck sweater brought out those beautiful emerald eyes as well as exposing the pale and delicate looking skin of his neck. The Black skinny jeans just made his legs look like they went on for miles. He was so happy that the God was now his to keep. He really loved his Dark Prince and how could he not love Loki's Mini me. To Tony he just hit the jackpot with twice as much Loki to love. "I knew that I loved that little boy the moment I saw those big green eyes. He's a part you and I was already in love with you. I wanted the three of us to be a family no matter how long it took to get over those icy walls of yours. So being the genius that I am I like to be prepared. I rewrote my will to include Harry but I'll have to adjust it, because one day I want to eventually put Stark on the end of both yours and Harry's name."
"While I'm not ready for such a step and I think you are premature in your assumptions, I do like the idea of our Family. I love you and I am happy that you love and think of Haraldr as your own." Loki smiled softly rewarding Tony with a loving kiss.
"Oh, I will eventually get a ring on that finger and adoption papers signed. Until then I can be patient since I have you both with me now. Just a warning I am never letting you guys go. I'm stubborn like that." The shorter man smirked giving his beloved a quick kiss on his lips. "Now you better go down and get ready Jareth said we have got a lot to go over."
"Very well I will meet you at the car Anthony. I'll be waiting by the Green one." The god smirked disappeared in a flash of green.
"That's the third car in six months." Tony sighed heading to his room to get ready.
XxXxXxXxXx
"So, how was your date?" Sharon smirked at the now blushing Pepper Potts.
"Aunt Pepper didn't come home until six this morning." A digital voice piped up.
"Harry!" Pepper's face was red as a tomato. "What are you doing up that early?"
"I train with Aunt Tasha and Clint in the mornings we saw your elevator pass ours on the way to the training room." Harry shrugged but his green eye sparkled with Mischief.
"Well, sounds like your date went very well. When are you going to tell the Avengers?" Sharon asked as Pepper and he boyfriend had been dating for almost three months now.
"Hopefully, not until we've been married for twenty years." Pepper hissed trying to will her face back to normal.
"Oh come on they are not that bad. I would think that they would be happy for you both."
"Aunt Pepper doesn't want Uncle Tony to tease her and Uncle Phil."
"Come on Tony wouldn't be that bad." Sharon laughed but only received a glare for her efforts.
"Are you Kidding? Phil is one of his top teasing Targets. He still refuses to call him anything other than 'Agent'. We are quite happy not having Tony butting into our love life. Knowing Tony he would hold a press conference behind my back and announce it to the world." Pepper replied as they finally reach the office floors. "Now it's time for work and gossip later."
"Of course, Ms. Potts." The Agent said with a mock salute.
Harry was wheezing at their silliness. Personally he thought it was great that Aunt Pepper and Uncle Phil were going out. They were perfect for each other; both were serious and organized and could handle anything that was thrown at them. They started getting closer shortly after his almost kidnapping. Pepper flew back from California that night once she heard what happened and the next day stormed the SHIELD offices demanding something to done about the attackers and Harry's further protection.
Jarvis played what they now called The March of Army Pepper for Harry and Bruce. It started from the Tower as she jumped into Tony's Camaro that Loki had turned green before leaving for the mission, and driving to SHIELD. Then the cameras at SHIELD that Jarvis hacked into showed The Camaro slamming into park right on their door step before Pepper gets out and marched straight in. The camera angle switches to the inside where they watched as agents practically dive out of her way to the elevator. No one ever tried to stop the fierce Pepper Potts as she went straight to the Director's office and proceeded to chew him out for his lack of progress on Tony's Hacker/Stalker case which had lead to this Mandarin group that tried to take Harry. Harry and Bruce had watched in amused shock as Fury seemed to slump lower and lower into his chair the longer Pepper ranted.
Poor Phil was caught up in the rant as he just happened to enter the office with the written statements from the remaining Avengers. The Director jump at the distraction, he had no guilt using his most trusted agent as a shield and an on hand bargaining chip. Bruce even said that if Nick could he would have thrown Phil at Pepper just to save himself from her murderous tongue lashing. He offered up Agent Coulson as a personal liaison between SHIELD and Pepper for the better protection of the young wizard. In fact he assigned Coulson to Pepper and the tower for the rest of the week just to get the determined CEO to leave him alone.
The rest was history. Harry and Sharon were the only ones to notice the two grow closer to one another. Harry even encouraged his Uncle Phil to ask Aunt Pepper out on a date. Sharon encouraged Pepper to accept the dinner date and told her that Harry would be fine with her and Bruce watching over him. One date lead to a second and then another; soon they were committed. Now all they had to do was tell Uncle Tony and the other Avengers.
"Good Morning Ms. Potts the board has called an Emergency Meeting and have been waiting for your arrival." The secretary greeted.
"Thank you Gloria I will be with them shortly." Pepper smiled before leading Harry and Sharon to her office.
"I take it this meeting was not on the schedule for today." The agent commented after she closed the door.
"No it wasn't but I'm not surprised Tony was gone for three months so naturally they are worried about the company and the money they fear losing. They don't know that Harry here is the Stark heir and I want to keep it that way. It's none of their business on who will inherit SI as long the company is stable and has an heir." Pepper was at her desk pulling everything up on her tablet that the board might bring up.
"I want to go to the meeting Aunt Pepper."
"Why Harry? I can handle them."
"I don't know just a feeling that I should be there." Harry went over to the desk that his aunt installed just for him turned on his laptop and activated Jarvis.
"Very well, let's go shake up the Old Money." Pepper smiled. Sharon smirked and followed the two in to the board room.
"Ms. Potts what is the meaning of this? This is an important meeting not a play room." One of the older board members complained. The board was in up roar as Pepper took her seat and Harry took the one next to her setting up his laptop to take notes.
"Funny, the way you all are whining and complaining I thought it was." Pepper replied in a cheery tone that she had learned from Tony. "As for my Apprentice he is here to study how we do things here. This is Harry Lokison-Potter, he has graduated from High School this past summer and as part of his college curriculum he is to take an Apprenticeship for credit towards his degree. This is Agent Carter my SHIELD detail since the threats against the Avengers and this company, have increased."
Harry watched the board for their reactions and it was startling how they accepted him as a genius rather than question his credentials. It was true that he received his Muggle GED after taking the Test at SHEILD. His Uncle Nick wanted to see where he was education wise since he was raised by HYDRA. Well he had absorbed everything they taught him because part of the training was to have local knowledge so you could blend in on missions. After the test results came in he was handed a GED and enrolled into online college courses at Columbia University. His father and Uncle Tony were very surprise when he told them last week when they came home, but they were also very proud. Tony threw him a party to celebrate while his father told him how proud he was and that he should write to his Grandmother and tell her the good news.
"That's why we have called this meeting. Mr. Stark's recklessness with these so called Avengers has put this company at risk. Our stocks have dropped five points since the beginning of the year." Another complained.
"Yes, we are worried about the direction that the company is going. Since the Military contracts have stopped we have been losing money and reputation." The member next him added.
"I see and this meeting was called to bully me into telling Mr. Stark to quit the Avengers?" Pepper stated more than asking. "You seem to think I am in control of Mr. Stark or that he is a small child that can be easily disciplined."
"Well your closeness to Mr. Stark has not gone unnoticed and we believe that you have more influence on him." One of the younger members pointed out.
"My friendship with Mr. Stark does not mean I am his keeper or that I have any influence over him." Pepper kept her expression blank even if she was furious with the idiots.
"Ms. Potts I believe the board is trying to convince you to call for the vote of throwing Mr. Stark off the board." A digital voice piped up from her right. "I have being going over some of the current projects of Stark Industry and it seems there is a weapons project on hold pending approval."
"I see, thank you Harry. Can you gentlemen tell me why there is such a project in the archives of SI's project manifold? Mr. Stark expressed his wishes to remove this company from Weapons Development."
"Mr. Stark does not have this company's best interest in mind. In defense of this country we must make sure that our soldiers are given every tool possible to ensure their safety and our Allies are protected. Surely you can see our reasoning Ms. Potts."
"They need the CEO backing to declare that Master Stark is unfit and a danger to the company. If you side with them they can call for a vote without his presence and have him removed from the Stark Industries Board. In the Board contracts it states that any member removed from the board must sell their shares to the remaining members thus tipping the power of company because the CEO is not allowed to hold controlling shares so while they can not touch your twelve percent, they could remove you from your position. But since Mr. Stark is not here his representative can put a halt to the vote as Mr. Stark has controlling stock. Also to avoid conflict of interest you, Ms. Potts, are not his representative. Mr. Stark has Named Mr. Lokison-Potter to look out for his best interest." Jarvis voice filled the conference room. Many of the members paled at this news because they were hoping to bully Pepper into Ousting Stark so they could get his shares and get back to the business of warfare where they made money hand over fist.
"Thank you Jarvis." Pepper's smile became predatorily. "Well Harry you are here to see to the best interest of Mr. Stark and SI, what do you have to say?"
"I say that we cancel the vote as Mr. Starks Clean energy program is proving to be a huge success. The US government should be informed of the fraudulent contracts made in the name of Stark Industries and a formal investigation should be started into how the contracts were formed. Then should any member be involved in these contracts, they should be removed from the board and criminal charges be brought against them. Agent Carter will you please inform Director Fury of these events?" Harry typed out on his laptop while glaring at the board members.
"Of course Mr. Lokison-Potter; they have invoked violations of the Patriot Act." Sharon kept her face Blank but she was laughing on the inside while getting out her phone and texting Fury. Harry was one smart cookie and was constantly underestimated. The Members were shocked and the guilty ones of trying to pull off this little coup were now sweating bullets. It seemed that Harry was an unexpected wrench in their plan and now they were all in hot water.
"Well Gentlemen, I believe that this meeting is over. Harry and I have a lot to do before our other meetings this afternoon. So unless there is any serious business we need to discuss I suggest you all get your affairs in order and some of you should seek legal representation." Pepper glared as she stood up and straightened out her suit jacket. "Come along Harry, Agent Carter."
"Yes, Ms. Potts, Director Fury says he can take a meeting with you after lunch."
"Excellent. Good day, gentlemen." Pepper picked up her tablet and left with her two companions, leaving the Board members speechless.
XxXxXxXxXx
Tony and Loki sat in front of the large desk once again face to face with the Goblin King sitting upon his throne like chair. There was a stern look upon the normally smiling King's face which had both lovers on edge. Tony had gone over the audit while in the car and while Harry's fortune was extensive there had been many withdrawals from the Main Potter vault. So it was no wonder the king didn't look happy because that meant someone from his kingdom allowed the theft to occur.
"Greetings Loki and Anthony; Haraldr wrote to me that you both had gone off realm. I am happy that you both have return safe and sound. I was surprised when the letter said that you were chasing Dark Elves. I had thought them to be extinct; I grew concerned and contacted my Mother to verify the status of Alfheim. Dark Elves would definitely have come after the Light Elves once they had power over Asgard. Mother told me of your triumph and that you all were healing under Queen Frigga's tender care."
"Yes, mother kept us in the palace for a full week to make sure we were all healed before allowing us to return to Midgard." confirmed Loki.
"Yeah, Malekith was killed by Rock of Ages here only after he faked his death in my arms; which I am still miffed about, but, hey, the fight over it made us official." Tony added gesturing between the two of them causing his lover the blush.
"He doesn't need to know about our relationship Anthony."
"On the contrary old friend this is splendid news. Did you really pull the 'Clone Death' to take out Malekith? I am impressed that he fell for it; I thought Thor was the only one stupid enough to fall for that child's trick." Jareth smirked.
"Yes, well Dark Elves are not known for their smarts just their thirst for blood. By the way Thor was there and he fell for the deception as well." The raven said off handily.
"You would think after three hundred years of falling for that trick Thor would learn it was just an illusion. I swear your brother is all muscle and no brain. I mean seriously his greatest plan he ever can up with was 'Get Help'." The Goblin King laughed at the sour look his old friend leveled at him.
"What's 'Get Help'?" Tony asked now curious.
"Never mind that it was Thor's idea of a joke. Now, Jareth, what about our accounts?"
"Oh come on you must tell him it is quite funny."
"No and if you want to remain my friend you will mention it no further." Loki leveled the Goblin king with a glare.
"Fine be a spoiled Child." Jareth pouted. "I am glad of your safe return. The vaults were a mess. Not only did we find theft among your vaults but the traitor to our nation let the wizard steal from multiple vaults. This Dumbledore has taken from mostly Muggleborns because Pure Bloods are well versed in our banking system."
"What about the Magical artifacts that were in Vault number 277? It would have been on the same account as the Main Potter Gold vault?" Tony asked
"That vault had been raided as well and many items were taken along with the Gryffindor Sword, the Slytherin Locket, and the Deathly Hollow known as the Cloak of Invisibility."
"Hela's Hollow's are still on Midgard?" Loki eyes widened in disbelief when he realized what was going to happen when the Goddess of Death finds out about her missing artifacts. "My sister is going to start Ragnarok once she hears about this."
"Does she have that cute hound still?" Jareth asked with a grin.
"Only you would think Fenris the Undead Hell Hound as cute. All that aside, what is to be done about our accounts?"
"Well it's going to take years to untangle the mess the traitor and his band of lackeys have done and considerable gold to reimburse the account holders. Prosecution of the traitors will take place on June 30 the one day a year we are closed for our Goblin Festival to pay respects to my father on the day of his death. With all the banks closed for only one day it will be a swift trail. Unfortunately the goblin was be-spelled in regards to the bloodline theft. So when he is found guilty he will take the fall alone. Dumbledore is smart and powerful. He sealed the vaults but the traitor has no memory of sealing the wills or who order the sealing. Without conformation of who commanded the order the theft, the guilt of the crime falls on the goblin, which did the sealing of the will, and the real culprit walks free."
"Eye patch's brother was right this Headmaster is a dangerous man. Hey, Bowie is there any of the Potter Properties that are close to or that is settled near the School and that will be okay with Muggle tech?" Tony asked it would be good to see if they had a house already it would save time with house hunting if they had a move in ready one.
"Actually there is a house that borders the Magical and Muggle world it was bought by Nicodemus Potter because he wanted his Squib daughter Ophelia to have the best of both worlds called Scott's Manor. It needs a bit of renovation but it's very spacious and it has enough land for a quidditch pitch. It is a bit north of the school in Scotland so the winters are a bit colder than here in New York but I'm sure you'll take care of that." Jareth smirked as he pulled the deed from the stack of papers.
"Perfect. We'll have to pop over and see what needs to be done to get it ready by September." Tony took the paper so he could sign it, making mental note to have Jarvis look up the area in case they couldn't see it due to magic. "Why does it say Winky at the bottom of the deed?"
"I be Winky." A voice said from behind the two men.
"Loki, Anthony, I would like you to meet the newest generation of House elves for this particular property. You see all the Potter Properties have house elves to help with the cleaning and upkeep of the houses and land. This house unfortunately had a low birthrate so it is just Winky and her Father left. Once you both sign and give a bit of your magic or in your case Anthony your energy from the light in your chest, to the other deeds you will be able to call all House elves to you regardless of where you are."
"Well, Winky, I am Loki Odinson, father of Haraldr Lokison-Potter. This is my Partner Anthony Stark. We will be taking up residents in the Scott's Manor but it will be renamed Frigga's Meadow." Loki addressed the small elf before he adjusted the paperwork with the Name Change and signed it with his Magic.
"Winky, can you get the Manor ready for us by January 2? We need to check things out and see what improvements need to be made before Harry starts school."
"Yes sir, Master Anthony." Winky bowed before popping out again.
"Damn another person I have to train to call me Tony." The genius muttered.
"Quit whining Anthony we must continue to go through this paperwork and introduce ourselves to the other House elves. I believe we will need their assistance to quicken the pace of the restoration." Loki rolled his eyes as he took another deed from the pile signing his name in magic to the property.
"Fine, whatever, so Bowie how much more do we have to go through?" Tony huffed taking the next deed from Loki.
"Only another fifty-two properties and then we can go over the Artifacts that can be used for protection within the manor." Jareth smirked mischief sparkling his bi-colored eyes.
"Goody, Maybe I should have gone with Pepper and Harry to do the boring office duty. Ow! Kidding." Tony put his hands up warding off his lovers pointy elbows before returning to his half of the paper work. It was going to be a long afternoon.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Oh that was Priceless." Sharon giggled after the host sat them at their reserved table. "I think the one with the fake hair and ever growing waist line was about to piss his pants."
"That is Old Man Stern. He and Obadiah were as thick as thieves for more than twenty years. We looked in to him to see if was part of Obadiah's extremely hostile takeover but nothing could be proven he hid his involvement very well. I bet my hundred dollar Stilettos that he was one of the ones behind that little meeting today." Pepper replied opening her menu.
"Well all will be revealed soon enough. Fury was angry because he was sending his text in all caps. What's good here?"
"The Clam pasta with cream sauce." Harry suggested.
"Hmm, that sounds good or maybe the grilled chicken." Sharon muttered thoughtfully. The trio browsed the menu enjoying the afternoon. After the meeting and a good laugh Pepper and Harry went over some of the recent projects submitted to SI. More than half just wanted money with little detail about their projects. Harry divided the real projects into two piles. One pile with the projects that had sound science that could receive funding right away and the other pile were projects to be returned for resubmission with notes that SI need clarification on before receiving funding.
"Alright this is a hold up!" a man in a masked shouted as his masked lackeys ran in and shooting their automatic weapons in the air. "Now I want all you rich pigs to put all your watches, wallets and cell phones into our goodie bags. Then you all are going to put your heads down a take a little nap while we leave."
"Sharon, what are the odds?" Pepper hissed glaring at the masked men that were currently making their way around the room.
"Hey, I'm a SHIELD agent and you're dating an Agent plus the fact Harry is related to the Avenger Family; trouble was bound to find us. I say lets have some fun. Harry you got your magic ring on you?" Sharon smirked when Harry nodded yes. "While they are distracted why don't you collect those nasty guns from them like you did with Grant's wallet."
"Okay Aunt Sharon." Harry signed before pulling the Sling Ring from his bag. Under the table he opened a small portal and summoned the first gun then put it in his ever expanding bag his uncle Thor gave him for his birthday. He moved the portal from gunman to gunman relieving them of their weapons. By the time the men got to their table Sharon and Pepper were ready.
"Alright hand over your purses and watches." The masked man demanded.
"I don't think so. I don't think your finger is loaded." Sharon said with a raised eyebrow. The man went to put his gun in her face when he noticed that he didn't have a gun. That was all the opening the agent needed as she then elbow the man in the gut before slipping out of her chair and knocking him down to the ground with a swift kick to the back of the legs. She stood up and looked to the other robbers. "Alright, whose next?"
The robber next to Pepper made to point his gun at the blond when he realized he didn't have a gun either. Pepper stood up then grabbed her plate before she smashed it over his head then stepped on his foot with her sharp stiletto heel. After both men were down Harry used the rope spell Dr. Strange had taught him to tie them up. The other three robbers saw that two of their guys had been taken out and rushed over to take on the fierce women. The SHIELD Agent did a quick round house kick to the on coming thug and Punch to the other square in the face. Pepper put a hand on her silver wrist ban and aimed her arm at the man running towards her.
"I'd stop if I were you." She warned.
"You don't scare me Stupid bitch!" He raised his hand ready to strike when he took a repulsor beam square in the chest. As each man hit the ground Harry snared them in the rope spell tying them all up.
"Tony, make that?" Sharon asked as she brushed her hair from her face.
"Yes, he did and gave it to me for my birthday last year." Pepper smiled. "I told him I didn't need to be armed, but I guess he was right when he said it might come in hand one day. Damn I hate when he's right."
"Yeah, he tends to be smugger when he proves just how right he is." Sharon rolled her eyes as she pulled out her phone to call SHIELD.
"Harry, are you okay?" Pepper asked walking over to the dazed wizard.
"I'm fine Aunt Pepper. You were just like Iron man." the boy grinned as his Aunt blushed. "Aunt Sharon you fight, like Aunt Tasha."
"That's cause we train together sometimes; can't let the boys up stage us now can we?" The blond ruffled the messy Raven hair. "Coulson is on his way, probably to make sure that you're still in one piece. Since lunch was ruined here, I say we go to this place I know closer to Headquarters since will have to fill out some reports."
"That sounds good since lunch is still on Tony I say we include Natasha too. She should be on lunch break soon I'll shoot her a text. Then after we'll hit the shops." Pepper agreed pulling out her phone. So lunch and shopping was postponed but it couldn't be helped. What could have been a dangerous situation was averted by team work and Stark Tech. She really hated that Tony was right.
A/N: Sorry faithful Readers that this Chapter is late. Last week my Daughter was home sick with Strep and a fever in the high 100's. This week she was able to return to school and I was able to finally get some writing done. For this Chapter I got great inspiration from watch two YouTube videos. One titled 'Marvel Ladies- Take a hint' and 'One Woman Army- Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff'. It seriously pumped up the Plot Bunnies. I do not own the Videos but I watch them over and over again. Also once again Jareth is not mine sadly but the Jim Hansen's Labyrinth. All Hail the Late-Great David Bowie! Thanks for Reading Keep Reviewing. Plot Bunnies are starving!