AUGUST 12
Shortly after breakfast, Tony headed downstairs. He looked longingly at his workshop, itching to get back to work on the latest round of upgrades to his armor, but this morning was for business he'd put off too long.
He clunked his coffee down on the desk and powered up his terminal, wincing at the thought of the backed-up email inbox that awaited him. Pepper was the best partner in business he could have, but there were still some things that only he could handle.
Once the terminal booted, he opened his email and sorted the waiting messages so the ones from Pepper were on top.
He opened the most recent, the one with the subject line Draft Press Release, with a grimace. He knew it was necessary, but he wasn't looking forward to the media frenzy that would follow.
He read through it quickly, sent back a reply approving what she'd written and asking if it would do any good to add a request that Harry's privacy be respected. He's only thirteen, Tony wrote, and doesn't deserve to have a pack of rabid reporters dogging his every move.
He clicked Send and moved on to the next email in the queue.
Two hours later, Tony leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms over his head. He wasn't caught up with all the emails that had come in, but he'd made a significant dent in the mass.
He picked up his coffee cup and started toward the elevator, but before he took more than a step, a soft pop sounded and Dobby appeared in front of him and held out a hand.
"Dobby be getting Harry Potter sir's father's coffee."
"I was thinking of a donut, too." Tony handed his cup over.
"Dobby get!" The elf disappeared and Tony stretched a bit more.
If he were going to be fighting beside Spangles and the others on the regular, he'd need to take better care of himself than he had been. Granted, the suit and JARVIS did a lot of the fighting for and with him, but at the very least he needed to work on his endurance.
That thought made him touch the arc reactor, frowning. The reactor kept him alive, but Obadiah Stane had proved it was also a risk.
"JARVIS, ask Bear to find a magical doctor - not a healer, but a doctor who has magic - in the States, preferably. I want a consult as soon as we can arrange one."
"Yes, Sir," JARVIS replied, and Dobby popped back into existence in front of Tony, a plate of donuts in one hand and his cup in the other.
"Thanks, Dobby." Tony took the cup from him as he set the plates down. "Find permanent work yet?"
"No, Harry Potter sir's father." The elf's ears drooped a little.
"Well," Tony said - and yes, it was an impulse, but what the hell - "I don't have a lot of work to offer, but between all of us - me, Steve, Sirius, Harry - we can come up with something. Are you willing to come to America with us?"
"Dobby is! Only Dobby not be knowing where America is."
"No problem," Tony said. "As long as you can turn invisible, you can just come with us. J, add another request to Bear. Are there any regulations about transporting house elves?"
"Yes, Sir." JARVIS actually sounded somewhat astonished, and Tony grinned. Whatever else he might invent, JARVIS would remain his favorite creation.
"Harry Potter sir's father is too kind!"
"Okay, yeah, that's gotta go," Tony said. "Harry Potter sir's father is kind of long to say. How about just calling me Tony, like everyone else does?"
"Yes, Tony sir, Dobby can do!" The elf popped away before Tony could say anything else - like offer a salary.
More amused than he thought he should be, Tony reached for a donut. He'd talk to the elf later about his plans for the day.
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Harry paced the living floor of the tower - hallway, kitchen, eating area, lounge, back to the hallway and start again. For the first time he could remember, he had nothing to do. He'd cleaned up after breakfast, finished the last of his homework, and had no other chores. Well, except the usual things like making his bed and such, but he didn't really count those as chores so much as keeping life under control.
Tony was in the part of his workshop that doubled as his office, catching up on calls and whatever else he did with Stark Industries that he'd put off since coming to England. Harry thought there might be a meeting with the lawyers in there, too, but he wasn't certain.
Crispian had taken Sirius to his father's home so that the elder Paddington could hear Sirius' story in person before petitioning the Wizengamot for a trial.
Steve - well, Harry wasn't exactly sure where Steve was. He'd returned from his morning run - and Harry might have to start doing something like that, to be sure he didn't get as fat as Dudley on the abundance of food that had come into his life now - but left again mid-morning and Harry had no idea when he'd be back.
He thought about calling Ron - his friend had quickly picked up how to use the phone, and the miniature arc reactor powering it meant that Ron wouldn't have to make regular excursions to the non-magical world to charge it up - but decided against it. What would he say, when they'd just seen each other the night before? And how often were friends supposed to call each other, anyway?
Harry shook his head briefly, sharply, dislodging that thought. He had a lot to learn about being someone's friend, still, and how often to call was just one more thing to add to his mental list of questions.
A glance at the clock told him it was a little past three, way too early to start making dinner. But maybe he could make cookies?
He was just turning toward the kitchen when Crispian Paddington popped into being in the dining room.
"Can I learn to do that?" Harry asked.
"When you're older." Crispian grinned. "I know you hate that answer, but it's because you don't know enough yet. Besides requiring a certain amount of magical power, or capability if you will, apparating is a combination of magical disciplines, and you don't have the foundational knowledge yet to build upon."
"Oh." Harry couldn't fault the reasoning, but the answer still disappointed him. Apparating was the coolest bit of magic he'd seen so far, and he'd been looking forward to learning cool things since he found out he was a wizard.
"Passing your O.W.L.s is the general prerequisite," Crispian continued. "Once you've done that, I'll get the texts and practice exercises for you."
"That would be great, thanks," Harry said.
"Don't pursue it entirely as self-study," the older man said, his expression and tone both conveying a warning. "Apparation is dangerous-"
"Pretty much everything in the magical world is dangerous," Harry pointed out, and Crispian grinned again.
"True enough. But Apparation is even more so - if you do it incorrectly, or attempt to do it while impaired, you can leave body parts behind."
Harry flinched. "Oh."
"But I'm sure one of your tutors or professors can help, when you're ready," Crispian finished. "If all else fails, let me know, and I will."
Harry grinned widely. "Thanks!"
"I could do with a spot of tea after the day I've had," Crispian said. "Join me?"
"Sure." Harry turned to the kitchen to get the tea started, only to be stopped by another pop. "Dobby?"
"Dobby be getting Harry Potter sir's tea," the elf said.
"Thanks, Dobby," Harry said, and the memory of his conversation with Steve made him ask, "How much do you charge for preparing tea?"
"Dobby is grateful to be asked, but Harry Potter, sir, not be needing to," Dobby said earnestly. "Harry Potter sir's Tony sir hired Dobby."
"He did? When?" Harry blurted.
"Before lunch, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby answered. "But Harry Potter sir not eat lunch," he added with a frown.
A frown, Harry noted, that was matched by Crispian Paddington. "I'm not privy to all of your medical history, Harry, but even I can see you shouldn't be skipping meals."
Harry shrugged, looking down at his trainers. "It's summer. I don't usually eat a lot during the summer."
He left the reasons why unspoken, but Crispian appeared to get it anyway. "You didn't eat a lot during the summer before now," he said. "But going forward… Dobby, will you make sure Harry eats something every couple of hours? Not a lot each time, mind - half a sandwich, or a cup of soup or similar."
"Dobby will! But now, Dobby makes tea - and Harry Potter be eating sandwiches, not just biscuits!"
Harry sighed as Dobby popped away, but then realization hit.
"Where's Sirius?"
"Still at my parents' house," Crispian replied. "Dad's browbeating every member of the Wizengamot to get him a trial as soon as possible. What happened to him is a shame and a travesty, given that England has been a constitutional monarchy - a nation of laws more than kings - since 1689. Or 1215, depending on your point of view."
Harry could only nod his agreement.
"He'll be here by dinner, though," Crispian added.
"Okay," Harry replied, unsure what else to say, and even more unsure what to do, since Dobby was making tea.
He thought he should be productive, somehow - even if that was simply a holdover from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's making him do every chore they thought he could do - but there wasn't anything productive for him to do…
Wait - he could start reading one of the books he and Steve were going to read together, to help Steve get caught up with modern history and continue Harry's non-magical education. Decision made, he turned toward his bedroom, only to be distracted when the lift door slid open, and Steve Rogers emerged.
"Look who I found," Steve said with a grin.
Almost before Harry could look past the other man, he heard, "Harry!" and braced for impact.
Hermione wrapped him in a tight hug and his arms came around her instinctively, even as he looked up at her parents. "Hello, Drs. Granger."
"Hello, Harry," Wendell Granger replied. In one hand he carried a cat crate.
"You have a cat?" he asked as Hermione stepped back.
"I just got him today on Diagon Alley," she said. "Is it okay if I let him out?"
"Um - JARVIS?" Harry asked. "Is Tony allergic to cats?"
"No," JARVIS replied. "And I have closed the doors to your bedrooms, so the cat may explore the common living areas."
"Thanks," Harry replied as Mr. Granger put the crate on the floor.
Hermione opened it and a ginger cat with a face like he'd run headfirst into a wall, bandy legs, and a bottle brush of a tail strode out of it, his manner even haughtier than Mrs. Figg's cats, and that was saying something.
"His name is Crookshanks," Hermione announced. "Isn't he great?"
Harry had known too many cats to agree to any judgment of them quickly. Instead, he offered his hand, and Crookshanks sniffed at it once before rubbing his head against Harry's palm.
"He's certainly distinctive," was what Harry said. "But what are you guys doing here?" He looked up to include her parents in his question.
The Granger parents glanced at each other, then looked at Steve, who shrugged and said, "JARVIS, kick Tony out of the workshop. His guests are here."
"Not all of them," Crispian said. "I'll pop back and drag Sirius away from Dad."
He was gone in a heartbeat, and a minute later, Tony emerged from the lift. "Hey, guys, glad you could make it."
Monica Granger laughed. "Well, you did say we'd be talking about Hermione's schooling."
Harry leaned closer to Hermione, still scratching Crookshanks' head with one hand. "I'm sorry your vacation was cut short because of me."
"Don't be silly, Harry," she said. "Schooling's more important than a vacation. France will still be there next year."
Two pops sounded, and then Harry heard Sirius saying, "Your dad's a menace!"
"A menace working on your behalf," Crispian replied calmly, which seemed to mollify Sirius a little, if the other man's cheerful greeting to the others was any indication.
"Are we all here?" Tony looked around. Then he frowned. "Wait - where are the Weasleys?"
"It's not yet half three, Sir," JARVIS replied. "I have informed Hedwig, and she is on her way down in the lift."
"Right, thanks," Tony said, as though that explained everything - and maybe it did, to him, but Harry had no idea what was going on. The Weasleys?
Hermione's hand clenching around his wrist drew Harry's attention back to her. "Hedwig? In a lift?"
"She's been hanging out on the roof, or in my bedroom, whichever she likes," Harry said. "JARVIS had a button installed so she could call the lift."
"Really?" Hermione asked even as the lift door opened again and Hedwig swooped out. "Brilliant!"
Then both her and Harry's attention was consumed with making certain Hedwig's first meeting with Crookshanks didn't end in bloodshed on either side.
By the time they'd introduced the two animals to each other, two more pops sounded. Harry looked up to see Bill Weasley holding hands with Ron and Ginny, and then Mrs. Weasley on Mr. Weasley's arm. Bill popped away and was back in a minute with the twins.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked quietly.
"No idea," Harry replied.
"Now everybody's here," Tony said and turned to focus on Harry. "Remember I said we'd have the official celebration later? Well, it's later now, so let's get this party started."
With that, Dobby popped into place with a very large birthday cake in his hands. He put it on the nearest coffee table, then snapped his fingers and plates, forks, and serviettes appeared, along with a selection of bottled and canned drinks on ice.
"Happy birthday, Harry!"
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An hour later, Tony sat with Monica Granger and Molly Weasley while Bill, Sirius, and Crispian kept an eye on the kids. Not that Tony thought they needed much supervision - they were just playing games, after all - but Bill insisted, saying something about the twins being inveterate pranksters.
That had caught Sirius' attention, so he'd gone to talk to them, and Crispian had shared a long-suffering look with Bill.
"You'll need help, then," he'd said and fell into step with Bill as they followed the kids to the roof.
JARVIS was giving Wendell Granger and Arthur Weasley a tour of Tony's workshop. Tony had thought about doing it himself, but knew himself well enough to know that he didn't have the patience for the questions that both men would inevitably ask. So he'd handed them off to JARVIS without remorse, Steve tagging along just in case, and then poured something a little stronger than tea and settled in with the ladies.
"It will be strange for Ron," Molly Weasley said, tapping her wineglass with one finger. "Not having Harry and Hermione at Hogwarts, I mean."
"Ron's welcome to join them in tutoring," Tony said. "I've got tutors for every magical subject already."
"Really?" Monica asked, setting her gin sour aside. "Who?"
"Sirius will take Transfiguration and Charms," Tony said and studiously ignored Molly Weasley's slight scowl.
Bill had informed his family of Sirius' presence, and the ICW pardon, before they came, but it seemed a dozen years' habit of thinking of the man as a betrayer and criminal wasn't easily broken.
Still, they'd been polite - if a bit stiffly - to Sirius, and that was all Tony could ask when they were all guests in his home.
"Crispian will take Potions and Herbology for now," Tony continued, "though he's looking for someone in the States to take over for him. His cousin, Anthony DiNozzo, is taking Defense against the Dark Arts-"
"Is he any good?" Molly demanded. "Given the dangers Harry faced at Hogwarts - and Ron right there with him - he shouldn't get the job just because of family connections."
"Agreed," Monica said. "You said you'd get the best-"
"He's a federal agent," Tony cut her off, and took a sip of his bourbon - a small batch from Four Roses - before continuing, "And was a police officer for six years before he joined NCIS. Naval Criminal Investigative Service," he added. "They investigate crimes committed by or against members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and their families."
"Well, he sounds qualified, at least," Molly allowed.
"They'll take Mundane Studies with Spangles," Tony said. "The other four classes will be taught remotely, but by experts in the field. History of Magic and Ancient Runes will be taught by Daniel Jackson - the man has doctorates in archaeology, ancient history, and linguistics."
"I recognize his name from somewhere," Monica said. She took a sip of her gin sour and then her expression lit with recognition. "He writes articles on Egyptology."
"Among other things," Tony agreed. "How do you know that?"
"Hermione went through a phase when she was younger," Monica said. "She read a book called The Egypt Game and spent six months reading everything she could get her hands on about Ancient Egypt."
"Astronomy and Arithmancy are being taught by Rodney McKay - two doctorates," Tony added, "plus extensive background in astrophysics and I'm still pissed that he won't come work for me."
"Why?" Molly asked. "I mean, from what Bill and Crispian have said, you're a more than fair employer."
Tony waved his drink. "He's doing something with or for the government. Classified, so I have no idea what - but he appears to be enjoying it."
"That's all anyone can ask in a job," Monica agreed. Then she blew out a breath. "It's hard to believe we're really doing this."
Molly reached over to pat her arm. "We all do what we think is best for our children, dear."
"Speaking of," Tony said. "I notice you haven't accepted the offer for your kids to join Harry and Hermione."
Molly took a long swallow of her wine and set the empty glass aside, only for it to be refilled a heartbeat later. Dobby's work, no doubt, and Tony reminded himself to discuss salary with the elf the first chance he got.
Now, though, he focused on Molly, who looked troubled but also resolved. "Hogwarts has been a Weasley family tradition for decades. Centuries, even. I know these last two years have been … unusual in what happened, but as long as they're just the unusual ones, we're reluctant to change."
"Understandable," Tony said. "Just remember that it's not just possessed teachers, basilisks, and the like. It's also the staff condoning bullying and encouraging animosity between the houses."
"Yes, well - you said you'd talked with the staff and they agreed to do better on that front," Molly said. "It's only fair to give them a year to see how they follow through."
"Or if they do," Monica added quietly enough that Tony suspected she didn't want to be overheard.
"Fair enough," Tony agreed with Molly and sat forward. "And in that case, I want to ask a favor."
"What?" Molly looked a bit skeptical in a friendly sort of way. Tony wasn't certain she could be anything except in a friendly sort of way.
"Talk to your kids, ask them about the changes they're seeing - or not seeing, whichever - at Hogwarts next year," he said. "Harry hasn't said anything, but I'm sure it hurts that he's leaving Ron and the others behind."
"What are you thinking?" Monica asked.
"I'm thinking that if they do make the changes we talked about - or any changes along the same route - that maybe I'll let Harry go back there for his fourth year. Maybe."
"That - sounds reasonable," Monica said. "I admit I prefer the tutors, if only because we'll have more contact with them, but we should give them a chance to change."
"We'll all keep an eye on Hogwarts," Molly said. "I'll talk with the other parents I know, as well." Then she paused. "If any of them ask about Harry, what should I say?"
"Tell them the truth - that Harry's father has withdrawn him from Hogwarts to attend school in America. If they want to write to him, they can send it in care of Gringotts," Tony answered. "They'll forward any letters to us. Same for Hermione," he added, and Monica Granger raised her glass in thanks.